1 Pico

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

Where the Pacific Meets the Plate

Perched directly on Santa Monica Beach inside the celebrated Shutters on the Beach resort, 1 Pico is a destination unto itself. Floor-to-ceiling windows — often thrown wide open to the ocean breeze — frame an uninterrupted panorama of the Pacific, setting the tone for a dining experience that is equal parts elegant and effortlessly relaxed. The Forbes Travel Guide recognized 1 Pico with a Recommended award in 2026, praising its "elegant but relaxed beach resort vibe" and calling its ocean views simply unbelievable.

Chef Vittorio's Cucina Napoletana

At the heart of 1 Pico is Chef Vittorio's devotion to authentic Cucina Napoletana, reimagined through the lens of California's abundant coastline and fertile farmland. Rooted in the farm-to-table ethos, the kitchen brings together handmade pastas, savory antipasti, fire-grilled steak and seafood, and indulgent seasonal desserts in a menu that honors both Southern Italian tradition and local provenance. Highlights include silky Spaghetti with Maine Lobster and Calabrian chili, delicate Crudo di Ricciola (raw amberjack with salsa verde), and Cappesante — Nantucket Island scallops nestled in parsnip cream with mushrooms and frisée. The Branzino Mediterraneo, finished with preserved lemon-herb gremolata and wine-baked tomato, epitomizes the restaurant's Coastal California cuisine philosophy.

A Celebrated Cheese Course & Sommelier-Curated Wines

Few details capture 1 Pico's commitment to hospitality better than its renowned cheese course. Guests choose three selections from a rotating lineup of world-class cheeses — think Coach Farm triple crème goat from New York, Fiscalini cheddar from California, Rogue Creamery's Smoky Blue from Oregon, and Pecorino Romano from Italy — served alongside crostini, candied dates, and membrillo quince paste. The wine program matches this ambition: a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence list, curated by an in-house sommelier, pairs beautifully with every course. On Wine-Down Sundays, guests enjoy 50% off select bottles, while monthly wine dinners invite celebrated producers — including Williams Selyem, Quintessa, and Grgich Hills — for intimate, four-course pairing experiences overlooking the California coastline.

A Setting for Every Occasion

Whether you come for a leisurely Saturday brunch, an intimate weeknight dinner, or a milestone celebration, 1 Pico accommodates every occasion with warmth and precision. Private dining options — from intimate gatherings to full restaurant buyouts — are available, with the team on hand to curate menus, advise on wine selections, and even arrange custom cakes. Service is consistently described as attentive and knowledgeable, with servers confident in guiding guests through the menu and wine list alike. At 1 Pico, Coastal California cuisine finds its most scenic, soulful expression.