Santa Monica Restaurants

Whether you’re staying at the Le Merigot Hotel and Spa or are simply searching out a fabulous dining experience, Cezanne is the restaurant to visit. Parisian charm and elegance is served up in abundance here, along with a captivating menu of fine French fare. Massive glass-molded chandeliers, plush upholstered bench seats, and impressive architectural features all make for a subtly dramatic atmosphere complemented by similarly stunning cuisine. Come for breakfast, lunch, or dinner any day of the week and savor your very own bite of French goodness at Cezanne, in Santa Monica. Learn More »

A hop, skip, and a jump down from the main thoroughfare of Santa Monica Boulevard in Santa Monica, you'll find La Botte. Meaning “wine bottle” in Italian, La Botte is owner Stefano de Lorenzo’s upgraded version of his popular, postage-stamp-sized Piccolo Ristorante in neighboring Venice. The wine concept glows in a warmly elegant décor of variegated wine stained wood flooring and wine cask wainscoting. A “vino paradiso” exists in La Botte’s 1,600 bottles of wine. Chef Luigi Fineo creatively infuses contemporary freshness into the Northern Italian appetizers, pasta, and entrees for an authentic Italian dining experience that will have you … Learn More »

Opened in March 2005, Ocean and Vine is located in the gorgeous Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, next to Santa Monica pier. The swanky lobby sets the scene for an upmarket experience. The split-level, low-ceilinged room is attractive; the top level is dominated by a steel chimneyed fire pit, with striking artworks adding to the ‘wow’ factor. The cuisine, from Head Chef Robert Trester under the watch of Executive Chef Gregg Wangard, is Californian; each dish a showcase of local, seasonal ingredients. Dishes are near-faultless, and although prices are high, it’s worth coming here for a splurge or special occasion. Learn More »

Locanda del Lago serves authentic cuisine from Bellagio and the Lake Region of Northern Italy. This Santa Monica locale overlooks Third Street Promenade and brings a taste of Italy to this coastal town. Since its opening in April of 1991, Lago has provided some of the tastiest dishes to foodies, celebrities and locals alike. Their warm décor and seasonal menu along with an air of casual class enhance the dining experience. Come out to Lago where Europe meets the West Coast and enjoy the outdoor patio for people watching and genuine California sunshine as well as some of the most … Learn More »

Wilshire elevates the warmth of a neighborhood restaurant to the elegance of haute cuisine. Thomas Schoos’ décor skillfully balances the historic, rough hewn architecture with opulent materials, juxtaposing exposed brick walls with lush leather, hard wood, and amber lighting. Chef Andrew Kirschner’s California fusion menu reinforces the ideal of local sophistication, emphasizing organic ingredients from local producers. Although local in origin, Kirschner’s creations are anything but ordinary, elevating fresh, seasonal ingredients to the heights of epicurean refinement. The outdoor garden and fire-heated private terrace provide a refreshing dose of greenery in Santa Monica’s urban landscape. Learn More »

Located next to the Santa Monica Pier, The Lobster has gorgeous sweeping panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Palisades Park. This restaurant offers locals and visitors the freshest seasonal seafood available. For a fulfilling lobster and shellfish experience, try the “Santa Monica Style” Cioppino. This dish includes Alaskan king crab, American lobster, black mussels, manila clams, tiger shrimp, big eye tuna, Catalina white Seabass, saffron rice, and garlic cheese toast points. Another dish to check out is the Three Peppercorn Seared Rare Hawaiian Big Eye Tuna served with hearts of palm and shrimp salad, spicy sesame vinaigrette & tobiko … Learn More »

The Buffalo Club looks like your typical bar from the street, but on the inside it is transformed into a restaurant that looks like the inside of an old classic railway car. There are burgundy booths, antique mirrors, and mahogany that give off a dark and intimate setting. The Buffalo Club also has an outdoor patio where guest can dine among Chinese silk lanterns, soft lighting and a beautiful garden setting. This restaurant presents guests with regional American cuisine while taking inspiration from the South, New England, the Southwest, and California. One of their most popular dishes is the Chicken … Learn More »

Opened in 1996 by Raphael Lunetta, JiRaffe quickly became a favorite in Santa Monica. Well over ten years later, this restaurant still remains one of the hottest restaurants in town. JiRaffe serves nightly specials using only the freshest produce, seafood, and meats, and maintains high standards in all aspects of its service. The menu changes constantly with the whims of Chef Lunetta’s creativity and the seasons, and straddles the line between traditional American cuisine and classic French fare. Bright spaces and large windows give JiRaffe a welcoming elegance reminiscent of Europe. Learn More »

Santa Monica Beach sprawls out beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows that surround Catch’s elegant dining space, and serves up awe-inspiring sunsets nightly. The restaurant’s crisp décor incorporates colors one might find along the beach, and marries them seamlessly with the glistening mother of pearl sushi bar that invites diners to stay a while and indulge on the exquisitely fresh seafood selections Executive Chef Michael Reardon proudly showcases. Land and sea converge on the menu to offer an invigorating array of flavor. The Octopus Salad is and ode to the sea’s vibrant fare and the Hand Made Ravioli are a hearty gesture … Learn More »

Whether you are out on the town for a lively night of entertainment or you’re settling in for a lazy Sunday with the morning paper, Café Montana is eager to suit the occasion with its subtle SoCal charm and distinguished California cuisine menu. Weekend visitors may savor the thoughtful brunch menu that caters to multiple palates and diets. Dishes like the Lox Benedict and the Montana Angus Beef Burger are worth getting out of bed for. The evening menu is equally eclectic and satisfying with highlights like the Seared Scallops, the Pumpkin Ravioli, and the Blackened Prime Rib. And did … Learn More »

With wide sweeping views of the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean, The Penthouse sits atop the elegant Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica. The menu features a range as wide as the view. Breakfast dishes such as the Chef’s Daily Selection of Crêpes, Bananas Foster French Toast, and Moroccan Eggs showcase that this is not a run of the mill operation. Lunch plates include Wood Oven Flatbreads, Soups & Salads, Sandwiches, and entrees like the Pappardelle, Spicy Tomato Capellini, and Jidori Chicken Breast. Dinner offers Charcuterie Plates, hot and cold first courses, main courses including beef, lamb, chicken, seafood, and pasta dishes, … Learn More »

Since 1983, Wolfgang Puck’s Chinois on Main has been serving Asian Fusion cuisine to the hungry hordes in Santa Monica. The décor has not changed since the day the doors opened, but Chef Rena Mata presents a menu that features not only selections of dishes that made Chinois on Main famous, but some new additions as well. All dishes presents ingredients from the Far East, transformed into modern culinary masterpieces of daring and stimulating flavors. Dishes served family style include classics such as Whole Sizzling Catfish with ponzu, Shanghai Lobser, Mongolian Lamb with cilantro-mint vinaigrette, and the Famous Chinois Chicken … Learn More »

Typhoon located at the Santa Monica Airport is not just another Asian Fusion restaurant. Serving over 70 dishes from the Pacific Rim, and with one of Los Angeles’ finest selection of Asian beer, guests at Typhoon are not left for choice. The restaurant is famous for serving dishes with scorpions, ants, water bugs, silk worm larvae, and crickets, but just as popular is the Deep-fried Whole Catfish, Chinese Crispy Duck, and Mongolian Lamb. A wall of windows faces the Santa Monica Airport’s runway, so patrons can watch as airplanes depart and arrive, a sight especially breathtaking at night. For a … Learn More »

Rustic Canyon Wine Bar & Seasonal Kitchen in Santa Monica offers patrons a regularly changing menu utilizing dishes motivated by Farmers’ Market ingredients sourced from local ranchers, farmers, and fishermen who practice sustainable agriculture. With a wine list centered on boutique wineries from around the world, offerings are handpicked by proprietor and owner Josh Loeb. With twenty options of wine by the glass, rotated on a regular basis, guests can expect something new to try with each visit. Food, plated with the intention of sharing, allows restaurant goers to order for the table and embark on a tour of tastes. … Learn More »

Reminiscent of iconic wharfside eateries lining the Pacific coast, Enterprise Fish Co. maintains an air of nautical authenticity that prizes its fare above all. The interior of the dining space lends itself to rustic elegance with exposed beams and brick walls that highlight contemporary touches like the lively exhibition kitchen centered in the room. Similarly, traditional seaside specialties like the Mesquite Grilled Prawns mingle with dishes like the Ginger Soy Glazed Alaskan Halibut for a well-rounded and satisfying menu. Surf and Turf revelry is also found in selections such as the 8 oz Top Sirloin and Spicy Garlic Prawns and … Learn More »

Dining at the Monsoon Café is a relaxing, spiritual experience provided by a unique atmosphere and fresh food. Even before diners walk through the door they are hypnotized by a pair of soothing yet intriguing eyes that adorn the front of the restaurant. The restaurant itself looks like a two story Eastern temple high ceilings and dazzling lighting fixtures, with lots of gold trim adorning columns and walls alike. There is plenty of seating in an open courtyard, with plenty of shade for even the sunniest days. Night is an exciting time at the Monsoon Café, with Salsa lessons and … Learn More »

Huckleberry Café in Santa Monica has a fresh approach to cafeteria style dining. Homemade artisan breads, pastries, soups, salads, sandwiches, rotisserie chicken, and deck oven flatbread pizza are just a quick sample of the items on offer. All produce is sourced from a local farmer’s market, and all meat and dairy is free range, as well as hormone and antibiotic free. The menu changes frequently due to the seasonal nature of the produce used and whims of the baker, so expect something new with each visit. The Thursday night family dinner is different week to week and allows guests a … Learn More »

Milo and Olive offers diners in the Santa Monica area well made comfort food, crafted using the freshest ingredients. This neighborhood bakery and pizzeria serves fresh baked pastries and bread, wood fired pizzas, fresh salads, and small plates to the hungry in search of an intimate dining experience. The communal tables offer diners a chance to meet and greet one another, while counter seating allows guests to watch as their meal is created right before their eyes. All pizzas are made with the house dough, and guests can expect eight to ten different pizzas on a daily basis, depending on … Learn More »

The menu at One Pico features modern American cuisine with a seasonal bent. Chef Andri Tscharner sources ingredients from local farms, weaving the seasonal produce into stunning, refreshing creations. Dishes might include such succulent renditions as Black Truffle Risotto with Butter Poached Maine Lobster, Snap Peas, and White Truffle Oil; Wild King Salmon with Artichokes, Swiss Chard, Applewood Bacon, and Bouillabaisse Sauce; or Colorado Lamb Loin with Heirloom Carrots, Braising Greens, Chick Peas, and Black Olive Jus. Enjoy Tscharner’s fresh, contemporary cuisine in a casually elegant setting, surrounded by windows that offer gorgeous views of the Santa Monica beach. Learn More »