How to get Michelin starred food for half price? Go to La Botte Deli on the weekdays for lunch and get their home made pastas and soups for $7-10.

La Botte Deli opened right next door to the main restaurant in downtown Santa Monica earlier this year. The menu is limited, but has a nice selection of soups, pastas, salads and sandwiches all served in eco-friendly to go containers.

There is one indoor communal table that seats about 10 people, depending on how communal you want to get. There are a handful of outdoor tables for two, but the main focus for La Botte Deli is to go business.

The soups are simple, capturing the essence of the main ingredient. Depending on the seasonal ingredients available, there are usually three to four soups available, including a soup of the day. The other day, I had the spinach soup:

The pastas are equal in quality and flavor combination to what is served at the main La Botte restaurant. The gnocchi and tortelli are very nice, especially with the parmesan brown butter sauce.

Like I said in the beginning, the prices are a steal, with everything (to my recollection) for under $10.

The signage is pretty poor from the street and I think many people walk past La Botte Deli without realizing the hidden gem that they are missing.

La Botte Deli
620 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica 90401
310-576-3072