LA Puglia — Restaurant in Santa Monica

We visited the restaurant on Friday May 21, we had a reservation for 6p. My husband and I love Italian food and were excited to try this place for the first time. Upon being seated we were presented with the wine menu along with the other menu. We had asked the server if they had any organic wines on the list. She breezed over the question without ever answering whether they had organic wines. We ordered a few things to start; potato focaccia bread, Volare (Nel blu dipinto di Blu) and Ci‘ie | Fave e Cicorie. We were disappointed to learn that the focaccia bread was not made fresh upon ordering and it was served by the slice. We've had many experiences with eating focaccia all over Italy, yet we have never experienced one quite like this one. It was very tough and hard, not at all fluffy and light. I couldn't cut it with my knife and fork. My husband never leaves leftover bread but neither of us finished ours. The prosciutto and burrata brusscetta was served on very hard bread that we couldn't bite through. Nothing about these two dishes were fresh in our experience with them. The fava dish was a hot dish that came out before we had finished our other appetizers, it wasn't paced well at all. This dish however, was my favorite of the evening. Both of us were looking forward to a nice relaxing dinner together enjoying delicious food after a long week. Unfortunately that was not our experience, we were heavily persuaded to order our main course immediately. When we expressed to the server that we wanted to relax and take our time with our main course, she stated that it wasn't possible, that they were booked and we needed to order now. We had a short time window and they needed to move the tables along. The restaurant wasn't full, it had patrons, but in no way was it at full capacity at that time. Well, first of all, this should NEVER be something that is said to a guest within the first 20 mins of being there. If we hadn't ordered yet, after being there for 45 to an hour, perhaps I could understand the manager conveying to us what the restaurants situation was. But this should have never been done by the server, it's unacceptable. I have over 18 experience working in the restaurant business as both a server and manager. This behavior and attitude is very unprofessional. So much so, my husband decided against ordering a bottle of wine sadly, for fear he would have to "drink it up" quickly. On the topic of wine, he ordered a glass of red wine to be served with dinner. Unfortunately, the wine severed by the glass is stored above the bar, heat rises and so the wines served by the glass are much warmer than they ought to be served and kept. This ruins any wine, especially a good red one.

We ended up going with the Nicola | Branzino in crosta di Zucchine for our main course. We decided to share it. Honestly, we made this decision due to wanting to leave as quickly as possible, as we didn't feel welcomed at all. The branzino was over cooked, we could see the potential in this dish, but it was not executed well at all. Overall, we both agreed it wasn't an experience we would...

Authentic Italian Experience at La Puglia with Exceptional Service by Federico.I recently had the pleasure of dining at La Puglia, a charming Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of Los Angeles. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was transported to the sun-kissed shores of southern Italy. The ambiance was warm and inviting, with rustic decor and soft lighting that set the perfect mood for a memorable dining experience.

However, what truly set La Puglia apart was the impeccable service provided by our waiter, Federico. From the moment he greeted us with a warm smile, it was evident that he was passionate about providing guests with an exceptional dining experience. Federico's knowledge of the menu was extensive, and he was more than happy to offer recommendations based on our preferences.

Throughout the meal, Federico ensured that we wanted for nothing. He was attentive without being intrusive, always there when we needed him but never hovering. His genuine warmth and professionalism elevated our dining experience to new heights.

As for the food, it was simply divine. Each dish was crafted with care and attention to detail, using only the finest ingredients. From the creamy burrata to the perfectly cooked pasta dishes, every bite was a symphony of flavors that danced on the palate.

In conclusion, dining at La Puglia was a true delight, made all the more memorable by the outstanding service provided by Federico. If you're looking for an authentic Italian experience in Los Angeles, look no further than La Puglia. And be sure to ask for Federico - he will ensure that your dining experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Grazie mille, La Puglia, for an...

I just left a CITY parking meter outside your establishment. Firstly YOU don't own the meters, and this is city property. Your valet was NOWHERE to be found when I parked at a city meter for less than 2 minutes. I come back to my car seeing your rude, and inconsiderate valet guy taking pictures of my vehicle. I asked what he was doing as he immediately got craY with me and threatened me by telling me he was going to submit my license plates to the city to issue me a ticket. I DARE you. I will call the mayor and parking enforcement on your guys for trying to act like you own the meters. I am a luxury Travel agent who works with our local tourism board and I will tell you right now I will NEVER recommend your establishment to anyone ever. I literally parked for 2 seconds and don't appreciate the attitude I received especially when you have NO right to treat people this way. Firstly as a native I find this type of treatment appalling. People make mistakes, and to be honest I didn't even make one as you don't own the parking meters. I wasn't given any warning or treated/talked to in a manor in which I deserved. I was attacked by this valet person. I live and work in this area, I frequent Bagel Nosh, and will tell you right now this man was lucky I didn't have time to get crazy with him or call the police. I will NEVER set foot in this restaurant and I would advise the owners to check this man, and be sure he knows what is right and legal. This will not end well, if this is how you treat...