Location i Cugini
1501 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90401 Contact Tel: (310) 451-4595
Fax: (310) 451-9026 Extra Info Hours: N/A
Pricing: N/A Map and Direction Click
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i Cugini is where roomy, open-air environment
washes away the cares of the day. The distant crashing of waves,
the gurgle of two ornate fish-shaped fountains, and Italian music
playing in the background have you relaxed before you even see the
menu!
Almost half of the restaurant consists of a space designed to resemble
a seaside patio like one might find on the Amalfi coast of Italy.
The interior features vaulted ceilings, parquet wood floors, terrazzo
marble countertops and a huge mural depicting an old trattoria in
Italy from the 20's. Columns are used instead of walls to separate
the different rooms: a bar area, center dining room and back dining
room. The focal point of the center dining room is a central fish
boning station.
i Cugini, Specialita di Pesce, offers an authentic Italian dining
experience. The seafood-inspired menu promotes sharing, with whole-cooked
fish dishes and smaller portions of antipasti and pasta. Fish is
cooked whole or cut with preparation styles including oven roasted
in rock salt and braised in a light tomato broth with fennel. Meat
and chicken dishes can also be found on the menu, along with pizza
and bomba, puffed dough cooked light, high and crisp and filled
with ingredients such as fontina cheese and prosciutto. Side dishes,
soups and salads reflect Italy's reverence to the seasons.
