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

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.

Read more HERE!

Lago's Lucia Immortalized on Flickr Photo Site

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!

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!

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

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

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!

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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