Vibe: Picture a cozy, family-run Italian restaurant with a rustic yet elegant European feel. An oversized carved hedge outside the entrance provides privacy as celebrities dine shoulder-to-shoulder with locals. A '60s folk and rock soundtrack playing in the background exudes a Southern California beach vibe, and the soft lighting makes it a popular spot for date nights.
crowd: Giorgio Baldi was a go-to spot for Rihanna even before she satisfied her pasta cravings at her local Italian favorite during her second pregnancy. Celebrities who've been photographed leaving the (mostly) beachside hotspot include Beyoncé and Jay-Z, billionaire Jeff Bezos and fiancé Lauren Sanchez, and Lady Gaga, Hailey and Justin Bieber. Over the years, it's also been a popular date spot for everyone from Taylor Swift and then-boyfriend Calvin Harris (in 2015), Cardi B and Offset (who dined there the day before her 29th birthday in 2021), and Pierce Brosnan, who is a regular with his wife, Keely.
menu: The menu includes traditional dishes such as gnocchi, risotto and cream-based pastas, as well as salads, veal, lamb and, for meat lovers, a traditional New York steak.
detail: It's located on Pacific Coast Highway, west of Los Angeles. (114 W Channel Road, Santa Monica. Call 310-573-1660 to make a reservation, or order online at giorgio-baldi.com for pick-up or delivery with Postmates.)
Diners should prepare to be seated next to anyone, from Hollywood stars and couples on romantic dates to families celebrating birthdays. Friendly waiters roam the cozy space, which exudes a down-to-earth neighborhood vibe, and guests are expected to dress comfortably (casual but smart jeans and the occasional baseball cap are just as common as dressier designer clothing).
The dishes have Italian names but the ingredients are listed in English. Appetizers include salads such as “Forte Forte,” made of radicchio and arugula topped with thin slices of Parmesan cheese. This combination, mixed with a balsamic dressing, gives the dish a sharp, nutty flavor.
Marissa Charles
Fans eager to try what's rumoured to be one of Rihanna's favourite dishes can try the gnocchi al vostro gusto (homemade potato dumplings) with meat or in a “light and creamy” gorgonzola sauce – the latter small but hearty portions pack a punch, with rich aromas wafting from the air even before the bowl is placed on the table.
Marissa Charles
Sides include asparagi gratinati (grilled asparagus with butter and Parmesan) and cannellini alla salvia (cannellini beans sautéed in olive oil and sage).
The menu features perennial favourites like profiterole, tiramisu and gelato, while the flourless chocolate cake is a great option for those who can afford dessert and don't want to leave the table having eaten too much.
Marissa Charles
The wine list is not for the faint of heart, however, with house wines starting at $19 a glass and bottles running into triple figures.
Marissa Charles
But Giorgio Baldi isn't just for Rihanna and the Kardashians: it's also within reach of foodies and budget-conscious people looking for a chic, understated experience without taking out a second mortgage.
