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!“

“I recently dined at Milo & Olive and was truly impressed with the experience. Every dish I tried was outstanding — fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared. The seasonal menu offered a great variety, and you can really taste the quality in each bite. On top of that, the service was friendly and attentive, which made the whole visit even more enjoyable. I can’t wait to 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.“

“Very good pasta really nice sause we had one dish where the chef came out and poured the sause it was really nice and made it feel super fancy our server ( girl with blackish hair) and the boy seeting us were very nice did a really good job! Food amazing service amazing and the vibe overall super good and chill! It is a first come first serve so you will have to probably wait a bit but it is worth it!“

“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 !“

“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!“

“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.“

“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.“

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

“Kappo Miyabi is hands down the best Japanese restaurant in Santa Monica. From the moment you walk in, the ambience sets the tone—elegant, serene, and perfectly designed for an authentic dining experience.

The sushi is absolutely world-class—fresh, artfully prepared, and bursting with flavor. Every bite feels like it was crafted with care and precision. The sukiyaki, though, is truly unforgettable—rich, perfectly balanced, and the best I’ve ever had.

The combination of warm service, refined atmosphere, and exceptional food makes Kappo Miyabi a rare gem. If you’re looking for the best ambience, best sushi, and best sukiyaki in town, this is it!“

“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“

“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!“

“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.“

“Delicious food and drinks“

“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!“

“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.“

“Margarita flights are ‘da bomb!“

“Tar and Roses was fabulous. The food was delicious. Scott was so attentive and never let us run out of water. We were seated out on the patio and it was so romantic. All the food was fresh and tender. Would for sure go again for another special occasion.“

“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.“

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

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

“Good fare at a fair price...“

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

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

“Best nik naks & steak strips ever!“

“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!“

“Absolutely brilliant. Great Guinness“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“They are by far the best steak I have ever had. We went there on a whim and they were booked but found a cute table for us by the fire. It was the most memorable meal with my husband. We are eternally grateful for the experience and service we received.“

“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.“

“Great food and drinks 🍹 really good 👍🏾“

“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.“

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

“Had a great time. The staff friendly.“

“Great place and a fun place to be“

“Tu Madre was a perfect pick for our team dinner. They accommodated a party of nine with zero hassle, seated us quickly, and kept the service smooth and attentive all night. The menu has great variety, the mezcal margaritas were spot-on, and every taco we tried was excellent. Do not skip the truffle guacamole—it’s a must. Ambiance was lively but comfortable, with lounge-y music at just the right volume so we could actually talk. All around, great experience for large groups.“