Via Veneto
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Phone: (310) 399-1843
02/10/2008 Posted by rtbarry
You know when you walk in the door, you're getting the real deal. This place isn't going to coddle you, or make sure your every whim is catered to - it's all about a treu Italian food experience. We (wife and I) cook 5 nights a week. We've eaten all over the world. This is consistently one of the best nights out for a feast that we've experienced, anywhere. We've been in small groups, and larger groups. Never has one person in our outings been underwhelmed by a dish. And we all are enjoying it so much that we feel compelled to share. No point in describing finer points of particular dishes - just go. But make sure someone tries the Rosemary Grilled Ribeye. And the homemade pastas change all the time and are outstanding - delicate sauces with layered flavors and interesting meats, like quail and rabbit. The printed menu is pointless. Listen for the specials, which consistently repeat favorite dishes. How could some people come away angry? They must have gone in expecting The Olive Garden. Here's the reality: - it is small, and crowded. similar to bustling cafes and restaurants in Italy.. go figure! - it is loud, and sometimes hard to understand the waiters through their accents, like Italy... go figure! - the staff has a smart, sharp sense of humor and they play off the mood of your table. give them attitude and they give it back... go figure! If you think you're more important than the table next to you, you're in the wrong place. If you think waiting 15-20 for your table to clear out, yet complain that you feel rushed out when it's your turn to get up, you're in the wrong place. Learn to use the people who put up a 1 star for this place. I now seek out the other places they don't like! Seriously.
Pros: fantastic food, playful authentic staff
Cons: small, crowded, loud, watch the wine upsells
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