Fly the foodie flag…pop the champers, Pacific Palisades has a legitimate destination restaurant.

Last week Angelini Ristorante & Bar opened in the Palisades Village.

It definitely has curb appeal. The 70 seat restaurant boasts a lovely outdoor dining area along with an attractive welcoming bar.

The food is fabulous.

We kicked dinner off with a delightful glass of Nebbiolo ($15) and a Gin and Tonic ($16) from the specialty Gin and Tonic menu where you are welcome to select your brand from a list of well known and unusual  gins, a variety of tonics and numerous garnishes.

Our first course was an outrageous Polipo, a warm, perfectly dressed Mediterranean octopus salad with arugula and sweet cherry tomatoes ($26). It was seriously outstanding.

We then shared an ample portion of divine Sea Urchin pasta or Linguini ai Ricci di Mare which surpassed Marea in New York City…I didn’t think that feat was possible ($40). The Santa Barbara Uni was rich and sweet.

The entree was an exquisitely prepared Salmone alla Griglia with Eggplant accompanied by a comfortably spicy tomato dipping sauce ($30). I relished the crispy sear on the skin and the faultless preparation.

The projected winning venture involves two Los Angeles restaurant veterans, Chef Gino Angelini of Angelini Osteria and Tancredi DeLuca of Amici Brentwood.

West Hollywood’s Angelini Osteria has been one of LA’s most popular and well-regarded Italian restaurants since 2001.

DeLuca’s history includes the authentic Italian cuisine at Amici Brentwood and Emilia in the Grove.

Mr. DeLuca, who gracefully weaves his way around Angelini with an eagle eye for detail, is charming and elegant down to his custom made Italian jacket.

Chef Matt Weinberg brings his experience into the kitchen garnered at the original Angelina as well as from Beverly Hills’ Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura.

The Grove, The Americana and Palisades Village billionaire developer and Los Angeles Mayoral candidate, Rick Caruso, sat next to us. It was if the pope of the Palisades was holding court and the citizens came by in droves to kiss the ring.

It was obvious that Caruso is a polished, successful businessman.

Angelini is definitely worth a visit for lunch and dinner as it graciously serves delicious food in an idyllic setting.

Within walking distance, I know I have found a new delectable retreat.

Angelini Osteria & Bar 1038 North Swarthmore Avenue Pacific Palisades, California. Open 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily. Ample parking. Reservations on OpenTable.com.