Caffé Delfini

4.9

570 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Make a booking

2 people

16 Mar 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 15 times today

About this restaurant

Charming
Neighbourhood gem
Great for fine wines

Childhood friends Alessandro Ercoli, Gianpietro Silardi, and Lino Savoia opened this typical Italian restaurant back in 1990. Continuing the adventure now with Alessandro are Riccardo Menichetti from Tuscany, a long-time friend with a strong passion for food and cooking, and Teri Ercoli (Alex's wife). Caffe’ Delfini has become synonymous with romance. As soon as you step inside, you are greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere that transports you to the cobblestone streets of Rome, and soft music fills the air, adding to the intimate ambiance that permeates the restaurant. The menu is a culinary journey through Italy with dishes that are prepared using only the freshest and finest ingredients. Caffe’ Delfini isn't just a place to eat, but a destination for lovers to come and create lasting memories. In fact, it’s not just the food that makes this restaurant so romantic. The attentive and friendly staff go above and beyond to ensure that every guest feels special and cared for.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, Contemporary Italian, Fish
Hours of Operation
Dinner Daily 5:30 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(310) 459-8823
Website
http://www.caffedelfini.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive Chef
Rigo and Cristo
Catering
We do have catering options depending on size and type of food that is requested. We need at least 2 days in advance to organize large catering (typically more than 20 people)
Private party facilities
Our Private room can accommodate a single long table for 25 guests for a private party and up to 32 by choosing a different table format

Location
147 W Channel Rd, Santa Monica, CA 90402
Area
Santa Monica
Cross Street
Pacific Coast Highway
Parking details
Valet and Street Parking Available
Public transit
Santa Monica Metro
Additional
Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

COZZE ZI' CHECCO USD 25.00
Prince Edward Island black mussels in white wine, garlic broth.
VEGETALI USD 16.00
Finely diced carrots, peas, zucchini, leeks, potato, vegetable broth
PASTA e FAGIOLI USD 16.00
Puree' of white cannellini beans with a little bit of short canneroni pasta and chicken broth
ASPARAGUSUSD 19.00
Fresh asparagus puree' with a little onion, garlic, potatoes and chicken broth. Served with croutons

S A L A D S & A P P E T I Z E R

FOCACCINA ROMANA and Pane
Rosemary 12 - Margherita 18 - Porcini 20 - Prosciutto & Arugula 22 - Broccoli & Salsiccia 19 - Homemade Bread 3
BRUSCHETTA USD 10.00
Toasted home made bread, topped with fresh chopped tomatoes and basil (lightly garlic)
CALAMARI alla GRIGLIA USD 26.00
Grilled calamari, dressed with a touch of Worcestershire sauce
Homemade EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA USD 24.00
Eggplant, tomato sauce and buffalo mozzarella
BURRATAUSD 22.00
Fresh, creamy, cow milk cheese, cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of e.v.o.o
BRESAOLA USD 24.00
Imported aged beef tenderloin, fresh arugula, shaved Parmigiano Reggiano, citronette dressing
PROSCIUTTO e MOZZARELLA USD 28.00
Prosciutto San Daniele aged 24m, topped with fresh buffalo mozzarella
GAMBERETTI Delfini USD 24.00
Shrimp in lightly spicy tomato sauce, capers, and e.v.o.o. Served with garlic bread
Little GEM Salad USD 19.00
Champagne vinaigrette, shallots, e.v.o.o., Topped with walnuts and wooled pecorino
ARUGULA & RADICCHIO USD 17.00
Shaved Parmigiano Reggiano and sliced tomatoes, dressed with e.v.o.o., and aceto balsamico
CAPRESE USD 20.00
Fresh buffalo mozzarella, sliced tomatoes basil and e.v.o.o
CESARE USD 21.00
Chopped Romaine, served with croutons and shaved Parmigiano Reggiano (contains raw eggs)
BEETS & Baby SPINACH Salad USD 19.00
With cucumber, Feta cheese, pistacchio nuts and balsamic vinaigrette
CARCIOFINI Salad xUSD 23.00
Shaved baby artichokes, arugula, celery, Parm. Reggiano, lemon J., garlic mustard dressing
POLPO alla GRIGLIA USD 25.00
Spanish, grilled octopus. Served with cubed potatoes in citronette sauce

P A S T E

Home-made LASAGNA USD 30.00
Lean veal lasagna
Home-made TAGLIOLINI al RADICCHIO USD 29.00
Thin fettuccine , radicchio, guanciale (Italian cured pork cheek), Parmigiano Reggiano, and a touch of cream
Home-made RAVIOLI al RAGU' TOSCANO USD 35.00
Ricotta cheese and spinachfilled. 5 h. slow cooking minced, lean beef, Italian sausage aromatized with juniper berries bay leaves and nutmeg, in a soffritto of carots, onion and celery with just a touch of San Marzano tomato sauce
LINGUINE MARE USD 35.00
Manila clams, P.E.I. black mussels, shrimp, calamari, snow crab claw, garlic parsley and a touch of red chili flakes. Choice of San Marzano tomato sauce or white wine sauce
PENNE ARRABBIATAUSD 27.00
Penne with lots of garlic cloves in spicy San Marzano tomato sauce
LINGUINI CLAMS & PORCINI USD 36.00
Manila clams, and porcini mushrooms, white wine, garlic, and a touch of red chili flakes
Home-made SPAGHETTI with SHRIMP, and CALAMARI in SQUID INK Sauce USD 33.00
Contains garlic, butter, fish broth and e.v.o.o.
FUSILLI NASSA USD 29.00
Corkscrews with shrimp in a reduction of cream, San Marzano tomato sauce, garlic, and a touch of red chili flakes
Home-made FETTUCCINE BOLOGNESE USD 31.00
Delicate, lean, ground, natural veal, Parmigiano Reggiano andSan Marzano tomato sauce,
ORECCHIETTE BROCCOLINI e SALSICCIA USD 31.00
Pasta shells, broccolini, sweet Italian pork sausage, garlic, pecorino style cow cheese, touch of chili flakes
Home-made TORTELLINI BOSCOUSD 36.00
Petit plump pasta, stuffed with mortadella, Parmigiano Reggiano, milk, and egg in cream sauce with wild mushrooms, peas, topped with Prosciutto di Parma and pistachio nuts
RIGATONI alla NORMA USD 29.00
Tubular pasta with eggplant, plum San Marzano tomatoes, smoked mozzarella, onion and a touch of red chili flakes
BUCATINI AMATRICIANA USD 29.00
Hollow spag,, guanciale (It. Cured pork cheek), onion, pecorino style cow cheese, touch red chili in SanM. tomato sauce
Home-made TAGLIOLINI al PESTO Verde USD 28.00
Thin fettuccine, homemade pesto (garlic, basil, e.v.o.o., Parmigiano Reggiano) topped with toasted pine nuts
MEZZE MANICHE CARBONARA USD 30.00
Short, tubular pasta, pasture-raised organic egg, guanciale (Italian cured pork cheek), black pepper, and Parmigiano Reggiano
RIGATONI GORGONZOLA USD 27.00
Tubular pasta in creamy Gorgonzola sauce
Appetizer pasta portions are only available to kids or when preceding an entrée. All our made pastas contain eggs. Add $ 2.00 to split salads and antipasti -Add $ 5.00 to split pastas and entrées. Parties of 8 and higher will be automatically charged 20% service charge ----- WI-FI: Delfini147!

Gluten Free PASTA SUBstitutions

ZINGUINE ® (100% shredded fresh zucchini) USD 3.00
BROWN RICE PENNETTE (100% brown rice) USD 3.00
QUINOA SPAGHETTI (Bolivian - No corn) USD 3.00
RED LENTIL PENNETTE (100% organic red lentil) USD 3.00

Z I N G U I N E (all gluten free) (spiroled fresh zucchini )

ZINGUINE® al SALMONE Diablo USD 37.00
Wild Alaskan salmon, San Marzano tomato sauce, garlic, parsley, and chili flakes. (Medium spicy)
ZINGUINE®BOLOGNESE USD 34.00
Delicate, lean, ground, natural veal, Parmigiano Reggiano and San Marzano tomato sauce
ZINGUINE® ai CARCIOFINI USD 32.00
Sautéed fresh baby artichokes, basil, garlic, Parmigiano Reggiano, and a small touch of red chili flakes. (Can be served vegan with grated soy or nut based cheeses)
ZINGUINE® al PESTO VERDE USD 31.00
Topped with roasted pine nuts

R I S O T T I (all gluten free)

RISOTTO al ROSMARINO USD 30.00
Italian Arborio rice, demi-glace, butter, Parmigiano Reggiano, and rosemary
RISOTTO PORCINI USD 33.00
It. Arborio rice, porcini mushroom, onion, butter, (San Marzano tomato or Parmigiano Reggiano style)
RISOTTO MARE Red USD 35.00
Italian Arborio rice, Manila clams, P.E.I. black mussels, shrimp, calamari, snow crab claw, garlic, parsley and a touch of red chili in medium spicy San Marzano tomato sauce
RISOTTO GAMBERI e ZAFFERANO USD 34.00
Italian Arborio rice with shrimp, and saffron

M E A T S, P O U L T R Y & F I S H

Entrées are served with roasted potatoes, sautéed broccoli, carrots and yellow squash unless specified

14 oz TAGLIATA di MANZO (certified Choice, Angus beef) USD 56.00
Sliced New York steak, dressed with Balsamic sauce (e.v.o.o., raw garlic, lemon j. and basil). Served on a bed of arugula with sautéed spinach and rosemary roasted potatoes
8 oz. FILET MIGNON al BAROLO & Wild Mushrooms USD 62.00
A Barolo reduction containing: garlic, onion, balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. Served with roasted potatoes and sautéed baby spinach
VEAL CHOP MILANESE (natural veal) USD 54.00
Thinly pounded, breaded, pan fried veal chop, served with rosemary roasted potatoes, and fresh chopped tomatoes, and basil (contains egg)
VEAL scaloppine PICCATA (natural veal - gluten free) USD 39.00
Medallions of natural veal, sautéed in lemon j, butter, and capers sauce.
PETTO di POLLO PARMIGIANA (Mary's Farm) USD 36.00
Boneless, skinless, pounded, panfried breast of chicken, topped with mozzarella, and San Marzano tomato sauce
PETTO di POLLO DEMI-GLACE (Mary's Farm) USD 37.00
Chicken breast and thigh with balsamic demi-glace, served with roasted potatoes, and sautéed baby spinach
BRANZINO USD 46.00
Wild, Mediterranean striped bass filet. White wine baked with rosemary and very little garlic. Served with spicy, garlic sautéed baby spinach, and rosemary roasted potatoes.
TROUT ALMONDINE USD 36.00
Snake River, Idaho trout filet, baked w/ shaved roasted almonds. Finished with in lemon butter. sage sauce. Served with spicy, garlic sautéed baby spinach, and rosemary roasted potatoes.
CIOPPINO USD 45.00
Manila clams, P.E.I. black mussels, calamari, shrimp, snow crab claw, and Alaskan wild salmon in a lightly spicy San Marzano tomato sauce. Served with garlic bread side

S I D E S (sautéed or steamed)

BroccoliniUSD 14.00
AsparagusUSD 11.00
Baby spinach in padella USD 9.00
Carrots - Broccoli - Yellow Squash - Peas (each) USD 8.00
Rosemary roasted potatoes USD 8.00
Grilled radicchio al balsamico USD 10.00
Fresh chopped tomatoes, and basil USD 8.00
Green, sweet olives (Castelvetrano - Sicily) USD 8.00
Cannellini beans in citronette sauce USD 8.00

WE E K L Y S P E C I A L S

Monday Home-made SPAGHETTI CACIO e PEPE USD 29.00
Tuesday Home-made TAGLIOLINI BLUE CRAB MEAT & SNOW CRAB CLAW USD 38.00
White wine, garlic, parsley and red chili flakes. (medium spicy)
Wednesday Home-made LUNETTE al TARTUFO & Wild Mushroom in Cream Sauce USD 36.00
Round ravioli, stuffed with ricotta, Parmigiano Reggiano, and black truffles in cream, and wild mushrooms sauce
Thursday Home-made GNOCCHI alla SORRENTINA USD 29.00
Potato dumplings with San Marzano tomato sauce, basil and fresh buffalo mozzarella
Friday Home-made PAPPARDELLE NORCINA USD 32.00
Lean, ground natural, veal sausage, touch of garlic, cream and San Marzano tomato sauce
Saturday Home-made FETTUCCINE LOBSTER MEAT in NASSA sauce USD 43.00
Lobster meat in a light creamy San Marzano tomato sauce, garlic and a small touch of red chili flakes
Sunday Home-made SPAGHETTI VEAL MEATBALLS USD 30.00
Lean ground veal - San Marzano tomato sauce
Appetizer pasta portions are only available to kids or when preceding an entrée Pasta and entrées split charge $ 5 All our home-made pastas contain eggs. Parties of 8 and higher will be automatically charged 20% service charge

What 570 people are saying

Caffé Delfini reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9

4.9 based on recent ratings

4.9Food
4.9Service
4.9Ambience
4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Los Angeles
Neighbourhood gem
Los Angeles
Italian
Westside
Best Overall
Westside
Best Food
Westside
Neighbourhood gem
Westside
Great for fine wines
Westside
Italian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Caffé Delfini is a beloved Italian gem in Los Angeles, praised for its "exceptional food and service." Celebrated for homemade pasta, "authentic Italian cuisine," and a warm, charming "neighborhood gem" ambiance, it offers a "romantic" setting. With a "friendly, attentive" staff, it's a must-visit for Italian food enthusiasts.

570 Reviews

J
Jim
Los Angeles105 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It is so great to have this wonderful little restaurant back in business! Alex and Hector put on a great return show for us last night. Food, as always, was delicious. Service attentive and professional. And a very-happy-to-have-you-back vibe permeated the restaurant. Totally recommendable!!!
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E
Ellen VIP
Los Angeles13 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
So delicious and able to hear, converse, and engage Gotta go early
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KM
KathyM
Las Vegas3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 6 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
So WONDERFUL to be back at Caffe Delfini! Ricardo, Hector and all the staff made for a perfect evening!!! Food was delicious as always and the familiar & warm ambiance was just what we needed! Congratulations on all your hard work to get open again.
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J
Joanne
Los Angeles36 reviews
5.0
Dined on 6 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
How could I not have known about this gem which has been open for nearly 40 years. Food was fresh and truly “homemade” as they rightfully boast. The owner is so friendly and spends time with all guests. The rest of the staff is equally friendly. You feel the charm of the old house this restaurant originally was.
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E
Estefania
New York City2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 3 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I love dining here! The food is exquisite, the service is exceptional and the staff is so friendly.
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A
Andrew VIP
London32 reviews
5.0
Dined on 1 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We’ve been coming to this neighborhood gym for years. As always, food service and ambience are excellent. Thank you, alex!
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V
Victor VIP
Orlando180 reviews
5.0
Dined on 1 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The restaurant has the best Cesar salad and trout almondine. The staff is very nice as well. We will continue to come back.
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B
Barbara
New Mexico9 reviews
5.0
Dined on 1 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Lovely dinner by the window on New Year’s Eve. Perfect!
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P
Paul VIP
Minneapolis21 reviews
5.0
Dined on 30 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The lasagna was fantastic! As were the other pasta dishes.
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A
Amy
Los Angeles13 reviews
5.0
Dined on 22 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Haven’t been in years. Charming wood floored, inn-like dining room. Friendly service and excellent risotto del mare(?) (fresh shell fish), others enjoyed the veal scallopini, walnut crusted trout. Very nice barolo by the glass.
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FAQs

Caffé Delfini does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now. Caffé Delfini also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (310) 459-8823.

Caffé Delfini is rated 4.9 stars by 570 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

16 Mar 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 15 times today

Order delivery or takeout

147 W Channel Rd, Santa Monica, CA 90402

Additional information

Cross Street
Pacific Coast Highway
Area
Santa Monica
Hours of Operation
Dinner Daily 5:30 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian, Contemporary Italian, Fish
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Valet and Street Parking Available
Public transit
Santa Monica Metro
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Rigo and Cristo
Additional
Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.caffedelfini.com/
Phone number
(310) 459-8823
Catering
We do have catering options depending on size and type of food that is requested. We need at least 2 days in advance to organize large catering (typically more than 20 people)
Private party facilities
Our Private room can accommodate a single long table for 25 guests for a private party and up to 32 by choosing a different table format

Caffé Delfini

Make a booking

About this restaurant

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

LINGUINE MARE

MEZZE MANICHE CARBONARA

Home-made TORTELLINI BOSCO

Z U P P E

COZZE ZI' CHECCO USD 25.00

VEGETALI USD 16.00

PASTA e FAGIOLI USD 16.00

ASPARAGUSUSD 19.00

S A L A D S & A P P E T I Z E R

FOCACCINA ROMANA and Pane

BRUSCHETTA USD 10.00

CALAMARI alla GRIGLIA USD 26.00

Homemade EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA USD 24.00

BURRATAUSD 22.00

BRESAOLA USD 24.00

PROSCIUTTO e MOZZARELLA USD 28.00

GAMBERETTI Delfini USD 24.00

Little GEM Salad USD 19.00

ARUGULA & RADICCHIO USD 17.00

CAPRESE USD 20.00

CESARE USD 21.00

BEETS & Baby SPINACH Salad USD 19.00

CARCIOFINI Salad xUSD 23.00

POLPO alla GRIGLIA USD 25.00

P A S T E

Home-made LASAGNA USD 30.00

Home-made TAGLIOLINI al RADICCHIO USD 29.00

Home-made RAVIOLI al RAGU' TOSCANO USD 35.00

LINGUINE MARE USD 35.00

PENNE ARRABBIATAUSD 27.00

LINGUINI CLAMS & PORCINI USD 36.00

Home-made SPAGHETTI with SHRIMP, and CALAMARI in SQUID INK Sauce USD 33.00

FUSILLI NASSA USD 29.00

Home-made FETTUCCINE BOLOGNESE USD 31.00

ORECCHIETTE BROCCOLINI e SALSICCIA USD 31.00

Home-made TORTELLINI BOSCOUSD 36.00

RIGATONI alla NORMA USD 29.00

BUCATINI AMATRICIANA USD 29.00

Home-made TAGLIOLINI al PESTO Verde USD 28.00

MEZZE MANICHE CARBONARA USD 30.00

RIGATONI GORGONZOLA USD 27.00

Appetizer pasta portions are only available to kids or when preceding an entrée. All our made pastas contain eggs. Add $ 2.00 to split salads and antipasti -Add $ 5.00 to split pastas and entrées. Parties of 8 and higher will be automatically charged 20% service charge ----- WI-FI: Delfini147!

Gluten Free PASTA SUBstitutions

ZINGUINE ® (100% shredded fresh zucchini) USD 3.00

BROWN RICE PENNETTE (100% brown rice) USD 3.00

QUINOA SPAGHETTI (Bolivian - No corn) USD 3.00

RED LENTIL PENNETTE (100% organic red lentil) USD 3.00

Z I N G U I N E (all gluten free) (spiroled fresh zucchini )

ZINGUINE® al SALMONE Diablo USD 37.00

ZINGUINE®BOLOGNESE USD 34.00

ZINGUINE® ai CARCIOFINI USD 32.00

ZINGUINE® al PESTO VERDE USD 31.00

R I S O T T I (all gluten free)

RISOTTO al ROSMARINO USD 30.00

RISOTTO PORCINI USD 33.00

RISOTTO MARE Red USD 35.00

RISOTTO GAMBERI e ZAFFERANO USD 34.00

M E A T S, P O U L T R Y & F I S H

14 oz TAGLIATA di MANZO (certified Choice, Angus beef) USD 56.00

8 oz. FILET MIGNON al BAROLO & Wild Mushrooms USD 62.00

VEAL CHOP MILANESE (natural veal) USD 54.00

VEAL scaloppine PICCATA (natural veal - gluten free) USD 39.00

PETTO di POLLO PARMIGIANA (Mary's Farm) USD 36.00

PETTO di POLLO DEMI-GLACE (Mary's Farm) USD 37.00

BRANZINO USD 46.00

TROUT ALMONDINE USD 36.00

CIOPPINO USD 45.00

S I D E S (sautéed or steamed)

BroccoliniUSD 14.00

AsparagusUSD 11.00

Baby spinach in padella USD 9.00

Carrots - Broccoli - Yellow Squash - Peas (each) USD 8.00

Rosemary roasted potatoes USD 8.00

Grilled radicchio al balsamico USD 10.00

Fresh chopped tomatoes, and basil USD 8.00