0 Followers
Cobi's
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Cobi's
8.3
Chef Cobi Marsh's Michelin Bib Gourmand spot brings Southeast Asian soul to a pink-and-green building with floral wallpaper and mismatched vintage furniture. The menu showcases Thai and Malaysian influences with wood-grilled specialties and curry puffs that honor Chef Marsh's Indonesian heritage.
Must-Try Dishes:
Curry Puffs, Dry-Aged Branzino, Thai Tea Pudding with Boba
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition for authentic Southeast Asian cooking in a charming, design-forward space
Who should go: Date nights, design lovers, Southeast Asian food enthusiasts
When to visit: Dinner or weekend brunch for kaya French toast
What to order: Curry puffs with tamarind ketchup, grilled prawns in ginger sauce, Thai tea pudding
Insider tip: The $58 classics menu offers the best introduction to Chef Cobi's signature dishes
Cobi's
8.6
Michelin Bib Gourmand Southeast Asian restaurant housed in a charming pink building with floral wallpaper and garden seating. Chef Cobi Marsh blends Indonesian, Thai, and Malaysian influences with curry puffs, beef rendang, and wood-grilled prawns served on vintage mismatched china.
Must-Try Dishes:
Curry Puffs, Butter Chicken, Beef Rendang
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized Southeast Asian fusion in whimsical garden setting
Who should go: Date night diners, curry enthusiasts, design lovers
When to visit: Dinner reservations Thursday-Saturday for full experience
What to order: Curry puffs with tamarind ketchup, butter chicken, Thai tea pudding
Insider tip: Saturday brunch features exceptional fried chicken with Thai chiles
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main Street fills quickly - arrive 10 minutes early. Paid lot on Ocean Park ($8 flat rate after 6pm) is reliable backup.
Dress code: Elevated casual - sundresses, nice jeans with blazers work well. The whimsical decor invites playful style but skip gym wear.
Noise level: Intimate and conversation-friendly - soft ambient music, excellent for dates and meaningful conversations
Weekend wait: 60-90 minutes without reservation Friday/Saturday. Book 2 weeks ahead or try bar seating (first-come walk-ins only)
Weekday lunch: No wait Tuesday-Thursday lunch. Saturday brunch books out 1 week advance
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - 6+ dishes including green curry vegetables and turmeric cauliflower. Chef accommodates requests.
Vegan options: Limited but quality - 2-3 coconut-based curries can be made vegan. Call ahead for best modifications.
Gluten-free options: Moderate options - rice-based dishes abundant, curry puffs unavailable. Staff knowledgeable about cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Outstanding first date spot - romantic garden ambiance without stuffy formality, conversation-friendly noise level, shareable small plates encourage interaction, and $60-80pp keeps it impressive but not intimidating.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Difficult weekends (arrive at 5pm opening or try bar seating). Weeknight drop-ins work Tuesday-Thursday before 7pm. Saturday brunch requires advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) who appreciate adventurous flavors. Intimate space and mismatched vintage china aren't toddler-optimal. Mild butter chicken is safest option for younger palates.
Best For
Better for: Choose Cobi's over generic Thai spots for Michelin-quality execution and Instagram-worthy garden setting that justifies the price premium. The Southeast Asian fusion breadth (Indonesian rendang, Malaysian laksa influences) beats single-cuisine competitors in Santa Monica.
Skip if: Skip if you need quick casual dining, want authentic regional Thai (not fusion), require extensive vegan menu, or prefer modern minimalist decor over maximalist vintage charm. Cassia offers similar quality with easier reservations.