With the exception of hand-to-hand mortal combat, practically everything is more fun than a barrel of monkeys.

Unless you stick to things that actually, you know, come in barrels. In that case, you’re left with just one: wine.

And La Botte, which translates as “the barrel” in Italian, has plenty of it. Owner Stefano De Lorenzo and owner-chef Antonio Murè (the guys behind Piccolo in Venice) lined the walls of their new Santa Monica restaurant with bottles from all over Italy. (Like the wood throughout the space? It comes from old wine barrels.)

The food is Northern Italian with a Sicilian flair. Pop in with a group for appetizers (branzino carpaccio with sea urchin and red beet tagliolini with quail sausage are especially tasty) and bowls of pasta, or splurge on the $60 veal shank. An extra-special night? Have Murè sprinkle truffle dust all over your risotto or prepare a five-course tasting menu.

Of course, when dining with friends, your night could be more than just a meal.

It could be a barrel of laughs.

La Botte, 620 Santa Monica Boulevard, at 7th Street, Santa Monica (310-576-3072).