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From Citysearch.com

Northern Italian comfort food served in the heart of Santa Monica's shopping district.

The Scene
Accented by a palette of burgundy and gold, the welcoming dining room filled with paintings and artifacts from Bellagio provides a comforting respite from bustling Third Street Promenade. Weekends are usually packed with tourists, but the spacious, wraparound sidewalk patio offers an excellent people-watching spot.

The Food
Hearty and flavorful northern Italian dishes are inspired by traditional cuisine of the Lake Como region. Baked eggplant with buffalo mozzarella and tangy marinara is a crowd-pleasing appetizer, but the antipasto featuring thin slices of house-smoked sturgeon and sautéed trout appeals to more refined palates. Pastas are served al dente, like the wild-mushroom ravioli doused in zesty cherry-tomato and white-wine sauce. Thin, crispy pizzas feature simple, fresh ingredients like bright tomatoes and basil for a pleasing harmony of flavors. Slow-cooked osso buco, a fork-tender veal shank served with creamy saffron risotto, proves the restaurant's commitment to authenticity.

Opentable Reservations

Lago spotlights the cuisine of Bellagio on Lake Como in Northern Italy and features the ultimate upscale restaurant experience with exceptional flavors and meticulous, friendly service. It's a favorite of foodies, celebrities, locals and travelers. The freshest seasonal ingredients available from the Santa Monica Farmer's Market are served in traditional and innovative recipes, and pastas, focaccia, desserts and gelato are housemade daily. The popular bar offers Happy Hour nightly and distinctive Artisanal cocktails. Great patio with view of 3rd Street Promenade. Lago's wine list has received an Award of Excellence from WINE SPECTATOR every year since 1995 and has nearly 400 selections from Italy and California. "Don't miss the Ossobuco alla Milanese" - GOURMET. "There's no better place to people-watch than at the outdoor patio" - FROMMERS. "Recommended" - MICHELIN. "Perfectly crafted pastas" – ZAGAT. "Best Italian Cuisine" – LOS ANGELES TIMES. Lunch, dinner daily; weekend brunch.

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