La Vecchia Cucina — Restaurant in Santa Monica

We wound up here last minute on a busy weekend night when our reservation at Crudo didn't work out, and we were treated like we were VIPs that reserved the table a month ahead. Though the place was busy, all the staff helped each other out and you would never know how massive of a section our server had.

They have an extensive wine list from Italy, but included other counties and California as well. The food (I had the pollo limone and my husband had the seafood stew) was classic Italian American and lovely as well.

The manager (or owner possibly) introduced himself to us at the end, as he had taken our call, and was genuinely inquisitive about our experience. It was lovely to see him take great care of his customers. My family used to own restaurants, and I really appreciate seeing such care from not only the management, but the servers and staff as well.

This place has the best date vibes on Main Street for Italian. I love that the staff all wear suits, the tables are spaced nicely apart, and the lighting, candles are everything you would want as well. Though we sat inside, I appreciate that they made their outdoor area (likely make shifted during the pandemic) separated from the sidewalk with heat lamps for every table. Though I like trying trendy and small plate places, this place is classic Italian (fresh baked bread with fresh basil in the olive oil and all that) and I really enjoyed that. We will...

We discovered La Vecchia Cucina years ago when our son transferred schools. We walked along the broken sidewalk full of roots hoping we had discovered a gem. Wow, did we. We have never had a bad meal. A family favorite is the Bolognese and any seafood fra diavolo. Fettuccine Alfredo and Chicken Marsala are also big favorites. We still can't figure out the secret to their Bolognese and they are tight lipped. We frequently enjoy the calamari appetizer with marinara. The deserts look scrumptious, buy we have never had room to actually order one. The wine and cocktail list is well curated. The bar tender will make just about anything your request.

The specials are always fantastic and the seafood fresh, never overcooked. The garlic and herb dipping oil gets us in trouble everytime. We simply love garlic, but need lots of bread to use all of the oil. It they bottled and sold it, we would buy a case.

The service staff is on point and attentive. They work diligently to anticipate and meet your needs. The kitchen is somewhat open and close to the dining room. They are professional and always accommodate dietary needs and restrictions.

Hopefully everyone benefits from this review. I promise next time to post pictures.

Wishes for a happy and healthy upcoming...

Came here for happy hour. Definitely a mistake. Folks line up early, restaurant doesn't open until 5:00pm, happy hour is only offered at the bar 15 seats.

Usually people waiting in line are respectful and considerate...not tonight. There were 6 people ahead of us initially. The group grew. Doors opened I grabbed a seat actually 2 but these were seats the group of 6 now 10 wanted. Two women from the group grabbed me shook the chair, grabbed my handbag. I refused to move they wanted the seat. My friend convinced me to move. I did. I called over the host. We explained what happened. Not an I'm sorry, nope. He told us "they come here a lot." That condones abusive, childish behavior?

I guess it's okay for 70 plus year old women to abuse someone over a seat in a restaurant. Shame, shame on the host. Where are your manners? What were you thinking? Your food is good but not that good. Shame on you Mr. Host, shame on you.

If I could give you negative 5 stars I would. Think twice before you patronize this...