Piccolo Santa Monica

"From start to finish, everything was phenomenal. The grilled calamari was the best l've ever had. The squid ink pasta, tagliatelle, truffle tortelli, and ribeye were all perfection beautifully cooked and incredibly flavorful. Desserts were equally impressive: the panna cotta, tronchetto, and tiramisu were all very good. The outdoor dining area has great ambience, making the whole experience even more enjoyable. Service was excellent ,attentive, friendly, and professional. A truly exceptional meal all around!"

"What a 10/10 incredible experience. Our server Erin and the rest of the team were so kind and attentive, and every dish was insanely good with such unique and deep flavors. I had the Tortelli di Patate e Fichi — handmade potato and fig tortelli — and my partner had the Pici Guanciale e Cipolla, a rich, carbonara-style pasta that was the best garlic forward version he’s had. We also shared the Branzino alla Griglia, perfectly grilled sea bass with sautéed rapini and cherry tomatoes. It was light yet rich and the bell pepper pure gave it a hint of sweetness. When a guest nearby fell and we helped, the staff surprised us with a pasta to-go and the most divine tiramisu. That kind gesture, along with the chef’s artistry and the team’s genuine warmth has made us the biggest fans. We’ll definitely be back… many times. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼"

"Great Italian food on the West Coast is hard to find, at least for me after moving back from the East Coast. This restaurant completely changed my mind about West Coast Italian fare. I love this place and will recommend it to everyone. It’s tucked away off the beaten path in Santa Monica, with excellent service and food that truly delivers. I ordered the Pici Guanciale e Cipolla, and it was the best pasta I have ever had. Worth every penny. The prices are fair, but honestly, if it cost double, I would still have finished every bite. It felt like a little Italian grandma with a fiery attitude was in the back making it just for me. After a long day on the coast, it hit the spot. Everything is fresh and made from scratch in house. I can’t wait to go back. I shared a picture of an empty plate because it was that good!"

"Outstanding small Italian restaurant with authentic cuisine, friendly and knowledgeable service and a nice romantic atmosphere. Highly recommended for date night."

"I went to Piccolo for the first time and overall had a fine experience. The atmosphere is nice and the service was great—our waiters were attentive and friendly. As for the food, I had the truffle ravioli and the ribeye steak, both house specials. The ravioli was good, but the steak was just okay. I didn’t love either dish enough to come back soon. It’s a decent spot, but not one I feel the need to revisit anytime soon."