SANTA MONICA. For years, award-winning Valentino has provided not only excellent Italian cuisine but impeccable service and a vast wine list as well. Antipasti include carpaccio and Italian bread salad, while pasta and risotto options are perfect in their simplicity ­ try potato and spinach gnocchi or garlic-infused spaghetti with clams. Representative entrees include swordfish with onion and olive caponata, grilled squab in honey-fig-red wine sauce, and osso buco. The wine list has over 1000 choices, including vintage ports; several grappas are also available. Tasting menu is $55 without wine; $95 with wine pairings.