The Manhattan Beach Planning Commission approved a beer-and-wine permit and new outdoor dining patio for Sogno Toscano, a Tuscan-inspired cafe opening at the Metlox Shopping Center on Manhattan Beach Boulevard.
The vote came Wednesday, June 24, when Commissioner Dina Treyger moved to approve a Master Use Permit Amendment for the restaurant at 451 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Suite B102. Commissioner Robert Siemak seconded, and the motion passed. The approval allows on-site sales and service of beer and wine alongside food and authorizes a new outdoor patio. The cafe still needs a state Alcoholic Beverage Control license before it can pour.
What the conditions say
The commission set operating hours at 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily for both indoor and outdoor seating. Amplified sound and speakers are allowed until 10 p.m., but only if the business obtains a separate Class I entertainment permit and amplified sound permit.
The patio's exact size and seating capacity were not detailed in the commission's public record.
Public hearing drew four speakers
Four people addressed the commission: applicants Brett Engstrom and Cesare Santoni, plus community members Jill Lamkin and Jon Tolkin. Tolkin was called back after the hearing initially closed to answer staff questions. Associate Planner Tari Kuvhenguhwa presented the staff report, introduced by Planning Manager Adam Finestone.
About the cafe
Sogno Toscano, a Tuscan-inspired food and lifestyle brand with locations in Santa Monica and The Grove, will open its sixth overall location at the Metlox site. Cesare Santoni, the company's director of hospitality, told Patch the Manhattan Beach opening is planned for summer 2026. Santoni said the cafe will serve lunch and dinner in a casual setting and that all products are imported directly from Italy.
According to the company's filings, the menu will include specialty espresso drinks, Italian pastries, sandwiches, charcuterie, and Italian wines.
What's next for this project
The commission found the project categorically exempt from further environmental review under CEQA. With the permit amendment approved, Sogno Toscano's remaining steps include securing the state ABC license and any outstanding city permits before opening to the public.
A Project Pulse Open House is scheduled at the Joslyn Center in Manhattan Beach on Wednesday, July 15, where residents can learn about development projects citywide.
