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1 Pico at Shutters on the Beach
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
1 Pico at Shutters on the Beach
8.2
Chef Vittorio's California-Italian menu with handmade pastas and fire-grilled seafood comes with panoramic Pacific views at Shutters on the Beach. The elevated yet relaxed beachfront dining pairs seasonal cooking with Wine Spectator-recognized selections.
Must-Try Dishes:
Handmade Pastas, Fire-Grilled Seafood, Salted Caramel Sundae
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Unmatched beachfront location with direct ocean views while dining on sophisticated Italian-California cuisine
Who should go: Celebrants wanting luxury hotel dining with seaside ambiance
When to visit: Weekend brunch for views, weeknight dinner for intimacy
What to order: Day's fresh catch, any handmade pasta, signature sundae
Insider tip: Corkage-free on select bottles from Wine Spectator-awarded list
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available at Shutters on the Beach ($45), validated with dining. Street parking nearly impossible. Use nearby paid lots on Ocean Ave ($8-12/hour)
Dress code: Resort elegant - collared shirts for men, sundresses or smart separates for women. Beachy chic acceptable given location
Noise level: Moderate to low - ocean sounds present but tables well-spaced for conversation. Indoor quieter than patio
Weekend wait: Reservations essential, 2-3 weeks ahead for ocean-view tables. Walk-ins rare
Weekday lunch: 15-30 min wait without reservation, bar seating usually available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 dedicated options including housemade pastas with seasonal vegetables, creative antipasti
Vegan options: Limited - 2 options typically, but chef accommodates with advance notice
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available, many naturally GF seafood and protein options, kitchen aware of cross-contamination
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice if you want to impress - the sunset views and upscale ambiance create natural romance. However, it's a significant investment ($150-200 per couple), so better for when you're confident about mutual interest. The setting does half the work.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very difficult on weekends. Your best shot: arrive at 5pm for early dinner or try the bar seating (first-come basis). Weekday lunches are more forgiving. The host can text you when a table opens if you're willing to wait at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, surprisingly welcoming for upscale dining. Kids menu available, staff accommodating. Brunch is most family-friendly. For peaceful dinner, ages 8+ work best. The beachfront setting keeps younger kids engaged.
How's the Sunday brunch? Spectacular but pricey ($75-95 per person). The buffet-style spread includes omelet station, seafood tower, and dessert bar. Ocean views at peak beauty. Arrive by 10:30am for best selection before crowds hit.
Can I just have drinks and appetizers? Absolutely - the bar and lounge area encourages this. Perfect for sunset cocktails ($18-24) with coastal views. Share the calamari and burrata, skip the full meal commitment.
Best For
Better for: Unbeatable for oceanfront fine dining in Santa Monica - no competitor matches the views + cuisine quality combination. Superior wine program to most beachfront spots. Best choice when the setting matters as much as the food (proposals, celebrations, impressing visitors).
Skip if: You want cutting-edge cuisine innovation (go to Mélisse instead) or are on a tight budget (many great Italian options inland for half the price). Also skip if you don't care about views - you're paying a premium for the location. For pure food-focused Italian, Osteria Mozza offers better value.
1 Pico at Shutters on the Beach
8.4
Shutters on the Beach's signature restaurant pairs Michelin-recommended Chef David Almany's seasonal California-Italian cuisine with unobstructed Pacific views and fireplace warmth. The wood-beamed dining room and ocean-facing patio create romance for anniversaries and weekend brunches alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wild King Salmon, Jidori Half Chicken, Lobster Pasta
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Direct beachfront location inside iconic Shutters hotel with panoramic ocean views
Who should go: Celebrating couples and hotel guests seeking romantic coastal elegance
When to visit: Weekend brunch for views, dinner Wednesday-Sunday for romance
What to order: Simply grilled fish, Jidori chicken, weekend brunch menu
Insider tip: BYO wine with no corkage fee on select nights
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet at Shutters $45/day for diners (validated), limited metered street parking on Pico Boulevard
Dress code: Resort elegant - no shorts or flip-flops, sport coats optional but many wear them
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - wood beams absorb sound, ocean waves create gentle backdrop, easy conversation
Weekend wait: Reservations essential - walk-ins rarely accommodated Friday-Sunday
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min for bar seating, reservations recommended for ocean-view tables
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 seasonal options including risotto and pasta dishes, chef will customize
Vegan options: Limited - 2 options on menu, advance notice yields more choices from chef
Gluten-free options: Yes - knowledgeable staff, separate pasta available, most seafood dishes adaptable
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent if you want to impress with upscale beachfront ambiance, but the $$$$ price tag and formal vibe works better for 3rd+ dates or when budget isn't a concern. The sunset views do serious romantic heavy lifting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very difficult on weekends - book 2-3 weeks ahead for prime dinner slots. Weekday lunches have better walk-in odds at the bar or patio, but ocean-view tables still require reservations. Try calling day-of for cancellations.
Is it kid-friendly? Tolerant but not ideal - no kids menu, formal atmosphere better suited for teens and up. Weekend brunch is most family-appropriate timing. Many guests choose this for adults-only celebrations for a reason.
How long should I plan for dinner? Budget 2-2.5 hours for the full experience - service is attentive but leisurely, matching the refined beachfront setting. Perfect pacing for anniversaries, rushed for quick bites.
Can I just come for drinks and the view? Yes - the bar and patio welcome drinks-only guests, though weekend evenings prioritize full-dining reservations. Sunset cocktails (5-7pm) are a local move without the full dinner commitment.
Best For
Better for: Unmatched oceanfront hotel dining with fireplace warmth and Michelin-caliber execution - best beachside white-tablecloth experience in Santa Monica. The BYO wine nights and Shutters' iconic status make this the special occasion standard.
Skip if: You want casual beachfront vibes (try Blue Plate Taco or The Lobster), need budget-friendly celebrations, or prefer trendy/scene energy over classic elegance. Also skip if you're just hungry - this is about the experience as much as the food.
1 Pico at Shutters on the Beach
8.6
The signature restaurant at iconic Shutters on the Beach offers simply grilled premium seafood and steaks with direct oceanfront views from both indoor dining room and heated outdoor courtyard. Chef Vittorio combines coastal California ingredients with Southern Italian technique for handmade pastas and fire-grilled preparations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-Grilled Branzino, Prime New York Strip, Lobster Fettuccine
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Unmatched beachfront location with decades of reputation as Santa Monica's premier oceanside restaurant
Who should go: Special occasions, romantic dinners, hotel guests
When to visit: Sunset dinner, weekend brunch for ocean views
What to order: Market fresh fish simply grilled, prime steaks
Insider tip: Outdoor courtyard patio is well-heated and more intimate than indoor dining room