North Italia (New) - Santa Monica
North Italia opening in Santa Monica
on May 30th!
I'm a fan of Fox Restaurant Concepts,
you've probably followed me to the Pasadena opening of
So, just ahead of the Grand Opening in Santa Monica,
I was invited to one of the media preview nights,
as the staff prepares for their opening debut.
A beautiful patio off 2nd Street
as you walk into North Italia.
A nice high celling dining room.
My friend said it reminded her of True Food Kitchen.
She was surprised when I told her both were owned
by the same company.
"Every restaurant and venue tells a story, it has a
personality. That personality usually takes over and becomes
what it was meant to be - a new restaurant, special dish, or
a design approach."
~ Sam Fox
Fox Restaurant Concepts
See What Jay Eats...
Chef's Board
with prosciutto di parma, artisan cheese, burrata,
marinated eggplant, roasted pepper,
castelvetrano olives and marcona almonds
Such a great starter!
While we were working on the First Course,
the kitchen was working on the rest of our order.
When you can't decide between two pizzas
and it's suggested that you order 1/2 and 1/2,
You Do!
Funghi
with roasted mushroom, cipollini onion
and smoked mozzarella.
I love mushroom pizza
Prosciutto
with mission fig, goat cheese and arugula.
A nice balance between a bit sweet and salty.
Short Rib Radiatori
with parmesan cream, fresh horseradish,
wilted arugula and herbed breadcrumbs.
The pasta, "Radiatori" looks like small radiators,
hence the name.
When your server tells you that it's a
12 hour braised short rib that is so tender,
it just falls apart, I just had to order it.
It was so tender, such good flavor too.
And on that note...
It was time to look at the dessert menu.
But a latte first!
They do know how to make a good cup of coffee,
love the sugar cubes.
Strawberry Mascarpone Tart
with lemon cream and basil on an almond crust.
I have to admit, I've had all of the desserts
and this is a new one. A great Spring dessert.
Bombolini
(Italian Donuts)
served with a Meyer lemon curd and vanilla mascarpone.
A Must Order!
Thanking server Eric for another great visit.
He's one of the trainers at this Santa Monica location.
In a previous visit to North Italia,
here's some of Eric's recommendations.
White Truffle Garlic Bread
with house made ricotta, mozzarella,
grana padano and herbs.
Garlic and Truffle,
could it get any better?
Italian Meatballs
with marinara, pecorino
and served with grilled bread.
Yup, there are meatballs under
all of that cheese and sauce.
Squid Ink Mafaldine
with shrimp, calamari, acqua pazza, mint,
fennel pollen and calabrian chili.
If you love seafood, this is the dish to order.
Visit North Italia in Santa Monica!
I was telling someone in the kitchen the other day,
for a chain restaurant, the Italian food is pretty good.
It's something that I could eat on a regular basis.
It has flavor without being overly rich and
contemporary but still connected to traditional roots.
The menu isn't huge, but what they do serve is very good,
something for everyone. The service is very good too...
Go check them out!
1442 2nd Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 382-2460
Hours
Lunch: Monday - Friday
11 am - 4 pm
Dinner: Sunday - Thursday
4 pm - 10 pm
Friday - Saturday
4 pm - 11 pm
Brunch
Saturday - Sunday
10 am - 4 pm
Don't forget!
Thank You!
Karsha Chang
Nerissa Silao
Eric Felly
NOTE: I was a guest of North Italia.
I thank them for their invitation and hospitality.
All comments and opinions are strictly my own.
Photos by Jay Terauchi
Jay Eats Worldwide
©Jay Terauchi
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