If you don’t have the budget to go to Italy to mangia, you can still find unique Italian dishes here in Southern California. North Italia, the modern Italian concept from restaurateur Sam Fox, has locations in Santa Monica, El Segundo and Irvine.

Regional brand chef Sam Sleman oversees the innovative menus. He says, “I love to cook because food is something that brings people together around a table. It’s something I’m passionate about. Preparing a meal and sharing it with friends and family is what life — and Italian food — is all about.”