Bistro Of Santa Monica

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gilathorp

Joined 2 years ago

Impeccable!. When I go out to eat, I expect to pay a lot for my meal. I also expect to get a lot of food for that money. I'm a bit of a foodie and only want the best. Well, this place did deliver a great meal that I really enjoyed, only the portion was so small that I left feeling hungry still. The price wasn't worth the meal. However, the ambiance is very nice.

Doesn't Recommend

dolce_vita_733

Joined 6 years ago

Didn't even make it to the entree. My friend and I wanted to have a nice, quiet dinner, and based on the city search reviews, SM Bistro sounded like a great place for a long dinner. Little did we know, we were in for the worst dining experience of our lives. Here's what happened:

We ordered martinis, which were awful. By the time we got them, it had been established that the meal would have poor, slow service, so we decide to order a bottle of wine and not make a big deal out of the martinis.

However, our waiter never once looks at our full glasses at the edge of the table and asks if there is something wrong with the drinks as we order the bottle. He brings the wine and pours it for me to taste. Unfortunately, the bottle had oxygenated.

I told the waiter, I?m sorry but this is not a good bottle. He doesn't believe me and gets the owner, who tastes the wine. He says: You?re right, this isn?t a good bottle of wine, this is an EXCELLENT bottle of wine. Let me give you a lesson: you have to let it airate and then it will get better. Trust me, give it a few minutes and you?ll love it. Apparently the owner enjoys drinking vinegar. He LEAVES HIS GLASS ON THE TABLE and walks away.

I was shocked at his response and patronizing attitude, so my friend and I decide to ask for the check. We tell the manager: "We are very unhappy with the service and would like our check."

Then, he starts arguing with us and telling us we don't know anything about wine or service. I?ve traveled all over the world eating at fine dining restaurants, and never have been treated this way. The manager continues arguing with us, and finally, the waiter drops our check... which had the bottle of wine on it.

We were never offered a replacement bottle, paid for the bad wine, and the owner kept coming back to our table to explain that we didn't know anything about wine or service while in the process of paying.

If only he knew how many customers he would loose from this one little dining experience.

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aliveandokay

Joined 6 years ago

Most wonderful dining experience and makes eating out a separate pleasure by itself,. Friendliest, most accommodating owner-host that you will find anywhere in the world. Food is very good to excellent. Seafood specials are simple, fresh, and perfectly presented. Pasta is gormet, homemade. Prices are low for the quality ($13 for house favorite pasta dish). Our children are always welcome and we arrive 5:30-6:30 hour to family atmosphere with live music. The decor is European and expensive. Atmosphere is sophisicated and older crowd and dating couples arrive later. Linens on table every night and spotless clean bathrooms. This place sets he highest standard on every level.

Recommends

nyfellow

Joined 6 years ago

My Friday Night Restaurant. I recently moved to Santa Monica from White Plains, NY. My beautiful lady friend took me to this restaurant and besides the company being so lovely, the food turned out to be the same. I really liked the penne alberto and the bread pudding. Wine list was extensive and the host was delightful. I strongly recommend the restaurant.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Editorial Review. Enjoy traditional Italian a stone's throw from the Pacific Ocean breeze in Santa Monica.

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realnbk

Joined 7 years ago

great for office lunch. We walk there for lunch every couple of weeks, The place has great specials. THey tend to e better prepared than the menu items. The bread and olive oil is a treat but don't eat a lot of olive oil if you want to avoid a heartburn.

Bistro has a friendly staff and it is great for business lunch. Prices are decent and you always leave full and satisfied.

Rcommended for weekday lunch.

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zelda2222

Joined 8 years ago

Great food and a classy place. We are from out of town and went driving down Santa Monica Blvd. looking for a place to eat. We saw BoSM and thought we'd give it a whirl. My husband had the cioppino, I had the chicken ravioli. He said the cioppino was one of the best he ever had and the chicken ravioli in a rich and succulent tomato cream sauce was absolutely wonderful. They also serve complimentary focaccia bread and olive oil infused with herbs. We shared a chocolate souffle with fresh whipped cream which was more like a pudding but still very nice. The prices were great for this type of restaurant with nice ambience and a piano player accross the room. Our waiter was horrid but the food was so good it can be overlooked. We got more service from the busboy and if not for him our drinks would never have been refilled.

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rocky365

Joined 8 years ago

Santa Monicas best kept secret. I love this place! Every time I step in there I'm treated like Royalty. The food is awesome- Love their seafood dishes, and the chocolate souffle is amazing! Although the prices are decent, the atmosphere is very classy. They even have a live Piano/Sax player. The staff is always pleaseant, and it never seems to be too crowded.

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phantom_concierge

Joined 9 years ago

Bravo Bistro!. As a concierge at a local Westside boutique hotel, I take my recommendations very seriously... Every guest we have sent here has come back raving ~ about the service, the food and the music (what's better then a quiet happy birthday on the sax when you are out celebrating with friends?) The staff is always pleasant and delightful, it's nice to see the same familiar faces everytime you visit...bravo bistro! All of our guests thank you...