Welcome!

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

Check out our menus:
Lago's Menus

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LAGO

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Reservations