Crudo e Nudo Owner Opens Bar Fortuna in Santa Monica

Brian Bornemann, owner of the sustainable seafood restaurant Crudo e Nudo, is expanding his presence in Santa Monica with Bar Fortuna, a new Cal-Italian-inspired drinking spot. According to LAmag, the cocktail and wine bar is scheduled to open on October 21, just one block from Crudo e Nudo on Main Street.

Bar Fortuna draws inspiration from historic Italian bars Bornemann encountered while studying pasta making in Italy. The space, formerly home to Vamos Vamos at 2917 Main St., will feature a long white marble bar with 14 seats, a terracotta façade, and sage-green trim. LAmag reports that the atmosphere aims for a moody, stylish Italian feel, designed as a casual, community-driven gathering place.

The menu will include five variations of Negronis, spritzes, and specialty cocktails curated by bar director Noah Castellanos. Wine director JD Plotnick has assembled a bottle list focusing on accessibility, featuring both affordable glasses and rare, older California and Italian wines. For food, expect handmade pastas using Sonora flour from the Tehachapi Grain Project, such as gemelli with Italian sausage and black fettuccine with squid, according to LAmag. Bar snacks like fried squash blossoms with shrimp and bottarga aioli will also be available.

Jose Morales, Bornemann's longtime sous chef, is slated to be the chef de cuisine. Bar Fortuna also plans to expand into morning and lunch services, offering an espresso program and a to-go window for drinks and fresh pasta by the pound. The bar intends to be an all-day neighborhood staple, staying open until midnight with snacks and drinks.

Need to know

• Address: 2917 Main St., Santa Monica, CA 90405
• Opening Date: October 21
• Offerings: Cal-Italian cocktails, wine, handmade pasta, bar snacks, espresso program
• Hours: Open until midnight, with plans for morning and lunch service

The AKUSO take: Santa Monica's Main Street is getting a new spot for those who appreciate a well-made drink and fresh pasta. It sounds like a versatile option for both a quick espresso and a late-night cocktail.