5 /5 Guillaume Bourcy: One of my favorite restaurant in Santa Monica. You walk in off Wilshire thinking you’re about to have a nice dinner, and suddenly — boom — you’re in a secret courtyard under twinkling lights, where everyone looks like they just got back from the Amalfi Coast.
Start with a cocktail — they’re crisp, creative, and perfectly tuned to that “it’s Friday, I deserve this” mood - even on a Tuesday.
The spicy arrabbiata pasta is a standout: rich, fiery, and unapologetically bold. It hits that sweet spot between comfort food and chef’s finesse — the kind of dish that makes conversation pause mid-sentence. My friends had the ribeye and they ate still digesting it as it was a huge
Fia’s vegetarian options aren’t an afterthought — they’re headliners. From roasted cauliflower that actually has personality to their seasonal salads bursting with herbs and citrus, it’s proof you don’t need meat to have a good time here.
There’s valet if you’re feeling fancy (and honestly, it’s worth it on weekends), or decent street parking if you’re patient and circle twice. Either way, once you step through the gate, you’ll forget you’re in Santa Monica traffic territory.
Pro tip: go early, linger long, and pretend you’re writing your next novel or closing a movie deal. Everyone else here probably is.
