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Wally's Santa Monica
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Wally's Santa Monica
8.4
This hybrid wine bar and gourmet market offers California-French cuisine with over 100 wines by the glass in a sophisticated space featuring communal marble tables and a wine-cave inspired private room. The establishment seamlessly blends fine dining with curated retail, offering artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and specialty products alongside their seasonal menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffle Pizza with Shaved Black Truffle, Steak Tartare with Quail Egg, Wood Oven Baked Brie
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Combining fine dining with gourmet retail and exceptional wine program
Who should go: Wine enthusiasts and gourmet food lovers
When to visit: Saturday wine tastings or weekday prix fixe
What to order: Cheese and charcuterie boards, truffle dishes, wine flights
Insider tip: Visit the retail counter for specialty items to take home
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, public garage 2 blocks away ($3/hr), street parking scarce after 5pm
Dress code: Smart casual - nice jeans acceptable, business casual ideal for lunch
Noise level: Moderately lively - communal tables can get buzzy but private room quieter
Weekend wait: 30-45 min walk-in, reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min during peak business lunch
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 dedicated options plus customizable cheese boards
Vegan options: Limited - 2 modified dishes, better options at lunch
Gluten-free options: Yes - staff knowledgeable, can modify most dishes, GF bread available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - sophisticated but not stuffy, wine flights create natural conversation starters, and communal seating takes pressure off
Can I get a table without a reservation? Best bet is bar seating or communal tables, especially before 6pm weekdays. Weekend dinners need reservations 2+ weeks out
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens and up - no kids menu, sophisticated atmosphere. Lunch more accommodating than dinner
Best For
Better for: Superior wine program and retail integration compared to typical French bistros - like having a sommelier and gourmet shop in one
Skip if: You want intimate dining (communal tables dominate) or traditional French bistro prices - go to Petit Trois instead
Wally's Santa Monica
8.3
Part wine emporium, part sophisticated dining room, Wally's elevates French-influenced California cuisine with over 100 wines by the glass. The striking space features a gourmet market alongside refined dishes like diver scallops and truffle-laden pastas, creating an epicurean playground.
Must-Try Dishes:
Diver Scallops, Wagyu Burger with Marrow Aioli, Burgundy Truffle Pasta
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Wine retail meets fine dining with 100+ wines by glass
Who should go: Wine enthusiasts and power lunch crowd
When to visit: Weekday lunch or Saturday wine tastings
What to order: Prix fixe menu, caviar service, wine flights
Insider tip: Grab artisanal cheese boxes to-go from market
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, self-park in structure $8 with validation, street parking scarce after 5pm
Dress code: Smart casual to business - no shorts or athletic wear, collared shirts preferred
Noise level: Moderate - lively but conversation-friendly, quieter in private wine room
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min typical, no wait before noon
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 refined options, seasonal vegetable tasting menu available
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 dishes, kitchen accommodating with advance notice
Gluten-free options: Yes - marked on menu, dedicated prep protocols, GF bread available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - sophisticated but not stuffy, wine flights create natural conversation starters, market area provides pre-dinner browsing
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely for dinner, try the wine bar for walk-ins or arrive at 5pm opening. Lunch typically has availability same-day
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens and up - no kids menu, sophisticated atmosphere. Brunch more accommodating for families
Best For
Better for: Wine education and variety unmatched in Santa Monica, superior cheese selection, more approachable than traditional French fine dining
Skip if: You want casual dining, need quick service, or prefer cocktails over wine - try The Bungalow or Elephante instead