Capo - Santa Monica (CA)

5 /5 Ian Fels: I rarely, if ever, leave reviews. I normally look down upon the people who take time to leave reviews (normally because it’s people upset about reservation mix-ups). But I felt compelled to say- this restaurant, the food, the service, and the ambiance, are exceptional. Yes, it’s expensive. Trust me when I say this- get the ragu and the corn ravioli thing- and get a steak, any steak- and get a dessert, any dessert- it’s all worth every penny. The staff is phenomenal, they were extremely accommodating, and the ambiance is cute, lively, warm, how else can I describe something that feels welcoming? 5 stars. I’m not kidding I’m writing this review at the dinner table. Make this your special occasion; or, do what I am going to do and make this your go-to semi weekly splurge spot. It’s that good.

5 /5 Tiffany Derheimer: Based on my experience at Capo, it is hard for me to imagine anyone leaving less than five stars. Everything was impeccable. My husband and I agree that it was some of the best food we’ve had in years. Our server was so lovely it felt like we had become friends. The ambiance is perfect - cozy and warm with a music playlist that is somehow eclectic and perfect (and not loud!!! You can actually have a conversation in this restaurant!!) A truly memorable experience and I will be back the next time I’m in LA. Don’t miss it.

4 /5 Katrina Klein: This was our first time at Capo. The food was outstanding and the service was wonderful. What put a bad taste in our mouth was putting on the menu “20% service charge automatically added so we can give our staff a living wage”. Do you mean to tell me that when people are paying $300 a head for a meal, you cant afford to give your staff a living wage? Just pay them properly. On top of it, at the end, the server said we were welcome to leave an additional tip so that it could just go to the wait staff and not have to be split with the kitchen. When you are charging $41 for a piece of burrata and a couple of vegetables on a plate, the margins are there, and I shouldn’t have to pay extra on top of that so you can pay your staff properly. If you are going to have what amounts to a built-in surcharge, fine, but suggesting additional “gratuity”, and the way it was presented, was obnoxious.

5 /5 Drew M: This place has been around for a LONG time and it is totally understandable. It is truly delicious and charming. It’s got some old world vibes and a real cozy atmosphere. We sat at the bar (which I highly recommend) and the bar tender/server was awesome. She gave us great recommendations, was super friendly, and even suggested things we didn’t know we could do (like 1/2 portions of two pastas and split everything). In the age of ‘fine dining’ meaning a tasting menu…go here for culinary delights you get to choose for yourself. Also…no time limits! We were there for 3 hours and it flew by but we never felt rushed.

5 /5 Susan Otis: Our daughter, who dined in twice back in 2019, is who recommended CAPO’S after ending our Route 66 road tour in our 1972 442 convertible from Oklahoma to Santa Monica. The trip was an experience and adding CAPO last night finished our extravaganza! Yes pricey, but what absolute perfection on all counts. Enjoyed every second and every delicious bite. A five star in our journal!!!