Hostaria del Piccolo, the more casual off-shoot of superb Piccolo in Venice, is now open on Rose Avenue in the beach-side neighborhood, giving Superba a run for its pasta dollars come evenings. The menu of 28 pizzas, salads, pasta, fish, and meat is the same as one will find at the Santa Monica original. The major difference here is the look.
Santa Monica’s location has a bit more of a snug feel, with dark woods and a low ceiling. Venice’s new location, on the other hand, is bright and sunlit, with a more open, breezier feel of blonde wood tables and bar tops, big windows and white tiles that are more conducive to the seaside. A slim, elongated patio lined with red plastic chairs allows diners to munch their pizza while watching the yoga mats, shopping carts, and beach cruisers pass by.
Hostaria del Piccolo, 512 Rose Ave. Venice; 310-560-3594.