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.“

“The pasta was delicious, but we had to wait 15 minutes to be acknowledged, and when they did take our order, it was for everything and they “ran out of bread we run out all the time” at 7pm on a saturday. Restaurant 101: greet guests quickly, offer them some wine / drinks, even if you’re delayed on taking their order. Also offer more salad options or appetizers and we would’ve easily ordered dessert if it was offered.“

“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.“

“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 !“

“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.“

“This place was awesome, super local clientele. The food was nice, server was really busy but did a decent job, the restaurant was pretty slammed when we got there. We ordered the salmon and the chicken plate. Both were great, we also ordered the Cesar which was really good. Would recommend for sure, would go back.“

“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.“

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

“Delicious food and drinks“

“We had an amazing experience at this restaurant! The food was fresh, flavorful, and pancakes were fluffy, the eggs were perfectly cooked, I had chilaquiles it was delicious 😋 and the coffee was always hot and delicious. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made us feel right at home. The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming perfect for starting the day off right. I’ll definitely be coming back!“

“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.“

“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!“

“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.“

“Great place and a fun place to be“

“The food and service was awesome. The millionaire bacon is just the bees knees. My small gripe is that all the food leans more sweet than savory but it's literally called sweet maple. I'd lean straight into their sweet oriented food because it's soooo good.“

“Hi I loves it thanks again so much“

“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.“

“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“

“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.“

“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!“

“Stopped in after an errand on an early weekday evening. Forgotten how much I enjoy being there. Above all, a wonderful, welcoming staff. Sat in the bar area at a table, the gentleman bartender is just so outgoing & friendly, wait staff is great too. A nice happy hour menu, but ordered off the regular menu with a glass of great wine.

Only callout to management. You have a great vibe with awesome staff. Upgrade your menu for customers who want more for dinner, than what everyone else on Main St serves: burgers, tacos, fried options. Your food quality & presentation is great, just don’t be content with “bar food”. You are sandwiched between multiple bars, sushi & Mexican food and nowhere on the street is there a nice, casual mid priced venue. You can do better on the menu & also add some more premium wines by the glass. The neighborhood will appreciate it.“

“Best nik naks & steak strips ever!“

“Delicioso!!!!! Muy recomendado“

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

“Atmosphere, food on point“

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

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

“This place is awesome! I’m so confused as to why there’s not more people in here right now. The staff is so friendly and were welcoming from the moment I walked in! The food was incredible, and even rivals what I have had in Japan. Stop here if you can!“

“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!“

“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 even better service.“

“Food & service was over the top amazing !“

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

“Great food and drinks 🍹 really good 👍🏾“

“Absolutely brilliant. Great Guinness“

“very good food and good service.“

“Excellent food and service“

“Best Pasta in Los Angeles!🤤😋🍝🍷“

“Such yummy food and chill atmosphere. The only problem is the close at 8pm when it’s still light outside?!? I’ve seen them turn away several customers many many times. I think it was a covid thing originally so hopefully they go back to more normal hours. At least stay open until 9pm please 🙏🏻!“