50 Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Santa Monica

“Excellent food and fantastic service😊“

“Exceptional and delicious food. You can taste the thought they put into every dish. The service was perfect as well, it was attentive but at the same time it did not feel forced or too pushy. Perfect place with a great atmosphere. Definitely recommend and would come back. I also appreciated that they add 4% health service charge to provide health care for their employees. It felt like they care about people working there and it was reflected in the atmosphere of the place.“

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

“Recently went to this restaurant with a friend and while her food was delicious, mine was very plain and very undercooked. Disappointed since we had to wait almost an hour for a table. Otherwise, the service was excellent and the overall vibe was super warm and inviting.“

“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.“

“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 !“

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

“Upscale southeast Asian-French fusion brasserie with a unique twist in culinary flavors. The Grilled Pig’s Tail with the house made fish sauce was simply sublime. Yum-o’licious!“

“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.“

“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“

“Best seafood and Japanese food I've ever had in my life — not exaggerating. The freshest seafood you'll ever taste. I brought multiple people here and they agree I'm not exaggerating. The quality is unlike anything else in LA. Everything is incredible but the raw seafood gets the most special shoutout.“

“Are here last night & had takeout 2 weeks ago 😃delicious both times ! Will be back when in Santa Monica as next 👍“

“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.“

“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!“

“Delicious food and drinks“

“Via Veneto in Santa Monica is my go-to spot for a romantic dinner, and it delivers every single time. The service is warm, attentive, and authentically Italian—the kind where the staff remembers you and genuinely cares that your evening is perfect. The food is just as consistent. My staple order is the lobster pasta, which almost every other restaurant gets wrong—it’s overcooked, rubbery, or lost in sauce—but here it’s perfection every time. On a recent visit, I started with burrata and prosciutto, which was fresh, creamy, and balanced, the kind of simple dish that shows off true quality ingredients.

Another favorite is their ravioli of the day. They usually feature three different varieties, and each one is delicate, flavorful, and perfectly cooked—never heavy, always satisfying. The fish soup is another standout; it’s made to order, never sitting in a pot, and you can taste that freshness in every spoonful.

The atmosphere is pure old-world romance. Chandeliers cast a warm glow that makes every guest look like a movie star—fitting, since you’ll often spot real ones dining here. It’s intimate without feeling stuffy, glamorous without being pretentious. A Santa Monica staple for decades, Via Veneto is one of the few highly rated spots that still feels like an underrated gem.“

“Amazing chicken. Simply delicious.“

“Great out of the ordinary wine choices!“

“Great food, creative cuisine“

“Great food & treats! Saw on Somebody Feed Phil & had to give it a try“

“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!“

“Margarita flights are ‘da bomb!“

“Great service and welcoming environment. ample parking and seating both indoors and out. amazing selection of both beers and ciders on tap. my only major issue is the removal of the tip system to a forced service charge (mandatory tip) system of 18%. we ordered a single flight and a pint at the bar ourselves, no table service or any real interaction yet a tip was fourced upon us on the bill.“

“Despite living just a few blocks away, this was our first time dining at Tar & Roses. I had heard nothing but rave reviews for years, and I can finally understand why. The menu options were incredible, the prices fair, great understanding of dietary restrictions, and honestly, just incredible flavor and quality all around. Especially loved the gem salad and pea appetizers and ribeye for two. We'll definitely be back soon and already looking forward to trying other dishes.“

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

“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.“

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

“Good fare at a fair price...“

“Best nik naks & steak strips ever!“

“Hi I loves it thanks again so much“

“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.“

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

“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.“

“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.“

“Great food and drinks 🍹 really good 👍🏾“

“Always good! Home cooking, great staff and nice customers. Good value and fun funky throwback feel and architecture.
Update: It's been freshened. All the good stuff remains. Seems brighter. Maybe a paint job. New cash register! Credit cards now. Some outside seating.“

“Amazing staff. Gigi, Tom, Kian. What positive energy and professional service. Food is delicious. Perfect West Side afternoon.“

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

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

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

“Absolutely brilliant. Great Guinness“

“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.“

“Had a great time. The staff friendly.“

“Great place and a fun place to be“

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

“I'm a huge fan of cheese, and was looking for an opportunity to try some new ones. They had a very bold Parmesan that wasn't overly salty. The 10 year aged cheddar melted in my mouth. The coconut Gouda from Holland was a surprise hit with the table. But my personal favorite was the french triple cream. I'm going to have to see if I can find some when I fly home.“

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

“This pizza is awesome!! The best pizza our family has had in years. The service is also first class Thank you so much!!!!“