Any insider tips for MUSE Santa Monica?

Ask about art in the dining room—pieces rotate with exhibitions.

What should I order at MUSE Santa Monica?

Veal bonbons, lobster with pommes soufflées, Vanilla St. Honoré.

When should I visit MUSE Santa Monica?

Later evening seatings, Wednesday–Sunday, for full ambience.

Who should go to MUSE Santa Monica?

Serious date-night diners and special-occasion Francophiles.

Any insider tips for Farmshop?

Hit the bakery counter first to snag limited-run pastries before they sell out.

What should I order at Farmshop?

Shirred eggs, buttermilk biscuit sandwich, brioche French toast

When should I visit Farmshop?

Weekend mid-morning for peak brunch buzz and pastries

Who should go to Farmshop?

Brunch lovers who appreciate seasonal, market-driven cooking

Any insider tips for Golden Bull Restaurant?

Sit near the fireplace lounge for peak throwback atmosphere.

What should I order at Golden Bull Restaurant?

Prime rib, French onion soup, filet mignon with sides.

When should I visit Golden Bull Restaurant?

Golden Hour or later dinner for cozy, clubby ambience.

Who should go to Golden Bull Restaurant?

Steak-and-martini couples and small celebration groups.

Any insider tips for Back on the Beach Cafe?

Request a table right on the sand and pair your tacos with a margarita-style drink for sunset.

What should I order at Back on the Beach Cafe?

Fish tacos, shrimp tacos, salmon tacos with rice and beans.

When should I visit Back on the Beach Cafe?

Sunny late lunch on weekdays to dodge peak weekend crowds.

Who should go to Back on the Beach Cafe?

Families and groups wanting tacos with ocean views.

Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Santa Monica (90402)

4 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated

Essential Picks

#1 MUSE Santa Monica

9.0

$ Santa Monica Canyon

Vibes: Date Night Magic Luxury Dining Elite Trendy Table Hotspots Instagram Worthy Wonders

An intimate, art-filled modern French dining room from chef-owner Fardad Khayami, MUSE turns Channel Road into a destination for multi-course date nights. Tasting-style plates, a serious wine program, and candlelit Art Déco interiors make it one of the most romantic rooms on the Westside.

Must-Try Dishes: Veal bonbons with sauce verte, Lobster with pommes soufflées and caviar, Vanilla St. Honoré

What makes it special: Gallery-like French dining where fine art and tasting menus meet.

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Notable Picks

#2 Farmshop

8.8

$$$ Brentwood Country Mart

Vibes: Brunch Bliss Spots Trendy Table Hotspots Business Lunch Power Players

Farmshop turns breakfast into a polished, market-driven affair, with dishes built around pristine California produce and a serious in-house bakery. Locals come for shirred eggs, buttermilk biscuits, and excellent coffee before wandering the Brentwood Country Mart’s boutiques.

Must-Try Dishes: Shirred Eggs with lamb merguez, dates & yogurt, Buttermilk Biscuit with fra’mani ham & sunny-side egg, Brioche French Toast with strawberries & mascarpone

What makes it special: A chef-driven breakfast with bakery-level pastries in a chic market setting.

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#3 Golden Bull Restaurant

8.5

$$$ Santa Monica Canyon

Vibes: Date Night Magic Group Dining Gatherings Birthday & Celebration Central Comfort Food Classics

A Santa Monica Canyon chophouse dating back to 1949, The Golden Bull delivers classic steaks, prime rib, and martinis in a wood-paneled, fireplace-warmed room. It’s a go-to for couples who want an old-school, slightly buzzy steakhouse feel without leaving the neighborhood.

Must-Try Dishes: Prime rib with Yorkshire pudding, French onion soup, Filet mignon

What makes it special: Midcentury steakhouse energy with fireplaces and canyon locals.

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Worthy Picks

#4 Back on the Beach Cafe

7.7

$$$$ Palisades Beach / Annenberg Beach House

Vibes: Outdoor Dining Oasis Brunch Bliss Spots Family Friendly Favorites Group Dining Gatherings

More laid-back than white-tablecloth, this long-running beachfront spot pairs toes-in-the-sand seating with a broad, California-comfort menu. Diners come as much for the ocean views and all-day brunch plates as for the food itself, making it a relaxed alternative for a scenic, celebratory meal.

Must-Try Dishes: Fish Tacos, Shrimp Tacos, Salmon Tacos

What makes it special: A Santa Monica landmark where you can eat seafood tacos at tables set directly in the sand.

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