Located next door to Ugo, Culver City’s beloved neighborhood Italian restaurant, sits The Lounge at Ugo, an intimate, elevated social gathering space offering craft cocktails and sharable plates. Perfect for drinks after work, date night, dinner with friends, events, and parties, The Lounge at Ugo is a sophisticated drinking and dining experience where locals and visitors can mix and mingle.
The Ambiance
Mature, moody, yet elegant, The Lounge at Ugo welcomes you to indulge, relax and unwind. The candle-lit indoor area is decorated with crystal chandeliers, red bricks with sleek wall pendants, cozy booths and chairs, and a 360-degree marble bar in the center of the room. For those who want fresh air, lounge al fresco on the lush string-lit outdoor patio with firepits.
The Menu (Drinks)
The Lounge at Ugo serves an array of dynamic craft cocktails divided into two categories: Specialty and Classic. Highlights from the specialty section include the Trouble Maker (Gray Whale, sweet vermouth, strawberry, lemon, soda), Strawberry Mychee Martini (Japanese Haku Vodka, lychee liqueur, strawberry, lime) and Good Humor (Calirose Blanco Rosa Tequila, Aperol, grapefruit, orgeat, lemon), which are some of the healthier cocktails you can drink. As for the classic cocktails, the Ugo team has perfected their interpretation of the Negroni, Aperol Spritz, and Espresso Martini. For the non-cocktail drinker, there is also a globally sourced selection of wine and beer.
The Menu (Food)
The menu offers Italian dishes composed of fresh and homemade flavorful ingredients. I recommend starting with appetizers such as the mouthwatering Calamari, Antipasto Spedini, Classic Meatballs, Portobello Fries, Shrimp Scampi, and my personal favorite, the Ricotta Crostini (crostini spread with whipped ricotta, pear slice, and pistachios). For guests interested in a heartier fare, The Lounge at Ugo also offers authentic Neapolitan pizzas, baked fresh in a wood-burning oven. The Margherita pie is absolutely delicious. Other classic options include the Piccante (crushed tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, spicy salami, and gorgonzola cheese), and Vesuivo (fresh mozzarella, parmigiano cheese, ricotta cheese, crushed tomatoes, spicy salami, and basil). And then there’s desert… Indulge in the Cannoli Siciliano, creamy homemade Gelato Tricolore, and what I dream about at night, the decadent Panna Cotta (Italian vanilla custard drizzled with raspberry sauce and pecans).
Simply put, The Lounge at Ugo is an unforgettable culinary experience. $17+; Mondays – Sundays, 5 – 9:00 pm; 3865 Cardiff Ave., Culver City, CA 90232; 310.204.1222
