A Santa Monica Sanctum of Rustic California Dinner Dates

You know what they say:

One good Raphael Lunetta place deserves another.

We meant what they don’t say.

But maybe should.

Thus, we find ourselves in a world in which Lunetta now exists. It’s the conjoined twin opening Tuesday opposite Santa Monica’s Lunetta All Day. It’s also the place that looks like this.

Where All Day is sunny and sensible, you’ll find Lunetta to be a sexier complex of copper-topped tables, leather chairs, navy blue walls and boulevard views intended for wanton merriment. Or just really good dinners with friends, dates and some wine you might like to know better.

Consider beginning this endeavor bar-side with fresh white peach martinis or something like the Harvest, which involves red bell pepper syrup, fresh lime and mezcal.

But this whole hemisphere is about letting Raphael Lunetta share his rustic California cooking with you. So opt for the slim soapstone chef’s counter aside the open kitchen to watch him and his people expertly apply salmon and steaks to a wood-burning grill.

This could only shorten your path to the glory of Baja kampachi with citrus soy gremolata, halibut-and-clams with soy pilsner broth and the return of Jiraffe’s beloved pork chop with apples.

You can’t keep a good pork chop down.