Sogno Toscano

Italian may be the most romantic of the romance languages, and on any given night, the quaint alfresco patio at this breezy, all-day Santa Monica café is packed with actual Italians. They come to the self-proclaimed “lifestyle cafe” for perfectly al dente pasta, a stellar wine list, and hyper-authentic schiacciate (Tuscan-style sandwiches) built on fresh, airy focaccia from Culver City’s Bianca Bakery. Because Sogno Toscano originally got its start as a premium ingredient importer, everything here is dressed with oils and components shipped straight from the old country; you’ll definitely want to ask for a bottle of their signature olive oil for the table, and grab another from the retail shelf to take homeOther menu highlights include the Sardinian artichoke and wild arugula salad topped with 24-month Parmigiano Reggiano, and customizable taglieri (charcuterie boards) of all types and sizes. But the massive, though perfectly balanced, sandwiches remain a primary draw. The premium price tag reflects that imported quality—sandwiches start at $26, with a wagyu pastrami combo hitting $35—but given their generous size (one sandwich easily makes a meal for two), you’re getting your money’s worth. The absolute standout is the Tuscan tuna, loaded with yellowfin tuna conserva, lemon aioli, cornichons, and bright O’vesuvio tomatoes—though you can’t go wrong with any of the plethora of prosciutto di Parma, prosciutto cotto, or silky mortadella and stracciatella options. As you’d expect from an Italian café, there’s also pasta and Roman-style oval flatbread. The amatriciana cavatelli with pecorino, savory guanciale, and Calabrian chili pairs beautifully with a glass of chilled Etna Rosso. Cap off your meal with a masterfully executed cappuccino that’s easily among the best you'll find outside of Italy. Unpretentious yet sophisticated, with tasteful, nightly live music, this might just be the closest thing to a Tuscan holiday without leaving L.A.