If you love pasta this is the place to go and you must try the truffle pasta...AMAZING!!! The service is impeccable and the staff is so attentive.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lily
The food was delicious, the restaurant is beautiful, and the staff is very professional and kind! It's on the more expensive side (but delicious!) and the atmosphere was very pleasant although it was pretty empty (we went on a Sunday night). Great place to talk because the noise level isn't too high.
MelanieG
The food was delicious (omg, the mushroom cake was amazing), the waitstaff was attentive, and maybe best of all, the music was at a perfect level and we could carry on a conversation without screaming at each other.
Jane Berliner
We were told the host didn’t show so that explains the snail like service. They were pleasant people and doing their best but between the food being mushy and not a good flavor profile, we gave the rating we gave. Flourless chocolate cake was good tho!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
Angeleno
First-timers, enjoyed our meal very much. Crudo starter (special) sublime, plenty of vegetarian/vegan options. High quality of the ingredients-- for this, and the solid service, we will return.
LanigirlHB
Food was good but we were put off by the fact that the waiter put an 18% auto gratuity on our bill and there was just 2 of us. We are also in the restaurant business. My husband manages a restaurant and I'm a long time server. We are accustomed to adding auto grats for parties of 6 or more. We were also celebrating a birthday yet paid for the birthday dessert. The waiter was trying to upsell a $25 dessert but we chose a different one. He never asked if I wanted another glass of wine even though I did. Maybe that's how it's done in L.A.
Foodie
From the moment we stepped into Orto Santa Monica to celebrate my husband's birthday, we knew we were in for a special evening. The ambiance of the restaurant sets the perfect stage for a dining experience that is as delightful as it is memorable. Chef Andrea and his team went above and beyond to accommodate our group, showcasing an exceptional level of service and attentiveness that made us feel truly valued. The staff navigated our lively dynamics with grace, ensuring that every moment was seamless. The culinary journey was the highlight of our visit. The appetizers, thoughtfully selected by the chef, were a masterful introduction to the meal. My pasta special with truffles was a standout, embodying the rich flavors and craftsmanship we came to experience. Each dish, from the fresh and light pasta to the perfectly cooked Dover sole, and not to forget the balanced desserts, was a testament to the passion and expertise of Chef Andrea and his team. Orto Santa Monica is not just a restaurant; it's a destination for those who appreciate the art of Italian cuisine served with heart. We are already looking forward to our next visit, eager to explore more of the menu and relive the exceptional dining experience. Thank you, Orto Santa Monica, for making our celebration not just a meal, but a cherished memory. Highly recommended for anyone looking to indulge in a truly remarkable dining experience.
TimK
Consistent and superb Iranian food, Salads and pastas are my go-to here. Best place in Santa Monica for a quiet lunch. And the owner Andrea is the consummate host: knowledgeable and gracious.
BarbaraH
I just celebrated my 75th birthday with 15 guests, at Orto in the lovely, private upstairs room. The owner, Andrea & our waiter, Devon, took very good care of us & made the evening memorable for me. The food, wine & service were, as always, amazing. We chose a prix fixe menu and several lovely wines to go with it. I highly recommend Orto for a romantic evening or a special private event.
This was our first visit to Orto. Yeah, we know, it's been in operation for seven years. Like the song says, "Don't get around much anymore." Anyway, the servers were attentive and the food was spectacular. For starters, we had an arugula and artichoke salad, and an order of carpaccio with truffles. Very decadent. Our entrees were a superb shrimp ravioli and a perfectly al dente penne alla vodka. We finished with a serving of gelato (scoops of vanilla and strawberry). If you're in the mood for a special occasion dinner, Orto should be on your short list.
What a great group of people! when I reserved, I said it was a special date night for my husband and I and they reserved a special two top next to the window on the second floor for us. From the attentive hostess to the owner/manager, who personally filleted our fish, to the servers everyone was so accommodating and warm. Then add the food! Oh my goodness the sole was amazing and my husband had the wheel of cheese pasta dish with truffle oil. The pasta was placed into the cheese, absorbed it, and then placed on the plate. Even the dessert was amazing - a chocolate dome with ice cream inside that they poured warm, salted caramel over the top and the chocolate dissolved in front of you. Everything was a Presentation, which made it even more eventful. Thank you everyone!
It was an okay experience we ended up paying $63.00 each for one scoop of tagtiallieni. And they charge 18% right away as a service feee. 3 people we ended up paying $333.56 without tip and it DOES NOT WORTH IT AT ALL. This service deserves 10% tops and very rude to over charge. Like what type of pasta they are serving for $63.00???? I am really sad and upset.
Kelly Coba
Great service and decent food, was dissapointed with 18% surcharge its like paying tip of 40%. Will not dine or recommend anyone to eat here. Also did not say cheese pasta special would be $68. Dissappointed at prices and surcharge that they have here now definitely would not recommend.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
Harsh
Booked a reservation for valentines day. Unfortunately unlike everyone else, Orto decided to not set up their "valentines day tasting menu" as an experience and added a small print "we won't offer our full menu" in the Added Notes section. We were surprised when we got to the restaurant and were handed a $120 5 course tasting menu. The food was middling, the service was poor, and the portions were terrible. The entire meal was a scam, and they charged us a 20% service fee, and taxed us on top of the service fee. We just decided to not make a fuss and left. Recommend avoiding.
Truffle pasta was amazing!
If you love pasta this is the place to go and you must try the truffle pasta...AMAZING!!! The service is impeccable and the staff is so attentive.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was delicious, the restaurant is beautiful, and the staff is very professional and kind! It's on the more expensive side (but delicious!) and the atmosphere was very pleasant although it was pretty empty (we went on a Sunday night). Great place to talk because the noise level isn't too high.
The food was delicious (omg, the mushroom cake was amazing), the waitstaff was attentive, and maybe best of all, the music was at a perfect level and we could carry on a conversation without screaming at each other.
We were told the host didn’t show so that explains the snail like service. They were pleasant people and doing their best but between the food being mushy and not a good flavor profile, we gave the rating we gave. Flourless chocolate cake was good tho!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
First-timers, enjoyed our meal very much. Crudo starter (special) sublime, plenty of vegetarian/vegan options. High quality of the ingredients-- for this, and the solid service, we will return.
Food was good but we were put off by the fact that the waiter put an 18% auto gratuity on our bill and there was just 2 of us. We are also in the restaurant business. My husband manages a restaurant and I'm a long time server. We are accustomed to adding auto grats for parties of 6 or more. We were also celebrating a birthday yet paid for the birthday dessert. The waiter was trying to upsell a $25 dessert but we chose a different one. He never asked if I wanted another glass of wine even though I did. Maybe that's how it's done in L.A.
From the moment we stepped into Orto Santa Monica to celebrate my husband's birthday, we knew we were in for a special evening. The ambiance of the restaurant sets the perfect stage for a dining experience that is as delightful as it is memorable. Chef Andrea and his team went above and beyond to accommodate our group, showcasing an exceptional level of service and attentiveness that made us feel truly valued. The staff navigated our lively dynamics with grace, ensuring that every moment was seamless. The culinary journey was the highlight of our visit. The appetizers, thoughtfully selected by the chef, were a masterful introduction to the meal. My pasta special with truffles was a standout, embodying the rich flavors and craftsmanship we came to experience. Each dish, from the fresh and light pasta to the perfectly cooked Dover sole, and not to forget the balanced desserts, was a testament to the passion and expertise of Chef Andrea and his team. Orto Santa Monica is not just a restaurant; it's a destination for those who appreciate the art of Italian cuisine served with heart. We are already looking forward to our next visit, eager to explore more of the menu and relive the exceptional dining experience. Thank you, Orto Santa Monica, for making our celebration not just a meal, but a cherished memory. Highly recommended for anyone looking to indulge in a truly remarkable dining experience.
Consistent and superb Iranian food, Salads and pastas are my go-to here. Best place in Santa Monica for a quiet lunch. And the owner Andrea is the consummate host: knowledgeable and gracious.
I just celebrated my 75th birthday with 15 guests, at Orto in the lovely, private upstairs room. The owner, Andrea & our waiter, Devon, took very good care of us & made the evening memorable for me. The food, wine & service were, as always, amazing. We chose a prix fixe menu and several lovely wines to go with it. I highly recommend Orto for a romantic evening or a special private event.
Restaurantji Recommends
This was our first visit to Orto. Yeah, we know, it's been in operation for seven years. Like the song says, "Don't get around much anymore." Anyway, the servers were attentive and the food was spectacular. For starters, we had an arugula and artichoke salad, and an order of carpaccio with truffles. Very decadent. Our entrees were a superb shrimp ravioli and a perfectly al dente penne alla vodka. We finished with a serving of gelato (scoops of vanilla and strawberry). If you're in the mood for a special occasion dinner, Orto should be on your short list.
What a great group of people! when I reserved, I said it was a special date night for my husband and I and they reserved a special two top next to the window on the second floor for us. From the attentive hostess to the owner/manager, who personally filleted our fish, to the servers everyone was so accommodating and warm. Then add the food! Oh my goodness the sole was amazing and my husband had the wheel of cheese pasta dish with truffle oil. The pasta was placed into the cheese, absorbed it, and then placed on the plate. Even the dessert was amazing - a chocolate dome with ice cream inside that they poured warm, salted caramel over the top and the chocolate dissolved in front of you. Everything was a Presentation, which made it even more eventful. Thank you everyone!
It was an okay experience we ended up paying $63.00 each for one scoop of tagtiallieni. And they charge 18% right away as a service feee. 3 people we ended up paying $333.56 without tip and it DOES NOT WORTH IT AT ALL. This service deserves 10% tops and very rude to over charge. Like what type of pasta they are serving for $63.00???? I am really sad and upset.
Great service and decent food, was dissapointed with 18% surcharge its like paying tip of 40%. Will not dine or recommend anyone to eat here. Also did not say cheese pasta special would be $68. Dissappointed at prices and surcharge that they have here now definitely would not recommend.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
Booked a reservation for valentines day. Unfortunately unlike everyone else, Orto decided to not set up their "valentines day tasting menu" as an experience and added a small print "we won't offer our full menu" in the Added Notes section. We were surprised when we got to the restaurant and were handed a $120 5 course tasting menu. The food was middling, the service was poor, and the portions were terrible. The entire meal was a scam, and they charged us a 20% service fee, and taxed us on top of the service fee. We just decided to not make a fuss and left. Recommend avoiding.