50 Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Santa Monica

“Excellent food and fantastic service😊“

“Beyond expectations! Best meal & service in at least 10 years. I’ll be back!“

“One of the most enjoyable meals I've had in a while. Not just about the food. It was a great overall experience. Ash, our server, was knowledgeable and coursed the meal out perfectly. Food was delicious. It was a pretty space. We loved it, and most importantly, I want to go back.“

“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.“

“Yum! I have to admit, I did not realize it was vegetarian when I walked in. I decided to give it a try anyway. I ordered the mato monster. The flavor was amazing! I couldn’t tell if all of that flavor was coming from the bread or the sauce on the sprouts…but it was amazing. Service was great too.“

“The food was really good. We got there around 5 and wanted 20 mins. The pasta was really good. Kids loved it because of its chewiness. The menu was small which made it really convenient to pick what you wanted. No confusion or indecisiveness m“

“The food is both eclectic and delicious. The location is both artsy and industrial with warm and inviting staff. I highly recommend this place for a date, business, family, or anything because it’s fabulous.“

“We were treated here by one of my rich friends and honestly, that’s probably the only scenario where a place like this makes sense for treating the whole family out. My family has a very high bar for food. People say I’m picky, and I’m like, “Please… meet my mother.”

Service-wise, this place is flawless. The staff is charming, attentive, and somehow manages to make you feel both fancy and comfortable at the same time.

Since it’s family style, we shared practically everything and with a party of seven, those plates add up fast. By the time the table was full, the bill was basically giving luxury vacation energy.

Out of everything we tried, the Radiatori Braised Beef Ragu was the clear standout. Rich, comforting, and the kind of pasta that shuts everyone up at the table for a minute.

The Garlic Knot bread was good, though we weren’t big on the pieces with the garlic ends. After some research (and by research, I mean a heated family debate followed by frantic Googling), we realized that’s a pretty common thing in restaurants — just not our personal preference. Oh and the drinks were on point :)

Overall, a lovely, polished meal… definitely best enjoyed when someone else is picking up the tab.“

“I have had many souffle in my life , I personally travel around the world trying the best of the best souffle . This far is the best I have ever had !“

“For it being u first timing dining out for Thanksgiving I was worried that the nostalgic feeling of a family gathering would be missing but I was definitely wrong. Everyone in the restaurant was having a great time and you could feel all the love and energy in the air. Started with some sourdough and truffle butter and some mezcal cocktails. Both were amazing. Dinner consisted of a 3 course menu and between our party, we were able to cover all items offered. The appetizers were a choice of scallops, crab cake, or pumpkin ravioli. All 3 were so delicious that we wish we don't want to share haha. The main courses were turkey, osso-bucco, or aJohn Dory fish plate. Again, all 3 were so delectable but the turkey and osso bucco were stars because they came with heaping sides. We paired our dinner with a couple bottles of Pinot noir from France. Dessert had a pumpkin pie, French applie pie, or a dark chocolate ganache tart. The pumpkin pie was probably the best I've had. The apple pie was also very good. The ganache tart was decent but very strong chocolate and orange flavors which I wasn't quite ready for. Service was excellent from all staff members and the decor gave you this feeling like you were at home. I will definitely be coming back to have a regular dinner because everything was on point.“

“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“

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

“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“

“Great food and service. This place never disappoints.“

“Delicious food and drinks“

“Been going here for over 35 years. Only slight changes have been made to update the building but the food is always good, especially the biscuits and gravy. I miss the crew that was there years ago but the crew now is true to the history of Rae's. See you next time!“

“My favorite restaurant for staff meetings during the week and for entertaining guests who are visiting from out of state or out of the country. We love everything about it! Get there early so you can walk or bike on the beach path. Your entire group must be present to be seated.“

“Always a great experience and meal at Orto, strongly recommended!“

“Good fare at a fair price...“

“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!“

“One of my absolute favorite places to eat in Los Angeles!“

“Loved this place. Came here for breakfast and it was honestly great. Super cozy, really nice vibe. The food was fresh and delicious, and our server was super friendly and helpful. Everything just felt easy and nice. Nothing to complain about — would definitely come back.“

“This was my second time at Shunji and since it was so consistent, I thought I should give it a shout out. You may miss it if you aren’t paying attention, nestled behind a non-discrete door on Ocean Park Boulevard in Santa Monica, Shunji Japanese Cuisine is a Michelin-starred gem that redefines the art of sushi dining. Chef Shunji Nakao is a legend and this intimate restaurant offers an omakase experience that is as unforgettable as it is refined.

The heart of Shunji’s allure lies in its sushi, which showcases decades of expertise as one of Los Angeles’ sushi pioneers. Each piece of nigiri is a testament to his meticulous attention to detail, with fish sourced primarily from Japan to ensure unparalleled freshness. Shunji’s (somewhat new Santa Monica location) is a departure from its former chili bowl-shaped home on Pico Boulevard, embraces a minimalist aesthetic that keeps the focus on the food and quaint experience. The space is divided into two small rooms, each with a blonde wood counter that seats just seven, creating an atmosphere of exclusivity and intimacy. Soft jazz hums in the background, and a wall of orchids adds a touch of elegance, celebrating the restaurant’s decade-long legacy. The service is impeccable, with staff (one Shunji’s wife) moving gracefully to anticipate every need, from refilling sake glasses to presenting dishes on stunning ceramic plates.

Shunji is more than a restaurant; it’s a destination The sushi is exceptional, the ambiance serene, and the overall experience a masterclass in hospitality.“

“Hi I loves it thanks again so much“

“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.“

“I ordered the classic one and.. what a burger! The meat was just as it has to be, it doesn’t need anything else, the bread feels just good. The fries were also perfect! Be sure to make the hamburger triple, it is quite small. Great hamburger“

“I had a wonderful breakfast experience at this restaurant! The variety of food options was impressive, and everything I tried was delicious. The location is perfect—convenient and easy to access. The ambiance was warm and inviting, making it a great spot to start the day. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a tasty breakfast in a lovely setting!“

“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!“

“Best nik naks & steak strips ever!“

“Delicioso!!!!! Muy recomendado“

“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.“

“Atmosphere, food on point“

“old school~ great food~ great host~ a treasure~“

“Great service and great food ! The chicken and waffles are the best and the Nutella waffles to die for!“

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

“I recently visited this little Italian spot and was pleasantly surprised. The restaurant is definitely on the smaller side with limited seating, but what it lacks in space it makes up for in flavor. The food was absolutely delicious and the prices were very affordable, which made the experience even better.“

“The perfect burger and delicious fries. 100% delicate... 👍“

“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!“

“Great food and even better service.“

“Food & service was over the top amazing !“

“What a fantastic plate of oysters. The horseradish was hand grated. Has a lobster roll as well with thin fries with old bay. Service was great food was super fast.“

“Great food and drinks 🍹 really good 👍🏾“

“Incredible experience - The staff were so accommodating and the food was genuinely the best Chinese I've ever had.
I had the soup dumplings which were so good I ordered seconds, followed by the pork belly bun which was recommended to me and I couldn't have been more happy!
I'm annoyed I only came across this place on the last day of my trip in LA or I would've come multiple times
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!“

“Absolutely brilliant. Great Guinness“

“Great place and a fun place to be“

“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!“

“very good food and good service.“

“My whole family loved the food and we had great service!“