Sogno Toscano Cafe´& Wine Bar — Restaurant in Santa Monica

SENSATIONAL SERVICE ! It's funny how one thing leads to another. We recently fell in love with Pinsa Romana Pizza Flatbread ( from Italy ) but when we went back to buy more our local store was out of stock. I jumped online and looked up the importer...Sogno Toscano ( Tuscan Dream ) in New York. I ordered 2 x twin packs for $15 each and $25 to cold ship them to our home in Southern California. I upped my order to 3 twin packs when I was offered a third one for $12.50. Everything arrived about 3 days later in absolutely perfect condition. I was very impressed with this service and looked them up further online. I read that 2 guys from Italy Pietro Brembilla & Brian Persico started Sogno Toscano in 2006 and the rest is history. And they also have 4 restaurants (2 in New York & 2 in California ) though none close to us. YOU NEVER KNOW ! As it turned out we had to drop off our upscale Gaggia espresso machine at a repair shop in Silver Lake, L.A on Saturday. After taking care of that we checked into The Ambrose Hotel in Santa Monica for the night. DINNER ! Of course one of those Sogno Toscano restaurants ( lifestyle cafe ) was in Montana Ave, Santa Monica and we had a dinner reservation at 6.30pm. The brightly lit outdoor patio was packed when we arrived on time....I had chosen a table for 2 inside but I had to admit the patio looked more lively. A server named Hannah took care of us perfectly during our dinner visit. FIRST UP ! A tall glass carafe of cold water and glasses arrived promptly. Hannah listened when I asked for a strong beer and brought me a Baladin Super Floreale...a Belgian Style Tripel - 8 % abv. An ice cold bottle and a tall stem glass arrived quickly...a nice beer with plenty of kick. STARTER ! We chose a SALUMI & FORMAGGI ( assortment of our finest meats, cheeses, olives & jam ) which was a mouthwatering sensation. ENTREES ! My wife selected the BOLOGNESE RAGU while I went for a PINSA ROMANA "Diavola" Pizza Flatbread. FAST SERVICE ! Our meals arrived in a short time courtesy of efficient Hannah. We were more than happy with the quality and flavor of our entrees. ANOTHER BEER ! I asked Hannah to bring me another Italian beer..the other one they serve. Baladin Nazionale Blonde Ale - 6.5% abv. Another ice cold bottle and a tall stem glass arrived quickly. It tasted pretty good ! At around 7.30pm we noticed a few people chatting with a tall youngish guy in a white linen shirt....someone said he is the owner. Next minute I made eye contact with Pietro Brembilla who strides to our table to say hi. I said to Pietro...I am wearing my white linen shirt from Rome and he replies..so am I. I introduced my wife and we had a lovely quick chat.....a beautiful man inside and out. And then he left with his family. DESSERT ! The CANNOLO SICILIANO looked appealing enough to my wife. I asked for 3 scoops of GELATO - Dark Chocolate, Pistachio & Stracciatella. My wife was pretty happy with her huge Cannolo though I think the ones we enjoyed in Florence, Italy have spoiled her tastebuds for life. My Gelato certainly tasted like the Italian quality and texture I loved in Italy. We enjoyed our dinner visit here but will choose the more lively outdoor patio next time. Ten outa ten to Hannah for her...

Bologna, it gets a bad wrap ever since that Oscar Meyer guy started parading his Weiner around town. But this…this ain’t no ordinary “baloney” my friends. These rich, smooth, and luxurious slices of Mortadella melt in your mouth like satin sheets designed for your tongue. Rested between fresh Focaccia bread, Mozzarella, and a glaze of pesto all directly imported from Italia, and you have a sandwich that would make my late, Great, Uncle Tony Bartarelli shed tears of Limoncello while exclaiming, “Now that’s good stuff!” I found Sogno Toscano by happy accident. Upon arrival, I was met by an oracle with piercing blue eyes who seemed to divinely guide me to the bologna sandwich. I just had one question...Did I choose it or did it choose me? I took my treasure to-go and headed to the Getty Museum. At first glance, I was immediately filled with the kind of greedy lust that transformed Sméagol into Gollum. Holy crap what a beautiful sammich. What I wasn’t prepared for, was the Cannellini bean and olive medley, drizzled in olive oil, blowing my mind. Not the sexiest by any means but it’s the kind of side dish that might make you leave your main dish and start a new life in Tuscany. It tasted like home… & I don’t even know where home is anymore. As I was taking everything in I started to think, “Why do I even need to step foot into the Getty?” Everything I’m going to see was inspired by the beauty set before me outside those four walls, what’s more impressive than nature itself? Well, that was a dumb thought. I’m always in awe of what we humans, made in the image of God, can create with our own hands. If you’re feeling down, or up, depressed, or happy, lacking inspiration, or chock full of it, get something good to eat, go to your local museum, and allow yourself to explore in childlike wonder. Find something interesting and stare at it until it speaks to you. Or, just have a good laugh at the expense of those who have fallen asleep. In a world full of ugliness, chaos, and tragedy, there is still so much beauty to behold in this life...and in your hands if you can get them on a bologna sandwich from...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the new Italian wine bar on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, and let me tell you, it was an absolute delight! From the moment I stepped in, I was captivated by the warm and inviting ambiance that transported me straight to Italy.

The food and wine selection here are simply outstanding. The schiacciata, a traditional Italian flatbread, was a revelation. Its crispy yet tender texture, topped with a delectable combination of fresh ingredients, left me craving for more. The flavors were well-balanced, and it paired perfectly with the diverse wine offerings they have on their menu.

Speaking of wine, I must commend the staff for their exceptional knowledge and recommendations. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or new to Italian wines, they go above and beyond to ensure you find the perfect match for your palate. Their selection showcases both well-known classics and hidden gems, making it a haven for wine lovers.

Beyond the food and wine, the service was top-notch. The staff was attentive, friendly, and genuinely passionate about sharing their love for Italian cuisine and culture. It added a personal touch to the overall experience, making me feel like a welcomed guest rather than just another customer.

As for the location, being on Montana Avenue is an added bonus. The charming street provides a lovely setting for an evening of indulgence, and the wine bar fits right in with its cozy and elegant interior.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend this new Italian wine bar to anyone in search of an authentic and memorable culinary experience. Whether you're meeting friends for a casual evening or planning a romantic dinner, this place will surely impress. I can't wait to return and explore more of their delightful offerings!

Bravo to the team behind this gem of a wine...