
Santa Monica Dining
From oceanfront seafood to world-class Italian, discover the best places to eat by the bay.
Top Rated Restaurants
Based on local reviews and ratings

Tar & Roses
Acclaimed wood-fired New American cuisine in a cozy, rustic-chic setting. Known for their bone marrow, oxtail dumplings, and expertly crafted small plates.

Cassia
A brilliant marriage of Southeast Asian flavors and French brasserie style. The vibrant, airy space is perfect for enjoying their famous seafood tower and laksa.

Fia
Hidden behind a lush, sprawling garden patio, Fia offers an Italian-leaning Californian menu. It's one of the most romantic outdoor dining spots in LA.

Élephante
A trendy rooftop restaurant and bar offering stunning ocean views, coastal Italian cuisine, and a vibrant, scene-y atmosphere. Very popular for sunset drinks.

SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa
Renowned for its 'Trust Me' omakase-style menus, offering traditional, high-quality sushi with warm, loosely packed rice and pristine fish.

The Lobster
An iconic seafood restaurant situated at the entrance of the Santa Monica Pier, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and premium Maine lobster.

Birdie G's
A fun, nostalgic Eastern European-inspired American restaurant located in the Bergamot Station Arts Center. Famous for their relish tray and creative comfort food.

Bay Cities Italian Deli
A legendary Santa Monica institution known for The Godmother sandwich and an incredible selection of imported Italian groceries and fresh deli items.

Rustic Canyon
A critically acclaimed, farmers' market-driven restaurant offering a daily changing menu of hyper-seasonal Californian cuisine in a relaxed neighborhood setting.

Cha Cha Chicken
A colorful, casual Caribbean shack just steps from the beach, serving up famous jerk chicken and island-style comfort food. BYOB friendly.
Mélisse
Mélisse is an iconic two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Santa Monica, helmed by Chef Josiah Citrin. For over two decades, it has stood as a beacon of fine dining in Southern California, offering a highly curated, intimate culinary experience.

Pasjoli
Located on vibrant Main Street, Pasjoli is an upscale French bistro that brilliantly captures the essence of Parisian dining while infusing it with the fresh, vibrant spirit of Southern California.

Forma
Nestled in the upscale Montana Avenue neighborhood, Forma is a beloved Italian restaurant known for tossing hot, freshly cooked pasta inside hollowed-out cheese wheels.

Water Grill
Situated directly across from the iconic Palisades Park with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Water Grill is a premier destination for seafood aficionados.

Colapasta
Colapasta is a hidden gem in downtown Santa Monica, offering an authentic and unpretentious Italian dining experience that focuses on one thing: exceptional, handmade pasta.
Planning a dinner date?
Many of Santa Monica's best restaurants book out weeks in advance. Make sure to reserve your table and book your hotel nearby.
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