Via Veneto
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Phone: (310) 399-1843
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Pier Avenue
- Best of Citysearch:
- Anniversary Restaurant 2008
- Hours:
- Daily 6pm-10:30pm
Editorial Review for Via Veneto – by Citysearch Editors
In Short
This small storefront restaurant tightly packs in elegant tables, but the high ceilings, richly tiled floor and captivating paintings turn the potentially suffocating spot cozy and welcoming. Candlelight creates suitable illumination for romantic evenings. The starter menu includes prosciutto and melon and a lemon-dressed seafood salad of mussels, clams, calamari and shrimp. For entrees, the kitchen fills handmade ravioli with gourmet mixtures like diced veal and mushrooms and tops its filet mignon with sliced porcini mushrooms.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoMake a reservation, especially on the weekends. The restaurant is small, popular and lacking a foyer or bar to comfortably wait for a table.
Where to SitRequest a table in either of the two front windows--they offer a bit more space and privacy. They're also best for people-watching.
User Reviews for Via Veneto
05/08/2008 Posted by sniffmeister
I'm shocked at the negative reviews! I've been there 4 times and each time it is better than the last. We were even turned away with reservations last Friday because my husband was in shorts and I'd STILL recommend this place. I'm going back on May 30th and bringing friends! The waiters can be hard to understand, but I've actually felt embarrassed by how much time they spent with us going over the menu. Our last time we tipped 50% because we were so impressed with the service. The asparagus ravioli is the best thing I've ever eaten.
Pros: Amazing food and service
Cons: Parking, and a dress code that isn't well communicated when making reservations
04/29/2008 Posted by gina141
My experience was like being served by sleazy used car salesman with fake italian accents. It was so hammed up that my boyfriend and I both couldn't understand the specials of the evening only that we felt roped into ordering at least one. We had the same experience with the wine. Every wine by the glass they were supposedly "out of". We were then pointed in the direction of the 1/2 bottles for over $100. When i tried to order a 1/2 bottle for around $40 again they were "out of" the bottle. It got so uncomfortable we almost skipped the wine. It seemed every bottle under $100 they didn't have. Before we had even finished our meal, (which was so-so and not worth the price) the waiter dropped the bill, only to discover he had charged us a different price for the wine we had ordered. Now, normally i wouldn't make a big deal over $9, but the fact that our waiter had been so shady when trying to order the bottle, i decided to bring it up. He told us that it was the "special reserve" and that he told us before opening. I have never experienced this type of sleazy service in a restaurant. The manager Marco then came to the table and told us that he will not be adjusting the price to what the menu lists it at and very rudely told us that our waiter said he informed us and if we don't agree we can take it out of his tip. THIS WAS THE WORST EXPERIENCE I'VE HAD A A RESTAURANT. YOU COULDN'T PAY US TO RETURN TO THIS PLACE.
Users Like You Also Viewed
Little Dom's
2128 Hillhurst Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Il Cielo
9018 Burton Way
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
