Reservation
(310) 399-7979
Visit Us
2654 Main St Santa Monica, CA 90405 United States
Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Ossobuco alla Romana
Filetto al Porto
Costolette d'Agnello
Tagliata di Manzo
About
La Vecchia Cucina
Welcome to La Vecchia Cucina, a charming Italian eatery nestled in the heart of Santa Monica. With its inviting atmosphere and delectable food, this restaurant is a culinary gem that brings authentic Italian flavors to the Westside of Los Angeles. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a lively evening with friends, or a cozy family outing, La Vecchia Cucina has something for everyone.
As you step inside, you're greeted by a warm ambiance—perfect for both intimate dinners and casual gatherings. Over the soft chatter of fellow diners, a blend of moderate noise creates a lively yet relaxed environment. The decor captures the essence of Italy, enhancing your dining experience from the moment you arrive.
- Location: 2654 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
- Phone: (310) 399-7979
- Special Features: Reservations, Delivery, Outdoor Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hours, and more.
Chef and owner Mark Molina draws inspiration from Italian traditions, crafting a menu that features a wide range of exquisite dishes. The culinary offerings are thoughtfully prepared with fresh ingredients, ensuring a delightful experience on every plate. Highlights include:
- Bistecchine alla Pizzaiola: Grilled filet mignon medallions topped with a light white wine pomodoro sauce, bursting with flavors of garlic, oregano, and basil.
- Branzino al Forno: Oven-broiled Mediterranean sea bass drizzled with a heavenly extra virgin olive oil lemon herb sauce.
- Costolette d'Agnello: Succulent grilled lamb chops accented with a savory garlic and rosemary balsamic reduction.
- Truffle Fries: An excellent side, these shoestring fries are elevated with sea salt and a touch of truffle for an exquisite finish.
Diners rave about the diverse menu, from rich pastas to crisp salads like the classic Caesar and the vibrant Mista. One enthusiastic guest, Nathan O., praised the "food, service, and ambiance," noting that La Vecchia Cucina stands as one of the best Italian restaurants on the Westside.
For those seeking a lighter fare or casual bites, the happy hour special draws locals in droves, with $8 wines and appetizing small plates. The cozy bar area fills with lively conversation as patrons enjoy dishes like calamari fritti and hearty spaghetti marinara.
As you explore the menu, you'll find that La Vecchia Cucina strikes a delightful balance between elegant dining and a welcoming vibe that invites casual attire. The outdoor seating is a perfect spot for enjoying a meal while soaking up the Santa Monica sun.
In summary, La Vecchia Cucina isn't just a meal; it's an experience that transports you to the heart of Italy with every bite. So gather your friends and family, and make your way to this beloved locale for an evening full of delightful flavors, warm memories, and an authentic taste of Italy right off Main Street.
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“ The food,service and ambiance make this one of the best Italian restaurants on the Westside. Chef/owner Mark Molina,his brother and the staff present Italian dishes that compare to some of the best restaurants in New York. ”
“ Elegant atmosphere yet relaxed and pleasant. Nice menu variety and attentive service. all the food was good, nothing overly memorable but consistent, nicely plated, appealing and appetizing. portions are definitely satisfying, prices are on median to higher side. Overall had a lovely time. metered parking all around. ”
“ We were grateful the host seated us after a tiring day of touring. We found the cozy restaurant on Yelp as we were returning to our hotel, and are glad we did. Wish we had this place at home. Laura was a friendly and attentive server. The chopped salad was good, not as great as others. The pastas were steaming hot. My son enjoyed his large portion of rigatoni bolognese, and my partner's linguine zingara was crafted well in a garlicky oil sauce. I liked the decadent eggplant rollatini with goat cheese in marinara sauce. Wish we could be pampered like this at home. Thanks! ”
“ Fresh ingredients, lots of menu options, and good service, but it's definitely not the best Italian spot in LA. My favorite menu item was the branzino- just wish it were served with roasted potatoes instead of mashed potatoes. The vodka pasta and primavera pizza were also good. Salads were just fine, and were very simplistic in nature. Good spot to visit if you're in the area, and with a medium sized group. ”
“ This is our favorite place for happy hour. A line starts forming at about 4:45 PM. They let you in at 5 PM and you have to find a seat at the bar. Good Wine is $8, well cocktails are $10. I had spaghetti marinara with chicken for $12. (And I took some home.) My friends had the calamari fritti, with a slightly spicy marinara sauce, and a full pizza, and the rigatoni Bolognese. We are regulars here. ”
“ Firstly, we've lived in the neighborhood for 25 years and somehow have never eaten here. Our loss. It was a friend from out of town wanting to treat us to dinner who took us here. We're grateful for the treat and the find. The food, atmosphere, interior design and service were great. Our waiter Mike was positively lovely. We have a cousin whom we take out to lunch or dinner every 3 weeks and brought him for our second visit. He enjoyed himself immensely. We're not Italian or consider ourselves food cognoscenti. We can't tell you what the lingering after-palate was on the sauce for the fish. We just like the place. ”
“ Love this place! Can't believe I've never been here before until some friends from the East Coast suggested we meet here for dinner. The service is spot on... a little slow...but the food is fantastic and they are very accommodating. The best seafood pasta I've ever had. I switched it up a bit and asked them to make it with white wine sauce instead of their tomato and that perfected the dish for me! Will be back for sure! ”
“ I went to La Vecchia Cucina in Santa Monica with some of my oldest friends from elementary school. The wine and food flowed with the stories of our mutual past, present, and always future. We started with an excellent Chianti. I ordered the shrimp la Vecchia scampi, which was excellent. The restaurant was cozy on a cold evening, and we had excellent service throughout the meal. My friends had rigatoni Bolognese and chicken marsala. Everyone enjoyed the meal, the conversation, and the friendship that has endured through time and distance from each other. La Vecchia provided the right space and ambience to make this reunion special. ”
“ Excellent Italian restaurant in the Ocean Park section of Santa Monica. Came here with 2 other people and we started off with the great bread with olive oil and garlic chives--extremely tasty. Followed that up with a Caesar Salad that we all shared, also very good. We all stuck with pasta and went our own separate ways; I decided upon the Bucatini Amatriciana which was a very healthy serving and delicious. No room for dessert but I would come back here in a heartbeat. Indoor, outdoor and bar seating available. ”
