Santa Monica's Main Street welcomes Bar Fortuna, a new restaurant from chef and owner Brian Bornemann, opening its doors on Wednesday, October 21. Located at 2917 Main Street, between Pier and Ashland Avenues, the nearly 40-seat establishment is a short walk from Bornemann’s other local spot, Crudo e Nudo.
Bornemann, who grew up on Ocean Park in Santa Monica, created Bar Fortuna to offer an affordable and accessible dining option in his neighborhood. He aims to keep prices low for diners while maintaining high quality by leveraging his personal connections with vendors. Bornemann noted that existing pasta options in town are often "either wildly expensive or dinner time only," and he chose a smaller space to ensure the team could focus on quality while managing margins with a strong cocktail program.
At the core of the menu are eight pastas, all prepared on site using Sonora flour from the Mojave Desert–based Tehachapi Grain Project. The pasta menu is designed to change regularly, with initial offerings including spaghetti with Venus clams, thick pici sauced with broncha cheese and fresh black pepper, and a simple pesto fusilli. The kitchen also offers starters, many sourced from the Santa Monica Farmers Market, such as zucchini carpaccio, fennel salad, and shrimp-stuffed squash blossoms. Locally made burrata is available, as is Jyan Isaac Bread served with butter from Petaluma's Achadinha Cheese Company. Main dishes, or secondi, include options like a pasture-raised chicken puttanesca, grilled spiny lobster, and a serrano-laced squid-ink fried rice with soffrito and crab.
The beverage program is equally robust, developed by veteran barman Noah Castellanos, known for his work at Playa Provisions and Piccalilli, and also as the owner of Santa Monica’s One Cedar. The drinks menu is split into three sections, featuring three spritzes, such as the Elise with bergamot, Bordiga Rosso Vermouth, prosecco, and lemon peel. Five Negronis are also on offer, including The La Fortuna, made with Gray Whale Gin, California-based Atost Aperitif, vermouth, and saline, and The Spaghetti Western, a blend of Hijos de Zoila Espadin, apricot, and Yuste Amontillado Sherry. JD Plotnick of Lou Wine Shop curated the Mediterranean climate wines, with some selections drawn from his personal collection. Castellanos will also oversee Bar Fortuna’s forthcoming daytime coffee program.
Patrons familiar with the previous tenant, Vamos Vamos, will recognize elements of the space, which Bornemann and Joshua Montoya (Vin on Rose, Vin on Rose Fromagerie) brightened with Daniel Sina Jahanian of Meraki Haus Designs. The restaurant features a yellow flag above a terracotta-colored facade, fresh flowers throughout, a long bar, and bistro tables and chairs.
Bornemann emphasized his local roots, stating he enjoys "walking to the beach so I can hop in the water" and cooking what he likes in his home neighborhood. The restaurant's full menu is available Wednesday to Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday to Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. Bar Fortuna will also serve late-night bites alongside cocktails until midnight. Reservations can be made via Seven Rooms.
