Luigi al Teatro

Luigi al Teatro has a romantic vibe the moment you approach, for this beautiful Italian restaurant makes its home in an old building (once a power station, a temple and a theater) with a wonderful Spanish adobe facade studded with stained glass windows. Walk along the side path to the entrance to discover a back terrace, where beloved dogs are welcome to join their owners for a bite. Inside the main dining room, stunning frescoes of characters from theatrical productions look down on the warm, inviting room. There, in a long open kitchen, Chef Luigi Fineo whips up dishes reminiscent of his Puglia, Italy, home. He's a Michelin-starred cooking master, who has worked with Thomas Keller at The French Laundry and other top-notch toques along the way. Now at his own restaurant, Fineo offers a seafood-heavy menu with delicate crudi (raw fish), hearty house-made pastas and perfectly presented "secondi" (halibut, tuna, salmon). With an eclectic wine list, impeccable service and cozy seating, this special, tucked-away Santa Monica eatery is a place where romance and fine dining go hand in hand.