Any insider tips for Pasjoli?

The $350 pressed duck requires advance reservation but the à la carte menu offers better value

What should I order at Pasjoli?

Cordon bleu wings, French onion soup, steak frites with peppercorn sauce

When should I visit Pasjoli?

Tuesday-Thursday dinner for easier reservations, avoid peak weekends

Who should go to Pasjoli?

Special occasion diners seeking refined French without stuffiness

Any insider tips for Il Forno?

Park in the lot behind the building for easy access

What should I order at Il Forno?

Ossobuco, homemade pastas, any pizza from the wood oven

When should I visit Il Forno?

Weeknight dinner for walk-ins, weekend reservations recommended

Who should go to Il Forno?

Families and regulars seeking authentic Northern Italian comfort

Any insider tips for Cobi's?

The $58 classics menu offers the best introduction to Chef Cobi's signature dishes

What should I order at Cobi's?

Curry puffs with tamarind ketchup, grilled prawns in ginger sauce, Thai tea pudding

When should I visit Cobi's?

Dinner or weekend brunch for kaya French toast

Who should go to Cobi's?

Date nights, design lovers, Southeast Asian food enthusiasts

Any insider tips for Local Kitchen + Wine Bar?

The reclaimed bridge wood trellis on the patio creates romantic canopy lighting

What should I order at Local Kitchen + Wine Bar?

Seasonal wood-fired pizza, lamb meatballs, small batch cocktails

When should I visit Local Kitchen + Wine Bar?

Dinner on the enclosed patio year-round

Who should go to Local Kitchen + Wine Bar?

Neighborhood regulars, casual date nights, pizza lovers

Best Romantic Restaurants in Santa Monica (90405)

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

Notable Picks

#1 Pasjoli

8.8

$$$ Main Street

Vibes: Date Night Magic Birthday & Celebration Central Business Lunch Power Players Instagram Worthy Wonders

James Beard Award-winning chef Dave Beran transformed his Michelin Plate bistro into a more accessible French experience while maintaining exacting standards. The pressed duck carved tableside remains legendary, but cordon bleu chicken wings stuffed with prosciutto and a French onion soup with explosive gruyère show the kitchen's playful mastery of rich, butter-forward bistro classics.

Must-Try Dishes: Cordon Bleu Chicken Wings, French Onion Soup, Pressed Duck ($350, reservation required)

What makes it special: Michelin-recognized bistro from Alinea alum serving technically perfect French fare with California produce

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#2 Il Forno

8.6

$$ Ocean Park

Vibes: Family Friendly Favorites Date Night Magic Comfort Food Classics Hidden Gems Heaven

Northern Italian trattoria where Chef Domenico Salvatore crafts thin-crust pizzas and homemade pastas in an open kitchen, with standout Ossobuco alla Milanese slow-braised to perfection. The family-style warmth and reliable quality have made this a local favorite for years, with GM Sorin greeting diners like old friends.

Must-Try Dishes: Ossobuco alla Milanese, Homemade Tagliolini, Thin-Crust Margherita Pizza

What makes it special: Open kitchen showcasing Chef Domenico's pasta-making and Ruth Reichl-praised home-away-from-home atmosphere

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#3 Cobi's

8.3

$$$ Main Street

Vibes: Date Night Magic Instagram Worthy Wonders Brunch Bliss Spots Trendy Table Hotspots

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

What makes it special: Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition for authentic Southeast Asian cooking in a charming, design-forward space

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Worthy Picks

#4 Local Kitchen + Wine Bar

7.9

$$ Ocean Park

Vibes: Date Night Magic Outdoor Dining Oasis Happy Hour Hotspots Family Friendly Favorites

Neighborhood gathering spot centered around a wood-burning pizza oven serving seasonal market-driven plates and handcrafted pizzas. The cozy enclosed patio features a wood trellis reclaimed from a 1920s Santa Barbara bridge, creating intimate ambiance for Ocean Park locals.

Must-Try Dishes: Wood-Fired Pizzas, Lamb Meatballs, Burrata with Fava Beans

What makes it special: Wood-fired pizzas and seasonal California-Italian cuisine in a rustic-chic neighborhood setting

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