Valentino
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Phone: (310) 829-4313
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- 31st Street
- Specialties:
- Wine Bar
- Best of Citysearch:
- Wine List 2008, Wine List 2006, Wine List 2005
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 5:30pm-10:30pm, Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10:30pm, Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm
Editorial Review for Valentino – by Martha Burr
The Scene
For more than three decades Piero Selvaggio's regal, ivy-clad Santa Monica space has been revered by Italian food enthusiasts nationwide, and the accolades keep on coming. Five dining rooms buzz with a mature crowd of well-heeled diners amid Italian frescoes, mirrored mosaics, and padded Missoni-covered chairs.
The Food
The iconic, classical Italian menu has been reinvigorated and infused it with unique regional touches. Fish, cured meats, cheese and truffles are flown in from Italy; other seasonal items are culled from local farmers. This is a place to order classics like paper-thin San Daniele prosciutto, burrata Pugliese, or deftly sauteed, creamy, tender sweetbreads that melt in the mouth. Steaks and chops are fixtures, but the roasted Italian branzino is a pure-noted, subtle treasure. An "Italian Traditions" prix fixe menu includes heavenly Sicilian eggplant and pepper caponata, unctuous lamb osso buco in Barolo wine, fragrant saffron risotto cakes, and artisanal gelato.
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Insider Tips
What to DrinkSelvaggio's wine cellar is one of the best in L.A., with over 2,500 selections, ranging from reasonable to outrageous. Rare Italian vintages are a specialty, and wine pairings are offered with meals.
Where to SitStairs climb above the ivied flagstone entrance to a secret green, twinkling little patio--romantic for two, intimate for four, but squeezably manageable for even 10. Heat lamps provided.
User Reviews for Valentino
11/06/2008 Posted by jimmcafee
We first found Valentino in 2001and ity is a must stop everytime we are in Vegas we have never been disappointed obviously you pay for the great food,service and atmosphere but we would tell you it is worth every penny!!! From the appetizers to the steaks we had all the way to the dessert, it was deliscious and perfect!! And that they always have specials to tantilze our taste buds. It can be very difficult to get into, as they book up well in the advance. Bon Appitete!!!!
Cons: none
09/23/2008 Posted by flipkingston
Considering the price the decor and service was lacking. Neither were awful but they did not live up to what you expect from a place that is this expensive. My wife and I split an appetizer, we each had a Grey Goose and tonic, I had the lamb, she had the salmon, we each had a glass of wine with dinner, split a dessert and each had a coffee. The bill with tip was a little over $200. That's about what I expected to pay so I'm not ranting about the price. The food was very good as well, however when you go to a place with this kind of reputation (and cost) the food is supposed to be great, what distinguishes the experience is the service and decor. Both areas were very average and it's clear this restaurant needs a shot in the arm in the form of new management or ownership. I would go back but only if on an expense account.
