So good that nothing left on the plate. Full of flavor! Waited so long for west side
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Masha Kaznachey
In a city drowning in “elevated” this and “inspired” that, Holy Basil Santa Monica stands out by being deeply personal, wildly flavorful, and completely itself. The room has a warm glow, and the whole experience feels like being invited to the chef’s house on a night they’re only cooking for people they genuinely like.
Nothing here tiptoes. The Tom Yum risotto shows up with crab, heat, and zero apologies. The Nam Tok beef broth is a full architectural feat—layered, balanced, and bold. Even the small plates overperform like they’re auditioning for Chef’s Table.
There are no substitutions because, honestly, the dishes are already dialed in. You’re here to trust them, not negotiate.
The vibe lands somewhere between casual neighborhood hang and dinner at your impossibly cool friend’s place—the one who drops “Bangkok” into conversation the way other people mention Trader Joe’s.
In short: Holy Basil Santa Monica serves Thai with swagger, heat, and confidence—the kind usually reserved for surfers who can actually surf.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hilary Delladio
So lucky to get a table for their soft opening this weekend. We tried the full preview menu and everything was delicious. Standouts were the chili chicken, mee krab, and ginger crab. The space is clean and intimate with a feel that transports you to a bustling city. The service is friendly, fast, and already knowledgeable about the menu. Grab a seat at the 4-seat counter if you want to watch all the kitchen action while you dine. We have had several great experiences at their other locations, but this is a great addition for anyone over on the west side.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bill La Via
If you book a reservation from google maps for the Santa Monica location, be aware that as of mid-November 2025, it’s not open for business yet and you will in fact be making a reservation miles away in Atwater Village. Quite a shock to turn up for dinner at a closed restaurant. Not sure if it’s a problem with Google, OpenTable or the restaurant but beware.
So good that nothing left on the plate. Full of flavor! Waited so long for west side
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
In a city drowning in “elevated” this and “inspired” that, Holy Basil Santa Monica stands out by being deeply personal, wildly flavorful, and completely itself. The room has a warm glow, and the whole experience feels like being invited to the chef’s house on a night they’re only cooking for people they genuinely like.
Nothing here tiptoes. The Tom Yum risotto shows up with crab, heat, and zero apologies. The Nam Tok beef broth is a full architectural feat—layered, balanced, and bold. Even the small plates overperform like they’re auditioning for Chef’s Table.
There are no substitutions because, honestly, the dishes are already dialed in. You’re here to trust them, not negotiate.
The vibe lands somewhere between casual neighborhood hang and dinner at your impossibly cool friend’s place—the one who drops “Bangkok” into conversation the way other people mention Trader Joe’s.
In short: Holy Basil Santa Monica serves Thai with swagger, heat, and confidence—the kind usually reserved for surfers who can actually surf.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
So lucky to get a table for their soft opening this weekend. We tried the full preview menu and everything was delicious. Standouts were the chili chicken, mee krab, and ginger crab. The space is clean and intimate with a feel that transports you to a bustling city. The service is friendly, fast, and already knowledgeable about the menu. Grab a seat at the 4-seat counter if you want to watch all the kitchen action while you dine. We have had several great experiences at their other locations, but this is a great addition for anyone over on the west side.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
If you book a reservation from google maps for the Santa Monica location, be aware that as of mid-November 2025, it’s not open for business yet and you will in fact be making a reservation miles away in Atwater Village. Quite a shock to turn up for dinner at a closed restaurant. Not sure if it’s a problem with Google, OpenTable or the restaurant but beware.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Opening soon
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