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Santa Monica Restaurants

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Check out diners' favourite restaurants in Santa Monica

Updated on

Diners’ Choice Awards are based on where your fellow diners book, dine, and review. Only verified diners get to review restaurants on OpenTable, so our data doesn’t lie.

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La Vecchia Cucina
Diners’ top pick
•
Price: Expensive
•
Italian
•
4.9
(2,101)
La Vecchia Cucina has been Santa Monica, California's finest neighborhood Italian restaurant since 1990, located by the blue Pacific on historic Main Street. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite, a full course dinner, an evening snack, or something in between, La Vecchia Cucina offers outstanding Italian cuisine, a great wine list, a luxurious selection of desserts, a full bar, great service and a relaxed atmosphere.
A photo of Vito Restaurant restaurant
Vito Restaurant
Price: Expensive
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Italian
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4.9
(1,601)
Vito Restaurant is celebrating over 44 years of delighting its customers with the best in fine Italian cuisine. As a family-owned-and-operated restaurant located in Santa Monica, California we are dedicated to providing exquisite food and impeccable service to create the perfect dining experience. Step through the front doors and begin your journey to the heart of Italy.
Ernesto has been our Chef for over 32 years. He continues to Wow us and our guests as he cooks every meal with love and unmatched flavor. Our signature dish, Spaghetti Della Casa, is a guest favorite and often called the best pasta dish you've ever tasted.
Vito is proud to offer customers an outdoor dining experience. Santa Monica is one of the most beautiful Cities in the Nation and our weather is usually fantastic. If it's a little cool, we have heaters to keep you comfortable. Come experience it for yourself, nightly starting at 4:30pm.
A photo of Back on the Beach restaurant
Back on the Beach
Price: Moderate
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American
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4.9
(184)
Back on the Beach Café is situated along a wide, sandy white beach that offers jaw-dropping views of the ocean waves, the pier, the mountain range and of course, Catalina Island. There is both indoor and outdoor seating which allows you to enjoy the sea-salt air and sandy toes while you dine.
The café takes reservations for 2-12 guest. Reservations are available one month in advance. To accommodate our reservations in a timely and orderly manner, the café has carefully designed time frames in which to dine. The café designates 25% of the restaurant for reservations, 75% is available for walkup service.
For reservations of 12 or more guest, please contact the restaurant directly. We don't take multiple group reservations. Please note that large group reservations requires a customizable menu. We only seat complete parties.
In consideration of all guest, we kindly remind you that tables are reserved for 1.5 hours.
We take a maximum of two credit cards payment per table.
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Tar & Roses
Top-rated food
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Price: Expensive
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American
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4.9
(4,233)
Tar & Roses is a globally inspired culinary experience.
Chef Andrew Kirschner has transformed his kitchen into a local and welcoming home, focused on the element of the wood fired oven to bring out the best flavor in our dishes. Coming straight from the visionary mind of our award winning chef, our menu is created with only the highest quality ingredients and fresh, local products. This attention to detail helps makes our food a perfected craft which will inspire you to be adventurous, in the most approachable and delicious way possible.
When you step into Tar & Roses, you'll feel like you are coming home. Our entire staff awaits your arrival with warm smiles and thoughtful service ~ please, come share a meal with us!
A photo of Melisse restaurant
Melisse
Price: Very Expensive
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Californian
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4.9
(2,001)
Chef & Owner Josiah Citrin has revived his Michelin 2-Star institution with an intimate, 14-seat restaurant with Chef/Partner Ken Takayama. In a setting that blurs the line between kitchen and dining room, Chefs and service staff guide guests through a 2.5-hour culinary experience.
Collaborating with California farmers from San Diego to Napa Valley, Chef Josiah sources the most unique and exclusive ingredients available. An 8-course tasting menu is bookended by canapés, amuse-bouches and mignardise, all of which showcase global flavors using both modern and classic techniques.
A photo of Via Veneto restaurant
Via Veneto
Price: Very Expensive
•
Italian
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4.8
(1,078)
An authentic, Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of Santa Monica, VIA VENETO fuses organic, locally grown & sourced ingredients with the delicious, traditional flavors of Italy.
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Fia Steak
Top-rated hospitality
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Price: Very Expensive
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Steakhouse
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4.8
(363)
Fia Steak is a love letter to the classic steak house, and new sister restaurant to Fia. The intimate 48-seat restaurant offers three distinct experiences with the energetic Grill, elegant Dining Room & intimate outdoor Patio. The heart of the restaurant is the Grill, where guests can catch the theatrics of live cooking on a wood-burning fire. Chef Chris Alvarez-Jett offers a menu of steakhouse classics, featuring the finest cuts of U.S. beef, as well as handmade pastas & fresh fish from across the globe; Japanese A5 Wagyu & USA Prime beef, "Bubbles & Bumps", featuring great champagnes, paired with "bumps" of the finest caviar, to make every night a celebration. Expect tableside Steak carving of our large format steaks, which complement the stellar service provided by the all-star hospitality team.
A photo of Upper West restaurant
Upper West
Price: Moderate
•
American
•
4.8
(2,680)
**Contact us today to schedule your next event! We can accommodate parties of 10 to 150 guests**
Upper West's ever-changing menu draws inspiration from around the world while maintaining eclectic flavors unique to them. The bar offers Happy Hour Wednesday-Sunday from 4:30-7:00pm serving refreshing craft cocktails, handcrafted beer. The dinner menu is always evolving and includes ingredients sourced locally from the Santa Monica Farmers Market as well as local farmers such as Weiser Farms and Niman Ranch. Upper West is the perfect place to book large events for 20 or more guests and is an excellent private party venue for hosting corporate events, birthdays, anniversaries, holiday festivities, rehearsal dinners, and more.
A photo of Orto Santa Monica restaurant
Orto Santa Monica
Price: Expensive
•
Italian
•
4.8
(1,097)
Growing up in Italy, my family cooked at home and had the most extraordinary experiences with ingredients grown in our backyard, paired with the wines my chef/restaurateur stepfather would bring back from regions throughout Italy. I fell in love with food as a child watching my stepfather, once nominated a top chef in Italy, work in restaurant kitchens and floors. Moving to California in 1991 and subsequently to Santa Monica and experiencing the Farmers Market inspired me to start Orto - Italian for “vegetable garden” - where I meld local ingredients and organic herbs grown here at the restaurant to create traditional Italian recipes. At our bar you’ll find a cocktail list created from fresh herbs and premium spirits, and our wine list focuses on sustainable and organic producers. Andrea Inio
Happy Hour Monday-Thursday 5-7pm
Validated parking is available for $7 for 3 hours at 501 Santa Monica Blvd (enter on 5th street, behind the Citibank)
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Calabra at Santa Monica Proper
Great vibe
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Price: Expensive
•
Mediterranean
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4.8
(1,576)
Calabra at Santa Monica Proper Hotel (One MICHELIN Key 2024) is located on the hotel's rooftop. The elevated garden terrace provides an inspiring atmosphere, with the ocean as a backdrop. Whether from the pool sundeck or circular bar, the views are best enjoyed with dinner, boutique wines, seasonal cocktails, and small-batch spirits. Serving Mediterranean & Californian cuisine with a view.
Seating arrangements for all reservations at Calabra may include outdoor dining, bar area, as well as our indoor/ outdoor covered lounge space. Be sure to dress warmly.
**Dinner reservations are for dining only. Drinks will be accommodated upon first come first serve at the bar area. Private Couch Alcoves are available with a rental and minimum spend**
A photo of Sogno Toscano - Santa Monica restaurant
Sogno Toscano - Santa Monica
Price: Expensive
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Italian
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4.7
(144)
Our newly opening location, SOGNO TOSCANO WINE BAR, MARKET & LIFESTYLE CAFÉ, will offer an exquisite selection of the finest Italian delicacies such as pastries, espresso, cappuccino, typical focacce Toscane, and great wines. What is most unique and differentiated about our new venue is that the place will not just be your regular bar for breakfast, lunch and aperitivo, but rather a very much needed Italian marketplace. Located in one of the coolest neighborhoods of the city, Santa Monica, our groundbreaking venue will provide customers with a variety of high-quality, specialty retail food products under the single label of the already well known “Sogno Toscano” brand. Our patio is unique, spacious and charming, ready to host very interesting events such as Wine Tastings, Sip & Draw nights, live Jazz music on weekends. Get ready to experience the Italian Dolce Vita...!
A photo of Capo restaurant
Capo
Price: Very Expensive
•
Italian
•
4.8
(1,312)
Capo, with its modern Italian cuisine, offers a rustic yet elegant dining room with high-beamed ceilings, flickering candles, museum quality art collection, and a large Tuscan-style fireplace where the chefs prepare much of our menu. Capo has an extensive wine list, earning Wine Spectator's top award, and a classic cocktail bar where our guests can enjoy our full menu alongside the warmth of the fireplace.
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Shirube
Great budget-friendly spot
•
Price: Expensive
•
Japanese
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4.8
(161)
The first ever Shirube was established in Tokyo, in 1968, by Takashi Uno, who quickly earned the nickname 'God Father of Izakaya'. Since then, it has become a business passed down from father to sons, who have grown Shirube to 12 locations all over Japan. Kodai and Yudai Uno have brought Shirube to Santa Monica, for its first ever U.S location. We are a traditional, Japanese Izakaya centered around quality food and amazing customer service. Our signature dishes of Sashimi Mori, Aburi Shime Saba, Corn Ribs, and Mentaiko Udon, are rapidly winning the hearts of all who give them a try. Our ever growing cocktail menu, has a blend of sake and shochu based beverages to delight the senses and offer a unique and memorable take on your favorite drinks. The interior is moody and carefully cultivated to give a cozy, intimate feeling to our diners.
A photo of Socalo restaurant
Socalo
Price: Moderate
•
Mexican
•
4.7
(866)
SOCALO is a beachy, California canteen and Mexican pub from award-winning chef/owners Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken. Located within the Gateway Hotel, SOCALO offers seasonal and organic SoCal Mexican fare with cocktails, Mexican wines and craft beers.
SOCALO has been named Eater's Superb Santa Monica Restaurants and Hottest Happy Hours, LA Times' 101 Best Restaurants, Best Tacos and Best Mexican Restaurants in LA by Time Out and Thrillist.
Open for indoor and outdoor dining, and counter service dining prior to 4pm (no reservations necessary nor taken). Takeout and delivery with plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available.
For groups of 7 or more, please call 310.451.1655 to discuss accommodations, or visit socalo.com. We offer semi-private spaces, private banquet rooms, long communal tables, and two spacious outdoor patios.
Mary Sue & Susan are the founders of Mundo Hospitality Group, including Border Grill, Pacha Mamas, BBQ Mexicana, SOCALO & Alice B.
A photo of BOA Steakhouse - Santa Monica restaurant
BOA Steakhouse - Santa Monica
Price: Moderate
•
Steakhouse
•
4.8
(2,315)
Simply put, BOA is unlike any other steakhouse. We reinvented the traditional American steakhouse to fashion a distinctly unique dining experience. That experience is bold, modern and innovative. From the seductively stylish interior to the dry-aged prime steaks, BOA’s vibrant ambiance is as alluring as the cuisine itself.

Outdoor dining in Los Angeles

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See what locals rave about in Santa Monica

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • SteveVIP
    Los Angeles •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    I had one of the most wonderful servers ever. She did a great job and very attentive to our family. She went out of her way to make sure that my parents were having the best experience possible. The food was great. The atmosphere was very pleasant not very loud everyone in the family really enjoyed themselves. We had a variety of oysters, steaks The Chilean Seabass was amazing along with the Keylime pie
    More info
    Water Grill - Santa MonicaPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Santa Monica
    •
    4.6
  • Teresa
    Los Angeles •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Great experience. The restaurant was a 5 minute walk from the Santa Monica Pier where we attended the Cirque du soleil show. We had reservations and we were seated promptly. The steaks were delicious and cooked to perfection. The service and food were great. Definitely will be back.
    More info
    Meat On OceanPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Santa Monica
    •
    4.7
  • Kim
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Food and entertainment value was great. Restaurant was cold and buying gift cards took way too long.
    More info
    Benihana - Santa Monica, CAPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Santa Monica
    •
    4
  • India
    Houston •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The food and service was amazing! I have the Lobster Linguine and the flavor was top tier! Will definitely be back.
    More info
    Loulou Rooftop Restaurant and LoungePrice: Expensive• French• Santa Monica
    •
    4.4
  • ErikaVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Tar & Roses provides an exceptional dining experience. The beet and yogurt dip, along with the octopus skewers were divine. The fried red snapper is a MUST. Also, the service is top notch. When we wanted to switch tables, the staff immediately accommodated us. Then, to receive an email and text from management thanking us for dining in the restaurant was a nice touch. This restaurant does everything right!
    More info
    Tar & RosesPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Monica
    •
    4.9

Trending dishes in Santa Monica

Explore dishes that diners are raving about
Shellfish Pot
Shellfish Pot
Tar & Roses
•
4.9
Steak-Frites
Steak-Frites
Massilia
•
4.7
Ora King Salmon
Ora King Salmon
The Penthouse Restaurant
•
4.6
Onion Soup
Onion Soup
Loulou Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge
•
4.4
CALABRA BURGER
CALABRA BURGER
Calabra at Santa Monica Proper
•
4.8
Pork Tenderloin
Pork Tenderloin
Upper West
•
4.8

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Discover Santa Monica

It is hard to pass up a stroll at any time of the day or night in Santa Monica, California. With the beautiful view of the ocean and the range of dining options to choose from, you're sure to have an unforgettable day. Third Street Promenade is a top choice for visitors. Those who wander through Santa Monica regularly will know that one of the most common cuisine options is Mexican. However, the neighborhood is also home to comfort food and Asian restaurants, and it does not stop there. From bar food to vegan-friendly, Santa Monica has it all and will keep you coming back for more. The one thing you might regret after eating in Santa Monica? Not saving your leftovers.

Frequently asked questions

Healthy restaurants located in Santa Monica include Water Grill - Santa Monica, Lunetta and Calabra at Santa Monica Proper

Restaurants with gluten-free options in Santa Monica are True Food Kitchen - Santa Monica, Edgemar Restaurant + Lounge and LA Puglia

Bottomless brunch in Santa Monica is available at Élephante Santa Monica, Lunetta and The Penthouse Restaurant

The most romantic restaurant in Santa Monica is The Penthouse Restaurant

Restaurants in Santa Monica with a great view include Élephante Santa Monica, The Penthouse Restaurant and Water Grill - Santa Monica

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