Restaurants in Santa Monica
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Best Restaurants
“Food is always excellent here. Taste amazing, high quality ingredients, beautiful presentation. One thing about this experience is that when the staff was closing up.. I don't know if they turned off the AC or closed the doors but it got really HOT. And it kind of made me feel like they did it on purpose so that people can leave. I declined dessert, which is my fave, only because it was so friggin hot. But otherwise, dinner was great.”
“My wife and I went to the Grove in Los Angeles last night and we had dinner at "Sogno Toscana," an it was outstanding. It was perfect in every way; great food, great drinks, outstanding and friendly staff, beautiful location, etc. I love Italian food but I can't think of one Italian restaurant that I like, until "Sogno Toscano." The food was outstanding, and there was so much more we saw go by that we can't wait to go back and try. And the drinks were outstanding. I love martini's and they served the best martini I've ever had. Giacomo was our server and took great care of us. He's from Italy and "Sogno Toscana" brought him to America when they opened their New York restaurant, and now he's in LA for this new restaurant. Although very busy, the entire staff were very fun to be around, and most of them are Italian which is also great.”
“Beyond expectations! Best meal & service in at least 10 years. I’ll be 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”
Restaurants by Cuisine
“Guys, I would love to gatekeep this place, but the public deserves to know. This is literally the best food I have ever had in my life. I usually just go to restaurants depending on the actual taste and quality of the food and don't really care about the service, but omg the staff here are actually INCREDIBLE.”
Restaurants with Delivery
“Food is always excellent here. Taste amazing, high quality ingredients, beautiful presentation. One thing about this experience is that when the staff was closing up.. I don't know if they turned off the AC or closed the doors but it got really HOT. And it kind of made me feel like they did it on purpose so that people can leave. I declined dessert, which is my fave, only because it was so friggin hot. But otherwise, dinner was great.”
“Guys, I would love to gatekeep this place, but the public deserves to know. This is literally the best food I have ever had in my life. I usually just go to restaurants depending on the actual taste and quality of the food and don't really care about the service, but omg the staff here are actually INCREDIBLE.”
“My wife and I went to the Grove in Los Angeles last night and we had dinner at "Sogno Toscana," an it was outstanding. It was perfect in every way; great food, great drinks, outstanding and friendly staff, beautiful location, etc. I love Italian food but I can't think of one Italian restaurant that I like, until "Sogno Toscano." The food was outstanding, and there was so much more we saw go by that we can't wait to go back and try. And the drinks were outstanding. I love martini's and they served the best martini I've ever had. Giacomo was our server and took great care of us. He's from Italy and "Sogno Toscana" brought him to America when they opened their New York restaurant, and now he's in LA for this new restaurant. Although very busy, the entire staff were very fun to be around, and most of them are Italian which is also great.”
“We had a nice, cozy dinner here and really enjoyed the atmosphere. We ordered our pasta without cheese, but it was accidentally served with cheese. The staff handled the mistake very professionally and apologized immediately. They quickly brought us the correct order, and the service throughout the evening was friendly and attentive. Mistakes can happen, but the way they resolved the situation was excellent.”
“I can’t say enough about this place I’m in love. Josue the manager was very attentive and customer service orientation is by far the best I’ve experienced. I can’t wait to bring my family back and enjoy more of this delicious healthy and organic bread and delicious meals. The team is very beautifully humble and welcoming. I wish this was the norm. Thank you to the team and Josue we will be back and recommending everyone here .”
“Sunday brunch was amazing. the smoked salmon eggs Benedict were some of the best we have ever had. the location is ideal definitely get an ocean facing room. The staff catered our every need. We haven't even checked out yet and I believe we're about to book our next stay.”
“We had a nice, cozy dinner here and really enjoyed the atmosphere. We ordered our pasta without cheese, but it was accidentally served with cheese. The staff handled the mistake very professionally and apologized immediately. They quickly brought us the correct order, and the service throughout the evening was friendly and attentive. Mistakes can happen, but the way they resolved the situation was excellent.”
“I loved my dining experience there! The decor is warm and special; the service, impeccable, and the food is beautifully presented and delicious. I recommend the lobster spring rolls, the calamari and shrimp salad, and the duck fried rice. If you really like lemongrass, then try the seared scallops!”
Outdoor Dining
“I loved my dining experience there! The decor is warm and special; the service, impeccable, and the food is beautifully presented and delicious. I recommend the lobster spring rolls, the calamari and shrimp salad, and the duck fried rice. If you really like lemongrass, then try the seared scallops!”
“Love this place! I’ve read so much about it and Rae’s didn’t disappoint. Friendly, charming and the food is solid. Ordered the 2-2-2: fluffy pancakes, perfectly “medium” yet yolky eggs, and sausage. I’m a coffee snob and expected standard diner coffee and whoa - was pleasantly surprised by their very good cuppa (two actually)! Did I say the staff is friendly — they’re great! Coming back for their tuna melt and more coffee! Parking was no problem on a Monday at 11:30am.”
“I never really liked lobster rolls before, but my husband convinced me to come here and try it. Honestly, it was the best decision! This lobster roll completely changed my opinion — it was absolutely delicious, fresh, and so flavorful. Now I finally understand why people love lobster rolls. Highly recommend this place!”
“The food, the atmosphere, and especially the service made this a memorable visit.
If it wasn't for Isaac, I probably wouldn't have felt confident ordering the aguachile. He assured me it was worth trying, and he wasn't exaggerating, it was everything I could have asked for. (With more shrimp than agua & chile combined) As someone who loves lime, this dish exceeded all of my expectations.
I came in alone on a Sunday evening just looking to satisfy my appetite, but I left feeling like I had experienced much more than a great meal. Isaac made me feel at home, even bringing extra spices so my Hispanic side would be fully satisfied.
My Spanish (and even my English 😅) isn't always the best, but Isaac is perfectly bilingual and made sure he understood exactly what I was looking for.
Thank you to the Brixton management for building such a welcoming team. These days, it's about more than just good food. People want to feel comfortable and cared for as if they're enjoying Mom's cooking with Dad's warm presence. That's exactly how this experience felt.... I'll definitely be back for more! 🍽”
“The kind of night where you stumble into a speakeasy that's usually impossible to get into, only to find they have a one-hour opening before the next reservation. We slid in, ordered drinks, and ended up with one of those bartenders who makes the whole experience.
He was genuinely engaging, traded stories with us, mixed one of the best dirty martinis I've ever had, completely understood why I needed **three** blue cheese-stuffed olives (because two is bad luck), and even surprised us with a little taste of a cocktail we'd been eyeing.
Great bartender, great conversation, great vibes, and the best kind of unexpected find. His name is Jer-bear and we already reserved our next visit 😌
-The Claw Sisters”
“Went here for Easter brunch and was surprised I hadn’t heard of this place before. The food was great! I ordered the steak and eggs and while my steak wasn’t a perfect medium rare, the flavor and portion size made up for that immensely. The cocktails were delightful as well! Pricing was as expected for the area and quality. We were seated outside in a makeshift patio in the parking lot, but it was well done and the service was quick and attentive. Next time I would probably try to eat inside or in the smaller patio by the entrance, where the vibes and decor are beautifully done. There is ample free parking in the back as well. I will be back!”
“Arrived near closing time but decided to try it. There was metered street parking a short distance from the place. Located in Santa Monica (Montana Ave.) it was small but cozy. The owner was welcoming as I entered. I ordered the shrimp & pork spring rolls and the Pho Ga (shredded chicken). Definitely a bit too much food but I was satisfied with everything. I would definitely stop by again to try their Banh Mi or Bowls.”
Online Reservation Available
“We’re big fans of Omakase and have also been to the Culver City location, which is just as good. Both spots consistently deliver an incredible experience.
The sushi is amazing- super fresh, beautifully made, and you can tell a lot of care goes into every bite. The Santa Monica location keeps that same high standard we’ve come to expect, with great service and a chill but still elevated vibe.
It’s one of those spots you just know you’re going to leave happy every time. Highly recommend if you love really good sushi and a solid omakase experience.”
“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!”
“EDIT: The Wifi is fixed!! Thank you to the staff for fixing this issue. I payed the cafe another visit and confirmed I was able to work continuously for 3-4 hours. I'll leave my original review up for posterity but thank you to Bodega folks for offering a wonderful space to get work done! The food and coffee are great too.
I used to love coming here to do work and but their WiFi is no longer reliable enough. It goes out every couple of minutes. It’s been like this for some time and they don’t seem interested in fixing it.”
“Went here for Easter brunch and was surprised I hadn’t heard of this place before. The food was great! I ordered the steak and eggs and while my steak wasn’t a perfect medium rare, the flavor and portion size made up for that immensely. The cocktails were delightful as well! Pricing was as expected for the area and quality. We were seated outside in a makeshift patio in the parking lot, but it was well done and the service was quick and attentive. Next time I would probably try to eat inside or in the smaller patio by the entrance, where the vibes and decor are beautifully done. There is ample free parking in the back as well. I will be 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!”
“Literally, was one of the best meals we've had in LA, and we've eaten at the best restaurants in the world. The food was truly transportive to the year we lived in Bangkok, but accentuated by a fine dining twist with a California fresh seafood and produce vibe. ALL of that said, when I went out of my way to tell the head Chef (white, short dark hair, goatee, tattoos), on our way out, that we lived in Bangkok for a year and that what we just ate was the best Thai food we've ever eaten, he barely looked up at me, seemed annoyed, and left me feeling immediately regretting going out of my way to compliment him. Super disappointing end to an otherwise spectacular meal. This is purely an indictment on the chef's attitude, and nothing else. The food was transcendent, the service was impeccable, but he was an ungrateful jerk. Even if he was busy, which he wasn't when I praised him at roughly 9:30pm, he should know that he's in the service industry and his customers are his livelihood. I've had markedly more appreciative reactions from world-famous celebrity 3* chefs, which he is not. I can only imagine his Thai (some of the kindest, most gracious, humble people on earth) bosses would be horrified.”
“Excellent service, amazing lobster 🦞 with crab rice. I just wish I was given the prices before agreeing on the upgrade. I ordered a family for 2 and CJ server offered to make it 3ppl. I was kinda surprised with my bills and how the restaurant dictate the gratuity %….Overall, I love dining in this restaurant because we were welcome and were given a great and warm reception. Thank you to the staff who made us feel special especially to CJ she was amazing. Indeed, the most expensive meal I have eaten lol it’s worth it.”
“This is a high-quality seafood market and restaurant in Santa Monica. They also carry a small selection of vegetables, seasonings, and flowers. The variety of fish, clams, other seafood, and deli items is impressive, and everything is always fresh. The deli items, such as calamari salad, Hawaiian ahi poke, and pickled herring, are especially recommended.
The atmosphere is lively, and the staff are very attentive.
Don’t miss this spot if you’re in the mood for great seafood.”
“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 !”
24 Hour Restaurants
“This is a high-quality seafood market and restaurant in Santa Monica. They also carry a small selection of vegetables, seasonings, and flowers. The variety of fish, clams, other seafood, and deli items is impressive, and everything is always fresh. The deli items, such as calamari salad, Hawaiian ahi poke, and pickled herring, are especially recommended.
The atmosphere is lively, and the staff are very attentive.
Don’t miss this spot if you’re in the mood for great seafood.”
Takeout Restaurants
“Arrived near closing time but decided to try it. There was metered street parking a short distance from the place. Located in Santa Monica (Montana Ave.) it was small but cozy. The owner was welcoming as I entered. I ordered the shrimp & pork spring rolls and the Pho Ga (shredded chicken). Definitely a bit too much food but I was satisfied with everything. I would definitely stop by again to try their Banh Mi or Bowls.”
“The new manager at the ocean park location was so nice to us today - she helped pick up stuff we dropped and checked in to make sure we were happy with everything and just generally had top notch hospitality.
I got 4 half orders and the salmon was a DREAM and the strawberry nectarine with honey was a close second. YUM!”
“Came here on a Saturday night to have some food and drinks with friends. They don't make reservations, instead, they put your name on the list so you still have to wait for a table. We only had to wait 20-25 minutes for a table on a busy Saturday night. The service was great, as it didn't take too long for the waitress to notice us and get our drinks order. Ingo's Tasty Diner is Great place to meet up with friends. Quiet without getting silent and the food is amazing. The drinks menu was extensive. Portions were good and I didn't feel like going into a food coma after leaving. Try their Brussel sprouts, it's delicious! Get ready to spend some $$$, as this place is pretty pricey but worth the price in my opinion. There is no parking, expect the metered parking on Wilshire.”
“Had an incredible experience this evening at BOA. Mr. Ousley seated our party in the best seats! My server Mark was outstanding and his service was spot on. Clay and his whole team were On Point. The whole vibe and atmosphere was just perfect. I think I just had the best steak of my life right here in Santa Monica.”
“I would give via Venetto five stars based on their delicious food alone, but unfortunately it took forever to get served. I realize it was a Saturday night and they were busy, but it took quite a bit longer than it should have. The food is top-notch- and I'm super picky especially about Italian food. ”
“I go here when I'm in the area. The sandwich to get is the spicy Gdmother with the works. People line up for this sandwich. They also make them ahead of time as they are so popular. I actually got the tuna the last few times which is also amazing. Their bread is so fresh - crunchy on the outside yet soft on the inside. This is a must go to place! Be prepared to try and find a parking space and to wait in line but it is well worth it. It's also an Italian deli where you can find all things Italian.
For payment, they take cash or debit cards. They have a small ATM machine in the store.
Although parking is typically a hassle and the wait inside to order sandwiches is also a hassle, it is well worth it.”
“The Menemen was absolutely delicious - fresh, flavorful, and almost as good as the one I had in Istanbul! 😊 It reminded me so much of the Bulgarian mish-mash. The oat milk latte was perfectly smooth, too. I’ll definitely be back! ☕❤”
Drive-Thru Restaurants
“I had a wonderful solo drinks and tapas last week. The experience was wonderful, the vibe in the restaurant is whimsical, the drinks were fantastic, ..they had an excellent gin choice. The staff was amazing and attentive. The food was delicious and filling. I had the bikini con Carino, Patatas Bravas, Anchoa and one more thing, i cant remember. All of it was MORE than enough for a full dinner. I cant wait to go back again with friends.”
“I love this place overall the food is decent, the place is nice overall love it. our server was amazing (Brian?) but the hostess wasnt the nicest and another lady leading us to the table had a horrible attitude as well that I almost left. but thanks to our server and the food for making it up !!”
“Amazing chicken. Simply delicious.”
“What a hidden gem in Santa Monica! The food was amazing, and the atmosphere was casual and welcoming. They serve some of the most authentic Korean and Japanese dishes I’ve had in the area. The staff were incredibly friendly, and everything was spotless. I came with my husband and our 4-year-old, and we all had a wonderful experience. 💕 The Calamari Fries were definitely the highlight for me. Highly recommend!”
“Delicious food, eclectic menu, reasonable prices, friendly waiters, bar, nice ambiance.”
“Had an incredible experience this evening at BOA. Mr. Ousley seated our party in the best seats! My server Mark was outstanding and his service was spot on. Clay and his whole team were On Point. The whole vibe and atmosphere was just perfect. I think I just had the best steak of my life right here in Santa Monica.”
“I never really liked lobster rolls before, but my husband convinced me to come here and try it. Honestly, it was the best decision! This lobster roll completely changed my opinion — it was absolutely delicious, fresh, and so flavorful. Now I finally understand why people love lobster rolls. Highly recommend this place!”
Fine Dining
“This place is absolutely epic! Best food in America we ate by a country mile!!! Brian and his chef Miguel went above and beyond for my fussy daughter , they delivered high class service and a few laughs as well. Everything we ate tasted incredible, so much in fact that we had to go 2 nights in a row. Thanks Meat On Ocean. A truely memorable experience.”
“I will like to give a shout out to the chef. I think his name is Shawn or Sean. When we got to Santa Monica, we looked up restaurants to go have our 26 year anniversary dinner, we stayed at Hotel Delmar right across the street. We googled the restaurant menu, and decided what we were going to have. when we got there, and they brought out the menus, all what we decided to have was not on there. I was crushed. Because I had my mind set on the Halibut. I said it's ok I will just have the Ribeye, mind you I had a ribeye steak the night before. When the waiter came back, my wife asked if it's possible to get the Halibut and he said let me check with the chef. He came back later and said the chef said it's no problem. I was blown away. That was the best Halibut ( besides mine) that I have ever had. Thank you chef Shawn. From one chef to another, thank you. you made my night.”
“the service is phenomenal lovely atmosphere, very clean, cleanliness is the next thing to Godliness. the staff is friendly, the waitresses are really nice just all around lovely place the view is off the chain thank you penthouse for a lovely breakfast and God bless yours truly Michael and Jeannie.”
“This rundown will ensure you enjoy the greatness of Capo. Start with the Filet Tartare accompanied by the grilled Ceaser. Move on to a split pasta plate of the Ragu and Corn Ravioli with truffles. Finish up with the Veal Scallopini while knocking back the last few sips of the incredible Grenache. Yes. I recommend Capo.”
“The food, the atmosphere, and especially the service made this a memorable visit.
If it wasn't for Isaac, I probably wouldn't have felt confident ordering the aguachile. He assured me it was worth trying, and he wasn't exaggerating, it was everything I could have asked for. (With more shrimp than agua & chile combined) As someone who loves lime, this dish exceeded all of my expectations.
I came in alone on a Sunday evening just looking to satisfy my appetite, but I left feeling like I had experienced much more than a great meal. Isaac made me feel at home, even bringing extra spices so my Hispanic side would be fully satisfied.
My Spanish (and even my English 😅) isn't always the best, but Isaac is perfectly bilingual and made sure he understood exactly what I was looking for.
Thank you to the Brixton management for building such a welcoming team. These days, it's about more than just good food. People want to feel comfortable and cared for as if they're enjoying Mom's cooking with Dad's warm presence. That's exactly how this experience felt.... I'll definitely be back for more! 🍽”
“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!”
Cheap Eats
“Our. favorite Mexican in Santa Monica. Love the chilaqhiles (breakfast burrito with tortilla chips on it) in the morning, and the shrimp burrito for lunch. Liked the cerviche de camaron a lot, but will ditch the onions next time. The gent out front is extremely welcoming and the chips and salsa are great. Definitely worth a visit.”
“I write for a music and coffee blog called Crooners In Coffeeshops, in which I interview local musicians at local coffeeshops. My writeup reflects the positive experience that I encountered at Caffe Luxxe on our interview date. L.A. based small batch coffee roaster Caffe Luxxe is wonderful example of what can grow from the powerful bond of friendship, specifically one that spans decades like that of owners Mark Wain and Gary Chau. Taking the chance to quit their corporate jobs in 2006, they’ve been able to fuel their business from their personal relationship and their love for European luxury caffe culture. A fun fact, Caffe Luxxe is the first of its kind in L.A. for artisan coffee preparation, and boy golly, it is not one to miss at any of its So Cal locations. The coffee world is your oyster when picking your beverage of choice from their delectable menu of drips, pour overs, and a unique variety of Bevande Di Caffe (including a chocolate-y shaken Caffe Shakerato, a sparkling espresso Caffe Frizzante, and a spiced citrus Caffe Nico). If seasonal specials are your thing, have no fear, because they’ve got those covered too! What more could you ask for?”
“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 🙏🏻!”
“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!”
“Quesataco is amazing!! So juicy and flavorful, it’s delicious every bite. Regular taco is delicious too if cheese ain’t ur thing but if it is, mulita is pretty good as well. Tacos are on the smaller side, so I usually order 2-3. If you are craving for dessert, their churros are warm and crispy! Highly recommend this place”
“Sunday brunch was amazing. the smoked salmon eggs Benedict were some of the best we have ever had. the location is ideal definitely get an ocean facing room. The staff catered our every need. We haven't even checked out yet and I believe we're about to book our next stay.”
“Best steak and service . Say hi to Hillary she is the best !!!”
“Sebastian and Daniel provided incredible service. The food and drinks are delicious every time. I like when an establishment is consistent with service, food and drinks every time.”
“The menu was so specific and tailored to the season. Each dish brought a sense of discovery and newness with it. It was a costly experience but it's worth splashing out here if you enjoy fine dining.”
“Excellent service, amazing lobster 🦞 with crab rice. I just wish I was given the prices before agreeing on the upgrade. I ordered a family for 2 and CJ server offered to make it 3ppl. I was kinda surprised with my bills and how the restaurant dictate the gratuity %….Overall, I love dining in this restaurant because we were welcome and were given a great and warm reception. Thank you to the staff who made us feel special especially to CJ she was amazing. Indeed, the most expensive meal I have eaten lol it’s worth it.”
“Recommend going for the happy hour! The menu is solid and staff is friendly.
It feels like a hole in the wall spot with the Japanese izakaya vibes with lots of seating.”
“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.”
“Fantastic food and really great beer on tap! We had salad and pizza and it was all amazing. Staff were fantastic. I had a toddler with me and they were fun and engaging and helpful with him. Would highly recommend going here.”
“Everything I ordered was so fresh and SO delicious! The portion sizes are perfect for sharing. I can’t get over the spicy pork soup dumplings! The prices are not bad at all for the amazing flavor and amazing service !”
“I love this place overall the food is decent, the place is nice overall love it. our server was amazing (Brian?) but the hostess wasnt the nicest and another lady leading us to the table had a horrible attitude as well that I almost left. but thanks to our server and the food for making it up !!”
“McKayla made my visit to Sweet Maple genuinely memorable. Her bright smile and warm, welcoming personality set the tone the moment she approached the table. She was attentive without ever feeling rushed, and her positive energy elevated the entire experience. Exceptional service delivered with authenticity — McKayla is a true standout.”
“We’re big fans of Omakase and have also been to the Culver City location, which is just as good. Both spots consistently deliver an incredible experience.
The sushi is amazing- super fresh, beautifully made, and you can tell a lot of care goes into every bite. The Santa Monica location keeps that same high standard we’ve come to expect, with great service and a chill but still elevated vibe.
It’s one of those spots you just know you’re going to leave happy every time. Highly recommend if you love really good sushi and a solid omakase experience.”
“I had a wonderful solo drinks and tapas last week. The experience was wonderful, the vibe in the restaurant is whimsical, the drinks were fantastic, ..they had an excellent gin choice. The staff was amazing and attentive. The food was delicious and filling. I had the bikini con Carino, Patatas Bravas, Anchoa and one more thing, i cant remember. All of it was MORE than enough for a full dinner. I cant wait to go back again with friends.”
“Food is luscious! Jordan, our server truly exceptional. Relaxed elegance is the general vibe. It maybe an internationally renowned hotel but it feels like a local restaurant to us.”
“Excellent food!! SO good and such great selections on the menu! Service was over the top! Wish there was one in the OC. We will be back!”
“Cute wine bar that functions as a cafe during the day! Was happy to find they have a later happy hour that goes beyond 6 PM, which is so rare to find. I asked an employee and she said there is no happy hour on Sundays. I would just confirm and ask.”
“10/10 Recommend. When I’m in the area, I always gravitate to this spot. I love everything on the menu.”
“Edgemar is truly one of the best spots in LA for dinner and a few cocktails to follow that. Great interior, sunset vibes. Had an absolute blast with my friends last week, would highly recommend.”
“I came to Orla by Michael Mina for my 21st birthday celebration and had the best time! Our waiter was so sweet and very attentive. We started with drinks and the whipped chickpea hummus. Then, I had the best salmon ever. Finally, we ended with two amazing desserts. The restaurant is beauitful and conveniently located. I’ll definitely be coming back if I ever find myself in Santa Monica again!”
“I would give via Venetto five stars based on their delicious food alone, but unfortunately it took forever to get served. I realize it was a Saturday night and they were busy, but it took quite a bit longer than it should have. The food is top-notch- and I'm super picky especially about Italian food. ”
“Love that Michael’s has a new front patio bar. Great food and drinks. A classic!”
“We left feeling like royalty! Such an amazing omakase experience. Intimate setting, it’s like eating in Chefs house. Very fun, and would definitely go back when the seasons change!”
“Great new neighborhood spot! The food is healthy and delicious. Lots of variety on the menu so everyone should have a few excellent choices!”
“This place is absolutely epic! Best food in America we ate by a country mile!!! Brian and his chef Miguel went above and beyond for my fussy daughter , they delivered high class service and a few laughs as well. Everything we ate tasted incredible, so much in fact that we had to go 2 nights in a row. Thanks Meat On Ocean. A truely memorable experience.”
“We had the Most Amazing Experience at La Monique. Exceptional Ambience, Food & Service.”
“My boyfriend and I came here for my birthday dinner and everything was fabulous… The ambience was incredible, phenomenal soundtrack, amazing ravioli, great menu too many yummy things to choose from. great service will definitely be back.”
“We had a fantastic time with Felix! The food was terrific, the service was beyond terrific! We watched the World Cup, relaxed, and had a great time. Have already started recommending this place before I could post this. We are visiting from out of town, and they made the Best tortillas we have ever had! Check this place out! Hope they open one soon in NYC!”
“The best aperitive in LA, with Salvo at 12-12 a wonderful location. Thanks a lot”
“My dinner at Kanpai Sushi in Santa Monica was nothing short of extraordinary. Chef Yoshi is a true master sushi chef. While he may not be new to the craft, his skill, precision, and deep understanding of traditional sushi brought me back to a time when sushi was simply done right.
In fact, Chef Yoshi could probably serve me a shoelace, and it would be the best thing I’ve ever eaten.
Everything was exceptionally fresh. The wasabi had a vibrant freshness that elevated every bite, and the ginger practically melted in my mouth. I sampled as much toro as I could possibly eat, along with an incredible selection of fish that showcased Chef Yoshi’s mastery and attention to detail.
The Kumamoto oysters were so delicious they made me want to kiss my fingers and thank the heavens. The uni was phenomenal and remains one of my favorite bites of the evening. However, the biggest surprise was the seared salmon belly. It was my first time trying salmon prepared that way, and it absolutely blew my mind.
Instead of ending the meal with dessert, I finished with a hand roll that combined fresh tuna and crispy shrimp tempura, topped with eel sauce. The contrast of cool, fresh tuna and warm, crunchy shrimp tempura created an unforgettable bite and was a complete game changer.
I’ve been eating sushi since I was 18 years old, and now well into my 50s, I can confidently say this is the best sushi restaurant I have ever experienced. Beyond the incredible food, the staff was attentive, professional, and genuinely respectful throughout the entire evening.
I have officially found my favorite sushi spot.
Thank you, Chef Yoshi. I’ll be back very soon.
— Linda”
“Loved this place, glad we could stop by here for some lovely food and drinks…. We were a bigger group of 8 and they do have sitting in the back for big groups but guess 8 was the upper limit…
I tried BEYOND BURGER and it was good, not great but liked it overall. My friends tried protein plate, fish and taco etc and everyone loved the food
I also had tequila based cocktail which was nice
The server was very kind and the vibe of the place was good
Overall would surely recommend visiting them if you are in the area”
“The food was excellent and so fresh here, but its very expensive. There is self seating and you order through a QR code, which is different, but there was someone coming around refilling the water cups, which was nice.”
“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”
“AMAZING food and drinks. Purely fresh and tastes fantastic. I can’t wait to come back. ♥️♥️♥️”
“Always great times! Wonderful people, fabulous world class live music & sweet vibes. A real community feel. Filled with music lovers. Definitely a staple LA hott spot. Keep Supporting live music! 🔥🎶”
“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!”
“Came here on a Saturday night to have some food and drinks with friends. They don't make reservations, instead, they put your name on the list so you still have to wait for a table. We only had to wait 20-25 minutes for a table on a busy Saturday night. The service was great, as it didn't take too long for the waitress to notice us and get our drinks order. Ingo's Tasty Diner is Great place to meet up with friends. Quiet without getting silent and the food is amazing. The drinks menu was extensive. Portions were good and I didn't feel like going into a food coma after leaving. Try their Brussel sprouts, it's delicious! Get ready to spend some $$$, as this place is pretty pricey but worth the price in my opinion. There is no parking, expect the metered parking on Wilshire.”
“Fun ambiance, good drink selection and it's easy to meet nice people as they host lots of events here.”
“The food was so good! My family and I went with friends and we enjoyed it so much. Our favorite dish was the Chicken Xiao Long Bao and I highly recommend trying the food here!”
“The PERFECT dinner spot steps from the pier but not touristy. Great portions and wine by the juice jug. Amazing service and it’s always the same waitress with a smile on her face. Patio in the back with ocean views.”
“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!”
“The food is awesome has a good price the price is worth the food the service is excellent they are respectful and the vibes are great also they have an outside space where you can enjoy your meal or drinks extremely recommended this place is AWSOME and the French fries are so delicious”
“A friend and I visited Il Forno Trattoria last Saturday. After we left, my friend realised she had lost her grandmother's ring, of great sentimental value. We telephoned the restaurant even though it had already closed for the night, and the team immediately invited us back to search. When we arrived, the staff were cleaning up but had already started to look for the ring and helped us look through the restrooms and, kitchen. At least three or four employees actively helped, including providing gloves and helping us go through the trash to ensure it was lost in a restroom trash can. It was clear that everyone was genuinely concerned and willing to do whatever they could. Although the ring was not found, their professionalism, empathy, and willingness to stay late and actively help without question have left a lasting impression. I mustn’t forget the meal itself had been excellent: well‑prepared dishes, attentive yet unobtrusive service, and a well‑chosen wine list. Taken together with the staff’s extraordinary support, the experience showed Il Forno Trattoria at its best. It is the epitome of excellent service. Whether you are looking for quality Italian cuisine or a restaurant where the team truly cares about its guests, I cannot recommend Il Forno Trattoria highly enough.”
“The kind of night where you stumble into a speakeasy that's usually impossible to get into, only to find they have a one-hour opening before the next reservation. We slid in, ordered drinks, and ended up with one of those bartenders who makes the whole experience.
He was genuinely engaging, traded stories with us, mixed one of the best dirty martinis I've ever had, completely understood why I needed **three** blue cheese-stuffed olives (because two is bad luck), and even surprised us with a little taste of a cocktail we'd been eyeing.
Great bartender, great conversation, great vibes, and the best kind of unexpected find. His name is Jer-bear and we already reserved our next visit 😌
-The Claw Sisters”
“Friday I pass by with my son
I had the best experience ever !!!! Brandon our server was the most attentive person ever ❤ I always go out on Friday’s to try new restaurants and enjoy my nights. He went above and beyond for us, giving us full service from start to finish, I love a server with he’s work ethic does everything himself and making sure we enjoy the meal instead just shoving the highest price meal. Best server ever !!!”
“This was my first time trying the Father’s Office, and honestly the food was pretty good. The only thing I didn’t like was, you cannot modify anything on the menu, even if it’s for a food allergy. However overall the place was decent.”
“I recommend the Bbq chicken, Rack of Ribs and Brisket overall everything I ordered was delicious.”
“Years ago our favorite sushi restaurant from the 80’s closed. Time flies, and as Santa Monica locals we have been looking for a sushi restaurant as a regular. We tried Mikomi and were SO happy. Our server Nathan was a delight, he is professional, friendly, consistent and grounded. Much appreciated his presence. The menu is vast and everything on it that we ordered so far is excellent. Looking forward to returning to try new things and reorder favorites!”
“Great sushi place. Did one of the several course tasting options.”
“Mon Roll House delivers fresh, flavorful sushi at great prices in a casual, welcoming setting. The rolls are generously portioned, the fish tastes fresh, and the service is consistently friendly. Whether you're dining in or grabbing takeout, it's a reliable spot for satisfying Japanese cuisine.”
Latest Reviews
“Normally, I love this Starbucks BUT today I left feeling disrespected. Every day, I order 1 or 2 triple espressos with 1/4"milk and extra foam. It was not crowded, no rush, and I ordered espresso with only foam to make it easier. But one barista, who knows me, said things were changing with the new CEO, my drink took too long to make and would stop, and it wasn't fair to other customers. What??? I sympathized with him the other day when there was a wrong order (not mine) and he got frazzled. As for my order, if someone can't measure 1/4 milk and just eyeballs it, that's not my fault. The crew that has been there is tops and this was a mistake. I don't think it's the vib that the new Speedbucks is supposed to send out. Cathy”
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“Asked for a view in a 3/4 empty room, was told 2 people couldn't have the corner seat. Was offered an inferior view so we left. Bad business to turn away a couple over seat preferences. We have never been to a Bubba Gump Shrimp restraunt before, will never return either. Too bad. Went across the pier to Seaside on the pier and have an excellent view.”
“the service is phenomenal lovely atmosphere, very clean, cleanliness is the next thing to Godliness. the staff is friendly, the waitresses are really nice just all around lovely place the view is off the chain thank you penthouse for a lovely breakfast and God bless yours truly Michael and Jeannie.”
“What an exceptional experience; food was amazing, ambiance phenomenal and the staff were attentive. Being greeted with sincerity and warmth set the tone for the entire evening. So blessed to have a great company coupled with delicious food. Will more definitely come back!”
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“I came to Orla by Michael Mina for my 21st birthday celebration and had the best time! Our waiter was so sweet and very attentive. We started with drinks and the whipped chickpea hummus. Then, I had the best salmon ever. Finally, we ended with two amazing desserts. The restaurant is beauitful and conveniently located. I’ll definitely be coming back if I ever find myself in Santa Monica again!”
“Amazing sandwiches made with fresh ingredients and perfectly balanced flavors. The bread is crusty, and the sauce is fantastic—not too much, just enough. The coffee is wonderful as well. Everything is made with high-quality products and lots of love. Definitely recommend!”
“Friday I pass by with my son
I had the best experience ever !!!! Brandon our server was the most attentive person ever ❤ I always go out on Friday’s to try new restaurants and enjoy my nights. He went above and beyond for us, giving us full service from start to finish, I love a server with he’s work ethic does everything himself and making sure we enjoy the meal instead just shoving the highest price meal. Best server ever !!!”
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“Excellent food and fantastic service😊”