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ZipPicks Awards
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Santa Monica
Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Santa Monica
Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
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).
Consider Alternatives 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.
Hours
Monday5:30pm - 9:30pm
TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed
Thursday5:30pm - 9:30pm
Friday5:30pm - 9:30pm
Saturday11am - 3pm, 5:30pm - 9:30pm
Sunday5:30pm - 9:30pm