✦ Cuisine Guide · Santa Monica

Best Italian Restaurants in Santa Monica

3 curated picks with real TikTok reviews — updated 2026.

3 restaurants

These are the best italian restaurants in Santa Monica — ranked by quality, curated from over 230 LA restaurants tracked by Forks.LA. Top picks: Bay Cities Italian Deli, Fia, Milo & Olive.

Santa Monica's dining scene pairs ocean views with serious culinary credentials — walkable, diverse, and consistently strong.

Bay Cities Italian Deli Watch

Bay Cities Italian Deli

Italian Deli · Sandwiches  ·  Santa Monica  ·  $

★★★★½ 4.6

The Godmother — Santa Monica's legendary Italian sub that has been LA's sandwich benchmark for over fifty years

Must-try: The Godmother sub, Focaccia, Imported cheese and charcuterie

📍 1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Full Details View on Maps
Fia Watch

Fia

Italian · California · Wood-Fired  ·  Santa Monica  ·  $$$

★★★★½ 4.5

Santa Monica's Italian-inspired restaurant where wood-fired cooking and California produce meet in a warm, beautiful room

Must-try: Wood-fired whole fish, Pasta carbonara, Burrata with seasonal accompaniments

📍 2454 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403

Full Details Reserve on Resy
Milo & Olive Watch

Milo & Olive

Italian · Pizza · Bakery  ·  Santa Monica  ·  $$

★★★★☆ 4.4

Beloved neighborhood wood-fired pizzeria and bakery on Wilshire — always worth the wait

Must-try: Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza, Soft-Boiled Egg Toast with Burrata, Seasonal Galette

📍 2723 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403

Full Details Reserve on OpenTable

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best italian restaurant in Santa Monica?

Bay Cities Italian Deli is the top pick — consistently excellent food, a great atmosphere, and the kind of place locals recommend without hesitation.

Is there good italian food in Santa Monica?

Yes — Santa Monica has 3 strong italian options ranging from casual neighborhood spots to destination-worthy restaurants. Bay Cities Italian Deli, Fia, Milo & Olive are the standouts.

Do I need a reservation for italian restaurants in Santa Monica?

For the top spots, yes — book 3–5 days ahead on Resy or OpenTable, especially for weekend evenings. Bay Cities Italian Deli is more walk-in friendly if you prefer to be spontaneous.