THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Bistro of Santa Monica

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Bistro of Santa Monica Restaurant Review:

This restaurant is called a bistro --- it even looks like a bistro --- but is, in fact, a trattoria, with only occasional nods to French cuisine on its extensive menu. Set in a historic brick building, circa 1890, the dining room is casually elegant, decked out in its original stamped tin ceiling and leaded glass, with tables nicely dressed with linen and flowers. Starters include involtini (eggplant stuffed with mozzarella and tomato sauce), shrimp simmered in garlic and tomato, and a traditional gold and red beet salad with goat cheese. There's a long list of risotto, gnocchi and pasta dishes, like the chicken lasagna; entrées include veal scallopine with mushrooms and Marsala, a surf ‘n’ turf of filet and lobster tail, and chicken Parmigiana. For dessert, there is the predictable tiramisu or bread pudding, but if you're really missing the authentic bistro experience, go for the chocolate soufflé. Wines range the world, from California Chardonnay to Australian Shiraz.