Located on the Santa Monica, Venice border on a street parallel to Main, you’ll find the recently opened Luigi Al Teatro. When I first walked by the building, the stained glass had me thinking that the space was a church. But in fact, this architectural gem, built in 1910 known as the Power House, was most recently a community theatre and production space. Chef Luigi Fineo also runs the popular Osteria Venice West restaurant a few blocks away and saw this space and knew it was the ideal location for his more upscale Italian restaurant. I first met Chef Luigi a decade ago when he earned a Michelin star as the Executive Chef at La Botte Ristorante. After his time there, he went on to work at several other restaurants including two years at The French Laundry in Napa Valley. Chef Fineo is originally from Gioia Del Colle, a town in the heart of Puglia, Italy. His cooking was initially inspired by childhood shopping trips with his mother at the local Italian markets. And now, cooking and sharing the taste of food he grew up with in Italy’s Mediterranean region, is what he’s passionately presenting at Luigi Al Teatro.
The Entrance of Luigi Al Teatro
Sea Bream Carpaccio with Orange and Lemon
The unique dining room has stained glass windows and floor to ceiling fresco artwork
Lasagna Seafood Medley
The wall of herbs
Linguine with Sea Urchin, Parsley and Shallots
Hawaiian Prawns with Burrata, Durum Wheat Bread and Basil
Glass of Italian Sparkling Wine – Setteanime Raboso Geloso Rose’ – Veneto
Finishing off our meal with a couple of desserts
The initial entry room at Luigi Al Teatro is a more casual and eclectic space which is ideal for happy hour, or a private party. They also offer a very nice Hour Hour Menu including food and drinks at $7 between 4:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.
Luigi al Teatro
3116 2nd Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 328-0000