As we all know, looks can be deceiving.

I have driven past Caffe’ Delfini literally hundreds of times.

Open since 1990, Caffe’ Delfini is an unprepossessing facade with a modest interior.

My daughter had eaten there recently and recommended we try it.

Caffe’ Delfini is close to home so we decided to branch out last Saturday night.

We received a warm welcome and a table by the window in the dark, intimate restaurant.

The warm bread the owner immediately brought over was delicious.

My glass of Antinori Super Tuscan, was a perfect accompaniment to the meal ($16).

We kicked things off with a lovely chilled Caesar. The romaine was crisp, just the right amount of dressing, accented with Reggiano Parmesan. Even the homemade garlic croutons were tasty which is usually not the case ($12).

I ordered homemade Spaghetti alla Checca with fresh chopped tomatoes, basil and a touch of fresh  garlic. It was amazing ($16, $3 extra for homemade pasta).

David indulged in the Rigatoni Gorgonzola which can be heavy in taste and texture, but this was special ($17).

I would definitely return and sample the fresh fish, jumbo shrimp, chicken and veal dishes.

Gianpietro Silardi and Alessandro Ercoli, owners of Caffe’ Delfini, are childhood friends from their days growing up outside of Rome.

Caffe’ Delfini is a lovely low-key, reasonably priced destination and frankly, just as good as its’ expensive, celebrity driven neighbor, Giorgio Baldi.

Caffe’ Delfini 147 West Channel Road Santa Monica, California. Valet parking ($12) along with street parking. Open Monday-Saturday 5:30-10pm, Sunday 5:30-9:30pm. Call for reservations.