Michael's Tuscany Room 470 West 7th Street • San Pedro • California 90731

Exciting things are happening in San Pedro these days. Thanks to a spruced up waterfront and a resurgent downtown, locals and tourists alike are flocking to this vibrant area where the First Thursday art walk brings a party atmosphere to the newly created cultural district. Right in the midst of this dynamic neighborhood, supporting unique mom-and-pop stores as well as hip art galleries, is Michael's Tuscany Room, a beautiful and very romantic wedding and event venue.

Wrought-iron gates and slender trees adorn the outside of the building, where three sets of French doors are topped with magnificent stained-glass windows. Step inside and you feel like you've been transported to an upscale, yet rustic, country home somewhere in Tuscany.

As you take in this soaring, 30-foot-high space, your eye is drawn up to the open-beamed ceiling with its pyramid-shaped skylights and mix of ornate Old World chandeliers. Once one of Mr. Cutri's warehouses, the room has been lovingly refashioned to capture the charms of his homeland. The walls are sandblasted weathered brick, punctuated with rows of French doors in a rich dark wood. There's a decorative balcony that runs the length of both sides of the room, creating the illusion of being in an outdoor courtyard. Faux windows and flower boxes brim with colorful blooms, and the fancy wrought-iron railing is laced with green, cascading vines.

Near the back of the room is a gracious, curving staircase that leads up to the mezzanine. Entwined with mini lights, it's perfect for the bride making her grand entrance for a ceremony at the base of the stairs.

Afterwards, guests mingle on the main floor and up on the mezzanine, as they raise a glass of bubbly and toast to amore. Dinner is served at tables set around the central dance floor. The mezzanine, which is decorated with a bucolic countryside mural and fireplace, can also be used for additional guest seating, your band/DJ, or as a photo booth area.

As captivating as this place is, it's not just a feast for the eyes. With an owner whose first love was the culinary arts (which he studied in Tuscany), you'd expect a lot of care to go into the cuisine and you won't be disappointed. A truly mouth-watering array of dishes—most with an Italian influence—is offered, but menus can also be customized for your particular event and budget.