A cool crowd clamors for Italian fare at this popular Santa Monica bistro.

In Short
This hip, bustling Main Street bistro has a welcoming vibe, with abstract art jutting from avocado-colored walls. An attractive crowd jostles for elbow space at tiny tables, while more introverted diners play voyeur from the sleek angled bar. The extensive Cal-Italian menu features fresh salads like traditional caprese or Caesar, pizza, pastas with homemade sauces, and meat and seafood specialties like veal Marsala.