New American Restaurants in Santa Monica, CA

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

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

“Food was excellent and the ambiance sitting outside was great. We had the pork chop, puréed herb potatoes, appetizer sashimi and olives. Everything was top notch, food and service. Pork chop was very moist and the sauce they serve with it brought the pork chop over the top. Pure heaven. I wish they would change their policy regarding happy hour and allow happy hour if you sit outside. We have a dog and since he cannot go inside the restaurant then allow us to have happy hour outside with our best friend. Most restaurants make this exception. We would certainly frequent your establishment much more often as we love happy hour.“

“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 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!“

“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.“

“Had one of the best meals I’ve had in years. I live in NY and this beats any of my places there in service and unique and amazingly flavorful food. My friend also had a severe dairy and gluten allergy and they were so helpful in accommodating her. This is hospitality at its finest.“

“One of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to! We love it!!!! It’s romantic, it’s mind blowing delicious, it’s for people who like to experiment with flavors, like to try smth new and who is a foodie. They don’t make cocktails. The signature dish is definitely a snapper, that’s the main thing we coming here for, but EVERYTHING is super delicious, has a unique flavor. They know how to deliver, they know what they are doing. We celebrate here special occasions and keep this gem only for us, for special more romantic nights. You have my heart.
They desserts to dieeee for!!!!“

“good customer service. the ambiance is cool. friendly staff. the food is superb♡“

“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.“

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

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

“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!“

“We went for happy hour, which is only one hour, from 5-6, but it is truly the best in Santa Monica. Everything on the menu is half priced, but full quality. You can't go wrong. Everything is excellent. The drinks, food, service, atmosphere, and even the other people around you. Everyone is just in a good mood. The servers move fast - unlike some happy hours where they try not to serve you, they serve you quickly and often. It's a good idea to look at the menu in advance to get an idea of what you want. They put on an auto tip of 20% of what it would be without HH prices (which is fair) and they circle it so you're fully aware. Plan to arrive about 10-15 minutes early if you don't have reservations so you can sit at the bar. They open at 5, which is the start of HH, but you can line up earlier than that. Parking is tough as it can be in Santa Monica. It's by the beach, so if it's a nice day, you may need to walk a bit if you don't want to park at the hotel.“

“Thank you so much farmshop!!! Please know your kindness meant a lot to all of us after the palisades fire. We we're waiting in line to receive an escort back into the Pacific palisades following the fire! This line was at least 300 cars long. People had been waiting in it since early yesterday, desperately hoping to see if they still had a home following the mandatory evacuation. There was a lot of collective heartache going around, but also two gentleman from Farmshop, carrying baskets full of banana bread. They stopped by every car, giving each occupant a hearty slice of freshly baked banana bread. My family just inhaled this stuff! Taking a bite, all of us commented how much it tasted like the banana bread grandma use to make. I don't know if you were using the same recipe or you both baked that bread with love, but talk about soul food! It didn't just feed our bellies, it fed our hearts. A person doesn't easily forget the grace and goodness they're given when engulfed in grief, and Ill never forget the first time i took a bite of Farmshop's banana bread!!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!“

“We were exploring Main Street and got hungry. Sat in the back patio which was covered but still had air flowing so it wasn’t hot and stuffy. We ordered mozzarella sticks, fish taco, taco plate and the chicken sandwich. Portions were massive! Ordered a cocktail and beer too. We were so full that we had to take a siesta after our meal. Oh, they’re also dog friendly.“

“Best nik naks & steak strips ever!“

“It's a cool pub in the middle city neighborhood. There's a long bar and many high tables. The background music was not overly loud. We could comfortably converse with each other. Top notch service. The young man was fast, warm and devoted. All the dishes we had were delicious. Short Rib Poutine and Mussels&Shrimp are my favorites.“

“10/10 Recommend. When I’m in the area, I always gravitate to this spot. I love everything on the menu.“

“Love the Truffle Caesar Salad and the Spicy Salami pizza 🍕“

“Great place and a fun place to be“

“Great food! Beautiful view. We will definitely be back.“

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

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

“I enjoyed my stay at the Viceroy and especially enjoyed their offerings at the Sugar Palm. Great service! We dined at the bar on a beautiful outdoor day in Santa Monica. Super chill vibe, poolside, and thankful for the yummy recommendations by our server. I wish I got her name but she recommended the tacos and they were delightful. The poke bowl was so colorful and beautiful and the avocado toast was tasty and plentiful. Would eat here again when I'm in town.“

“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.“

“Neat little bar/grill. Stopped by after an event near the pier.

I had the Tahini Rice Bowl with falafel. The rice and veggies were cooked well with the tahini adding just a bit of an edge. The falafel was tasty. My companion had an avocado caesar with chicken. She remarked that the Caesar dressing was delicious without being overwhelming.“

“Had the Thai bowl... YUM!“

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

“Fantastic meal! As good or better than the old days.“

“Food & service was over the top amazing !“

“I love it here because it’s old fashion great table service because management excels in traffic patterns with cross trained wait staff and bidders. No server leaves the kitchen empty handed and the vibe is to make their customers happy with continuous even flow table service. Disney please take note! I am not of of millennial restaurants where stand at a cash register and pay the tip upfront then assigned a number & number holder then fend & elbow for a table. This is old school service upgraded with innovative traffic management to expedite cuisines & cocktails. I love the intimacy of the raised railroad car booths where I can actually hear my guest’s conversation and speak to wait staff at eye level. And the bathrooms are so modern and spotless! The observation window to see the cooking staff hard at work is as much fun as a cooking show! Chocolate chip cookies are warm but melt in your mouth! Gavin Glynn Productions FOX Walt Disney International“

“Alex gives the best service at Palma!“

“As a Midwest burger snob, HiHo is a must-stop option every time I’m in LA. The pastrami heat burger is unique and packs the right amount of heat and flavor. The prices, atmosphere, and service are all top notch. Don’t feel guilty - get a shake too!“

“I ate seafood pasta and fried squid.
The food is really delicious
Cocktails are also delicious.
There is some cilantro in the pasta, but even I, who can't eat cilantro, can eat it comfortably, but if you don't like it so much, you will have to ask for it to be left out.
But when I went, there was a karaoke stage going on, so the atmosphere felt like a place where old men sing.
I think it would have been really nice if there were jazz or country songs.
I recommend it because I think the food will suit Korean tastes well.“

“Great food and even better service.“

“REALLY delicious food. Menu is cozy brunchy with a few Turkish influenced dishes via Ebru, the owner. My favorites are the menemen (vegan - tofu) and the chilber. Wonderful outdoor dining patio under a big tree :)“

“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“

“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!“

“great food and huge servings.“

“Loved Salt and Tart! Went here on my lunch and tried the tuna melt. It was great! it was my first tuna melt ever, but after reading the reviews it sounded like a great option. One of the employees (or owner/manager) mentioned my name and was very friendly. Service was excellent and I will definitely be back to try something else!“

“Loved the happy vegan bowl.“

“Despite my pessimistic optimism that the future of the restaurant industry is a sinking ship, it is still floating. This place ATM has a 3.7 out of 5..? Free cold lemon water, high airy ceilings, outdoor seating, phenomenal music, and a women behind the counter recommending a delicious breakfast burrito… Definitely worth a second visit!! MRKT/Coastline Cafe - whatever name you want: thank you!“

“As a first timer to the Marmalade Cafe, I was absolutely blown away with the elegance and comfort. Our server Lucas was friendly, personable, and a delight to have been served by. Food was delectable and best I've had in a good while. Hats off. Highly recommend.“

“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.“

“Yikes band ----our friends ---play there sometimes yeah super fun We like Basement Tavern a lot“

“Great place and great service“

“Our dinner at Ivy by the Shore could not have been more exceptional. Between the four of us, we thoroughly enjoyed the delicious softshell crabs, swordfish, steak, and branzino. The mashed potatoes were outstanding, as was the Patz and Hall Pinot Noir. The service was impeccable--as always. I am very happy to have chosen The Ivy to celebrate my friend's birthday. She was delighted in every way.“

“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 stopped in for a late lunch on a Sunday afternoon and was greeted immediately and was directed to a booth. My friend ordered the Banh MI Bowl and I told her it was very good! I've had it before. I was craving the Thai Crunch Salad, Large. I couldn't finish it so I took the rest home and had it the next day and it was still yummy. The grilled chicken in this salad was cooked perfectly and the grilled taste, amazing!! Faruq, our server was On Point and was very attentive with a smile! He definitely has pride in his job, which is rare these days. I will return to those location again!“