We're celebrating my hubby's birthday next month by flying to LA. We'll be based in Redondo Beach for a long w/e with our daughter. I saw in a United flight magazine that Valentino's in SM was one of the best Italian restaurants in the country. Any thoughts on that? I'd like to plan on a really nice dinner while we're there, and Italian's his fav. Anything comparable near Redondo, since wine will be flowing?

HI--we ate there based on a NYT---I think--article. Food was indeed very good but the atmosphere, at least where we were seated, is what I would call rather somber. We go to LA a couple times a year, as we also have our son there, and we have not been back to Valentino's for the above cited reason.

We did eat at a wonderful--and more lively---Italian place in Beverly Hills, that my husband said was the best Italian food he has ever had anywhere but that is not close to Redondo, given your flowing wine concern...

In Redondo Beach, our favorite Italian restaurants are:

www.coccoledelgusto.com Northern Italian.
Buona Sera in the Riviera Village. www.buonasera-ristorante.com/

In Hermosa:
www.thebottleinn.com You can sit on the patio and hear the ocean.
www.ilboccaccio.com on Pier Ave. (I haven't been here for a while, but friends still love this place)
www.buonavita.com

I don't think any of these places have been written up in a national publication, but they will all give you an enjoyable dining experience. All are close enough to the ocean to take a nice after dinner stroll. The websites show the interior and menus.

Enjoy!

The SoBay does not have restaurants like Valentino's, but surely does have excellent food to offer.

Our longtime favorite, is the Bottle Inn, in Hermosa. It's a funky looking place, but we love the food and wine.

A bit more upscale, in Manhattan Beach, is Mangiamo's, just up from the pier. It's a small place and reservations are needed.

http://www.mangiamorestaurant.com/

While I've seen some great suggestions so far, I thought I'd make one as well. Via Veneto in Santa Monica, near the border of the city of Santa Monica & Venice. It's on Main Street. Despite some of the reviews you'll see on Citysearch (http://losangeles.citysearch.com/pro..._restaurant-nc) it's still a wonderful place. It's my boyfriend and my "special" restaurant. We've always had wonderful service, and amazing food. Make a reservation if you go. Excellent Italian food and most of the waiters are from Italy. Enjoy!!

Report on trip: We decided on Bottle Inn our first night, since we were really up past our bedtime! It was really good...the atmosphere was warm and friendly, and the food was great! Great suggestion - thanks!
The other nights we went to Water Grill. Beautiful restaurant, fun but quiet enough to hear each other, fabulous food. I had asked for a good table since it was a birthday celebration, and they even printed special menus for us with a personalized "Happy Birthday" on it! The service was great, even kind of fun. A friend with us said she felt like the waiters were auditioning or practicing for parts...definitely full of personality. But all very elegant. And they had somehow created a dessert with my name all over it...all my favorite flavors. Great evening.
Then the next night, we went to BOA at Santa Monica. Vibrant place! Again, great service, great food, and half-off wine on Sunday evenings. Can't beat it! Followed a couple of leads and ordered fresh roasted corn...fantastic. Great BLT salad. Great steaks and tuna. Yum. Thanks for the help, and I'm passing along the suggestions to my daughter to try them all!

Thanks for reporting back. You never know how someone is going to like the local restaurants, when they are not famous.

Sounds like you had great food and service!