Restaurants in Santa Monica

“Excellent food and fantastic service😊”

“Exceptional and delicious food. You can taste the thought they put into every dish. The service was perfect as well, it was attentive but at the same time it did not feel forced or too pushy. Perfect place with a great atmosphere. Definitely recommend and would come back. I also appreciated that they add 4% health service charge to provide health care for their employees. It felt like they care about people working there and it was reflected in the atmosphere of the place.”

“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…”

“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.”

“Recently went to this restaurant with a friend and while her food was delicious, mine was very plain and very undercooked. Disappointed since we had to wait almost an hour for a table. Otherwise, the service was excellent and the overall vibe was super warm and inviting.”

“Beyond expectations! Best meal & service in at least 10 years. I’ll be back!”

“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.”

“Nos atendieron muy bien y la comida es fantástica!!”

“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.”

“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.”

“Loved the cozy environment especially in the patio area . Food was great! The potato cakes with apples was amazing . Our group of 9 loved all of the food ! Would recommend to others”

“Had such a nice dinner sat on the patio. Excellent food recommendations from our waiter and the food was phenomenal. Pricey but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Will return.”

“Almost too hip of an atmosphere. Looks futuristic and like a hipster puked all over it but it’s still cute. I miss the old schnackenbergs! This place looks odd in old cute charming uptown Hoboken. It’s very Portland-esque. Good salad tho.”

“Love that Michael’s has a new front patio bar. Great food and drinks. A classic!”

“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.”

“I have had many souffle in my life , I personally travel around the world trying the best of the best souffle . This far is the best I have ever had !”

“Upscale southeast Asian-French fusion brasserie with a unique twist in culinary flavors. The Grilled Pig’s Tail with the house made fish sauce was simply sublime. Yum-o’licious!”

“Delicious food and drinks”

“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 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!”

“Great food and the owners were incredibly kind. One of our favorite things about vacation 2023. The Greene's from Idaho love you.”

“Brilliant service high class dining and very high quality food …”

“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.”

“Had a nice lunch here. Great atmosphere in downtown Santa Monica right by the pier and across from a parking structure. The restaurant has a nice, swanky, seaside vibe. I had the ceviche and fish tacos, both of which were very good. Would recommend.”

“absolutely delicious burgers and sauce. the customer service and people working there where really nice and great people”

“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.”

“Amazing chicken. Simply delicious.”

“Finally checked out Father’s Office in Santa Monica—one of the burger joints on my LA bucket list—and I absolutely loved it. The vibe is low-key and cozy, with a laid-back atmosphere and a great selection of beers on tap.

But the real star? The burger. One of the best I’ve had—simple, flavorful, and just perfectly done. Definitely a spot I’ll keep coming back to. 100% recommend if you’re into elevated comfort food in a chill setting.”

“For having not that great of a reviews on Google I thought this place was exceptionally delicious! Everything we ordered was full of flavor and my favorite thing here and I will always think about it for the rest of my life is the clam linguini. I am so impressed with all that we ordered... And we got a ton of food and drinks. I'm not sure if we actually ate at the real Georgian room or just the hotel area but either way I will have to be back. The vibes were immaculate, love the style of the place and server was super kind.”

“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.”

“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.”

“Always a great experience and meal at Orto, strongly recommended!”

“Great out of the ordinary wine choices!”

“Hi I loves it thanks again so much”

“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.”

“One of my absolute favorite places to eat in Los Angeles!”

“The SM Seafood Market never disappoints! Have well prepared seafood dishes in their cafe, and purchase seafood to prepare at home. Always fresh and high quality.”

“Best steak and service . Say hi to Hillary she is the best !!!”

“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.”

“Great food and drinks 🍹 really good 👍🏾”

“The best aperitive in LA, with Salvo at 12-12 a wonderful location. Thanks a lot”

“brakefast jack ,jumbo jack,spicy chicken ice coffee”

“People are really friendly and helpful i love to go there”

“Soooo good!! Found the place on IG and drove out from Garden Grove. It's worth the drive if you're local. The staff was very friendly. Grabbed a $15 per packed box and was on my way. Again, soooo good, Cookie good!!”

“What an amazing breakfast! Frank our server was amazing! Split a huge breakfast burrito with my daughter and we had the OG and banana nut pancakes! Perfection! Everything so fresh and locally sourced… this will be our breakfast place every time we visit LA”

“For the price, quality, and flavor, there is just not a lot that beats Katsu Bar. It’s always been there for me, after school, work, gym, etc. So consistent, friendly staff. Nothing to say but positivity. I must recommend the Katsu Sando on Rosemary bread. Absolutely heavenly with a side of curry. 100/10”

“Good fare at a fair price...”

“The filet mignon shaken beef banh mi was EXACTLY what I needed. High quality, so good, and a massive portion! Love this spot and the service is really attentive.”

“Had the Thai bowl... YUM!”

“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!”

“Best nik naks & steak strips ever!”

“Friendly, accommodating staff and great, healthy food 😊”

“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.”

“Old fashioned restaurant, good food great customer service

Parking: They have a small parking lot

Wheelchair accessibility: No ramps,all flat surfaces”

“Delicioso!!!!! Muy recomendado”

“Great new neighborhood spot! The food is healthy and delicious. Lots of variety on the menu so everyone should have a few excellent choices!”

“Service,drinks.food,ambiance.staff,etc.”

“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!”

“Amazing staff. Gigi, Tom, Kian. What positive energy and professional service. Food is delicious. Perfect West Side afternoon.”

“Great service and great food ! The chicken and waffles are the best and the Nutella waffles to die for!”

“Great food and service. This place never disappoints.”

“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!”

“Favourite restaurant in the world… so good!”

“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?”

“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!!!!”

“Great spot for a healthy bite in the heart of Santa Monica. It was my first time there and I had to kill some time and ordered a matcha and acai bowl while I did a little work. Both were great and the other food I saw leave the kitchen looked good as well.

The really great part about this place was the super friendly staff and what I assumed were the owners. They were super welcoming and it seemed like a lot of the patrons were regulars and well known to the staff.

It's nice to see a community like that in such a busy part of town. It shows the quality of a place when the residents embrace it and it becomes part of the fabric of a place.

I hope to come back again soon!”

“Very good food and the owner very good person”

“old school~ great food~ great host~ a treasure~”

“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.”

“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.”

“Great place and a fun place to be”

“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 recommend the Bbq chicken, Rack of Ribs and Brisket overall everything I ordered was delicious.”

“Great food, creative cuisine”

“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.”

“Incredibly fabulous food. Very professional wait staff. Can't thank Roberta and Elena enough. Thanks so much.”

“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.”

“Amazing not to miss in Ocean Park!”

“Lovely family business. Great food & drinks, easy parking, inside & outside seating, affordable prices & totally relaxed & comfy athmosfere!”

“Margarita flights are ‘da bomb!”

“I had the HiHo Double with fries and a milkshake and honestly have to say that the food was outstanding. Together with the friendly service it made my visit a remarkable one. Will be back in the future.”

“The perfect burger and delicious fries. 100% delicate... 👍”

“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 :)”

“One of a kind whiskey-craft beer neighborhood tavern/pub. Absolute Santa Monica / westside institution.”

“Fun ambiance, good drink selection and it's easy to meet nice people as they host lots of events here.”

“excellent salad. thank you ben”

“This pizza is awesome!! The best pizza our family has had in years. The service is also first class Thank you so much!!!!”

“The best Honey 🍯🍰cake I have ever eaten! Dumplings, lazy cake, and crepes with homemade (curd) farmer's cheese. Hige recommend 🇱🇹”

“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!”

“All the staff are very welcoming and genuinely sweet..
the pizza is yummy and fresh d;
I work on the same street so I come here often , always good vibes and a clean space”

“My fiancé and I absolutely love this place! Every time we come in the area we drive 3 1/2 hours and this is our first stop every time! We were recently in town and we ate here twice between two days. The food is always consistent and so flavorful! It may look like a hole in the wall, but it is the best food around!”

“very good food and good service.”

“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”

“Extremely kind and helpful waitress!!! Great food too❣️”

“Incredibly fabulous food. Very professional wait staff. Can't thank Roberta and Elena enough. Thanks so much.”

“This pizza is awesome!! The best pizza our family has had in years. The service is also first class Thank you so much!!!!”

“The attendant was friendly ! Turkey sandwich and the hot chocolate were amazing ! Definitely recommend !”

“great food, service and ambiance. cocktails are amazing!”

“Such a great experience, amazing vibes and service. Thank you so much Steven !”

“Loved this place from the food to the service to the atmospheric it was great! I definitely recommend it.”

“Such a great experience, amazing vibes and service. Thank you so much Steven !”

“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.”

“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.”

“absolutely delicious burgers and sauce. the customer service and people working there where really nice and great people”

“Great food loved it ! We will b back”

“Great Bbq! Great service!”

“Enjoyed the croissant and a muffin with a mocha coffee”

“It was delicious. About 40% of the menu is dedicated vegan with interesting tacos like banh mi or fried squash blossoms. I ate them or I would've taken a photo - oops. 😋Would definitely go again.”

“Friendly, accommodating staff and great, healthy food 😊”

“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!”

“Great pricy place for breakfast, fancy coffee, pastries. Lines out the door but was doable at 9am this morning on Labor Day Monday. Pricy, food was pretty, but taste was so so. Carrot teff cupcake (small) was very cold and hard-but again pretty! $48”

“Nice service and good food 🍱”

“I had the HiHo Double with fries and a milkshake and honestly have to say that the food was outstanding. Together with the friendly service it made my visit a remarkable one. Will be back in the future.”

“Delicioso!!!!! Muy recomendado”