Valentino Italian Restaurant

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  4. Santa Monica, California
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Row 1

Details
3115 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 829-4313
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Italian
$ $ $ $
Hours
Mon–Thu: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM Fri: 11:30 AM–10:30 PM Sat: 5:00 PM–10:30 PM
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Foursquare

For more than 40 years, Piero Selvaggio's Santa Monica landmark Valentino has set the standard for Italian fine dining in America. He served real Italian pastas and things like radicchio and balsamic vinegar when they were exotic in this country; he absorbed the inspirations of the nuova cucina and modernized his menu without losing touch with the homeland; he survived earthquakes and economic downturns and the onslaught of new, hip places that could have pushed his restaurant into the Boring Old Standby category — but didn't. Today, he is increasingly turning back to Italian regional cooking — especially that of Sicily, where he comes from, and Sardinia, birthplace of chef Nico Chessa. Yes, you can have prosciutto and melon or spaghetti alla carbonara here, and they'll be impeccable, but why not try the crudita di pesce (Italian “Suchi” marinated with citrus and colatura di alici, a kind of anchovy syrup), the lasagne della nonna (grandmother's lasagna) with mushroom and duck ragù, or the veal ossobuco with risotto Milanese? The wine list is one of the largest and richest in America, and service at this, one of The Daily Meal’s Best Italian Restaurants in America, is perfect.

— Arthur Bovino, 101 Best Restaurants, April 1, 2015

Foursquare Tips

  • L.A.s ultimate special-occasion Italian restaurant! A bells-and-whistles place where you reserve a table weeks in advance. Still, the food is great! Try it at PLATE LA Weekly's Food Event 3/3/13!
    LA Weekly | 2013-01-29 20:50:34
  • Jonathan Gold says: I will never forget my first taste of Quintarelli Amarone here, which is as close as I had gotten to a sweet, musky taste of heaven.
    Los Angeles Times | 2013-06-07 12:51:54
  • The old school romantic nightspot. I love this place...
    lawrence | 2011-09-20 12:56:05
  • Almost 40 years old, this ancient LA staple still serves great, if pricey, fine dining Italian. [Eater 38 Member]
    Eater | 2010-12-01 15:47:26
  • Very nice place.Piero the owner is very nice and hospitable.
    Andrij | 2013-10-24 23:08:15
  • One of the best meals gor my birthday
    avinash | 2013-09-07 02:36:02
  • This was my first job in america...! Let Piero Selvaggio guide you all the way... And prepare your wallet!
    Donato | 2013-01-11 00:18:57
  • Grilled vegetable medley is to die for!
    Kelly | 2012-09-22 00:51:12
  • Even Joffre Borgia knows that an authentic fine dining experience doesnt come cheap!
    Showtime Network | 2011-04-01 17:34:13
  • You taste the sea most of all in the bottarga they use to garnish many dishes. Russet in color, the dried roe has a strong, briny flavor, giving a dish the rich funk of ocean.
    Los Angeles Times | 2010-07-13 15:54:30
  • take advantage of the knowledge of the sommelier. he may seem like a dork at first, but he knows his stuff.
    Gaia | 2010-03-28 02:17:01
  • Try the fusilli alla norma, made with fresh tomato, eggplant, and aged ricotta.
    Eater | 2017-09-05 15:34:30
  • One of LAs pasta originators, Valentino makes a wide range of excellent pastas in its Santa Monica space. Pay homage to the fusilli alla norma, made with fresh tomato, eggplant, and aged ricotta.
    Eater | 2017-08-31 15:58:08
  • Opened 1972. Expensive, award winning, fine dining Italian in a contemporary room.
    Offbeat L.A. | 2016-01-28 20:54:40
  • Superb Italian. Get the tasting menu. You won't be disappointed. Excellent service. Complete amazing dining experience.
    Katrina | 2015-01-27 16:33:18
  • Good service, great food, & an excellent wine list. They have a nice selection of Barolo's
    Ricky | 2015-01-03 15:01:21
  • Check out Valentino as seen on Best Thing I Ever Ate
    TV Food Maps | 2014-08-26 19:58:20
  • White truffle pasta
    verymonica | 2014-08-23 11:34:32
  • This storied Italian restaurant in Santa Monica has a great maltagliati, essentially small sheets of fresh pasta tossed with a walnut pesto.
    Eater | 2014-04-03 11:01:16
  • Eat truffles here.
    Ken | 2013-10-27 08:40:57