Valentino in Santa Monica

The food and ambiance at Valentino's were both excellent.

First of all, it's on Pico near 31st street in Santa Monica, on the North Side of the street. Parking is usually pretty tough in the area, so it's probably a good idea to use the valet. (If you get lucky, you might find some street metered parking.)

We didn't have reservations, so we ate in the bar area. They had a kind of special going on, where you can order 2 appetizers or 1 appetizer and 1 entre' plus a dessert for $35, and it was well worth it. The panzerotti, tortellini, ravioli, and dessert (I think we had a canoli and some type of sorbet) were all excellent, probably the best I've had in L.A. Great wine list to choose from as well. Service was also excellent, however I don't think they were as swamped the night I went as I hear they usually can get. 2 of us ate a really excellent meal with a glass of wine or 2 for only about $100, but I hear that the menu in the dining area is a little higher priced (and probably more extensive).

Anyway, I will definitely be going to Valentino's again soon for more great Italian cuisine, without having to drive to Hollyweird or Sunset, etc.