Primitivo, Lula's, Elsewhere?

[Gavin499]

I'm looking for a great place for a delicious meal at a relatively low cost. Lula's and Primitivo have been suggested and are up for consideration. I generally don't like Mexican food that much (I like heat, but generally not that style of heat), so I'm leaning more toward Primitivo, but I haven't heard a lot of great things (here or elsewhere).

Here's what we need:
1) Around $20-25ish per person (cheaper is, obviously, better)
2) Around the Santa Monica/Venice area.

The rest is up for grabs. Things that are off-limits for various reasons:
1)Mediterranean food
2)Indian food
3)Sushi

Any help would be great!

[ElissaInPlaya]

Shamshiri might be great for this. I also like Toi Thai Too on Wilshire at 14th, and heartily second the Fritto Misto recomendation. Or maybe Chairman Mao?

I haven't been to Lula's..but Primativo was $50 each, last Friday night (including wine,tax, tip, and a cake-cutting fee)

[Emme]

Musha and Monte Alban are great.

3 Square on Abbot Kinney would certainly be within range.
Gjelina is probably too expensive given the portion sizes at dinner, but another new interesting option.

[mollyomormon]

Agreed. I'm not even sure you could do Primitovo that cheaply without drinks! Monte Alban and Musha are great suggestions. Another option might be Fritto Misto for italian.

[yogachik]

You can't do Primitivo that cheaply, unless you're not drinking.

Monte Alban - it's not your usual Mexican food, it's outstanding, and well within your budget. Musha is another idea, it's Japanese tapas.