Longtime Santa Monica Favorite Swoops Into Nyesha Arrington’s Former Restaurant

As one of Santa Monica’s oldest restaurants, Fritto Misto holds court on the corner of 6th and Colorado. But thanks to a new eight story apartment building set to replace the current one-story structure, the 30-year-old restaurant will relocate less than a half mile away to Nyesha Arrington’s former spot, Native.

Fritto Misto isn’t the only restaurant that’s moving. Ninjin, which is located at 6th and Colorado will also relocate, although it is unclear where the sushi spot will setup a new space. As for Fritto Misto, its future home is a less than ten minute walk away from Santa Monica’s Downtown Metro station, and in foot traffic-heavy Santa Monica Boulevard and Seventh Street. Arrington closed Native in March.

Fritto Misto’s soon-to-be former building received approval from Santa Monica’s Planning Commission two weeks ago, but demolition has not begun. So for now, Fritto Misto remains open. But once the eight floors are complete, the building will include a new cafe, though its occupant has not been announced.

Fritto Misto’s casual Italian menu, low corkage fee, tabletops made from wine crates, and reasonably priced entrees have been a draw for decades. The Hermosa Beach location even enjoys local popularity. But Arrington spoke of staggering overhead as the reasons for Native’s closure, citing rising minimum wages as well as high rent. This could prove to be challenging for Fritto Misto, where the menu prices range from $7.50 to $27.

Fritto Misto. 620 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, CA

• Fritto Misto will relocate due to new development at 6th & Colorado [Santa Monica Daily Press]
• The 15 Essential Santa Monica Restaurants [ELA]