Best Trendy Restaurants in Santa Monica (90405)
5 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Notable Picks
8.7
Hand-rolled sourdough bagels blend Montreal and New York styles with a West Coast twist, served open-faced and piled high with seasonal farmers market produce. Founded by Tartine and Gjusta alum Sergio Espana, this counter-service spot draws lines for its crusty-outside, pillowy-inside bagels featuring creative toppings like seasonal fruit with honey.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Pre-Jam (seasonal fruit with cream cheese and honey), The Laika (smoked salmon with herb cream cheese), The Scarlett (heirloom tomato with lemon zest and chili flakes)
What makes it special: Sourdough bagels with levain for easier digestion and seasonal farmers market toppings
#2
Pasjoli
8.5
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Business Lunch Power Players
Instagram Worthy Wonders
James Beard Award-winning chef Dave Beran's French bistro underwent a makeover from fine dining to approachable elegance, now serving rich butter-laden classics alongside market-driven small plates. The pressed duck tableside spectacle remains available for $350, but the real draw is cordon bleu chicken wings oozing prosciutto and cheese, mini French onion soup with bubbling gruyère, and the city's best Basque cheesecake.
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
#3
Ghisallo
8.3
Ocean Park neighborhood staple serving both New York-style slices by day and Neapolitan-esque whole pies at dinner. Chef Casey Lane works with renowned baker Jyan Horwitz to perfect naturally leavened dough, creating blistered crusts that support creative toppings like nduja sausage with fermented honey.
Must-Try Dishes:
Funghi & Truffle Pizza, Calabrian Sausage, Margherita Slice
What makes it special: Dual dough approach offering both NY slices and Neapolitan pies from artisan bakers
Worthy Picks
7.9
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
#5
The Galley
7.9
Santa Monica's oldest restaurant since 1934 maintains its nautical theme and neighborhood bar atmosphere under owner Captain Ron, serving steaks and seafood amid year-round Christmas lights and maritime decor salvaged from classic films. The daily happy hour features strong drinks and discounted appetizers, while the dining rooms offer casual steakhouse fare in candlelit booths that haven't changed much in 90 years.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steamed Clams, Filet Mignon, Galley Salad
What makes it special: Historic nautical bar atmosphere with decor from 1935's Mutiny on the Bounty