Best Santa Monica/West Side restaurant for special family dinner

[dottoressa]

Recommendations for superb dining experiences in Santa Monica/West Side for a group of ten, celebrating a big event? Flexible about the area, just looking for really good food and a not-stuffy atmosphere. A small private room would be a plus.
Thank you!

[Phurstluv]

All very good recs. Love the room & view at Casa del Mar.

Love the food at Vincenti & La Botte & the patio at Wilshire.

Some alternatives:

Whist at the Viceroy has an awesome patio and you can check out renting your own cabana for the party of ten. Food was wonderful when I went last; but chef's have changed and have not heard any buzz lately.

Pecorino in Brentwood is also fabulous Italian, and at better prices than Vincenti or La Botte. Owners are warm friendly people and will probably work with you re: menu & table. And there's always Valentino's.

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Whist Restaurant
1819 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401

[linger gicking food]

try the private upstairs room at Via Veneto on Main Street in SM. We did a bday there a few years ago for about 10 folks. they'll work with you on designing a menu that suits you.

[woofer]

wilshire restaurant in santa monica or via alloro in bh

[jayspun]

Try La Botte in Santa Monica; do the tasting menu if possible. Quaint and cozy but not too stuffy. Perfect food!

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La Botte Ristorante
620 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90401

[stevedi]

Try Vincenti in Brentwood - great Italian and nice small room - or Melisse in SM, though a bit formal.

[yogachik]

Catch at Casa del Mar has a private room, and I love the food there, it's a special occasion place.