Carrie & Mika dining at La Botte
When it comes to dining, creatures of the sea are at the top of my list. So when I read “Stuffed Calamari with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce, and Arugula”, while browsing through my Los Angeles MICHELIN Guide, within 5 minutes I was on OpenTable.com making an 8:30 p.m. reservation at one star MICHELIN restaurant, La Botte in Santa Monica.
Stuffed Calamari with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce, and Arugula
While driving to La Botte from my home in West Hollywood, I do admit I had the slight fear of the Stuffed Calamari not being on the menu, or having been 86’d since it was a later reservation. To my food obsessed relief, I arrived and the Stuffed Calamari was on the menu, available, and ready for me to order.
Risotto Mantecato, with Burrata, and Santa Barbara Spot Prawns
Being a huge fan of Burrata cheese, I was excited, yet curious to see that La Botte served a “Risotto Mantecato, with Burrata, and Santa Barbara Spot Prawns” as an entrée. I’ve eaten many risottos before both in the U.S. and in Italy, but I’ve had yet to try one prepared with Buratta. When the risotto arrived, it was absolutely divine.
Since there were no champagnes by the glass, I ordered a glass of the Jeio Prosecco Bisol. My friend Carrie was craving a nice red wine for the evening, so our server Cristian brought three different reds with three glasses to the table for her to sample and choose her favorite. This was a notable courtesy, and from there on out, it was those well thought out details that made our dinner at La Botte memorable and truly welcoming. From the hostess to chef Luigi, the service was friendly, precise, and professional. The staff definitely makes you feel like their special guest in this dimly lit Italian hideaway. La Botte’s dining space resembles a wine cellar and the vibe is private, intimate and romantic.
w/ Chef Luigi Fineo in La Botte's Wine Cellar Dining Room
La Botte is located right on the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard at Sixth Street. I’ve driven by it many times, but never noticed it before. This is definitely a hidden gem that I discovered from my MICHELIN Guide and I will be sure to make a trip back soon.
La Botte serves lunch Mon-Fri: 11:30am-2:pm & Dinner Daily: 5:30pm-10:30pm.
La Botte Ristorante
620 Santa Monica Blvd – Btwn 6th St & 7th St
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310 576-3072
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La botte’s stuffed calamari looks fantastic.
See Michelin Guide for this year with complete list of starred restaurants awarded with Michelin Stars.