Drop in for lunch or dinner and discover the real meaning of genuine Cuccina Italiana. Specializing in unique and authentic Italian dishes, including fresh seafoods , Steaks, Chops and Veal. An excellent wine list. A full bar with great martini list. And top it all off with the Bistro's Special dessert: The Chocolate soufflé. A romantic setting in a historical 1890 building with an original tin ceiling and stained glass, the enchanting strains of live Italian music flowing nightly, and signature dishes created by a master chef and served by a friendly, professional staff.

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32 Current Reviews

Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews

Overall

(Very Good) 4 / 5

(32 Reviews)

Rating Breakdown 32 reviews

5 stars

(10)

4 stars

(15)

3 stars

(4)

2 stars

(3)

1 star

(0)

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

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Diners classify this restaurant as:

neighborhood gem(19)
good for groups(14)
romantic(11)

special occasion(11)
fit for foodies(10)
great for lunch(10)

Bistro of Santa Monica Reviews List

Review 1 for Bistro of Santa Monica

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

New Place to Try

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/12/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"The staff was very attentative and knew why dished to recommend. We were a group of 11, and we all loved our individual dishes :)"

Dined on 5/12/2013

Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, notable wine list, neighborhood gem

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Review 2 for Bistro of Santa Monica

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/02/2013

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"There's not much ambience here, except for looking outside at the beautiful grounds. Service was fair, lunch was the same. One of our party hardly ate her salad, which looked as though it had been prepared a couple of days prior. Also, , for this time to have been "Lobster Fest," I thought the offerings were paltry."

Dined on 5/02/2013

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Review 3 for Bistro of Santa Monica

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I booked a group of 16 at

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/20/2013

2011

Dined on 04/20/2013

2011

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"I booked a group of 16 at short notice. Staff could not have been more helpful. Really nice and friendly ambiance; food is very good and reasonably priced. We had a perfect evening after a 3-day conference."

Dined on 04/20/2013

2011

Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem

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Review 4 for Bistro of Santa Monica

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Outstanding consistent food

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/20/2013

2007

Dined on 04/20/2013

2007

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Outstanding consistent food and fair pricing ."

Dined on 04/20/2013

2007

Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem

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Review 5 for Bistro of Santa Monica

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Everything was great, my fish

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/20/2013

2009

Dined on 03/20/2013

2009

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Everything was great, my fish was perfect and the service was very attentive. Also very nice pianist playing that night adding to the overall atmosphere."

Dined on 03/20/2013

2009

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion

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Review 6 for Bistro of Santa Monica

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

A beautiful restaurant that

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/17/2013

2010

Dined on 03/17/2013

2010

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"A beautiful restaurant that is conveniently located on Sta. Monica and 23rd. The dishes were generous portions and nicely presented. The soup and pasta were more southern Italian (minestrone/ravioli), but freshly made. The piano player was delightful. Table
linens were white and crisp. The bar is sleek and one can dine there as well."

Dined on 03/17/2013

2010

Special Features: romantic

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Review 7 for Bistro of Santa Monica

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Not bad at all. Seating is

Top 1000 contributor

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/14/2013

2008

Dined on 02/14/2013

2008

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Not bad at all. Seating is tight/close so not good for romance."

Dined on 02/14/2013

2008

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Review 8 for Bistro of Santa Monica

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Where's the beef.

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/15/2013

2005

Dined on 02/15/2013

2005

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"The food and service are great but the steaks are small for the price. Filet Mignon is only 6 ounces and all the rest are no more than 8. Try the Lobster Ravioli or the Eggplant Parmigiana instead."

Dined on 02/15/2013

2005

Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion

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Review 9 for Bistro of Santa Monica

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

There were two of us with

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/10/2013

2005

Dined on 02/10/2013

2005

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"There were two of us with birthdays and we had a most celebratory, excellent time."

Dined on 02/10/2013

2005

Special Features: fit for foodies

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Review 10 for Bistro of Santa Monica

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Staff were friendly and attentive,

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/06/2013

2007

Dined on 02/06/2013

2007

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Staff were friendly and attentive, food was excellent.
Loved the piano player.
Sand dabs just melted in my mouth, chocolate mousse was dense and intense.
Quite a delightful evening."

Dined on 02/06/2013

2007

Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

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Review 11 for Bistro of Santa Monica

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5