When Locanda del Lago opened in April 1991, the Santa Monica Italian restaurant quickly established a reputation as having perhaps the only menu in Los Angeles to focus on the cuisine of Northern Italy's Lombardy region. Today, celebrating its 15th anniversary, Lago maintains that unique identity. Featuring specialties from Milano and Bellagio on Lake Como, the restaurant has continued to attract an eclectic crowd of celebrities, locals and travelers by offering exceptional Northern Italian food and service.

Lago's comfortable, warm atmosphere and sidewalk patio evoke the charm of an Italian locanda (inn or trattoria) del lago (of the lake). An always-changing array of menu choices is offered, including a "Tasting Menu" every night (in addition to the dinner menu) that varies every few weeks depending upon the availability of the best seasonal ingredients. "Our menus are guided by Italian traditions, the quality of ingredients, and the seasons rather than American trends," says co-owner West Hooker. "A diner at Lago will find dishes, particularly on our dinner menu, not often found at Italian restaurants in this country."

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 Hollywood Reporter referred to it as a "chic, authentic Italian bistro," and Gourmet Magazine said, "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."

Lago's services are available for private parties inside the restaurant or off-premises catering. The restaurant is open daily for lunch, Saturday/Sunday brunch, and dinner. A "Happy Hour" is featured from 5 to 7 p.m. Sundays through Fridays with specially priced tapas-style menu and drinks.

Valet parking is provided from 6 p.m. nightly; ample Santa Monica city structure parking is available at all times. Reservations are suggested. All major credit cards are accepted. Lago opens daily at 11:30 AM and is located at 231 Arizona Avenue on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica.