Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
La Mia Cucina, Pacific Grove, CA

La Mia Cucina

4.9 (1116)
$31 to $50
Italian
208 17th Street, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Make a reservation

A photo of La Mia Cucina restaurant

La Mia Cucina

4.9
$31 to $50
Italian
Pacific Grove

Make a reservation

2 people
10:00 PM
Booked 6 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Charming
Stroll along 17th St just above Lighthouse and you will find one of the Peninsula’s favorite spots, La Mia Cucina. This little jewel, with its clean ambiance and tantalizing menu, is popular with everyone. The colorful European advertising posters that enliven the walls, are originals, not reproductions. That phrase is accurate in describing La Mia Cucina itself with its personal and inviting service. From the comfortable linen white decor, accented beautifully by those turn-of-the-century posters, to the hand-crafted entrees and desserts, everything about La Mia Cucina says fresh and original. Owner Michael’s specialty, his handmade ravioli dishes are a local favorite, and for good reason. In addition to pasta, La Mia Cucina is known for its house made sausage, vibrant sauces and flavorful dressings all made in-house with family recipes. The desserts are made in-house by his wife Paula, and the soups and salads are a reflection of what is available at the local farmer's markets.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Wed, Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–8:15 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–8:30 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Michael Scanlon
  • Private party facilities
    La Mia Cucina offers a private room for parties up to 36.
  • Neighborhood
    Pacific Grove
  • Cross street
    Lighthouse & Laurel
  • Parking details
    Large, free parking lot in front of restaurant.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Beer, Corkage Fee, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

What 1,116 people are saying

La Mia Cucina reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • California Central Coast

    Neighborhood gem

  • California Central Coast

    Good for special occasions

  • California Central Coast

    Italian

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Best Overall

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Best Food

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Best Service

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Best Value

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Neighborhood gem

  • Monterey / Carmel

    Good for special occasions

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
La Mia Cucina is a beloved gem on the Monterey Peninsula, known for its "outstanding food" and "impeccable service." Guests commend the welcoming atmosphere created by owners Michael and Paula. The menu features well-priced Italian classics, a delightful wine list, and a "wonderful dining experience" with attentive staff and charming decor.
1,116 Reviews
  1. Gregory Gold

    San Francisco52 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 1, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    This is my place when I want to feel comfortable in a familiar atmosphere with spectacular food. The owners greet everyone that comes in the door like their family. The quality of the food is consistent and never disappoints. It’s a joyful, wonderful place to have dinner. Is perfect for families, friends, and first dates. 

    Is this helpful?

  2. Jill

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 19, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food and service was outstanding as always. The owners are wonderful and personable and our waiter Danny was wonderful.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Kevin

    Richmond9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 17, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our second visit to La Mia Cucina. Once again, an extremely wonderful dinner at one of best restaurants on the Monterey Peninsula. The owners and staff were extremely welcoming. And the food was absolutely peerless! Looking forward to our next visit!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Michael Gold

    San Diego1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 13, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Best Italian restaurant in PG. Service was impeccable and everything on the menu was so well-priced. I haven’t seen a wine list so well priced in over 20 years. They had the walls covered with original lithographs from Cappiello, Mercier etc. from the early 1900’s. So cool. We closed the place down and had a great time — bravo!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Kasra

    San Francisco7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 8, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    La Mia is truly a treasure in Pacific Grove. We love seeing Michael and Paula each time we are visiting the area and enjoy savoring the wonderful culinary creations on the menu.

    Is this helpful?

  6. peter

    San Francisco5 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on April 4, 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    been going here (and Joe Rombi's) for 25 years. Always good food, good service and a welcoming environment

    Is this helpful?

  7. Greg Gold

    Cincinnati5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 2, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    What a treat it is to dine at La Mia Cucina. The food was wonderful, Luis my waiter did an excellent job (very friendly, attentive, knowledgeable) and the hostess Paula was so nice. Highly recommend!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Debra Gold

    Palm Springs34 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on March 29, 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The Seafood Linguine never disappoints! Chockfull of seafood with a light cream sauce. My husband and I are light eaters so sharing the one main plus an appetizer is just right for us. The pasta comes with a big house salad too which is rare in most restaurants these days.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Dede Gold

    San Francisco188 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 28, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Accommodating staff and delicious food. Well priced house wine was a real plus!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Jim

    New York City2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 22, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    From the time we walked in to the time we left, we felt welcomed. The food was not only very good, it was timely, meaning nothing was ever brought out before we finished the current course. So looking forward to going back!

    Is this helpful?

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Wed, Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–8:15 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–8:30 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Michael Scanlon
  • Private party facilities
    La Mia Cucina offers a private room for parties up to 36.
  • Neighborhood
    Pacific Grove
  • Cross street
    Lighthouse & Laurel
  • Parking details
    Large, free parking lot in front of restaurant.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Beer, Corkage Fee, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

FAQs

For a lively, local experience pick Friday or Saturday when specials and crowds create a bustling atmosphere. For a quieter, more intimate meal, Wednesday or Thursday evenings are ideal, guests note attentive service and a relaxed pace midweek. Sunday can be great for their spaghetti & meatballs special, but it may also draw a crowd. Reservations are recommended whichever day you choose.

Yes, families and children are welcome. Guests frequently celebrate birthdays and family occasions here, and staff are described as warm and accommodating to kids (one guest noted extra fruit for a toddler). While there’s no specific kids’ menu mentioned, portion sizes and shareable pasta dishes make it easy for families. For a smoother visit with young children, consider an earlier seating and call ahead to discuss needs.

There’s no explicit public description of a waitlist, but guests consistently say the restaurant is popular and recommend reservations. Because tables fill up (locals often dine here and specials sell out), it’s wise to reserve ahead; if you arrive without a reservation, call the restaurant to ask about possible waitlist options or the next available seating.

The best time depends on your goal: for a lively local vibe, go on a Friday or Saturday dinner when the restaurant is busiest and specials are popular. For a quieter, more intimate experience, midweek evenings (Wednesday or Thursday) or earlier dinner seatings are ideal. Guests often recommend reservations since the restaurant fills with locals and tourists; early seating avoids the busiest rush and makes for a more relaxed meal.

La Mia Cucina offers a cozy main dining room with a lower-level area mentioned by guests; tables are spaced to allow comfortable conversation. The space is described as intimate, colorful with original European posters, and set with white tablecloths for an elevated feel. The restaurant does not advertise private dining rooms or large private-party facilities, so most gatherings take place in the main dining areas.

Warm, welcoming, and authentically Italian, that’s the consistent description from guests. The restaurant blends casual-elegant service (white tablecloths, attentive staff) with a neighborhood, family-run vibe thanks to owners Michael and Paula. Walls are enlivened by original European posters, music is tasteful, and tables are spaced for comfortable conversation. It’s popular for date nights, celebrations and regular local dinners, delivering a refined yet relaxed atmosphere.

Yes, La Mia Cucina is an excellent date-night choice. Guests regularly praise its cozy, intimate dining room, white tablecloths and warm, attentive service from owners Michael and Paula. The atmosphere is casual-elegant with colorful European posters, well-spaced tables and house-made pastas and desserts that feel special without being pretentious. For a quieter, romantic experience, aim for a midweek seating or an early dinner and make a reservation as the place fills up with locals.

Yes, La Mia Cucina is family-friendly and has accessible seating options. Guests describe a welcoming, neighborhood vibe for families celebrating birthdays and owners/staff going out of their way to accommodate children. One guest specifically noted an easy-access ramp to the larger dining area and staff helping a guest on crutches. The dining room is comfortably spaced (tables not crowded), which helps families and guests needing accessibility.

Business casual. Guests frequently describe the setting as comfortably elegant, white tablecloths and friendly, attentive service, so smart casual or business-casual attire is appropriate for most occasions, from date nights to small celebrations.

Yes, guests report that the owners and staff are very accommodating. Many guests describe tailored touches (birthday decorations, accommodating young children, adjusting dishes) and owners who check on tables. While there’s no formal policy listed, calling ahead to explain requests (dietary needs, seating preferences, celebration details) is the best way to ensure the team can accommodate you.

Portions at La Mia Cucina are generous and well-balanced. Guests often note ample entrees (one guest received a very large portion of fish) and that many pasta dishes are easy to share; dinners typically include soup or a house salad. The restaurant’s pricing is frequently described as a good value for the quality and portion sizes you receive. If you prefer lighter plates, consider sharing an entrée and ordering an appetizer or salad.

Busiest: Friday and Saturday evenings, guests repeatedly describe lively weekend crowds and sold-out specials. Quietest: midweek nights (Wednesday and Thursday) and earlier dinner seatings tend to be calmer and more relaxed. Sunday evenings can also be busy when special menu items draw guests. If you prefer a quieter meal, book a midweek reservation or an early seating.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. California Central Coast
  4. Monterey / Carmel
  5. Pacific Grove

Make a reservation

A photo of La Mia Cucina restaurant

La Mia Cucina

4.9
$31 to $50
Italian
Pacific Grove

Make a reservation

2 people
10:00 PM
Booked 6 times today
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2026 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo