LAGO

Dine LA 1/21-2/3/12

2012-01-12T16:21:00.000-08:00

Dine LA is back!

LUNCH

Three-Course Tasting Menu…22
Wine Tasting Pairing…18

To begin, choose from:

Vitello Tonnato - Roasted & Chilled Veal Carpaccio, Genoa Tuna-Caper Aioli,

Micro Rainbow Greens, Shaved Parmesan

Wine: Chiavennasca, Balgera

Crudo Cocktail - Fresh Salmon, Julienne Vegetables, Avocado Purée, Candied Citrus Peel

Wine: Prosecco Brut, La Fornarina

Insalata Mercato - Coleman’s Farm Organic Market Lettuce, Herbs & Edible Flowers, Market Raspberry Vinaigrette

Wine: Frascati, Fontana Candida ]

Vongole e Cozze - Manila Clams, New Zealand Black Mussels, White Wine- Garlic-Italian Parsley…add $2

Wine: La Segreta Meritage, La Planeta
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Followed by choice of:

Tortelli in Zuppa di Pesce - Meditteranean Striped Bass Tortelli,

Tomato Seafood Bouillabaise

Wine: Chianti Classico Riserva, Nozzole

Gnocchi al Ragu d'Agnello - Weiser Potato Gnocchi, All-Natural Lamb Ragú

Wine: Primitivo, Poggio Basso

Risotto di Barbabietole e Gorgonzola - Weiser Farm Red & Gold Beet Risotto,

Creamy Gorgonzola “Dolce Latte”
Wine: Meritage, Bridlewood

Branzino in Salsa d'Arancia - Striped Sea Bass, Market Naval Orange Reduction,

Sautéed Market Vegetables…add $4

Wine: Chardonnay, Ferrari Carano

Spezzatino di Pollo -Seauteed Chcken Tenders, ellow Bell Peppers, Red Onion,

Herb-White Wine Sauce, Polenta…add $3

Wine: Chianti Classico Riserva, Nozzole
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Finally a sweet choice of:

Tiramisú - Lady Fingers, Espresso, Mascarpone Cream, Cappuccino Sauce

Torta di Mele - Apple “Tart Tatin”, Caramel Sauce, Housemade Vanilla Gelato

Cannoli - Cannoli Shell, Ricotta Cream, Candied Orange, Blueberry Sauce

Wine: Moscato d’Asti, Michele Chiarlo “Nivole,” ‘10

DINNER

Three-Course Tasting Menu…34
Wine Tasting Pairing…18

To begin, choose from:

Crudo Cocktail -Fresh Salmon, Julienne Vegetables, Avocado Purée, Candied Citrus Peel

Wine: Prosecco Brut, La Fornarina

Tortellini in Brodo - Capon Chicken Tortellini, Chicken Consommé, Parmesan

Wine: Pinot Noir, Chalone

Melanzane alla Parmigiana - Baked Market Eggplant, Market Basil, Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella

Wine: Chianti Classico Riserva, Nozzole

Salmone Scozzese - Scottish Salmon Marinated in Spiced Wine Reduction with Market Pomegranate, Kabocha Squash “in Carpione”…add $2

Wine: Frascati, Fontana Candida

Prosciutto d'Agnello - Housemade Lamb Prosciutto, Baby Beets, Green Tea-Honey
Reduction…add $2

Wine: Chiavennasca, Balgera
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Followed by choice of:

Tortelli in Zuppa di Pesce - Mediterranean Seafood Tortelli, Tomato Seafood Bouillabaisse

Wine: Chianti Classico Riserva, Nozzole

Gnocchi al Ragu d'Agnello - Housemade Weiser Potato Gnocchi, All-Natural Lamb Ragú

Wine: Primitivo, Poggio Basso

Ravioli di Burrata in Boraggine - Creamy Burrata Ravioli, Market Borage Sauce

Wine: Chianti Classico Riserva, Nozzole

Salmone all’Aneto - Roasted Scottish Salmon, Dill Sauce, Market Vegetable Sauté…add $8

Wine: Chardonnay, Ferrari Carano

Biancostato di Manzo - Braised Beef Short Ribs, Fresh Oregano, Sautéed Broccolini, Potato “Williams” with Black Truffle...add $6

Wine: Barolo, Michele Chiarlo

Pancetta di Maiale - Kurobuta Pork Belly, Mustard Seed Braised Kabocho Squash, Winter Greens…add $8

Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon, Buehler
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Finally, a sweet choice of:

Tiramisú - Lady Fingers, Espresso, Mascarpone Cream, Cappuccino Sauce

Torta di Mele - Apple “Tart Tatin”, Caramel Sauce, Housemade Vanilla Gelato

Cannoli - Cannoli Shell, Ricotta Cream, Candied Orange, Blueberry Sauce

Wine: Moscato d’Asti, Michele Chiarlo “Nivole,” ‘10

Lombardy Wine Dinner! Thursday 1/18/12

2012-01-12T16:18:00.000-08:00

Join us to celebrate the flavors of Lombardy!

Manuel and Orlando Bonomo, owners of Civielle, and winemaker Gianluca Cittadini will present their wines from Lombardy in Northern Italy paired to a delicious, authentic 5-course dinner prepared by Michelin Starred Chef Gianfranco Minuz.

Trotella in Carpione
Marinated Lake Trout, Celery, Carrots, Juniper Berry,
Red Wine Vinegar, Arugula Salad
2009 Groppello Blend Rose, Garda Classico DOC, Civielle
2010 Trebbiano di Lugana DOC, Civielle
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Animelle con Carciofi
Braised Tender Sweetbreads, Market Artichoke Hearts
2008 Groppello Garda Bresciano, DOC, Averoldi
2010 Groppello Blend Garda Classico DOC, Civielle
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Risotto alla Milanese con Midollo
Saffron-Parmesan Risotto, Roasted Bone Marrow
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Blend Valcalepio Rosso Riserva DOC, Akros
2006 Nebbiolo Rosso di Valtellina DOC, Cantina Di Villa
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Biancostato di Manzo
Slow Cooked Beef Short Ribs, Fresh Oregano,
Truffle Potato Williams
2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Blend Provincia di Mantova Rosso Saline IGT, Gozzi
2005 Nebbiolo Sforzato di Valtellina Tinaia DOCG. Cantina Di Villa
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Torta di Frangipane
Italian Sponge Cake, Pastry Creme, Toasted Almond,
Vanilla Sauce

$68 per person
(not including tax or 18% gratuity)

For reservations, please call: (310) 451-3525
Credit card required for reservations, cancellations must be made at least 48 hours
in advance otherwise full amount per person will be charged to the card.

Morso della Bestia - Bite of the Beast Dinner Series!

2012-01-11T17:07:00.001-08:00

“Morso della Bestia”
Thursday, 26 January 2012

The last Thursday of every month, LAGO will host a monthly communal meal featuring whole animal roasts and traditional, rustic dishes. The “Bite of the Beast” dinner series will include a 5-course dinner featuring the whole animal with house wine to enjoy.

This month’s menu features:
New Zealand, All-Natural Venison

Antipasto
Thinly-Sliced Venison Carpaccio,
Sautéed Baby Beet Tops with Onion and Walnut
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Primo
Braised Venison and Juniper Berry Ravioli,
Sage-Infused Brown Butter
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Piatto di Mezzo
Whole Wheat Spaghetti, Venison Ragú
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Secondo
Brandy Roasted Leg of Venison, Sweet Potato Purée,
Blueberry Compote, Sautéed Swiss Chard
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Dolce
Ricotta Strudel, Tahitian Vanilla Sauce

$60 per person
(not including tax or gratuity)

Seating is limited, reservations required.
Dinner will begin at 7:00pm
(310) 451-3525

Happy Holidays!!

2011-11-29T10:34:00.000-08:00

Come join us for our Christmas Feast and New Year's Eve celebration!

Cena di Natale ~ Christmas Supper

Saturday & Sunday, December 24th & 25th, 2011

Salmone Scozzese al Vin Brulée e Melograno
Scottish Salmon Marinated with in Spiced Wine Reduction with Market Pomegranate,
Kabocha Squash “in Carpione” (à la carte…18)
Wine: Prosecco Brut, La Fornarina

Cappelletti di Cappone in Brodo
Small Capon Chicken Tortellini, Chicken Consommé, Grana Padana (à la carte…19)
Wine: Chianti Classico Riserva, Nozzole, ‘08

Branzino Mediterraneo in Crosta di Carciofi
Mediterranean Sea Bass in Artichoke Crust, Roasted Weiser Farm Beets,
Market Artichoke Heart-White Wine Reduction (à la carte…32)
Wine: Primitivo, Poggio Basso, ‘08

Filetto di Vitello con Castagne e Spugnole
Roasted & Sliced Veal Tenderloin, Morel Mushroom and Chestnut Sauce,
Market Winter Greens (à la carte…36)
Wine: Meritage, Bridlewood, ‘07

Three-Course Tasting Menu…55
(Choice of Branzino or Veal)
Four-Course Tasting Menu…68
Wine Tasting Program…25

We also recommend you finish your holiday meal with our special dessert…

Semifreddo al Mandarino con Panettone
Frozen Mandarin Sabayon, Panettone Crust, Honey-Hazelnut Meringue…11

Join us in welcoming 2012!

“Bursting with Bubbles”
5-Course Dinner
with Party Merriment, DJ & Dancing
to Bring in the New Year!

Ostrica allo Champagne, Paté d’Anatra, Asparagi in Fonduta di Tartufo
Local Oyster with Champagne Sabayon, Muschovy Duck Paté,
White Asparagus with White Truffle and Fontina Fonduta

Tortelli in Zuppa di Pesce all’Adriatico
Mediterranean Sea Bass Tortelli in Tomato Seafood Bouillabaisse

Spigola in Salsa d’Aragosta allo Zafferano
Pan-Roasted Virginia Striped Bass in Local Spiny Lobster-Saffron Sauce,
Sautéed Market Vegetables

Coscia d’Agnello al Forno con Composta di Mirtilli
Roasted Leg of Lamb, Spiced Blueberry Compote, Horseradish Mashed Potatoes

Trancio di Gianduja e Mousse di Cioccolato
Dark Chocolate Mousse and Gianduja Hazelnut Cake, Raspberry & Vanilla Sauces

$89. per person with glass of sparkling prosecco!!

Thanksgiving at LAGO!

2011-11-18T11:44:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Served 11:30am-10:00pm in addition to our regular dinner menu

Reservations Required!

Crema di Mais con Granchio
Purée of Creamed White Corn Soup, Warm Lump Crab
(à la carte...9)
Wine: Prosecco Brut, La Fornarina
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Tortelloni di Mele in Salsa di Fegato Grasso
Housemade Apple Tortelloni, Foie Gras Sauce
(à la carte…22)
Wine: Pinot Grigio, Pighin Grave
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Pagello Selvatico alle Erbe
Wild New Zealand Red Snapper, Fine Herbs, Farro Mantecato with Pumpkin
(à la carte…32)
Wine: Chianti Classico Riserva, Nozzole, ‘08
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Tacchino con Noci Tostate
Roasted Turkey Roulade, Toasted Cashews, Cranberry Compote,
Tricolor Mashed Potatoes, Brown Gravy, Sautéed Green Beans
(à la carte…29)
Wine: Pinot Noir, Chalone Vineyards, ‘09

Three-course…49
(Choice of Red Snapper or Turkey)
Four-course…59
Wine-Tasting Program…20
(not including tax or gratuity)

We also recommend to finish your Thanksgiving feast with our special dessert...

Crostata di Zucca
Housemade Pumpkin Pie, Cinnamon Gelato…10

2011-04-23T12:56:00.000-07:00

Buona Pasqua! Happy Easter!
Delicious Market Menu Available Easter Week starting Saturday, April 23rd 2011

Uova e Tartufo con Fegato Grasso
Poached Lily’s Farm Egg, Black Truffle Shavings, Yukon Potato Cream,
Foie Gras Reduction (à la carte…17)
Wine: La Segreta Bianco, La Planeta, ‘09

Tortellini di Borragine e Burrata
Market Borage Stuffed Tortellini, Burrata Cheese Sauce (à la carte…23)
Wine: Rosé, Bonterra, ‘09

San Pietro con Cozze in Salsa Martini
Pan-Roasted John Dory, New Zealand Mussels, Vermouth Sauce,
Market Snap Peas, Crispy Sunchokes (à la carte…32)
Wine: Pinot Noir, Chalone Vineyards, ‘08

Cosciotto d’Agnello Arrosto
Roasted Lamb Shank, Wild Fennel Sauce, Roasted Heirloom Potatoes (à la carte…29)
Wine: Meritage, Sterling Vineyards, ‘08

Four-course…69
Three-course (choice of John Dory or Lamb Shank)…55
Wine tasting…24

In addition to our tasting menu,
we recommend you finish the meal with our Easter dessert...

Pastiera
Traditional Easter Ricotta-Rice Pie, Candied Fruit, Pink Lady Apple Sorbetto…10
Suggested Wine: Vin Santo, Antinori, ’08

Jay Weston loves LAGO!

2010-09-13T13:07:00.000-07:00

Check out what Jay Weston of The Huffington Post has to say about Lago!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jay-weston/hey-george-clooneyforget-_b_697762.html

Join Us for a Cooking Class Benefitting St. Joseph Center's Culinary Training Program

2010-06-17T16:35:00.000-07:00

HANDS-ON COOKING CLASS/DINNER
SPOTLIGHTING SUMMER ENTERTAINING
WITH A NORTHERN ITALIAN FLAVOR,
PRESENTED BY LOCANDA DEL LAGO'S
ROBERTO MAGGIONI,
BENEFITS ST. JOSEPH CENTER'S
CULINARY TRAINING PROGRAM

Wednesday, June 23, 2010, 6 to 9 pm
St. Joseph Center, Venice

A hands-on cooking class/dinner spotlighting summer entertaining with a Northern Italian flavor and benefiting St. Joseph Center's Culinary Training Program is presented by Roberto Maggioni, executive chef at Santa Monica's Locanda del Lago, on Wednesday, June 23, 2010, 6 to 9 pm, at St. Joseph Center in Venice.

The evening, sponsored by Whole Foods Venice, is the newest in St. Joseph Center's CULINARY EXPERIENCE FOR A CAUSE series of cooking classes, which most recently featured chefs from Café Pinot of the Patina Group, Ado Ristorante and Gourmandise Desserts. St. Joseph Center's Culinary Training Program is an innovative vocational initiative that provides classroom and kitchen training for unemployed men and women to help get them back on their feet, obtain jobs and establish a career path with opportunities for advancement. Students from the program will act as Chef Maggioni’s kitchen assistants during the class.

Maggioni's participatory class features hands-on instruction and demonstration for a three-course menu of Northern Italian cuisine ideal for entertaining in the summer weeks to come. Selections are VELLUTATA DI VERZA E CAVOLINI FRITTI (Cream of Roasted Savoy Cabbage Soup with Fried Brussels Sprouts), RISOTTO ALLE BARBABIETOLE MANTECATO AL GORGONZOLA DOLCELATTE (Market Red Beet Risotto with Gorgonzola "Dolcelatte") and FILETTO DI MAIALE AI FUNGHI E CAROTE GLASSATE CON BROCCOLI MORNAY (Pork tenderloin with Wild Mushroom Sauce, Glazed Carrots and Broccoli Mornay). Following instruction, class participants dine on the delicious results. Aprons, tools and all ingredients are included.

Roberto Maggioni possesses an exceptional resume and the vast international culinary experience of a chef twice his age. His passion for cooking, his knowledge of regional Italian gastronomic traditions, and his familiarity with the newest cooking methods originating from Spain elevate Lago to new culinary heights. Born in Milan, Maggioni was inspired by his mother, Cristina -- a baker by trade -- to embrace the career of a professional chef. After attending culinary school in Milan, Maggioni worked at the most renowned restaurants of the area's metropolis and then traveled through Europe to broaden his culinary experience, taking posts at La Pergola in London, Il Giardino in Mallorca, Spain, and several notable restaurants in France.

Lago, the upscale Italian restaurant which has been attracting foodies, celebrities, locals and travelers since opening in 1991, is dedicated to providing the ultimate restaurant experience with exceptional flavors in each dish coupled with meticulous, friendly service. The kitchen features the most flavorful ingredients available in conjunction with traditional and innovative recipes to keep guests coming back for new experiences.

St. Joseph Center is an independent, non-profit 501 (c)(3), community-based organization whose mission is “to provide working poor families, as well as homeless men, women, and children of all ages, with the inner resources and tools to become productive, stable and self-supporting members of the community.” The Center was founded by, and remains affiliated with, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, but it does not provide religious services or instruction and assists persons regardless of their religious affiliation or lack thereof. It creates an environment that develops self-reliance and promotes action in people capable of becoming productive members of the community. The Center serves more than 6,000 individuals annually through 10 integrated programs and a Thrift Store, which offers used items for sale to the public and offers vouchers for free clothing and household goods to those in need. To learn more about St. Joseph Center’s comprehensive services, please visit www.stjosephctr.org.

St. Joseph Center is located at 204 Hampton Drive in Venice. The class fee (50% is tax deductible) is $80 per person or $150 for two tickets purchased at once. Space is limited, and registration is required by June 18. For tickets and more information, contact Madelaine Goodreau at mgoodreau@stjosephctr.org or 310-396-6468, x 328. http://www.stjosephctr.org/classforacause.html

# # #

You're Invited to Join Us for Authentic Italian Cuisine at its Finest!

2010-06-05T13:13:00.000-07:00

LAGO JOINS VALENTINO, DRAGO AND FOUR OTHER TOP ITALIAN RESTAURANTS IN INVITING YOU TO EXPERIENCE ITALIAN CUISINE AT ITS MOST AUTHENTIC WITH SPECIAL PRIX-FIXE LUNCH AND DINNER MENUS

June 5 - June 20

We're one of six top Italian restaurants offering special prix fixe menus featuring only the finest and authentic ingredients Italy has to offer!

The Italian Trade Commission-Los Angeles, in collaboration with the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West, invites Angelenos to experience Italian cuisine at its most authentic. With the goal of raising awareness of the use of authentic Italian ingredients in America, the Italian Trade Commission and Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West selected the restaurants based on a series of parameters including quality and authenticity of Italian products used in the kitchen, the presence of Italian chefs and sommeliers, and the presentation of an Italian-centric wine list.

Restaurant/Food writer Sophie Gayot, who attended the media preview, said this about our risotto with market red & gold beets: "The most interesting dish from the impressive meal was the risotto from Locanda del Lago, which was very creative, light and colorful. " Read her full story HERE.

Chef Maggioni has created wonderful lunch and dinner menus highlighting unique flavors of Italy and the local summer season by pairing Italian products with fresh, organic produce from the Santa Monica Farmer's Market.

Click HERE to view the menus.

Make your reservations now!
(310) 451-3525

Click on image to see it in full:

Lago Introduces MEATLESS MONDAYS to Santa Monica

2010-05-24T15:36:00.000-07:00

LOCANDA DEL LAGO
INTRODUCES MEATLESS MONDAYS
TO SANTA MONICA

Locanda del Lago, celebrated for its imaginative Italian cuisine spotlighting seasonal flavors and the freshest local ingredients, introduces MEATLESS MONDAYS to Santa Monica with several offerings on its lunch and dinner menus, rotating weekly, that are prepared with no meat or meat-related products including butter, cheese and milk.

"With Meatless Mondays we are pleased to be the first Santa Monica restaurant to join a movement that proposes to help the environment by reducing demand for meat products," says Lago's co-owner West Hooker-Poletti. "I first heard of this effort while attending a screening of the film Avatar where our long-time customers James Cameron and his wife, Suzy, ardently discussed how our carbon footprint would be drastically reduced if everyone resolved to avoid meat one day per week."

Lago's MEATLESS MONDAYS began on May 17, with a choice of Salad of Dungeness Crab with Arugola, Baby Artichokes and Button Mushrooms; Pumpkin Ravioli with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Sage; and Tasmanian Trout, Blood Orange Reduction with Baked Peruvian Potato and Garlic Spinach.

"These selections were especially popular," said Hooker-Poletti, "and several of our guests who tried them told me they enjoyed putting aside meat for a day in favor of the flavorful and delicious alternatives."

MEATLESS MONDAYS continue regularly at Lago, which maintains a unique identity in L.A. by spotlighting the cuisine of Bellagio on Lake Como in Northern Italy. The upscale Italian eatery, with its warm, inviting interior, expansive windows and a sidewalk patio overlooking the colorful Third Street Promenade, has been attracting foodies, celebrities, locals and travelers for more than 19 years. Lago is dedicated to providing the ultimate restaurant experience with exceptional cuisine coupled with meticulous, friendly service. The kitchen offers the most flavorful ingredients available in conjunction with traditional and innovative recipes, and the menus feature produce and other foods from the Santa Monica Farmers' Market.

Lago is located at 231 Arizona Avenue, Santa Monica. (310) 451-3525. www.LagoSantaMonica.com

# # #

Valentine's Day, Super Bowl-A-Thon Fund-Raiser, LAist Lago Review

2010-02-02T18:27:00.000-08:00

Menu di San Valentino
for Valentine's Day
Lasts All Week!

Join Us In Supporting the
Westside Shelter and
Hunger Coalition's
Super Bowl-A-Thon
XIV Fund-Raiser
Friday, February 5

Check Out a Wonderful
Lago Review
from LAist!

DINE LA Restaurant Week Returns!

2010-01-18T16:13:00.000-08:00

Gourmet Dining at a Great Price!

DineLA 2010
January 24 - 29 and January 31 - February 5

3-Course Lunch ($22)
and
3-Course Dinner ($34)

Check out our menus
HERE!

Lago Presents Holiday Delights 2009!

2009-12-10T17:44:00.000-08:00

Check out our Christmas CENA DI NATALE and New Year's Eve BURSTING WITH BUBBLES plans -- and make yours now to join us! Details HERE, along with gift ideas and party/catering assistance for magical celebrations!

New Seasonal Menu

2009-11-23T15:49:00.000-08:00

The chef’s winter menu is based on using the freshest organic produce purchased from the local Santa Monica Farmer’s Markets in conjunction with sustainable protein while highlighting the unique flavors of the season. Lago is proud to make pasta, focaccia bread, desserts and gelato fresh daily.

The market ingredients featured this week are Blue Baby Carrots & Broccoli Romanesco from Weiser Farm, Radicchio from Scarborough Farm, Black Cabbage from Coleman Farm, Zucchini, Savoy Cabbage & Parsley from Finley Farm. We are featuring free-range Jidori chicken.

Radicchio in Saor: Tradional Venetian Radicchio with Pinenuts & Raisins, Sesame Encrusted Goat Cheese, Black Cabbage-Mango Sauce

Risotto di Farro - Farro “Risotto-Style”, Braised Beef Tongue

Opa in Crosta - Hawaiian Opa, Lemon-Thyme Crust, Zucchini Trifolate Sauce, Cabbage-Pancetta “Verzada”, Blue Baby Carrots

Pollo Jidori all'Aglio Nero e Porcini - Free-Range Jidori Chicken, Black Garlic-Porcini Sauce, Clown Potatoes, Broccoli Romanesco “Au Gratin”

Cannolo di Ricotta e Ibiscus - Tradicional Cannolo, Chocolate Cream Filling, Hibiscus Flower Sauce

Available as a 3 or 4 course tasting menu, come join us...

Thanksgiving, LA Times praise, Facebook

2009-11-13T15:52:00.000-08:00

Guess what a "Best of LA Dining Bets" story in the LA Times Travel section said about Lago: "Best Italian"! Check it out here.

_____

Thanksgiving at Lago is any way you like it: our regular menu at regular prices, our 3- or 4-course prix fixe menu with choice of turkey or trout main courses, or our signature Thanksgiving to Go! Click here for details.

_____

Have you joined our Facebook community? Don't miss out, visit now!

Call Lago today for reservations, 310 451-3525. Hope to see you soon!

DINE LA Restaurant Week!

2009-09-28T16:44:00.000-07:00

Gourmet Dining at a Great Price!

October 4 - 9 and October 11 - 16

3-Course Lunch ($28)
and
3-Course Dinner ($44)

plus a special wine pairing for each course
($18, dinner only)

Click HERE to see
the full lunch and dinner menus!

Recession Relief Returns to Lago

2009-09-15T15:01:00.000-07:00

RECESSION RELIEF RETURNS!

BYOB Mondays
ALL NIGHT HAPPY HOUR Tuesdays
WINE ½ OFF Wednesdays
$8 PIZZAS AND $20 PITCHERS Thursdays
STIMULUS LUNCH ($15) Weekdays and DINNER ($29) Daily

Check it out HERE, and visit us soon! 310 451-3525.

VISIT OUR NEWS PAGE: Gazpacho Recipe, Wine Spectator Award, Great American Dine Out to End Hunger

2009-08-24T14:49:00.000-07:00

Check out our new featured recipe, Zuppa Fresca (Chilled Gazpacho Soup), perfect for summer's end, celebrate our Award of Excellence (13th year!) from Wine Spectator Magazine, and join us for the Great American Dine Out as we support SHARE OUR STRENGTH to end childhood hunger, September 20 - 26!

New Lago Review Lauds "authentic Northern Italian cuisine crafted amid a vehement commitment to fresh, locally farmed ingredients."

2009-07-17T15:18:00.000-07:00

Check out this wonderful review just published by The Luxe List.

It begins:

Located within Santa Monica's infamous outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment Mecca known as Third Street Promenade, Locanda del Lago is an experience unto itself. This restaurant duly sets itself apart from the glut of others in the Promenade with its authentic Northern Italian cuisine crafted amid a vehement commitment to fresh, locally farmed ingredients.

Upon opening in 1991, Lago as it is known quickly gained notoriety for its unique focus on authentic cuisine specific to Lake Como in Northern Italy. Accolades have since ensued, including a 2009 Michelin Guide recommendation as well as praise by Gourmet Magazine, Los Angeles Magazine, Zagat, and Wine Spectator.

I recently visited Lago for dinner with my husband and two young children ages 7 and 10 who've already cultivated a love of fine dining. Lago is, in fact, quite family friendly, and a favorite with the celebrity-set. Among the stars who've brought their young children in to dine over the years include Dustin Hoffman, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, Bob Saget; Police drummer Stewart Copeland, Kate Capshaw and Rita Wilson.

Lago's Lucia Immortalized on Flickr Photo Site

2009-07-02T17:43:00.000-07:00

Our Lucia (boat) in which diners' bills are presented caught the fancy of a photographer who goes by the name MaxVT.

Check out the photo of it on his Flickr page .

He liked the food too. Photo caption says, "A great Italian restaurant. People watching on the promenade is interesting, and the food is yum."

Join Us At TASTE OF THE NATION!

2009-06-05T17:29:00.000-07:00

All of us at Lago are proud to participate in Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation, the premier culinary benefit dedicated to making sure no kid in America grows up hungry. It's on Sunday, June 14, 1 - 4 pm, at Culver City's Media Park. More HERE.

Special thanks to our generous sponsors who've made our participation in Taste of the Nation possible.

Artisanal Cocktails at Lago!

2009-05-13T21:16:00.001-07:00

Check out our Artisanal Cocktail menu and more news HERE,

but before you go, enjoy these scrumptious photos!

Photo Credits: Megan Sheehy

Lago @ Cirque du Soleil Press Conference

2009-05-12T20:38:00.000-07:00

I went to the press conference for the Cirque du Soleil this morning and it was thrilling. They spoke of the dates they would be performing (October thru Decemeber, 2009), that the tickets will be on sale June 16th, presented some excellent guest speakers (including the mayor) and then the finale was a small performance of their own...it was amazing! How they do those fantastic feats I will never know, but Karin, my manager, and I were left breathless and on the edges of our seats!

We are so excited for Cirque du Soleil to return to Santa Monica for it's 25th anniversary and on the 100th anniversary of the Santa Monica Pier, what a great collaboration. Lago will be offering menu and cocktail specialties during their performance run here as well as special offers such as complimentary valet and complimentary desserts for those attending the show and dining at Lago...more info to come.

Megan Sheehy (GM)

News from Lago - May 1

2009-05-01T12:37:00.000-07:00

Visit our NEWS page for Mother's Day info and a link to a terrific interview with Lago Co-Owner West Hooker in BayInsider Magazine!

Welcome!

2009-04-04T18:31:00.001-07:00

Lago, an upscale Italian eatery, maintains a unique identity in L.A. by spotlighting the cuisine of Bellagio on Lake Como in Northern Italy. We've been attracting foodies, celebrities, locals and travelers since opening in 1991. Lago is dedicated to providing the ultimate restaurant experience with exceptional flavors in each dish coupled with meticulous, friendly service.

Our kitchen features the most flavorful ingredients available in conjunction with traditional and innovative recipes to keep guests coming back for more. All pastas, focaccia bread, desserts and gelato are made here fresh daily. Seasonal dishes as well as numerous regular menu items feature produce from the local Santa Monica Farmer’s Market to utilize the freshest, organic, most flavorsome produce available while keeping the purchases local to Southern California from such local growers as Scarborough Farms, Windsor Farms, Harry’s Berries, Weiser Farms, Garcia Farms, Coleman Farms and JJ Loned Daughter Ranch.

Our wine list has received an "Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator magazine every year since 1995 and features nearly 400 selections from Italy and California.

Plaudits from the press include this comment from one critic: "Lago is a warm and welcome respite. As exotic as it is delicious, the food is among the city's very best." Another described Lago as "Casually classy... the authenticity of the place is clearly one of its assets." The Los Angeles Times insists that the Antipasto Bar "… is one of our favorites," and the Hollywood Reporter refers to Lago as a "chic, authentic Italian bistro." Metromix raves, "With the warmth of an old Italian inn and the cool factor of a Santa Monica hot spot, you'll never even know you're on the Third Street Promenade. Lago has a loyal base of regulars because the customers are treated like kings, and the bustling restaurant is run with astounding ease." Frommer's promises, "There’s no better place to people-watch than at the outdoor patio," and Gourmet Magazine advises, "Italy meets the Pacific -- authentic cuisine of Milano, Como and Stresa served up in the most California of settings. Don't miss the Ossobuco alla Milanese."

Visit us today!

LAGO
231 Arizona Avenue
Santa Monica, CA
310 451-3525

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LAGO

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