Best Brunch Restaurants in Santa Monica
25 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Farmshop
A chef-driven breakfast with bakery-level pastries in a chic market setting.
Notable Picks
#1
Farmshop
8.8
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.
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
8.5
This tiny outpost from Hollywood's Salt's Cure specializes in their famous oatmeal griddle cakes with unique texture and nutty flavor. The focused menu features just pancakes, simple egg dishes, and quality coffee in a charming counter-service space.
Must-Try Dishes:
OG Oatmeal Griddle Cakes, Blueberry Griddle Cakes, Avocado Toast
What Makes it Special: Home to LA's best pancakes with unique oatmeal texture
8.4
This longtime beachfront cafe attached to the Annenberg Beach House serves a trio of seafood tacos—fish, shrimp, and salmon—steps from the sand. The tacos pair crisp slaw and pico with ocean views that make a casual plate feel like a mini vacation.
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.
8.3
European deli and market serving innovative breakfast since 2000, known for house-smoked salmon and savory pancakes. This family-owned spot doubles as a Scandinavian, Dutch, and German import market with extensive cheese and charcuterie selections, creating a unique neighborhood cafe that serves breakfast and sandwiches alongside hard-to-find European specialty foods.
Must-Try Dishes:
Savory Salmon Pancake, House-Smoked Salmon, Green Eggs n' Ham
What Makes it Special: House-smoked salmon and European market with 24+ years of neighborhood service
#6
Sweet Maple
8.3
Home to the world-famous Millionaire's Bacon, this breakfast powerhouse elevates American morning classics with Asian flourishes. Thick-cut bacon caramelized with brown sugar and spicy pepper has achieved legendary status among brunch enthusiasts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Millionaire's Bacon, Blueberry Pancakes, Breakfast Burrito
What Makes it Special: Millionaire's Bacon put them on the global food map
Chef Vittorio's California-Italian menu with handmade pastas and fire-grilled seafood comes with panoramic Pacific views at Shutters on the Beach. The elevated yet relaxed beachfront dining pairs seasonal cooking with Wine Spectator-recognized selections.
Must-Try Dishes:
Handmade Pastas, Fire-Grilled Seafood, Salted Caramel Sundae
What Makes it Special: Unmatched beachfront location with direct ocean views while dining on sophisticated Italian-California cuisine
8.2
Inspired by East Hampton lobster bakes and Montauk roadside eateries, this casual beachy spot serves overflowing Connecticut and Maine-style lobster rolls with stellar oyster selections. The outdoor patio offers ocean views while maintaining a laid-back vibe that attracts both surfers and studio executives.
Must-Try Dishes:
Connecticut Lobster Roll, Steamers in Broth, Daily Oyster Selection
What Makes it Special: Authentic East Coast seafood shack experience on the West Coast
8.1
Santa Monica staple since 1974 serving hearty breakfast plates and classic Mexican comfort food in a casual setting decorated with memorabilia and vintage photos. The family operation is known for generous portions, excellent menudo on weekends, and their legendary Diablo salsa.
Must-Try Dishes:
Weekend Menudo, Carne Asada Breakfast, Dorado Tacos
What Makes it Special: Won Santa Monica's 2024 Most Loved Mexican Restaurant with 50 years of family recipes
#10
Sol Agave
8.1
From food truck to beachside success, this modern Mexican spot specializes in all-natural braised carnitas and fresh seafood preparations. The contemporary presentation maintains authentic flavors while offering free parking near the pier.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Plate, Sugar Cane Filet Appetizer, Lobster Enchiladas
What Makes it Special: All-natural braised pork carnitas from food truck origins
#11
The Surfing Fox
8.1
Steps from the pier, this coastal California restaurant captures Santa Monica's surf culture with an indoor-outdoor design where ocean breezes flow freely. Chef David Yamaguchi delivers inventive twists on coastal classics using just-caught seafood and farmers market produce.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, Pan-Seared Halibut, Fox Fries with Aioli
What Makes it Special: No walls between indoor/outdoor creates constant ocean breeze
#12
Blue Daisy
8.1
Cheerful all-day cafe specializing in sweet and savory organic crepes alongside healthy American breakfast favorites. The spacious dining room with outdoor patio welcomes families with extensive gluten-free options and bottomless weekday mimosas for parents.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nutella Strawberry Banana Crepe, Salmon Cake Scandia, Croissant French Toast
What Makes it Special: Extensive gluten-free crepe options made fresh daily
Worthy Picks
#13
Kafe K
7.9
European-style cafe serving health-conscious organic breakfasts on a sunny outdoor patio. Women-owned and locally operated, this Main Street spot emphasizes fresh, farm-to-table ingredients with extensive vegetarian and vegan options alongside classic breakfast sandwiches and Mediterranean-inspired salads.
Must-Try Dishes:
Organic Poached Eggs, Smoked Salmon on Toasted Bagel, Acai Bowl
What Makes it Special: European cafe atmosphere with locally sourced organic ingredients
7.9
This farmers' market-inspired bakery serves everything bagels with seasonal toppings and house-made cream cheeses alongside their famous pastries. The bustling counter-service spot channels rustic California charm with organic ingredients sourced from Santa Monica Farmers' Market.
Must-Try Dishes:
Everything Bagel with Chive Cream Cheese, Smoked Salmon Bagel, Maple Bacon Scone
What Makes it Special: Farm-to-table bagels with artisan cream cheeses
#15
Sogno Toscano
7.8
Upscale Tuscan cafe and market offering authentic Italian fare including house-made lasagna. Combines cafe atmosphere with specialty Italian imports and wine tastings guided by their sommelier.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuscan-Style Lasagna, Schiacciate Sandwiches, Burrata with Prosciutto
What Makes it Special: Italian market with imported specialty items alongside restaurant
#16
Locanda del Lago
7.8
Operating since 1991, this Northern Italian spot near Third Street Promenade specializes in Lake Como cuisine with housemade pasta and focaccia. The Wine Spectator award-winning list of 400+ selections complements traditional recipes using Santa Monica Farmers Market ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ossobuco alla Milanese, Housemade Ravioli, Fresh Focaccia
What Makes it Special: Authentic Lake Como recipes with local ingredients
Vibes:
Rooftop Views Revelry
Birthday & Celebration Central
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Brunch Bliss Spots
Perched atop Santa Monica Place mall, this French Riviera-inspired rooftop combines Mediterranean flavors with California flair, featuring ocean views and a vibrant DJ scene. The open-air patio and festive atmosphere transport diners from Santa Monica to the sun-drenched coast of Southern France.
Must-Try Dishes:
LouLou Pizza with Truffle, Beef Cheek Bourguignon, Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes
What Makes it Special: Rooftop ocean views with French Riviera party atmosphere
#18
Flapjax
7.8
Woman-owned modern diner bringing Turkish-inspired twists to American breakfast classics, using organic produce and scratch-made preparations. The eco-conscious restaurant features bottomless mimosas, creative pancake variations, and the authentic Turkish menemen, all served in a bright space built sustainably around an existing tree.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chocolate Pancakes with House Whipped Cream, Turkish Menemen, Chicken and Waffles
What Makes it Special: Turkish-American fusion breakfast with organic ingredients
7.8
Vibes:
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Family Friendly Favorites
Birthday & Celebration Central
Brunch Bliss Spots
An owner-operated beachside kitchen on Neilson Way where the draw is balcony seating overlooking Ocean View Park's pool and the sand beyond—empanadas and wood-fired pizza served in a setting that does the heavy lifting. It runs as a casual neighborhood spot for families and beachgoers who want to eat steps from the water without a reservation or a prix fixe menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Beef Empanadas with Olives and Pepper, Spinach and Mozzarella Empanadas
What Makes it Special: Owner-operated beachside kitchen steps from the sand with balcony seating overlooking an Olympic-size pool and Ocean View Park
#20
Ashland Hill
7.7
This casual gastropub serves contemporary American fare with outdoor seating and a dog-friendly patio that welcomes four-legged guests with their own menu. The beer garden atmosphere supports weekend brunch and late-night dining, with menu highlights spanning ground turkey burgers to banana cream pie desserts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ground Turkey Burger, Banana Cream Pie, Parmesan Fries
What Makes it Special: Genuinely dog-friendly with separate canine menu and welcoming atmosphere
#21
M Street Kitchen
7.7
An all-day comfort food operation on Main Street with an in-house bakery turning out cookies and pastries alongside a brunch-heavy menu built around eggs benedict and avocado toast. The draw is the sprawling, pet-friendly patio steps from the beach—big enough for group hangs and casual enough for weekday happy hour sangrias. It works best as a low-stakes gathering spot where the setting does as much heavy lifting as the food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggs Benedict, Hash Browns, Cookies
What Makes it Special: All-day comfort food with an in-house bakery and a sprawling pet-friendly patio steps from the beach on Main Street
7.7
Shutters on the Beach's casual beachside cafe sits directly on the bicycle path with both indoor and outdoor seating offering contemporary comfort food and ocean views. The self-heating floor provides warmth for cooler evenings while diners enjoy New American cuisine with happy hour specials at ocean's edge.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crab Eggs Benedict, Burrata Appetizer, Fish and Chips
What Makes it Special: Rare direct beach path access with separate entrance for beachgoers and casual atmosphere at luxury hotel
7.7
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Happy Hour Hotspots
Brunch Bliss Spots
Business Lunch Power Players
Modern evolution of the 1999 taqueria bringing elevated Puebla-style recipes with a full bar to the gentrifying Lincoln Boulevard corridor. The family operation maintains traditional preparations while expanding the experience with craft cocktails and weekend brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Tacos, Breakfast Burrito, Carnitas Plate
What Makes it Special: Family recipes from Puebla passed down through generations with new bar program
#24
Holy Guacamole
7.6
No-frills taqueria on Main Street serving oversized burritos and street tacos until late night with fresh-made tortillas. The casual counter-service spot draws beach crowds with its late hours and straightforward Mexican staples.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super Asada Burrito, Fish Tacos, Breakfast Burrito
What Makes it Special: Open until 2:15am on weekends serving big portions to the late-night crowd
#25
Alfalfa
7.6
Counter-service cafe from Hoboken specializes in organic salads and wraps but offers gluten-free donuts with unique flavors like lemon thyme and fairy bread. The sunny back patio and health-forward approach attract the Main Street lunch crowd seeking balance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lemon Thyme Donut, Fairy Bread Donut, Blood Orange Donut
What Makes it Special: Gluten-free donuts fried in dedicated fryers alongside health-focused salads