Fritto Misto — Restaurant in Santa Monica

Was my first and the last time at Fritto Misto! Agree with previous review, their kitchen is bad, 3 star at the most, not worth it. Pasta was just OK, nothing to brag about, but the salads and everything else we ordered were bad, especially Ceaser salad. Had no taste, was very dry. Ordered it with sauted shrimp, shrimps were undercooked and tasted like they were purchased in Costco's frozen shrimp cocktails section. With the price tag of $17.5 + $8 for the shrimp, for a total of $26 for a plate of cold shrimp "cocktail" with greens to begin our culinary adventure. Lamb shank was overcooked, overly salty with huge cuts of fat in it, likely purchased from a mediocre quality store or supplier. Definitely was not worth $37, plus $6 extra for substitution of pasta for vegetables, complete ripoff. Nothing even close to real "Osso Buco". Special for the night was sautéed salmon with pasta, horrible as well. Seems to me they are using entry level chefs and at these prices, they will go out of business soon. The only thing is keeping them popular somewhat is huge tourist crowd that are clueless and attracted by the deceiving name of "neighbourhood Italian caffe", plus lack of competition in Italian cuisine within a mile radius and in Santa Monica people do often ignore higher prices. For vast majority a sign neighbourhood "cafe" instead of a "restaurant", trigers more inexpensive, comfortable response, hence popularity of it in that corner of Santa Monica Blvd. Do not be deceived with Fritto Misto. Staff are mostly Mexicans and Latin Americans, owner is a Russian lady from Moscow. That doesn't mean that Italian food only Italian chefs can make, but the place is a hugely overrated version of an Italian cafe. In two days, we tried Benihana, Massilia, North Italia on 2nd and Fritto Misto. Do yourself a favor, first choice go to Massila, second North Italia. Great quality in both places, the same prices as in Fritto Misto. Massilia was a treat, Spanish - French - Italian with Moroccan accent. Food is significantly better, especially Lamb shank with potato puree, Moroccan couscous, great pizzas, pastas and Bouillabaisse. Super nice, relaxed atmosphere, attractive design with high seilings, huge outdoor patio, reasonably priced, makes Fritto Misto feel like a high school dining area with outdated decor. Do not hesitate, much better choices in my opinion, money better spent and better overall quality of dining experience. Walk away from Fritto Misto,...

Coming into the restaurant, I was struck by the intimate nature of the locale. Located just a few blocks from the ocean, the area around Fritto Misto is very much casual, with other similar restaurants located nearby. The interior is also very cozy and small and, though there is a second additional dining area next door, Fritto Misto is generally on the small side when it comes to Italian restaurants I've been to. It's a genuine first-generation Italian family restaurant feel in a great location.

I had been to the restaurant before and knew the food was absolutely delicious. But I have to say that since I had never taken a date there before despite numerous attempts on my part, I was a little apprehensive still. But those fears were unfounded as my girlfriend proceeded to rave about the calamari and the Italian sausage entree she ordered.

First, the calamari. We ordered the entree as a whim as I hadn't had anything to eat prior to going there and I wanted to treat her. She had never had calamari before and she absolutely loved it. I can really tell that a cook knows what he is doing when he can do calamari well. It was not overly fried so it was crispy and soft and juicy all at once. And the ranch and the margarita sauce was an amazing combination with the calamari.

For the main course, I ordered the sausage lasagna and she ordered the Italian sausage dish. The sausage lasagna was massive and immediately filling. The bell peppers stuffed in the lasagna were perfectly cooked as they just melted in your mouth. And the meat was perfectly cooked and was deliciously complemented by the sauce and other ingredients. The Italian sausage was also amazing. I sampled a few bites and have to say I chose better with my lasagna although she'd beg to differ. The Italian sausage was delicious. But personally I felt like the garlic taste was a tad bit strong for my liking. It was still delicious and I would have it myself if I could.

All in all, Fritto Misto is a perfect weekend date spot for that perfect someone. The locale is intimate, the setting is cozy, and the food is excellent. I am definitely reserving a spot on the calendar to sample their...

Glad to have found this gem in an SM local's blog post while visiting from San Diego. I often hesitate to rave about a locals' spot to avoid spoiling it for them. Believing Fritto Misto has the staff and that they are in synch to accommodate additional guests, onward I will go to share this gem. I visited FM on the early side this past Friday, around 6:30 pm, the place was packed, however my friends and I were offered seats almost immediately, at the bar with Matthew attending us. He is a wealth of knowledge, and their WELL stocked bar enabled him to riff on his knowledge and his clientele's desires to consistently concoct fabulous cocktails. Sitting at the bar chatting with Matthew and enjoying well-priced drinks was its own pleasure. The selection of pasta types (including gluten-free or replacing with veggies), sauce types, the list of house specialties along with the Kitchen’s willingness to accommodate just about any request, kinda made me fall a little in love with the place from the start. Add the hospitality from the entire staff with the feeling that everyone there is truly enjoying what they do, and they want to share their passion with everyone who walks in the door. On to the food! Don’t fill up on the pillowy soft, yet crunchy crust fresh bread – the portions are large, and the appetizers and salads are worth a taste as well. My Peeps and I shared: Greens and Gorgonzola, Jumbo Ravioli, Short Rib Ravioli (with mushrooms on the side), decadent Chocolate Flourless Cake, and a wonderfully tart Lemon Bar, both with fresh Whipped Cream. All the dishes were delicious, and both pastas were unique which made trying them even more fun. I will be working on mimicking those ravioli and sauces in my kitchen. The kitchen is open until 9:30 pm, so this makes a great 8-9 pm dinner location. My group unexpectedly popped in at 9pm on another night to warm welcomes, delicious food, creative drinks, and that once again left our bellies and souls full and fulfilled. This is a place you wander into and immediately feel like a local, a friend being welcomed...