Restaurants in Santa Monica
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Best Restaurants
“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.”
“Beyond expectations! Best meal & service in at least 10 years. I’ll be back!”
“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…”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“The pasta was delicious, but we had to wait 15 minutes to be acknowledged, and when they did take our order, it was for everything and they “ran out of bread we run out all the time” at 7pm on a saturday. Restaurant 101: greet guests quickly, offer them some wine / drinks, even if you’re delayed on taking their order. Also offer more salad options or appetizers and we would’ve easily ordered dessert if it was offered.”
“This is my go-to spot with my cousin and some girlfriends. We usually get the mushroom pizza and the garlic bread knot. The drinks are always great (we alternate between their cocktails and the wines). We especially love the outdoor patio area—the ambiance is nice and relaxed. It's a spot that we will definitely come back to again and again.”
Restaurants with Delivery
“My wife and I had a wonderful meal at Tar & Roses last night! Every dish was perfectly executed and our server, Katie, could not have done a better job! The receptionist squeezed us in, with a cancelation just before we called and gave us a terrific table. We were greeted warmly. The wine list had a good selection of wines by the glass and just the wines I needed to pair with my dishes. We can highly recommend the oxtail dumplings, octopus skewers, balsamic glazed short ribs,
Singapore crab cake, fried cauliflower with lavender honey, roasted brussels sprouts, cheesy whipped potatoes, the mushrooms and white beans and especially the strawberry crostata with vanilla ice cream for dessert! The vibe was good and my only disappointment was that we couldn't eat the entire menu in one sitting:-)”
“This is my go-to spot with my cousin and some girlfriends. We usually get the mushroom pizza and the garlic bread knot. The drinks are always great (we alternate between their cocktails and the wines). We especially love the outdoor patio area—the ambiance is nice and relaxed. It's a spot that we will definitely come back to again and again.”
“The pasta was delicious, but we had to wait 15 minutes to be acknowledged, and when they did take our order, it was for everything and they “ran out of bread we run out all the time” at 7pm on a saturday. Restaurant 101: greet guests quickly, offer them some wine / drinks, even if you’re delayed on taking their order. Also offer more salad options or appetizers and we would’ve easily ordered dessert if it was offered.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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!”
“Best steak and service . Say hi to Hillary she is the best !!!”
Outdoor Dining
“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!”
“Father’s Office in Santa Monica feels like a masterclass from someone who’s seen the world, cut the fluff, and come home to serve only what matters.
You walk in and the room has that quiet confidence of a place built by people who believe in standards, not suggestions. The Office Burger lands like a sermon dry aged beef, blue cheese, sweet onions, arugula all working together with the kind of bold harmony that makes you wonder why anyone ever asked for ketchup in the first place.
The staff moves with the precision of people who care, not because it’s cute but because details are the difference between forgettable and unforgettable. There’s humor in the attitude too a kind of “we’re protecting you from your own bad taste” wink that somehow makes you trust them more. It’s smart, it’s flavorful, it’s unapologetically itself, and walking out you feel like you just tasted something honest in a world that keeps trying to sell you shortcuts.”
“Had an Uber credit to use so quickly ordered a pickup order and have been wanting to try this restaurant for a while. The zucchini and mushrooms salad was amazing, as was the chicken and mango. The order was ready in less than 5 minutes and would totally get food from them again!”
“I should've just come here first.
The lobster quality is great with thick claw meat and a nice sized pickle. The tomato bisque isn't bad, but I'll try the clam chowder next time.
Good Lobster is hard to come by since COVID. On splurge days, this is a really good choice. The people are cool too.”
“This place was awesome, super local clientele. The food was nice, server was really busy but did a decent job, the restaurant was pretty slammed when we got there. We ordered the salmon and the chicken plate. Both were great, we also ordered the Cesar which was really good. Would recommend for sure, would go back.”
“We had an amazing experience at this restaurant! The food was fresh, flavorful, and pancakes were fluffy, the eggs were perfectly cooked, I had chilaquiles it was delicious 😋 and the coffee was always hot and delicious. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made us feel right at home. The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming perfect for starting the day off right. I’ll definitely be coming back!”
“We had an amazing experience at the Georgian Room last night. The speakeasy style steakhouse inside the Georgian Hotel has an incredible ambiance that feels intimate and stylish, elevated even more by fantastic live music throughout the evening.
We started by sharing the Caesar salad and the blue prawns, both of which were absolutely delicious and a perfect way to kick things off. For mains, I ordered the steak frites, which was cooked perfectly and full of flavor, while my girlfriend had the smash burger; simple, classic and seriously tasty. The cocktails were also excellent and thoughtfully crafted, and they had a great wine selection as well.
The service truly stood out and was one of the best parts of the entire night. Every detail was handled with care, and we felt genuinely welcomed from the moment we arrived. Our waiter, Renee, was incredibly attentive, made great recommendations, and was genuinely kind all evening. Allen, the manager, also checked in on us and made us feel very welcome. Since we were celebrating my girlfriend’s birthday, they even surprised us with dessert, which was such a thoughtful touch.
Overall, a fantastic experience with great food, drinks, music and hospitality. I will definitely be coming back.”
“This place was awesome, super local clientele. The food was nice, server was really busy but did a decent job, the restaurant was pretty slammed when we got there. We ordered the salmon and the chicken plate. Both were great, we also ordered the Cesar which was really good. Would recommend for sure, would go back.”
“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”
“Showed up for a solo dinner on Monday and was not disappointed. Happy hour pricing all day (Mondays and Tuesdays) meant I got the mid-tier omakase for $70, and it was PLENTY of food for me. I can eat a lot. All dishes were quite good, my favorites being the mackerel, corn-ribs and insanely good wagyu meatball.”
Online Reservation Available
“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!”
“This is my favorite seafood restaurant in los angeles! They're fresh is so fresh and I'm in love with their salmon, candy and their Char. Roiled swordfish sandwiches! Even there, lettuce on their spring summer salad is the freshest.Most beautiful shade of green and red.And they're dressing is divine! I wish I could eat there every day.
You guys truly have an amazing restaurant and market!
Oh, and I forgot to mention they even have take home recipes and recipes on their website! Wow!! Can I be the first Santa Monica seafood brand ambassador?! 😋”
“My sons surprised me with a dinner this evening at Chelsea to celebrate my birthday. It was a wonderful experience from the moment we entered and saw the facility dining room and dim lights, a perfect ambience. The Restaurant also has private rooms in the back which I noted for future larger groups. The server was engaging and the food was fantastic. We started with the truffle fries and I had lobster squid linguine, which was phenomenal and my sons had a duck dish and a boar ragú which they both loved. We ordered one piece of a unique Matcha chocolate cake, which they brought out with a candle. The cocktails look really nice. We had a Prosecco and a glass of wine. It really was a lovely evening and I’m so glad we’ve discovered this little gem.”
“Great place for delicious breakfast, after a good brisk morning walk.
I had a fresh omelet, with mushrooms, onions and cheese. I added fresh toasted slices of sourdough bread and a cup of Americano coffee (stronger than regular coffee). Not a long wait, comfortable seating, attentive server, made it a complete pleasant meal.”
“We had an incredible evening at La Monique. The food and ambiance is absolutely perfect. Our server Brian really made the evening. He is attentive, patient and knowledgeable. I can’t explain how nice it felt to be so taken care of. In LA it’s harder and harder to find this combo of quality food, and even better service. Cannot recommend this spot enough!”
“First, my wife loved it. I thought it was ok. The kitchen was stretched. The waitress really didn't explain the menu. This was Americanized tapas. Too much food, no space between tables making it too crammed and no privacy. This was Valentines after all. And there's the nut, what is it like on a normal night? I haven't decided whether to find out.”
“Loved the moodily lit ambience of Via Veneto (although lighting the wall candles they have on both walls would have made it even more stunning!), The food was great - only suggestion is that several dishes were WAY too salty. Other than that we loved Via Veneto and will be back - hopefully so experience their wall candles and less salt in their dishes!”
“Absolutely delicious and fresh food! We stayed at Viceroy so every morning breakfast was at Sugar Palm. Nice ambience, indoor and outdoor seating, bar seating as well. Staff were welcoming and very friendly, they make sure your experience is great. Kids loved the food too!”
“In short, good taste high price. Wok-fired items are definitely their strong suit, and service is top notch. Didn't expect to spend around $50/person here though, as the place did not give off fine dining vibes. Portions were on the small side as well, but was surprisingly filling.”
“Doing tofu and mushrooms this well is VERY RARE. Most places miss the mark on the tofu marinade, and it can be bland. Not the case here! Bun & Mi are able to work umami miracles with the mushroom tofu noodle bowl. The vegan sauce (vinaigrette) is balanced and intentionally subtle but perfect in acidity and salinity and depth.
They clearly are a mom/pop place, with exceptional quality control. They have crushed ice, filtered water. This may sound like a strange thing to remark, BUT it makes all the difference! So many places are not paying attention to the little details, serving tap water that tastes like it came out of a fish bowl. This place is giving you a very intentional, humble and delicious meal. Doing a few menu items and doing them well!”
24 Hour Restaurants
“Always a great experience and meal at Orto, strongly recommended!”
“This is my favorite seafood restaurant in los angeles! They're fresh is so fresh and I'm in love with their salmon, candy and their Char. Roiled swordfish sandwiches! Even there, lettuce on their spring summer salad is the freshest.Most beautiful shade of green and red.And they're dressing is divine! I wish I could eat there every day.
You guys truly have an amazing restaurant and market!
Oh, and I forgot to mention they even have take home recipes and recipes on their website! Wow!! Can I be the first Santa Monica seafood brand ambassador?! 😋”
“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.”
Takeout Restaurants
“Never had a bad cookie here. I love how creative and simple their offerings are each month. For a small bake shop everything is crafted with love, from the decor of the shop, to the packaging, down to the fresh ingredients in each cookie. The Cheeto cookie got me hooked and I'll keep comitback for more!”
“Doing tofu and mushrooms this well is VERY RARE. Most places miss the mark on the tofu marinade, and it can be bland. Not the case here! Bun & Mi are able to work umami miracles with the mushroom tofu noodle bowl. The vegan sauce (vinaigrette) is balanced and intentionally subtle but perfect in acidity and salinity and depth.
They clearly are a mom/pop place, with exceptional quality control. They have crushed ice, filtered water. This may sound like a strange thing to remark, BUT it makes all the difference! So many places are not paying attention to the little details, serving tap water that tastes like it came out of a fish bowl. This place is giving you a very intentional, humble and delicious meal. Doing a few menu items and doing them well!”
“First discovered musabi’s in Hawaii and was excited to find this spot in Santa Monica. The shop is small with no seating, but the food is the real draw. Great selection, fresh and flavorful, and perfect for a quick snack. Love the Santa Monica vibe, a fun place to grab a bite before heading to the beach”
“Fun Saturday brunch in Santa Monica. The endless mimosas are the bomb and the food was delicious and nicely presented. The Lobster Benedict was amazing and then I finished it off with the French Toast served with bourbon whipped cream, candied pecans and crumbled bacon. Enjoyable time in a rustic environment. Vote for “Pedro” our amazing waiter who kept our glasses full.”
“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.”
“If you love a GREAT Italian style sub sandwich... and haven't tried the Bay Cities Godmother sandwich... YOU ARE MISSING OUT BIG TIME!!!
Get yourself in there... order their Godmother sandwich made on their proprietary fresh daily made bread that's crispy on the outside... and soft inside. It's made with freshly sliced Boarshead Italian cold cuts. Have them add the works to it... including their hot or mild peppers. You won't be disappointed!!!”
“Brilliant service high class dining and very high quality food …”
“Fantastic food and really great beer on tap! We had salad and pizza and it was all amazing. Staff were fantastic. I had a toddler with me and they were fun and engaging and helpful with him. Would highly recommend going here.”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“If you want to go to a bar with perfect seating, great airflow, excellent drinks, flawless service l, a fantastic DJ, a parking lot, a nyc vibe, no one rushes you and you can even reserve a table for drinks…go to the Chestnut Club. My favorite new bar. 14th & Santa Monica Blvd @TheChestnutClub same owners as scopa and black market liquor!”
“Stopped in after an errand on an early weekday evening. Forgotten how much I enjoy being there. Above all, a wonderful, welcoming staff. Sat in the bar area at a table, the gentleman bartender is just so outgoing & friendly, wait staff is great too. A nice happy hour menu, but ordered off the regular menu with a glass of great wine.
Only callout to management. You have a great vibe with awesome staff. Upgrade your menu for customers who want more for dinner, than what everyone else on Main St serves: burgers, tacos, fried options. Your food quality & presentation is great, just don’t be content with “bar food”. You are sandwiched between multiple bars, sushi & Mexican food and nowhere on the street is there a nice, casual mid priced venue. You can do better on the menu & also add some more premium wines by the glass. The neighborhood will appreciate it.”
“We had a great experience at our first time visit here. We celebrated my son's birthday and brought in a cake. The food was amazing except for the Alaskan salmon that they substituted from what we originally ordered. They have an all day happy hour on Monday to Thursday. The service was excellent and the servers even sang happy birthday when they brought out the cake. The place was nice and clean and it wasn't crowded when we dined. The only problem was the people on the next table were too loud and there was no wall dividing them to our table so the guy sitting behind my son's girlfriend keeps on bumping into her every time he moved. We will definitely go back here.”
“Honestly, most of the pizzas I had in LA were either too salty or just average.
But SAMO PIZZA is the real deal.
We had the BBQ chicken pizza and the pepperoni supreme, and all 10 of us ate until we were full.
The taste was absolutely perfect—worth every bit of the time and money.
Highly recommended!”
“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”
“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!”
Fine Dining
“We had the most delicious and delightful evening at Caffe Delfini last night. The restaurant itself is a charming and old school Italian restaurant. The menu is extensive and filler with classic dishes. The pastas are all homemade and delicious!! The owner is very personable and attentive. He made our evening even more enjoyable. All in all a great time at this little gem of a restaurant.”
“Excellent service, amazing lobster 🦞 with crab rice. I just wish I was given the prices before agreeing on the upgrade. I ordered a family for 2 and CJ server offered to make it 3ppl. I was kinda surprised with my bills and how the restaurant dictate the gratuity %….Overall, I love dining in this restaurant because we were welcome and were given a great and warm reception. Thank you to the staff who made us feel special especially to CJ she was amazing. Indeed, the most expensive meal I have eaten lol it’s worth it.”
“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.”
“Our server, Sina, was awesome. Lobster ravioli was very good; the crab cakes were okay; I wasn't a fan of the pumpkin ravioli; and the fish and chips had something spicy in them and my son couldn't handle it. The ivy sundae is delicious, as is the ivy gimlet. But really, the best part of our experience was our server.”
“Manager KI Bae is a true Service oriented Manager, his attention to detail, customer service was beyond exceptional. His genuine sincerity is a true testament there is still individuals that care about their performance. The entire staff was great and the main reason why we frequently attend the Santa Monica location”
“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.”
“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.”
“I should've just come here first.
The lobster quality is great with thick claw meat and a nice sized pickle. The tomato bisque isn't bad, but I'll try the clam chowder next time.
Good Lobster is hard to come by since COVID. On splurge days, this is a really good choice. The people are cool too.”
“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.”
“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.”
Cheap Eats
“We are from England, but had a day stopover in LA. Decided to visit HiHo for burger, fries and shake and it was fantastic.
Juicy burgers and the best fries and shake we have ever had.
Great atmosphere and service too.
Thank you for making our first visit to America a memorable one.”
“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?”
“Kafe K was absolutely incredible! The level of service they provided clearly reflects that everyone I met genuinely loves their work. I had a few hours to spare, and they ensured I was completely taken care of, even offering me a sample of their delicious smoothie (thank you!). I also observed that each customer who walked in was greeted with big smiles. The atmosphere was warm and inviting every single time. This truly demonstrates the love and patience each team member has for their role. Coming from out of town, I found the friendliness here to be a refreshing change. Without a doubt, it’s the best cafe I’ve been too in a very long time. They also offer vegan options like the yummy avocado toast, which was perfect for me. Overall, it’s a solid 10 across the board. Thank you to everyone at Kafe K! I’ll definitely stop by again the next time I’m in town. Plus, they're dog-friendly and even provide water and food for your furry friends. I loved my experience here! Thank you for allowing me to stay as long as I needed. You are all amazing!”
“Max is absolutely the best! He was so helpful in navigating the menu. The flavors here are incredible you can tell everything is highquality and actually healthy.
It’s rare to find a treat that tastes this good without the guilt. Thank you so much Frozen Fruit Co!”
“Got the breakfast burrito with the hot sauce on the side and a brown sugar latte. The burrito is so good. A thoughtful amount of avocado, cheese, bacon, hash browns, and pico. I should have had it with the hot sauce inside. The hot sauce is like a smokey, vinegar base sauce, just enough spice to taste everything and not too overwhelming at all. For those with heartburn, get it inside the burrito, you can thank me later. They didn't open right up at 8 but it was such a nice morning, I didn't mind a leisurely start to the day. Very friendly staff, other customers waiting were kind as well. Once the workout classes in the gym get started, you get to jam out. Dog friendly picnic area just watch out for the exercise class cuz they do run through their shared entrance. Overall great spot, highly recommend!”
“The food and service was awesome. The millionaire bacon is just the bees knees. My small gripe is that all the food leans more sweet than savory but it's literally called sweet maple. I'd lean straight into their sweet oriented food because it's soooo good.”
“First, my wife loved it. I thought it was ok. The kitchen was stretched. The waitress really didn't explain the menu. This was Americanized tapas. Too much food, no space between tables making it too crammed and no privacy. This was Valentines after all. And there's the nut, what is it like on a normal night? I haven't decided whether to find out.”
“Honestly, most of the pizzas I had in LA were either too salty or just average.
But SAMO PIZZA is the real deal.
We had the BBQ chicken pizza and the pepperoni supreme, and all 10 of us ate until we were full.
The taste was absolutely perfect—worth every bit of the time and money.
Highly recommended!”
“Love the vibes at offhand. Normally I go there in the evenings for happy hour, but stopped by today for lunch. Sandwich was great. Employees are really cool and super nice. Such a good spot. Highly recommend”
“We left feeling like royalty! Such an amazing omakase experience. Intimate setting, it’s like eating in Chefs house. Very fun, and would definitely go back when the seasons change!”
“Great new neighborhood spot! The food is healthy and delicious. Lots of variety on the menu so everyone should have a few excellent choices!”
“Great place for delicious breakfast, after a good brisk morning walk.
I had a fresh omelet, with mushrooms, onions and cheese. I added fresh toasted slices of sourdough bread and a cup of Americano coffee (stronger than regular coffee). Not a long wait, comfortable seating, attentive server, made it a complete pleasant meal.”
“We had a taste of sol agave for 2 sharing plate. It was fantastic.
Our waitress who was from Peru was lovely, great to chat to and super helpful.
What a lovely place to eat.”
“I tell you what the guys they were amazing especially the bartender and I really appreciate this place being a part of the Santa Monica community amen if you want good tacos and food come here!”
“Fun Saturday brunch in Santa Monica. The endless mimosas are the bomb and the food was delicious and nicely presented. The Lobster Benedict was amazing and then I finished it off with the French Toast served with bourbon whipped cream, candied pecans and crumbled bacon. Enjoyable time in a rustic environment. Vote for “Pedro” our amazing waiter who kept our glasses full.”
“Loved the moodily lit ambience of Via Veneto (although lighting the wall candles they have on both walls would have made it even more stunning!), The food was great - only suggestion is that several dishes were WAY too salty. Other than that we loved Via Veneto and will be back - hopefully so experience their wall candles and less salt in their dishes!”
“Stopped in after an errand on an early weekday evening. Forgotten how much I enjoy being there. Above all, a wonderful, welcoming staff. Sat in the bar area at a table, the gentleman bartender is just so outgoing & friendly, wait staff is great too. A nice happy hour menu, but ordered off the regular menu with a glass of great wine.
Only callout to management. You have a great vibe with awesome staff. Upgrade your menu for customers who want more for dinner, than what everyone else on Main St serves: burgers, tacos, fried options. Your food quality & presentation is great, just don’t be content with “bar food”. You are sandwiched between multiple bars, sushi & Mexican food and nowhere on the street is there a nice, casual mid priced venue. You can do better on the menu & also add some more premium wines by the glass. The neighborhood will appreciate it.”
“We had the most delicious and delightful evening at Caffe Delfini last night. The restaurant itself is a charming and old school Italian restaurant. The menu is extensive and filler with classic dishes. The pastas are all homemade and delicious!! The owner is very personable and attentive. He made our evening even more enjoyable. All in all a great time at this little gem of a restaurant.”
“I love ORLA. Came today for their dine-la brunch—this was my second visit to ORLA. The food is excellent 10/10. The ambience is lovely, the ocean views are fantastic, and the staff are so welcoming. Can't wait to go back sooner rather than later.”
“The experience I had in this cafe was fabulous. I ordered eggs on bread and yogurt bowl, they stand out from those in other cafes. The bread was soft and with perfectly balanced moisture. You can have your eggs poached if you like and they were amazing. Coffee was of high quality with amazing flavour. The staff was welcoming and dining in was the most divine and cozy thing in the morning. A wise choice if you are visiting Santa Monica as a tourist!”
“Perfect in Italian American food that really hit the spot. The boys ate the buttered pasta like it was gold and my wife and I enjoyed the entrees, I had gnocchi and it was perfect. The staff were wonderful and very kind to us with two littles, but I also really enjoyed how kind and involved they were with each other.”
“Absolutely delicious and fresh food! We stayed at Viceroy so every morning breakfast was at Sugar Palm. Nice ambience, indoor and outdoor seating, bar seating as well. Staff were welcoming and very friendly, they make sure your experience is great. Kids loved the food too!”
“So friendly! So great! So yummy! The Spicy Cold Tofu special is amazing! �����”
“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”
“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!”
“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!”
“Always great times! Wonderful people, fabulous world class live music & sweet vibes. A real community feel. Filled with music lovers. Definitely a staple LA hott spot. Keep Supporting live music! 🔥🎶”
“This place is awesome! I’m so confused as to why there’s not more people in here right now. The staff is so friendly and were welcoming from the moment I walked in! The food was incredible, and even rivals what I have had in Japan. Stop here if you can!”
“Best steak and service . Say hi to Hillary she is the best !!!”
“I had my birthday here… it’s our go to neighborhood get together spot. Great wine selection, food is YUMMM, and the vibes are just so great. This place absolutely nails it.”
“Father’s Office in Santa Monica feels like a masterclass from someone who’s seen the world, cut the fluff, and come home to serve only what matters.
You walk in and the room has that quiet confidence of a place built by people who believe in standards, not suggestions. The Office Burger lands like a sermon dry aged beef, blue cheese, sweet onions, arugula all working together with the kind of bold harmony that makes you wonder why anyone ever asked for ketchup in the first place.
The staff moves with the precision of people who care, not because it’s cute but because details are the difference between forgettable and unforgettable. There’s humor in the attitude too a kind of “we’re protecting you from your own bad taste” wink that somehow makes you trust them more. It’s smart, it’s flavorful, it’s unapologetically itself, and walking out you feel like you just tasted something honest in a world that keeps trying to sell you shortcuts.”
“10/10 Recommend. When I’m in the area, I always gravitate to this spot. I love everything on the menu.”
“Very good food very nice Ambiance great service if you are in Los Angeles this is definitely a restaurant to put in your check list. Thank you, Luca and Valentina.”
“the owners couldn’t be nicer and this is the best pizza on the west side of la without a doubt. as new yorkers and my husband being italian we are so picky and WOW. this place is incredible!”
“If you are looking for a dining experience that defies the norm, Seline is the place. It was a flawless evening that truly showcased why they deserve every bit of their Michelin star. The Concept & Food: The dishes here are wonderfully avant-garde. Each plate felt like a piece of art, both in presentation and flavor. What I appreciated most—especially as someone who doesn't have a sweet tooth—was how perfectly balanced every dish was. Instead of relying on sugar, the flavors were deep, natural, and incredibly sophisticated. The Experience & Flow: The menu structure and the order of the courses are quite different from your typical fine dining spots. It keeps you on your toes and makes the meal feel like an exciting journey. We opted for the Champagne and wine pairing, and it was absolute perfection. The sommelier clearly knows how to complement these unique flavors. The Ambience: The space itself is cozy and intimate, with a stunning garden that adds a magical touch to the atmosphere. It felt like a private escape from the city. Final Verdict: Seline offers a creative, bold,and high-level dining experience that stands out from the crowd. I walked out completely satisfied. If you want a meal that is both beautiful and intellectually stimulating, this is a must-visit.”
“My sons surprised me with a dinner this evening at Chelsea to celebrate my birthday. It was a wonderful experience from the moment we entered and saw the facility dining room and dim lights, a perfect ambience. The Restaurant also has private rooms in the back which I noted for future larger groups. The server was engaging and the food was fantastic. We started with the truffle fries and I had lobster squid linguine, which was phenomenal and my sons had a duck dish and a boar ragú which they both loved. We ordered one piece of a unique Matcha chocolate cake, which they brought out with a candle. The cocktails look really nice. We had a Prosecco and a glass of wine. It really was a lovely evening and I’m so glad we’ve discovered this little gem.”
“A friend and I visited Il Forno Trattoria last Saturday. After we left, my friend realised she had lost her grandmother's ring, of great sentimental value. We telephoned the restaurant even though it had already closed for the night, and the team immediately invited us back to search. When we arrived, the staff were cleaning up but had already started to look for the ring and helped us look through the restrooms and, kitchen. At least three or four employees actively helped, including providing gloves and helping us go through the trash to ensure it was lost in a restroom trash can. It was clear that everyone was genuinely concerned and willing to do whatever they could. Although the ring was not found, their professionalism, empathy, and willingness to stay late and actively help without question have left a lasting impression. I mustn’t forget the meal itself had been excellent: well‑prepared dishes, attentive yet unobtrusive service, and a well‑chosen wine list. Taken together with the staff’s extraordinary support, the experience showed Il Forno Trattoria at its best. It is the epitome of excellent service. Whether you are looking for quality Italian cuisine or a restaurant where the team truly cares about its guests, I cannot recommend Il Forno Trattoria highly enough.”
“Such yummy food and chill atmosphere. The only problem is the close at 8pm when it’s still light outside?!? I’ve seen them turn away several customers many many times. I think it was a covid thing originally so hopefully they go back to more normal hours. At least stay open until 9pm please 🙏🏻!”
“This one has been on my list for a while and did NOT disappoint. All the ingredients were so FRESH and worked so well with one another. Had the Bertie and the Peter.”
“The Baklava when I first saw it made my mouth water. When I ate it, it was a world of waterfalls. I had flashbacks of traveling in summer to Europe. I bought one for all my friends as a surprise, the table was quiet with smiles.”
“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.”
“Servers such as Sarah and Eddie were very attentive. Asking how we were doing and checking on us multiple times throughout the night. Food was incredible and would definitely come back for more!”
“I recommend the Bbq chicken, Rack of Ribs and Brisket overall everything I ordered was delicious.”
“Great sushi place. Did one of the several course tasting options.”
“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!”
“Friendly atmosphere Delicious meals are tasty, appetizing, scrumptious, yummy, delightful, lovely, wonderful, pleasant, enjoyable, appealing, enchanting, charming and hihgly pleasant to the taste.”
“Shoutout to Kim who, despite a jammed dining room, dozens of pickup orders, managed to greet me warmly & expedite my takeout request (silly me, ordered in person after the theater). I had time to watch her operate as the coordinator of all the food leaving the kitchen & wow, what a job! Thank you Kim!
The food is consistently fabulous! This time the salt & pepper tofu & veggie noodles, beyond delicious!
Only heads-up. Dining room is very, very loud and too much traffic walking through, as well as delivery people crowded around waiting, so as pretty as the space is, it wouldn’t be my pick for a quiet, conversational dinner. More like a bustling food court vibe.”
“We had a great experience at our first time visit here. We celebrated my son's birthday and brought in a cake. The food was amazing except for the Alaskan salmon that they substituted from what we originally ordered. They have an all day happy hour on Monday to Thursday. The service was excellent and the servers even sang happy birthday when they brought out the cake. The place was nice and clean and it wasn't crowded when we dined. The only problem was the people on the next table were too loud and there was no wall dividing them to our table so the guy sitting behind my son's girlfriend keeps on bumping into her every time he moved. We will definitely go back here.”
“We had an incredible evening at La Monique. The food and ambiance is absolutely perfect. Our server Brian really made the evening. He is attentive, patient and knowledgeable. I can’t explain how nice it felt to be so taken care of. In LA it’s harder and harder to find this combo of quality food, and even better service. Cannot recommend this spot enough!”
“What an absolute gem of a sushi house!
Great location right by the prominade
Seats were comfy and the atmosphere was wonderful
The waitress was very kind and attentive.
And the sushi, omg the sushi.
I had the tsunami fushion and it was delicious. A brilliant and original combination of flavors, just the right portion, and it looked like a work of art.
Very reasonably priced as well!
Thank you Mon Roll, will definitely be back 🍣💜”
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
“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.”
“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.”
“Our server, Sina, was awesome. Lobster ravioli was very good; the crab cakes were okay; I wasn't a fan of the pumpkin ravioli; and the fish and chips had something spicy in them and my son couldn't handle it. The ivy sundae is delicious, as is the ivy gimlet. But really, the best part of our experience was our server.”
“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.”
New Restaurants
“Absolutely loved this place! The cinnamon rolls are outstanding — perfectly soft, buttery, and not overly sweet. The scones are excellent as well, and the cookies are honestly some of the best I’ve had in a long time.
What really makes the experience even better is the staff. Everyone was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and genuinely kind.
If you’re in Santa Monica and enjoy great pastries, this place is definitely worth a visit. I’ll be coming back for those cinnamon rolls!”
“Good neighborhood spot that I hope doesn’t get overcrowded.
Amazing cocktails, the bartenders do a great job serving everyone at the bar. Prices are respectable as well.
The vibe is great and cozy, dimly lit, and good music. It gets more packed after 8pm. We come often and it’s always a solid crowd.
Then here comes the pizza. A sleeper in la for exceptional Neapolitan style with an amazing amount of parm on top. A must have if you love pizza and a top contender for the best on the west side.”
“The experience I had in this cafe was fabulous. I ordered eggs on bread and yogurt bowl, they stand out from those in other cafes. The bread was soft and with perfectly balanced moisture. You can have your eggs poached if you like and they were amazing. Coffee was of high quality with amazing flavour. The staff was welcoming and dining in was the most divine and cozy thing in the morning. A wise choice if you are visiting Santa Monica as a tourist!”
“If you are looking for a dining experience that defies the norm, Seline is the place. It was a flawless evening that truly showcased why they deserve every bit of their Michelin star. The Concept & Food: The dishes here are wonderfully avant-garde. Each plate felt like a piece of art, both in presentation and flavor. What I appreciated most—especially as someone who doesn't have a sweet tooth—was how perfectly balanced every dish was. Instead of relying on sugar, the flavors were deep, natural, and incredibly sophisticated. The Experience & Flow: The menu structure and the order of the courses are quite different from your typical fine dining spots. It keeps you on your toes and makes the meal feel like an exciting journey. We opted for the Champagne and wine pairing, and it was absolute perfection. The sommelier clearly knows how to complement these unique flavors. The Ambience: The space itself is cozy and intimate, with a stunning garden that adds a magical touch to the atmosphere. It felt like a private escape from the city. Final Verdict: Seline offers a creative, bold,and high-level dining experience that stands out from the crowd. I walked out completely satisfied. If you want a meal that is both beautiful and intellectually stimulating, this is a must-visit.”
“I was delighted and surprised at the size of the sandwich, considering it's relatively low price, and right in downtown Santa Monica! The service was good, and tuna was filing and delicious. Chill music in the background, and a quaint seating area was perfect my rainy day journey.”
“I got their matcha and it was exactly what I’d hope for in a matcha - well blended and tasty. They have almond and oat milk, and also give you options for how sweet it can be in percentages (I think they use a simple syrup to sweeten the drinks and will default to making it sweet if you don’t request it to be completely unsweetened). The shop is set up like a stand, with a mixed indoor/outdoor feel that is mostly outside with a rain cover, but with additional seating outside outside. It is located in an area that gets a lot of foot traffic and would probably be great for people watching at sunnier/busier times, plus the cup size is quite large for the price.”
“Everything was so delicious 🤤🤤 My favorite dish was the galbi-jjin - they even used fire to melt the cheese, which was such a fun touch. We also ordered the rose tteokbokki with ramen noodles, and it reminded me of a spicy version of Filipino spaghetti The cheese curry katsu was perfectly crispy and so tasty. Bibimbap a was a great Vegetarian option. Highly recommend!!
Our server was incredibly sweet, and the portions are generous, best for sharing as we still had leftovers to take home. Will definitely be back again!”
Recommended


“My wife and I had a wonderful meal at Tar & Roses last night! Every dish was perfectly executed and our server, Katie, could not have done a better job! The receptionist squeezed us in, with a cancelation just before we called and gave us a terrific table. We were greeted warmly. The wine list had a good selection of wines by the glass and just the wines I needed to pair with my dishes. We can highly recommend the oxtail dumplings, octopus skewers, balsamic glazed short ribs,
Singapore crab cake, fried cauliflower with lavender honey, roasted brussels sprouts, cheesy whipped potatoes, the mushrooms and white beans and especially the strawberry crostata with vanilla ice cream for dessert! The vibe was good and my only disappointment was that we couldn't eat the entire menu in one sitting:-)”