Dinner Diaries: FIA

Let us invite you to discover Fia in Santa Monica. That right West Sider’s we’re back on your side of town with our latest choice for Dinner Diaries in Los Angeles.

Fia’s menu truly  highlights the freshest, seasonal ingredients, inspired by a mixture of Californian and Italian coastal cuisine. Fia is nestled in a stunning indoor-outdoor space located in the heart of Santa Monica. With new laws currently in place per Covid19 Safety for outdoor dining, their cozy outdoor patio and bar are the perfect escape to dine out. Designed by acclaimed designer Matt Winter, Fia is an urban oasis, where Greco’s service mantra is rooted in a dedication to hospitality which is service, service, service. Collins’ shareable menu delivers on flavor and execution. You can expect an ever-evolving menu, highlighting the freshest, and seasonal ingredients available, ensuring a flavorfully curated menu. Globally inspired and rooted in a laid back California style, he has created a craveable menu that will satisfy all, including the vegans. Add to the equation, carefully crafted cocktails, and an old and new world wine list,  Fia has thought of something for everyone.

Reservations are encouraged and can be made via OpenTable or by calling the restaurant direct.

We kicked off our dining experience with their freshly baked Foccacia bread which has olives baked in with balsamic and olive. Our server urged us to try the spicy chili tuna arancini. If you ever thought that enjoying spicy tuna on crispy rice was enjoyable this is about to blow your mind. Arancini is a traditional Italian appetizer. It is little rice/cheese balls that are lightly friend and exploding with flavor. Paired with their spicy tuna? Well, lets just say we won’t blame you if you order five or ten more courses of just this starter.

We couldn’t help but order the octopus as it tempted us from the incredible pages of their well set menu. It is worth every savory bite. Cooked to perfection with a delightfully grilled avocado, it’s a combo we hadn’t thought of, and now we can’t imagine dining on octopus without it.

To perfect our perusal into the menu we started our evening with some of Fia’s incredible cocktails. Featured below are their Smoke Show (Mezcal, Passionfruit, Clement D’Orange, Fresh Lemon Juice, Pepper Heat) and their Antico Vogue ( Rye Whiskey, Apricot, Fruit Bitters Blend).

For the main course we opted for Fia’s handmade cavatelli which comes in brown butter, parmesan, and freshly shaved black truffle. It is a swoon worthy dish. We highly recommend dipping your focaccia bread into this beauty.

We knew we needed a vegetable to accompany our meal and tried their Jerusalem artichoke. This was such a fun foodie adventure, we’d never had one before and you should know, these artichokes are completely different from what you’re imagining. They have almost a potato-like quality to them.

Of their mains our final try was Fia’s halibut. The halibut is expertly prepared in a beurre blanc with heirloom carrots and baby artichokes.

Finally dessert. Feeling completely satisfied from our dining experience we thought of just opting for a nightcap, but we knew we couldn’t leave without giving at least one dessert a try. With such a delectable menu, we know you sweets aficionados are in good hands. We opted for their Olive Oil cake paired with their “wake up call” which is their espresso martini option on the menu. Their version of an espresso martini is made with vodka, freshly brewed espresso, and vanilla bean. Certainly a cocktail to remember.