Venue photo 1

Forma Restaurant & Cheese Bar Santa Monica

4.5(1,128)
Italian Restaurant

About

Forma Restaurant & Cheese Bar in Santa Monica specializes in modern Italian cuisine with a focus on pasta finished in large cheese wheels, offering a distinctive dining experience. The menu features updated classics alongside an extensive cheese selection, perfect for small group tastings or client dinners.

Set on Montana Avenue, the venue includes a cozy indoor dining room and a quieter covered patio with outdoor seating, ideal for conversations. Forma’s approachable yet refined atmosphere makes it a solid choice for business lunches and intimate gatherings where food and hospitality take center stage.

Best for

  • Client dinners with standout Italian cuisine
  • Small group gatherings with cheese-focused menus
  • Outdoor seating for quieter conversations

Request a Package

Tell the venue what you're planning and they'll respond with a custom proposal within 1–2 business days.

Group Dining Event

Custom request

Perfect for team dinners, client lunches, and celebration meals. Reserve a private or semi-private space for your group with food, drinks, and AV if needed.

What's typically included

  • Private or semi-private space
  • Food & beverage
  • AV & technology

Happy Hour

Custom request

Host a relaxed evening reception for your team or clients. Reserve a space for drinks and light bites in a social, low-key setting.

What's typically included

  • Private or semi-private space
  • Food & beverage

Full Buyout

Custom request

Take over the entire restaurant for your event. Full control of the space, menu, and atmosphere — ideal for large celebrations or exclusive corporate events.

What's typically included

  • Full venue layout
  • Food & beverage
  • AV & technology

Venue Details

Standout features

Pasta finished in large cheese wheels
Food & Beverage
Pasta finished in large cheese wheels
Forma’s signature preparation method involves finishing freshly cooked pasta in large cheese wheels, enhancing flavor and presentation. This unique technique highlights their deep focus on cheese as a star ingredient.
Extensive cheese bar and tasting options
Cheese Selection
Extensive cheese bar and tasting options
An entire menu page dedicated to a diverse and fresh cheese selection, including customizable cheese boards that complement the Italian menu. This focus on cheese appeals strongly to cheese enthusiasts.
Covered back patio seating with plants and string lights
Outdoor Space
Covered back patio seating with plants and string lights
The back patio offers a quieter, dog-friendly outdoor seating area with cozy plants and string lights, providing a more intimate setting for conversation despite some unfinished drywall.

At a glance

Rated 4.5 on Google · 1,128 reviews