How does a restaurant become linked to one of the biggest names in the world? Simple, really. By serving up good food.
That's the case with Giorgio Baldi, the Santa Monica family-run restaurant that has become a celebrity haunt over the years.
Not only loved by Rihanna, it's also frequented by George and Amal Clooney, the Kardashian-West and Jenner clans, Taylor Swift and Jennifer Garner.
It's where Rihanna has been frequently photographed leaving the establishment with a glass of wine in hand.
She frequents the restaurant so much, she famously told US Vogue that it's like her second kitchen.
“If I am in town six days, I’m here six days a week.” she said about Giorgio Baldi.
#Rihanna leaving Giorgio Baldi in LA. 5.8.16
A post shared by Matthew Ryan 🔱 Robyn Rihanna(@fentykemp) on May 9, 2016 at 9:46am PDT
Robz last night wearing #FENTYxPUMA 😍✨ #Rihanna #Detailz
A post shared by badgalriri(@detailz) on Jul 13, 2017 at 1:54pm PDT
Rihanna arriving at Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica| April 22, 2014
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But what is it about the restaurant that has made it so popular?
Well, it's an Italian restaurant and those are known for serving good, home-cooked food.
Plus, judging by Rihanna's habit of leaving with the pinot noir filled wine glasses, they seemingly serve amazing wine.
Here's a peek into what some of their food looks like, thanks to what foodies have posted on Instagram.
A post shared by @ thefoodfiesta on Nov 6, 2017 at 9:15am PST
A post shared by Big Rob(@bigrobfood) on Mar 4, 2018 at 6:29pm PST
A post shared by FOODIEGRAM😍😍😋😋(@foodie.gram_) on Feb 23, 2018 at 9:24am PST
A post shared by Sabine Demain(@sabinedemain) on Jul 13, 2018 at 7:31pm PDT
A post shared by Ariel Frenkel(@afrenkel1) on Oct 9, 2017 at 12:14pm PDT
Sure, the food looks good (the power of plating), but does it live up to the hype?
We checked out the reviews on Trip Advisor
The Good
"Consistent quality
... If you’re either in the mood for a high quality tasty meal, or have guests from out of town who you want to impress restaurant- wise, feel confident in taking them to Giorgios. My only reservation when making a reservation there is the seemingly high wine prices. So, have your drinks at home and head off to Giorgios for some of the tastiest Italian in LA."- Rich J
"Fantastic Hidden Gem Italian in Santa Monica...
Delicious Italian food and atmosphere. We had a table outside in the garden/terrace. For anyone staying in Palisades or Santa Monica it is a must for dinner. Order the tuna carpaccio and the sea-bass for two!" - Voyager Club
"Very good Italian pasta...
The food is really good as it is the service. Great pasta and meat. In the pricey side but will not be disappointed."- ferrosario66
The Meh
"...maybe the food is the draw?
It is excellent and delectable, which is what one would expect for the premium prices charged. But, the serving portions were small, resulting in an additional basket of bread being requested. Great dining is a balance of food quality and atmosphere and there are simply too many fine Italian dining experiences in LA for us to fight our way back to this one. We litterally (sic) exhaled as we exited."- dwalker43
The Bad
"The Hype Remains a Mystery
... The spaghetti was overcooked, drenched in oil and with barely any bottarga. Complete disappointment. Other pastas we tried were equally non-al dente and completely bathed in sauce. You would not find this ratio of pasta to sauce in Italy in a million years!"- Vitamin_Sea2008
"Overrated...
I understand this is the place to be seen. Pricey and very small portions. Service was rushed. We were a large party and were seated outside and not cute or quaint. The server forgot our appetizers and kept bumping me because the table and area were very tight." 00LiaB