Restaurants in Santa Monica
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Best Restaurants
“Beyond expectations! Best meal & service in at least 10 years. I’ll be back!”
“As always, everything we ordered was perfect: fried cauliflower, oxtail ravioli, lamb bites, peach/burrata salad, crab cake, gnocchi, and all 3 desserts! Service great, love the attitude of all the people working there.”
“Stopped by for dinner to check out the place. We are having an event there in a few weeks. AWESOME EXPERIENCE. Food was wonderful, service was perfect, management went out of their way to be gracious and welcoming. Can't wait to return in a few weeks.”
“Although I was a little put off by the paper plate table settings… this was by far the most delicious food I’ve had… a wildly unexpected treat! Simple yet brilliant flavors using incredible olive oil… it’s my new favorite place! Highly recommended…”
“I recently dined at Milo & Olive and was truly impressed with the experience. Every dish I tried was outstanding — fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. The seasonal menu offered a great variety, and you can really taste the quality in each bite. On top of that, the service was friendly and attentive, which made the whole visit even more enjoyable. I can’t wait to come back!”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“Very good pasta really nice sause we had one dish where the chef came out and poured the sause it was really nice and made it feel super fancy our server ( girl with blackish hair) and the boy seeting us were very nice did a really good job! Food amazing service amazing and the vibe overall super good and chill! It is a first come first serve so you will have to probably wait a bit but it is worth it!”
“I loved my dining experience there! The decor is warm and special; the service, impeccable, and the food is beautifully presented and delicious. I recommend the lobster spring rolls, the calamari and shrimp salad, and the duck fried rice. If you really like lemongrass, then try the seared scallops!”
Restaurants with Delivery
“I recently dined at Milo & Olive and was truly impressed with the experience. Every dish I tried was outstanding — fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. The seasonal menu offered a great variety, and you can really taste the quality in each bite. On top of that, the service was friendly and attentive, which made the whole visit even more enjoyable. I can’t wait to come back!”
“My wife and I went to the Grove in Los Angeles last night and we had dinner at "Sogno Toscana," an it was outstanding. It was perfect in every way; great food, great drinks, outstanding and friendly staff, beautiful location, etc. I love Italian food but I can't think of one Italian restaurant that I like, until "Sogno Toscano." The food was outstanding, and there was so much more we saw go by that we can't wait to go back and try. And the drinks were outstanding. I love martini's and they served the best martini I've ever had. Giacomo was our server and took great care of us. He's from Italy and "Sogno Toscana" brought him to America when they opened their New York restaurant, and now he's in LA for this new restaurant. Although very busy, the entire staff were very fun to be around, and most of them are Italian which is also great.”
“PRO TIP: go to Costco and get $100 DoorDash gift cards at 20% off, then use DoorDash pickup to order ahead at Jyan Isaac for no additional fee. Since you will end up spending $50-$200 here if you’re in Santa Monica for any amount of time, the savings are nice. Works out to one free full bagel gravlax with the works for every $100.”
“This was my second time at Shunji and since it was so consistent, I thought I should give it a shout out. You may miss it if you aren’t paying attention, nestled behind a non-discrete door on Ocean Park Boulevard in Santa Monica, Shunji Japanese Cuisine is a Michelin-starred gem that redefines the art of sushi dining. Chef Shunji Nakao is a legend and this intimate restaurant offers an omakase experience that is as unforgettable as it is refined.
The heart of Shunji’s allure lies in its sushi, which showcases decades of expertise as one of Los Angeles’ sushi pioneers. Each piece of nigiri is a testament to his meticulous attention to detail, with fish sourced primarily from Japan to ensure unparalleled freshness. Shunji’s (somewhat new Santa Monica location) is a departure from its former chili bowl-shaped home on Pico Boulevard, embraces a minimalist aesthetic that keeps the focus on the food and quaint experience. The space is divided into two small rooms, each with a blonde wood counter that seats just seven, creating an atmosphere of exclusivity and intimacy. Soft jazz hums in the background, and a wall of orchids adds a touch of elegance, celebrating the restaurant’s decade-long legacy. The service is impeccable, with staff (one Shunji’s wife) moving gracefully to anticipate every need, from refilling sake glasses to presenting dishes on stunning ceramic plates.
Shunji is more than a restaurant; it’s a destination The sushi is exceptional, the ambiance serene, and the overall experience a masterclass in hospitality.”
“Very good pasta really nice sause we had one dish where the chef came out and poured the sause it was really nice and made it feel super fancy our server ( girl with blackish hair) and the boy seeting us were very nice did a really good job! Food amazing service amazing and the vibe overall super good and chill! It is a first come first serve so you will have to probably wait a bit but it is worth it!”
“I have travelled to Japan 10x in 2 years, this is on par if not better food wise than any trip to Osaka, Tokyo, Kyoto. The authenticity as it relates to the space, the chefs, even the toilet makes me feel like I’m thousands of miles away. You’d be doing yourself a disservice not coming here.”
“I loved my dining experience there! The decor is warm and special; the service, impeccable, and the food is beautifully presented and delicious. I recommend the lobster spring rolls, the calamari and shrimp salad, and the duck fried rice. If you really like lemongrass, then try the seared scallops!”
“Everything as it should be. Food is fresh and tasty, staff are welcoming and helpful, the place is cool and trendy while remaining quaint and intimate. It’s a gem!”
“Best seafood and Japanese food I've ever had in my life — not exaggerating. The freshest seafood you'll ever taste. I brought multiple people here and they agree I'm not exaggerating. The quality is unlike anything else in LA. Everything is incredible but the raw seafood gets the most special shoutout.”
Outdoor Dining
“Best seafood and Japanese food I've ever had in my life — not exaggerating. The freshest seafood you'll ever taste. I brought multiple people here and they agree I'm not exaggerating. The quality is unlike anything else in LA. Everything is incredible but the raw seafood gets the most special shoutout.”
“The Fig Restaurant is located in the Fairmont Hotel. The service was excellent, the food outstanding. The overall atmosphere was lovely. My photo is of the beautiful fig tree that stands at the hotel entrance. That alone is worth a visit for some :) We’ll be happy to come back.”
“This place came highly recommended from my lady friends who do luncheons regularly. I was blown away by the rock shrimp sandwich, had to control myself not ordering it again for round 2! I hope it stays on regular menu not just DineLA. There are 7 others things on the menu I want to try, well balanced flavors that hits the spot. Lovely atmosphere will definitely come back again and again.”
“I finally tried this burger spot, and while it wasn’t the best burger on earth or even in all of LA, it was still damn good. Pricey? A bit. Worth it? Yeah, I’d say so. The patty was tender and juicy, and the mix of cheeses with those tangy balsamic onions and peppery arugula hit just right. And here’s the kicker: this was my first burger ever without ketchup… and I didn’t even miss it. That says a lot.”
“Via Veneto in Santa Monica is my go-to spot for a romantic dinner, and it delivers every single time. The service is warm, attentive, and authentically Italian—the kind where the staff remembers you and genuinely cares that your evening is perfect. The food is just as consistent. My staple order is the lobster pasta, which almost every other restaurant gets wrong—it’s overcooked, rubbery, or lost in sauce—but here it’s perfection every time. On a recent visit, I started with burrata and prosciutto, which was fresh, creamy, and balanced, the kind of simple dish that shows off true quality ingredients.
Another favorite is their ravioli of the day. They usually feature three different varieties, and each one is delicate, flavorful, and perfectly cooked—never heavy, always satisfying. The fish soup is another standout; it’s made to order, never sitting in a pot, and you can taste that freshness in every spoonful.
The atmosphere is pure old-world romance. Chandeliers cast a warm glow that makes every guest look like a movie star—fitting, since you’ll often spot real ones dining here. It’s intimate without feeling stuffy, glamorous without being pretentious. A Santa Monica staple for decades, Via Veneto is one of the few highly rated spots that still feels like an underrated gem.”
“This place came highly recommended from my lady friends who do luncheons regularly. I was blown away by the rock shrimp sandwich, had to control myself not ordering it again for round 2! I hope it stays on regular menu not just DineLA. There are 7 others things on the menu I want to try, well balanced flavors that hits the spot. Lovely atmosphere will definitely come back again and again.”
Online Reservation Available
“We had a spectacular meal last night and our server Allison went above and beyond to make sure we had a great time. She recommended the Lobster sliders to start and a wonder white wine which we enjoyed throughout the meal. She spaced out each course so we had some time to savor the unique and wonderful flavors which we so appreciated. The albacore cerviche was one of the best cerviche I have ever had anywhere. And the boar ragu pasta was divine. But the Tikka Massala Chicken was the most delicious presentation of chicken imaginable. We also loved the desert Allison suggested which was an unusual take on peanut butter and whipped cream and fresh berries. Just a delightful way to end the perfect night. Can't wait to return and try more of their innovative dishes.”
“Sunday brunch was amazing. the smoked salmon eggs Benedict were some of the best we have ever had. the location is ideal definitely get an ocean facing room. The staff catered our every need. We haven't even checked out yet and I believe we're about to book our next stay.”
“The chef's restaurant is upscale but cozy, with only 5 tables, all across from the open air kitchen. The chef and waiter collaborate to serve you each dish, telling you the ingredients that go into each dish... like little stories. Such a special experience!”
“Celebrated my boyfriends birthday at Orla! They greeted us with a birthday card and smile. It was so perfect. Our server made us feel like we were at home. The food was so delish. We ordered the saganaki to start. The honey sweet flavor made it is so deliciously different. The bread service is a must. I had the salmon and he has the lamb. It was all so tender and good. The view was perfect. We will definitely be back.”
“The Georgian Hotel lobby hosts the best bar that last minute desert or after dinner cocktail after a birthday meal. The door staff is fun and well cast for high energy and upbeat customer service. The chocolate sufleè is a must and the ambiance is classic with a touch of seaside whimsy.”
“I recently discovered La Bodega, a cozy little tapas bar in Downtown Pasadena. The wine selection is impressive, and the ambiance makes it perfect for a casual evening out with friends. The seafood paella was to die for, and their croquettes are a must-try. The staff was friendly, but it did take a while to get our order. The prices are fair for the quality, and I’ll definitely return for another relaxing evening.”
“Library Ale House is a really cool spot with a cozy, relaxed vibe that lives up to its name—it almost feels like you’re hanging out in a library that just happens to serve great beer. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for catching up with friends or winding down after a day out.
The staff was super friendly and attentive, and they’ve got a solid selection of craft beers on tap, including some local gems. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area and looking for a chill place with character and quality drinks.”
“The entire experience was wonderful the food , drinks and service will definitely have me returning. Even the Owner was so friendly personable, came out spoke with us about different options on the menu, sang happy Birthday to my sister and even a picture with our was absolutely a worthwhile outing.”
“We had a spectacular meal last night and our server Allison went above and beyond to make sure we had a great time. She recommended the Lobster sliders to start and a wonder white wine which we enjoyed throughout the meal. She spaced out each course so we had some time to savor the unique and wonderful flavors which we so appreciated. The albacore cerviche was one of the best cerviche I have ever had anywhere. And the boar ragu pasta was divine. But the Tikka Massala Chicken was the most delicious presentation of chicken imaginable. We also loved the desert Allison suggested which was an unusual take on peanut butter and whipped cream and fresh berries. Just a delightful way to end the perfect night. Can't wait to return and try more of their innovative dishes.”
“The Fig Restaurant is located in the Fairmont Hotel. The service was excellent, the food outstanding. The overall atmosphere was lovely. My photo is of the beautiful fig tree that stands at the hotel entrance. That alone is worth a visit for some :) We’ll be happy to come back.”
24 Hour Restaurants
“What a great find! Loved it! Everything was so delicious. Service excellent. Specials so delicious and unusual. We were out with friends and we all loved it. Will be back!”
Takeout Restaurants
“My friend took me to the cutest musubi shop after our Pilates class! I asked the guy working there and who was Japanese which one he recommended and I ended up trying the miso beef and the curry pork musubi. Both were so delicious and of course I saw the lychee oolong boba tea so I had to try that too. The staff are super friendly service was quick and the food was yummy! I’m definitely recommending this spot to more people and can’t wait to come back!”
“I stopped by Yagul Cafe and had my first ever Oaxacan latte, it was a very big cup, full of flavor and just the right amount of spice. Such a pleasant surprise! I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was incredibly comforting and delicious.
Everyone at the cafe was so friendly and welcoming, which made the whole experience even better. I’ll definitely be coming back to try more of their menu!”
“A cute little gem stuffed at the edge of Santa Monica, I've been in there a few times. The staff are friendly positive. The food is amazingly portioned. The drinks are solid, but what makes this really? One of the best little food joints is the fact that the staff and Joe are absolutely phenomenal. It is a great community location with sensational flavors. Amazing personalities and just good food.”
“The food is both eclectic and delicious. The location is both artsy and industrial with warm and inviting staff. I highly recommend this place for a date, business, family, or anything because it’s fabulous.”
“The chef's restaurant is upscale but cozy, with only 5 tables, all across from the open air kitchen. The chef and waiter collaborate to serve you each dish, telling you the ingredients that go into each dish... like little stories. Such a special experience!”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“I write for a music and coffee blog called Crooners In Coffeeshops, in which I interview local musicians at local coffeeshops. My writeup reflects the positive experience that I encountered at Caffe Luxxe on our interview date. L.A. based small batch coffee roaster Caffe Luxxe is wonderful example of what can grow from the powerful bond of friendship, specifically one that spans decades like that of owners Mark Wain and Gary Chau. Taking the chance to quit their corporate jobs in 2006, they’ve been able to fuel their business from their personal relationship and their love for European luxury caffe culture. A fun fact, Caffe Luxxe is the first of its kind in L.A. for artisan coffee preparation, and boy golly, it is not one to miss at any of its So Cal locations. The coffee world is your oyster when picking your beverage of choice from their delectable menu of drips, pour overs, and a unique variety of Bevande Di Caffe (including a chocolate-y shaken Caffe Shakerato, a sparkling espresso Caffe Frizzante, and a spiced citrus Caffe Nico). If seasonal specials are your thing, have no fear, because they’ve got those covered too! What more could you ask for?”
“Great service and welcoming environment. ample parking and seating both indoors and out. amazing selection of both beers and ciders on tap. my only major issue is the removal of the tip system to a forced service charge (mandatory tip) system of 18%. we ordered a single flight and a pint at the bar ourselves, no table service or any real interaction yet a tip was fourced upon us on the bill.”
“I have travelled to Japan 10x in 2 years, this is on par if not better food wise than any trip to Osaka, Tokyo, Kyoto. The authenticity as it relates to the space, the chefs, even the toilet makes me feel like I’m thousands of miles away. You’d be doing yourself a disservice not coming here.”
Fine Dining
“I will like to give a shout out to the chef. I think his name is Shawn or Sean. When we got to Santa Monica, we looked up restaurants to go have our 26 year anniversary dinner, we stayed at Hotel Delmar right across the street. We googled the restaurant menu, and decided what we were going to have. when we got there, and they brought out the menus, all what we decided to have was not on there. I was crushed. Because I had my mind set on the Halibut. I said it's ok I will just have the Ribeye, mind you I had a ribeye steak the night before. When the waiter came back, my wife asked if it's possible to get the Halibut and he said let me check with the chef. He came back later and said the chef said it's no problem. I was blown away. That was the best Halibut ( besides mine) that I have ever had. Thank you chef Shawn. From one chef to another, thank you. you made my night.”
“Had an incredible experience this evening at BOA. Mr. Ousley seated our party in the best seats! My server Mark was outstanding and his service was spot on. Clay and his whole team were On Point. The whole vibe and atmosphere was just perfect. I think I just had the best steak of my life right here in Santa Monica.”
“This rundown will ensure you enjoy the greatness of Capo. Start with the Filet Tartare accompanied by the grilled Ceaser. Move on to a split pasta plate of the Ragu and Corn Ravioli with truffles. Finish up with the Veal Scallopini while knocking back the last few sips of the incredible Grenache. Yes. I recommend Capo.”
Cheap Eats
“Love this spot, so cute, perfect little stop by and hang. The team inside is too sweet and amazing at their craft. It’s not just a job for them, they’re excited about what they serve.
Sunny & Taylor elevated the short trip for coffee and snacks.
10/10 recommend 7even Seas Coffee Co :)”
“If you’re ever in the mood for something sweet, this place, totally hits the spot. My favorite things are the Portuguese egg tarts and the salt chocolate chip cookie. The cookie is huge and can easily be shared. I’ve not tried their coffee yet, but my boyfriend loves their coffees.”
“Samo Pizza absolutely blew me away! From the moment we walked in, the vibe was welcoming, the smell of fresh dough in the air, and the service? Next level.
Victor was very, very, VERY helpful — the kind of person who truly cares that you have a great experience. Whether it was helping us decide what to order or checking in with genuine hospitality, he made the visit feel personal.
Now let’s talk about the pizza… hands down some of the best I’ve had. Perfectly cooked, rich flavors, and just the right balance of cheese, sauce, and toppings. You can tell they care about quality. Every bite had that “I need another slice” kind of magic.
On top of all that — the prices were totally fair. Great food at a good price? Can’t beat it.
Highly recommend SAMO Pizza to anyone who loves amazing food and even better service. I’ll definitely be back!”
“Celebrated my boyfriends birthday at Orla! They greeted us with a birthday card and smile. It was so perfect. Our server made us feel like we were at home. The food was so delish. We ordered the saganaki to start. The honey sweet flavor made it is so deliciously different. The bread service is a must. I had the salmon and he has the lamb. It was all so tender and good. The view was perfect. We will definitely be back.”
“I recently discovered La Bodega, a cozy little tapas bar in Downtown Pasadena. The wine selection is impressive, and the ambiance makes it perfect for a casual evening out with friends. The seafood paella was to die for, and their croquettes are a must-try. The staff was friendly, but it did take a while to get our order. The prices are fair for the quality, and I’ll definitely return for another relaxing evening.”
“Via Veneto in Santa Monica is my go-to spot for a romantic dinner, and it delivers every single time. The service is warm, attentive, and authentically Italian—the kind where the staff remembers you and genuinely cares that your evening is perfect. The food is just as consistent. My staple order is the lobster pasta, which almost every other restaurant gets wrong—it’s overcooked, rubbery, or lost in sauce—but here it’s perfection every time. On a recent visit, I started with burrata and prosciutto, which was fresh, creamy, and balanced, the kind of simple dish that shows off true quality ingredients.
Another favorite is their ravioli of the day. They usually feature three different varieties, and each one is delicate, flavorful, and perfectly cooked—never heavy, always satisfying. The fish soup is another standout; it’s made to order, never sitting in a pot, and you can taste that freshness in every spoonful.
The atmosphere is pure old-world romance. Chandeliers cast a warm glow that makes every guest look like a movie star—fitting, since you’ll often spot real ones dining here. It’s intimate without feeling stuffy, glamorous without being pretentious. A Santa Monica staple for decades, Via Veneto is one of the few highly rated spots that still feels like an underrated gem.”
“We had breakfast at Sweet Maple: it’s a beautiful place and the food is amazing. Staff were super friendly and helpful. Would highly recommend visiting for a treat.”
“Great Mexican food!
We love their octopus and sugar cane filets. Very authentic tastes. Only one downside is the kids salmon is a bit too salty. Other than that everything is great with Sol Agave! Recommend this place if visiting Santa Monica!
Tip: REMEMBER to validate your parking ticket to get 90 minutes free parking.
Kid-friendliness: Yes”
“Library Ale House is a really cool spot with a cozy, relaxed vibe that lives up to its name—it almost feels like you’re hanging out in a library that just happens to serve great beer. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for catching up with friends or winding down after a day out.
The staff was super friendly and attentive, and they’ve got a solid selection of craft beers on tap, including some local gems. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area and looking for a chill place with character and quality drinks.”
“Brilliant service high class dining and very high quality food …”
“What a fantastic plate of oysters. The horseradish was hand grated. Has a lobster roll as well with thin fries with old bay. Service was great food was super fast.”
“A cute little gem stuffed at the edge of Santa Monica, I've been in there a few times. The staff are friendly positive. The food is amazingly portioned. The drinks are solid, but what makes this really? One of the best little food joints is the fact that the staff and Joe are absolutely phenomenal. It is a great community location with sensational flavors. Amazing personalities and just good food.”
“This was my second time at Shunji and since it was so consistent, I thought I should give it a shout out. You may miss it if you aren’t paying attention, nestled behind a non-discrete door on Ocean Park Boulevard in Santa Monica, Shunji Japanese Cuisine is a Michelin-starred gem that redefines the art of sushi dining. Chef Shunji Nakao is a legend and this intimate restaurant offers an omakase experience that is as unforgettable as it is refined.
The heart of Shunji’s allure lies in its sushi, which showcases decades of expertise as one of Los Angeles’ sushi pioneers. Each piece of nigiri is a testament to his meticulous attention to detail, with fish sourced primarily from Japan to ensure unparalleled freshness. Shunji’s (somewhat new Santa Monica location) is a departure from its former chili bowl-shaped home on Pico Boulevard, embraces a minimalist aesthetic that keeps the focus on the food and quaint experience. The space is divided into two small rooms, each with a blonde wood counter that seats just seven, creating an atmosphere of exclusivity and intimacy. Soft jazz hums in the background, and a wall of orchids adds a touch of elegance, celebrating the restaurant’s decade-long legacy. The service is impeccable, with staff (one Shunji’s wife) moving gracefully to anticipate every need, from refilling sake glasses to presenting dishes on stunning ceramic plates.
Shunji is more than a restaurant; it’s a destination The sushi is exceptional, the ambiance serene, and the overall experience a masterclass in hospitality.”
“Always an enjoyable experience. Quality food at reasonable prices and can't beat the view! They really should do something about more comfortable chairs on the outside sand tables. The chairs sink into the sand so much that you're at an uncomfortable level to the table unless you weigh anything under 100 pounds. ”
“The entire experience was wonderful the food , drinks and service will definitely have me returning. Even the Owner was so friendly personable, came out spoke with us about different options on the menu, sang happy Birthday to my sister and even a picture with our was absolutely a worthwhile outing.”
“Came here from Australia with all my friends and the food was unbelievable and the service was great.
Owner of the shop is a great guy.
Highly recommended”
“I recommend the Bbq chicken, Rack of Ribs and Brisket overall everything I ordered was delicious.”
“Best steak and service . Say hi to Hillary she is the best !!!”
“Best steak and service . Say hi to Hillary she is the best !!!”
“Sat down in an outdoor patio for a quick glass of wine and bruschetta Saturday afternoon. Pleasant and helpful wait staff, relaxing environment, definitely recommend!”
“So friendly! So great! So yummy! The Spicy Cold Tofu special is amazing! �����”
“10/10 Recommend. When I’m in the area, I always gravitate to this spot. I love everything on the menu.”
“Great sushi place. Did one of the several course tasting options.”
“We had three different types of pasta and all of if them were delicious. Our son has picked this restaurant and it was a very good choice.
Towards the end we had a very nice chat with the boss and she gave us also great tips for our future journey.”
“They are by far the best steak I have ever had. We went there on a whim and they were booked but found a cute table for us by the fire. It was the most memorable meal with my husband. We are eternally grateful for the experience and service we received.”
“Honestly could not have had a more perfect experience. The food was excellent: the arugula salad, rabano crudo, patatas bravas, steak and chocolate mousse is what we ordered. Not one off thing on the menu. Atmosphere is nice, soft, warm lighting that contrasts but plays well with the pink art-deco/salon adjacent style.
Staff was excellent, everyone from the bartender to the owner. Welcoming, attentive, warm… this place understands hospitality!”
“Had a really great experience eating here! Our server was Javier and he was very friendly and attentive the entire time. The food was SOO GOOD and came out fast. Highly recommend trying this place!”
“Having visited Luke's in New York and also ordered online to our West Coast home, was guardedly excited to see how this phenomenal product has translated out west. I was delightfully surprised with not only the consistently amazing food, but also the accommodating and attentive customer service. I took an order to go with about an hour and a half drive to my home from the Santa Monica location and everything arrived perfectly and we thoroughly enjoyed our dinner. Keep up the great work!!!!”
“Excellent food and highest recommendation! Francis was a great server! When I return back to Santa Monica I will return back here and try other items.”
“Tu Madre was a perfect pick for our team dinner. They accommodated a party of nine with zero hassle, seated us quickly, and kept the service smooth and attentive all night. The menu has great variety, the mezcal margaritas were spot-on, and every taco we tried was excellent. Do not skip the truffle guacamole—it’s a must. Ambiance was lively but comfortable, with lounge-y music at just the right volume so we could actually talk. All around, great experience for large groups.”
“New favorite wine bar🍷. So cute and eclectic, staff super friendly and I met one of the owners who was so kind and hospitable. Happy hour was cool and the olive tapinade was delicious😋😋 Really want them to succeed 🤩🤩🤩”
“I finally tried this burger spot, and while it wasn’t the best burger on earth or even in all of LA, it was still damn good. Pricey? A bit. Worth it? Yeah, I’d say so. The patty was tender and juicy, and the mix of cheeses with those tangy balsamic onions and peppery arugula hit just right. And here’s the kicker: this was my first burger ever without ketchup… and I didn’t even miss it. That says a lot.”
“Lovely quiet patio that's a nice break from the tourist hubbub of Ocean Avenue. Food is solid -- we had octopus and a mezze platter with hummus and baba ganoush.”
“Had an incredible experience this evening at BOA. Mr. Ousley seated our party in the best seats! My server Mark was outstanding and his service was spot on. Clay and his whole team were On Point. The whole vibe and atmosphere was just perfect. I think I just had the best steak of my life right here in Santa Monica.”
“The cold platter was fantastic! Love the atmosphere. Love the decor. Great experience!”
“I'm a huge fan of cheese, and was looking for an opportunity to try some new ones. They had a very bold Parmesan that wasn't overly salty. The 10 year aged cheddar melted in my mouth. The coconut Gouda from Holland was a surprise hit with the table. But my personal favorite was the french triple cream. I'm going to have to see if I can find some when I fly home.”
“Found this restaurant in March and just returned for Mother’s Day dinner xoxoxo Great quality food and drinks, very pleasant staff!!! Authentic Japanese food items plus a touch of personality of its own makes their menu awesome and unique. We will come back for many many more.”
“Hidden gem. Noticeably high quality ingredients and great service. Even my Korean mom, who is germaphobic and difficult to impress, enjoyed her meal very much. Will be coming here again.
We ordered the oyster/uni (!), the baked scallop roll (!), the chirashi bowl, the sea cucumber, and the spicy japan scallop roll. Everything tasted fantastic and we didn't leave a single grain of rice.
In my opinion, it's rare to encounter Japanese food in America that I end up loving. Every raw ingredient looked and tasted fresh. Uni here was creamy, the green tea was well-steeped, and the sesame seeds on the spicy japan roll were aromatic.
I highly recommend that you come here for a special occasion or whenever you crave extremely FRESH Japanese food.”
“A truly great place. Appallingly expensive. Yet, the food is incredible. Moreover, the service is beyond an A+.
Special mention to our server, Jimmy, who was super kind.”
“I will like to give a shout out to the chef. I think his name is Shawn or Sean. When we got to Santa Monica, we looked up restaurants to go have our 26 year anniversary dinner, we stayed at Hotel Delmar right across the street. We googled the restaurant menu, and decided what we were going to have. when we got there, and they brought out the menus, all what we decided to have was not on there. I was crushed. Because I had my mind set on the Halibut. I said it's ok I will just have the Ribeye, mind you I had a ribeye steak the night before. When the waiter came back, my wife asked if it's possible to get the Halibut and he said let me check with the chef. He came back later and said the chef said it's no problem. I was blown away. That was the best Halibut ( besides mine) that I have ever had. Thank you chef Shawn. From one chef to another, thank you. you made my night.”
“Fabulous hyper-farm-to-table food by a creative chef, on Main St in Santa Monica. I’ve tried the Gazpacho, the many Danish Rye toasts with what is fresh that day: eggs, salmon roe, avocado or ....? They also have baristas that make all type of drinks. My fab place to indulge healthy and fresh”
“My party of three and I had a lovely evening. The service from the moment we walked in was helpful, friendly, and informative, and our table was perfect. The food from the antipasto to dessert was delicious. One of my guests said the pasta With mushrooms and clams was the best that she's ever had. I am one of the luckiest to have this gem of a restaurant down the street from where I live !”
“Excellent food!! SO good and such great selections on the menu! Service was over the top! Wish there was one in the OC. We will be back!”
“The atmosphere of the store and the customer service were very good.
The futomaki may be a bit disappointing if you are expecting something from Japan. California rolls are recommended!”
“Asked for a view in a 3/4 empty room, was told 2 people couldn't have the corner seat. Was offered an inferior view so we left. Bad business to turn away a couple over seat preferences. We have never been to a Bubba Gump Shrimp restraunt before, will never return either. Too bad. Went across the pier to Seaside on the pier and have an excellent view.”
Latest Reviews
“Normally, I love this Starbucks BUT today I left feeling disrespected. Every day, I order 1 or 2 triple espressos with 1/4"milk and extra foam. It was not crowded, no rush, and I ordered espresso with only foam to make it easier. But one barista, who knows me, said things were changing with the new CEO, my drink took too long to make and would stop, and it wasn't fair to other customers. What??? I sympathized with him the other day when there was a wrong order (not mine) and he got frazzled. As for my order, if someone can't measure 1/4 milk and just eyeballs it, that's not my fault. The crew that has been there is tops and this was a mistake. I don't think it's the vib that the new Speedbucks is supposed to send out. Cathy”
Most Popular Restaurants
“the service is phenomenal lovely atmosphere, very clean, cleanliness is the next thing to Godliness. the staff is friendly, the waitresses are really nice just all around lovely place the view is off the chain thank you penthouse for a lovely breakfast and God bless yours truly Michael and Jeannie.”
“Has a lovely brunch here while on vacation in the Los Angeles area. Service was impeccable with a very friendly and attentive wait staff. We had the huevos rancheros which were perfectly prepared with very tasty, fresh salsas and homemade corn tortillas. All was beautifully presented and the ambiance is lovely overlooking the Santa Monica pier/beach area. You definitely pay up for the beautiful location, but felt it was worth the spurge for the experience.”
“My wife and I went to the Grove in Los Angeles last night and we had dinner at "Sogno Toscana," an it was outstanding. It was perfect in every way; great food, great drinks, outstanding and friendly staff, beautiful location, etc. I love Italian food but I can't think of one Italian restaurant that I like, until "Sogno Toscano." The food was outstanding, and there was so much more we saw go by that we can't wait to go back and try. And the drinks were outstanding. I love martini's and they served the best martini I've ever had. Giacomo was our server and took great care of us. He's from Italy and "Sogno Toscana" brought him to America when they opened their New York restaurant, and now he's in LA for this new restaurant. Although very busy, the entire staff were very fun to be around, and most of them are Italian which is also great.”
“First time here. Enjoy our dinner, super yummy food and the great customer service from the bar manager . She was great at recommending and explaining our drink had an old fashioned with tequila, she even came back to ask how we liked it. We Never had an old fashioned with tequila and it was really good. The ambience of the place, didn’t have to wait to be seated. Highly recommend this place.”
“DTLA LA CONDE Great and beautiful place, prices are just good. Loud very loud music you can't even talk al the patio, dj only plays regueton why? Is a lot of spanish rock .. dj deserve ⭐️⭐️. Was a b-day celebration and our waiter don't care and we have to move inside bar. Se ordeno un mescal en la calavera de cristal y resulta que no tenian.”
New Restaurants
“Having visited Luke's in New York and also ordered online to our West Coast home, was guardedly excited to see how this phenomenal product has translated out west. I was delightfully surprised with not only the consistently amazing food, but also the accommodating and attentive customer service. I took an order to go with about an hour and a half drive to my home from the Santa Monica location and everything arrived perfectly and we thoroughly enjoyed our dinner. Keep up the great work!!!!”
“How they don’t have a star yet is a mystery. Big miss from the tire folks. But I’m excited for how Chef Dave will keep stepping up his game to get it next year.
Also a low key star: the wine pairing is incredible and if you don’t or aren’t drinking, the NA pairing is on a level jn a class of its own.”
“Amazing experience. Pricey but you get what you pay for! XLB, especially the chocolate dessert was sooo good. Officially my favorite dessert.
Not to mention the customer service was spectacular. Manager Nathan and our server Sandra went above and beyond. Nathan accommodated our specific needs, while Sarah explained the menu and consistently made sure we were having a good time.
I would recommend this branch! Reserve ahead of time to avoid the wait and make sure to stop at the glass area where they show workers making the dough and dumplings!!!!
Definitely coming again”
“Excellent food and fantastic service😊”