The Curious Palate

It really is a hidden gem. Even the signage in the fairly sad outdoor mall it’s in doesn’t accurately point you to the location (on the 3rd floor across from the Children’s Museum), but this place is worth hunting down.

I’d suggest eating in the covered patio area as while the inside was nicely decorated, it was a little stuffy (only reason I’m giving Atmosphere a 4 star).

That said, the food and service were both on-point. Our server Linkan was fun, kind, and spot on with her recommendations (the *small* nachos were LARGE, for example), and the from-scratch cooking was all fresh and delicious.

Highlights included incredible roasted brussel sprouts, the aforementioned nachos, a beautiful, velvety squash soup, and beautiful salads (they actually massage the kale to make it tasty!)

We didn’t even get to what are supposed to be their specialties, their burgers, but we’re sure to go back and give them a try as well.

Definitely a place I hope makes it because it’s not one tourists will just stumble onto. It fully deserves a loyal local following.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Linkan was phenomenal super attentive, fun and really over all great service. I went in there just for some drinks and she was really helpful in helping us pick some beers out and even let us taste some! Didn’t get to try the food but the menu looks fantastic definitely going back just because linkan left us feeling so happy over all !

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My wife and I enjoyed two different dinners—my salad with steak and soup, and her sandwich—and both were excellent. Abby made the experience even better; she was amazing and very well-mannered..

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

fries were so good. i wish my hummus was warm.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

We were truly impressed with this restaurant. The food was outstanding, with even the sauces and ketchup made in-house from scratch. When I asked about adding a side that wasn’t on the menu, the owner personally came over to offer alternatives without hesitation. The level of attentiveness and genuine care for the guest experience really stood out. It’s clear that this team is deeply passionate about hospitality, and it shows in every detail.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food is delicious but better be hungry! Large portions 🙌

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great restaurant, hidden gem in Santa Monica! Wonderful friendly staff...Linkan was the best server! She gave us recommendations re: vegan food which was so delicious! We polished off the plates...Would highly recommend!
We were so hungry we forgot to take photos 😄

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is hands down our favorite lunch spot in downtown Santa Monica! Everything is always delicious, but I highly recommend the fries and garlic aioli! The kids menu is also awesome with very affordable prices (a perfect spot after the children's museum).

Food: 5

I keep going back to this place, and usually try something new. Every single dish is delicious. This place is owned and run by people who love to eat fresh, nutritious, delicious food. And it shows. 100% recommend

Wonderful food- fresh, delicious. Excellent server, Linkin!

Popcorn shrimp and hummus were OK. Popcorn chicken was meh. Staff were courteous.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Food was so good. Everything is homemade and fresh. Our server was so kind

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Phenomenal experience. Food is super flavourful and reasonably priced. Steak served with delicious curried cauliflower and parm fries. Had the tortilla soup as well which had the perfect spice level. I was so impressed and thoroughly satisfied that I have returned again for a second day in a row and will likely return again before I leave the city. Servers are quite friendly and the restaurant is quite nice - not too loud not too soft. Keep it up curious palate!!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Really enjoyable. Tucked away and a little hard to find unless you are looking for it. Food was all very fresh, service was warm, and we will go back.

Terrific spot, love all the local ingredients and attention to detail for local breweries. Wish we weren’t in the mall - this place deserves to stand on its own!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5