We propose a different approach to Italian food, by creating dishes moderate in portion size, which we feel enhances the dining experience, by allowing you more variety in taste, while eating healthier.
"I go here frequently so I guess I quite like it. I like all the servers, but since I'm trying to learn Italian, I wish all WERE Italian! It's more fun that way!"
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"THE FOOD: The worst thing I ordered was probably the wild boar sausage--looked like a plate of dog doodoo and tasted like regular microwavable frozen breakfast sausage. The best was the octopus & vegetables--everything tasted amazing. And the side of potatoes tasted like creme brulee--YUM! Also, bonus points for noting which items are gluten-free.
THE SERVICE: Waiter forgot one of our orders (the sausage) but the staff was overall very attentive and good about filling up our water, clearing our plates and making sure everything was good. But do some of the busboys not speak English or something?
THE AMBIENCE: I liked how the restaurant was decorated/designed; had a very laid back feel to it but at the same time was very modern looking."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"Made reservations on Open Table for Mother's Day. This reminded us of Italy - 3 appetizers (ribs, quail, boar sausage), pizza, pasta, and two entrees (veal was to die for). Shared amongst 3 of us. Gelato and sorbet for dessert. Waitress very attentive. A little expensive - but well worth it! I LOVED IT!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch, special occasion
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"My fiance took me to Hostaria del Piccolo for my birthday a few months ago. Since I'm gluten and dairy intolerant we're always on the hunt for good places that accomodate to my food issues. (It aint fun!) We saw a review for Hostaria del Piccolo in the LA Times and decided to check it out. We loved it! So much so that we returned there this past weekend with our mothers for our annual Mother's Day dinner.
The food is really, really delicious. (Not just for this here gluten sufferer!) The dishes are creative and fresh, the service is really great, the ambiance is delightful, and we walk out of there happy. Plus, our mothers were super happy. What more could you want?"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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"I had lunch here with my Dad. I love that all the waiters are from Italy and you can speak Italian with them. Food is always good. I had the baccala with crostini; the grilled octopus with vegetables; and Dad had a pizza with shrimp, mushrooms and mozzarella. All were delicious. I like that the portions are smallish (except the pizza -- there is always some to take home), and there is so much variety! Pigs ear salad, black pizza dough, two octopus dishes, etc. Very good!"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"Food is tasty, high quality. Small portions, though. I had to order my 7 year old a second entree because the pasta portion is so small. And even though it is very Italian to have everything a la carte, I bristle at being charged for bread. The philosophy is Italian, and that works there where a restaurant like this is inexpensive. Also, they tried to seat 6 people with a reservation at a table for 4. I would make it 3 stars but this website won't let me..."
Dined on 4/13/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for outdoor dining
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"Hostaria del Piccolo's menu promises a lot and delivers. Salads, pizza, pastas. and entres measure up well and price well. Combined with an interesting, but limited, wine list, this is definitely worthy of strong community support. The crowd in Santa Monica tends to be older than Venice, which is partially dominated by a huge 4 screen video wall. Santa Monica is walking distance for many who work or live nearby and a great addition to the neighborhood.
Ingredients are important to each dish, and shine through. Sauces are light, even cream based, and add to the experience. Wines are well priced."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, late-night find
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"Friendly & attentive service. Everyone enjoyed their food. Lots of pasta and pizza choices on the menu. I would have liked to have seen more fish, poultry and meat choices. The desserts were yummy, we especially enjoyed the gelato. We will definitely return."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
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"I was blown away by how good the food was and how unique it was. Very Italian, but sort of new Italian mixed with old. You have got to try the octopus, which the waitress recommended. Unbelievable. Also the "last" pizza on a very long list called Zucca, was an instant hit. Both wine selections we tried were good, and my martini superb. I wish I had this restaurant where I live. Had the cream puffs for dessert, which was perfect to share with my husband, and wish I had one now. Note: they have cushions for the chairs."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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"Interesting menu with good variety. Arugula salad was large enough for at least 2 to share with just enough delicious vinaigrette, fish of the day was tasty and moist, well prepared and seasoned. Gnocchi were light pillows with a delicately sauce and fresh tomatoes. The dish could have used some fresh herbs for a little more nuance and texture. Pear carpaccio with chocolate mousse was a lovely ending - not too sweet, but well balanced and light. Food prices were reasonable with ample portions. Service was attentive."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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"not much use filling in the "special request" spot on OpenTable. New hostess does not bother to read special requests. Most of the old staff has moved to the new site, leaving new people who don't know the regulars and don't care. Not really a fun, friendly place any more. Too bad."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2008
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"We met old friends with whom we really needed to talk, talk, talk. But they appreciate good food and great room design - we knew Hostaria del Piccolo would fill the bill; turns out they'd already discovered it, it's so much their style. We spent hours over the food - we all loved our choices - and the staff did not hurry us out - bravo to them! The only problem is that it does get clattery if you're trying to have an intimate four-way conversation. They sat us by the corner front window, I think to help us, and I'm not sure if it did. But anyway, I love this place. Banana nutella dessert bites are outstanding."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Went for Sunday late lunch this time and the place was empty and quiet; unlike at dinner rush. Had the pizzas and enjoyed it very much. The thin crust had the perfect crunch and the sauce/ingredients were flavorful. The Tagliatelle was excellent as usual!"
Dined on 03/10/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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"Good pastas. On occasion can be on the salty side, but this time, the food was seasoned perfectly. The hangar steak was a true medium rare. Octopus and calamari always consistent. The only shame is the noise. My voice was hoarse by the end of evening from having to shout. It is so noisy that it is often difficult to hear our server."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Everything was good. Ambiance modern clean design. Food was very good some plates excellent. Wine selection well chosen Italian only. Staff generally very attentive and professional. Only low note was an unannouced fish substitute when King Salmon ran out an alternative was brought to the table without consultation in a rather matter of fact off-handed way and without apology. As we were a party of six on a schedule no time to demand a replacement. should have been comped with an apology. Was not."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"I would definitely recommend this place! We came for late brunch and everyone in our party, from the grandmother down to the 11-year old, got something they thought was delicious. The service was attentive and the ambience was just right. I could also see liking this place at night when the darkness outside the views windows and on the patio would lend to a vey romantic mood."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Wonderful food--and not the standard Italian fare--in a chic, modern setting. Think yummy antipasti, pasta, pizza and fish in space that could be a sushi restaurant."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, hot spot
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"Our server was friendly and knowledgeable. We had the polenta with pork sausage, the grilled calamari with chard and the black dough pizza with salmon. All were outstanding, as were our deserts, apple strudel and chocolate cake."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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"Dinner was EXCELLENT as usual. Probably more suitable for the younger generation as the noise level made it not conducive of a conversation, although the staff was very accommodating in lowering the volume of the music. Better have an early dinner, then the place is PERFECT! Even our table neighbor was fascinated by what we were eating and we shared some of the food with her. The ricotta appetizer with mushrooms.... to die for. We were hm-humming the entire dinner and so was our table neighbor :-) To sum it up: definitely my favorite restaurant in LA. PS I go nuts for their apple strudel with warm custard."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Waitress seemed slightly annoyed with us the entire time. We had a party of 10 and they wouldn't allow us to do Happy Hour since we didn't sit at the bar. Probably won't be back for mid-week happy hours with the gals as a result."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2010
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"I have been looking for this type of place in Santa Monica for awhile! The vibe is cool, comfortable, sexy. Kind of like Gjelina, but without the pretentiousness. The manager greeted us and checked in at our table multiple times. We felt like we were a guest in his house. The wine list was decent. The gluten free pizza was very tasty. Many other menu items looked fantastic, so I will be returning to try some of them in the near future. This place is a real gem."
Dined on 03/19/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, hot spot
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"The food is exceptional and the atmosphere is happy. Best Italian I have ever had. The prices are very good, and the portions are somewhat small, which was good for us becaused we stayed in a hotel and had no room for doggie bags. I had their putanesca pasta ($14), which was the most flavorful one I have ever had."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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"made a reservation with "celebrating a birthday" in the special requests. recieved a confirmation call even asking about whos birthday it was. noticed two other tables getting a fine happy birthday dessert and song with seemed great enough. well check came and not a thing happened, a bit let down and by that time to awkward to re-request... other than that, great food and drinks. a bit slow on the service."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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"Great authentic italian food and service is impeccable. Portions are not large, but it's well worth it. Street parking during day, valet in evening. Atmosphere is very nice, but nise level can get high. Try the heat patio if you want a little more quiet."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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"Great food!Server was not the best. Beer my dad ordered was out, so she brought a different one and when my dad told her it wasn't what he ordered she said "it's the same thing". Um, no it wasn't! It was a beer if that's what you mean..not the beer that was ordered. He sent it back as it was not a beer that he liked. He ended up sharing our wine with us. Which once again the one we ordered was out. And again the server didn't bother to tell us, but instead just handed us a different bottle and said does this look ok?At most restaurants I have been to a server tells you when something is sold out and recommends substitutes.They don't just bring you something different and think you won't notice!I was surprised by this lack of customer servic"
Dined on 02/01/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Went for lunch and met one of my wife's former co-worker from her former company. Food was very flavorful properly seasoned and suited for my wife and myself's taste. Would recommend this restaurant to friends and would definitely go again."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2010
Special Features: great for lunch
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"I found this restaurant when I parked in Santa Monica the previous week and decided to give it a try. I agree with other reviewers that it is very noisy but that's my only complaint. My wife and I had a 7PM reservation and, despite a crowed entrance, we were seated within 5 minutes in main room by the window--this seemed to be less noisy area. We had two starters--the grilled octopus and the crispy calamari, both were excellent. Best octopus I have had anywhere. Wife ordered Putenesca and I had the porchetta. Both were fantastic. We shared the Apple Tart for desert--also excellent. Wine list is about $40 and up--I recommend bringing wine and paying the corkage which is $20. Overall one of the best restaurants in Santa Monica."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"My husband and I found Hostaria del Piccolo through Dine LA and it was quite a find! The restaurant was packed with people and the food was unique and very Italian. We took the recommendation of our server and enjoyed every bite. I will say that the reviews really pointed toward the pizzas being out of this world and our pizza was definitely good, but I thought the entrees were more noteworthy... We will definitely be back and are glad we found Hostaria del Piccolo!"
Dined on 01/30/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"This is my third time at Hostaria and it was terrific after two so-so dinners. The farro salad was outstanding, as was the rigatoni. What a wonderful treat."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2002
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"The staff was wonderful. It is a fairly casual restaurant. When I asked for prosecco with blood orange juice and they didn't have it, the bartender came to our table to provide other choices and made me a fabulous drink. Everyone seemed anxious to please. The food was great. I'm not crazy about the fact that there are televisions in the two areas, so no way to avoid that. Definitely a place to try for a casual meal."
Dined on 02/03/2013
2007
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"We see some new people (management included?) that we have not seen here before (we have been here about 6 tims prior). Hopefully, they will continue the same great things on food, service, and value. My glass of wine has quite a bit less amount on this visit than the usual "standard" amount I get everywhere. I am still giving this restaurant 5 Stars."
Dined on 01/07/2013
2004
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