New American Restaurants in Santa Monica, CA

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

“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.“

“We had a spectacular meal last night and our server Allison went above and beyond to make sure we had a great time. She recommended the Lobster sliders to start and a wonder white wine which we enjoyed throughout the meal. She spaced out each course so we had some time to savor the unique and wonderful flavors which we so appreciated. The albacore cerviche was one of the best cerviche I have ever had anywhere. And the boar ragu pasta was divine. But the Tikka Massala Chicken was the most delicious presentation of chicken imaginable. We also loved the desert Allison suggested which was an unusual take on peanut butter and whipped cream and fresh berries. Just a delightful way to end the perfect night. Can't wait to return and try more of their innovative dishes.“

“The Fig Restaurant is located in the Fairmont Hotel. The service was excellent, the food outstanding. The overall atmosphere was lovely. My photo is of the beautiful fig tree that stands at the hotel entrance. That alone is worth a visit for some :) We’ll be happy to come back.“

“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!“

“I finally tried this burger spot, and while it wasn’t the best burger on earth or even in all of LA, it was still damn good. Pricey? A bit. Worth it? Yeah, I’d say so. The patty was tender and juicy, and the mix of cheeses with those tangy balsamic onions and peppery arugula hit just right. And here’s the kicker: this was my first burger ever without ketchup… and I didn’t even miss it. That says a lot.“

“I don't heap praise without good reason. Tar & Roses was amazing literally on every level. The food, ambiance, service, attention to detail, and value were all excellent. Every plate was delicious, the staff were so welcoming, informative, and perfect in their timing of service, and it was a beautiful and relaxed space to have a special dinner. I even received a lovely follow up text from the general manager the next day thanking us for joining them. They are doing everything right and deserve your patronage, and you deserve to have a wonderful restaurant experience. Thank you!“

“Delicious food and drinks“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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!“

“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!“

“Best nik naks & steak strips ever!“

“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.“

“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.“

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

“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 🍕“

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

“Great place and a fun place to be“

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

“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.“

“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.“

“Really enjoyed the hamburger. Couldn't decide between the sweet potato fries and truffle fries, so we had both. Thumbs up. Great atmosphere and wait staff. It wasn't crowded when we were there but I imagine it gets pretty lively. I'll definitely come back.“

“Had the Thai bowl... YUM!“

“Food & service was over the top amazing !“

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

“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“

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

“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.“

“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.“

“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 the happy vegan bowl.“

“First time here and I had high expectations, that were met! I ordered the Corned Beef Hash and it may be the best one I've ever had (and I've had many). The three poached eggs on top were perfect, and the hollandaise made it silky smooth. The coffee was hot and with excellent flavor, and came with refills.
I will be back!“

“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 :)“

“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!“