Colapasta Restaurant

"An affordable dinner on The Promenade usually means closing your eyes inside a food court and hoping for something that's at least room temperature. Colapasta is certainly an upgrade from that. This neighborhood spot on 5th St. serves tremendous pasta in big portions, at prices that feel like a bargain given the area (everything is generally $20 or under). Our top picks include their classic beef ragu lasagna and beet ravioli in brown butter." - brant cox

"Known for affordable, house-made pasta, favored by Julia Hess." - Eater Staff

"Ever since shelter-in-place went into effect, we’ve been taking up a ton of new hobbies, such as lounging the couch, lounging on our bed, and buying way too many bags of heirloom beans. And if you, like us, have accidentally spent most of your discretionary income on French-style green lentils, but still want to eat incredible handmade pastas, place an order at Colapasta. This Santa Monica spot is an affordable Italian palazzo, with dishes like gnocchi di ricotta, squid ink bavette, and agnolotti in truffle butter that range from $12-16. Available for takeout, call (310) 310-8336 to order, or find them on delivery apps." - kat hong

"The Deal: Six-course family-style lunch or dinner for $45 per person (minimum two people) Why We Like It: Colapasta is one of the most consistently recommendable restaurants near the dining wasteland that is Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade. The Dine LA menu gives you the chance to try a chunk of the menu at once, with soups, three kinds of pasta (including their very good lasagna), and dessert. " - brant cox, garrett snyder, sylvio martins, nikko duren

"Wear a helmet, because this Bib Gourmand spot packs a delicious punch." - Kevin Chau