Westside Rehearsal Dinner for 50-70?

[altstarr]

A friend is looking for a place to host a wedding rehearsal dinner for 50-70 people in Santa Monica, or perhaps the broader Westside area. Preference is Italian, Californian or Asian Fusion.

Here's what we are thinking, but they are all pricey.

Michael's -- Great Indoor Garden
One Pico at Shutter's on the Beach
Capo Italian -- Probably too big if only 50 people
Spago - Very Pricey Beverly HIlls
Vincente's Ristorante - Brentwood Italian

Don't need to go absolutely high end, but don't want to go low end either ....

Appreciate any comments or suggestions .....

[BabyLitigator]

We did ours at Spark Woodfire grill on Pico, seemed about that price range. Very good, but not too innovative.

[maudies5]

Consider a buy-out at Amici Brentwood. I attended a Rehearsal Dinner there and it was great fun. Food and service were outstanding.

[altstarr]

Good idea about Amici Brentwood ...I'll check it out...

[Emme]

definitely second amici.

right down the street is Chez Mimi, and I think the patio can accommodate you...

[nick_r]

Not sure about Vincente or Capo, but I'm guessing the other 3 would be in the 5-figure range. What's your budget?

[altstarr]

Budget is $40 to $85 per person for food before wine, tax and tip ... Maybe not enough if I ask them to close the restaurant, but I have hosted mulitcourse tasting menu parties for 20 at most of them for $85/person for food, and the price was workable ...

[yogachik]

What about Beachwood? You could get the dining room.