upscale casual Italian or fresh fish/Santa Monica/Brentwood

[eyelean]

Would appreciate suggestions for Italian or fresh fish - not seafood - in Santa monica. Meeting friends so would like it on the quieter side to allow conversation and catching up! Thanks in advance for any suggestions. One thought I had was Il Forno. Any comments?

[eyelean]

Took Emme's suggestion and went to Pecorino in Brentwood. The food was terrific especially the baked sole and the service was most gracious and prompt. Restaurant was lively but conversation was possible!

[Emme]

so glad you enjoyed. i find it to be an underrated spot!

[Emme]

How about JiRaffe in Santa Monica for fish.

For old school Italian, with a dimly lit, quiet ambience... Dante's on Wilshire.

In Brentwood, for Italian, I'm a fan of Pecorino and Palmeri.

if you were willing to go down to the Marina, I think Cafe del Rey would fit the bill perfectly!

[Bria Silbert]

Dante's is closed; it's now a sushi restaurant.

[Emme]

oh crap. sunday brain fart. my apologies.

[yogachik]

Your choices are practically endless. Drago, Toscana, Pizzicoto, Sortino, Osteria Latini, Wilshire, Fraiche, Fig, Catch, Shutters, Via Portofino, Giorgios, La Botte, Vincenti...

On and on I could go, frankly. Some of those are in Brentwood, some in Santa Monica, all very good Italian or fresh fish (or both).

Catch is about to close for renovations for a few weeks, but if you want fresh fish, that's the place to go. I think they close mid-January. And it has a great view of the coast, with the quietest room or the list.

[rocktheglobe]

I second Osteria Latini. I love that place... great food, reasonable prices and the service is really good too. I'd recommend making reservations though.

[westsidegal]

i love all of your suggestions yogachik.