Best Date Night Restaurants in Santa Monica
56 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Shunji Japanese Cuisine
Michelin-starred omakase from a Matsuhisa original chef with two-decade mastery
Essential Picks
9.3
Chef Shunji Nakao delivers one of LA's most refined omakase experiences at this Michelin-recognized counter, where seasonal fish sourced from Japan meets impeccable technique. The intimate 12-seat space (split between two chefs) showcases aged tuna, barely-seared blackthroat seaperch, and Santa Barbara uni with rice that melts seamlessly with each bite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Aged Tuna Nigiri, Blackthroat Seaperch, Toro Hand Roll
What Makes it Special: Michelin-starred omakase from a Matsuhisa original chef with two-decade mastery
#2
LA Puglia
9.1
Award-winning Southern Italian restaurant specializing in authentic Pugliese cuisine with handmade pasta and traditional lasagna. Gambero Rosso International named it Restaurant of the Year for its commitment to regional authenticity.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Lasagna with Beef Ragu, Fresh Orecchiette with Braciole, Panzerotti Fried Pizza Pockets
What Makes it Special: Only authentic Pugliese restaurant in LA with ingredients sourced directly from Italy
9.1
Chef Michael Mina's oceanfront fine dining temple showcases elevated Mediterranean small plates with bold Middle Eastern spices and dramatic Pacific views. The ever-evolving menu channels aromatic bazaars through dishes like shakshuka, saganaki, and lamb chops, each executed with precision and creative flair.
Must-Try Dishes:
Saganaki with Black Truffle Honey, Wagyu Beef Tartare, Baklava French Toast
What Makes it Special: Michelin-starred chef's Mediterranean vision with unmatched ocean views
#4
Fia Steak
9.1
This intimate 48-seat MICHELIN-recognized steakhouse showcases theatrical wood-fired cooking with U.S. Prime beef and Japanese A5 Wagyu. Chef Tim Cardenas delivers a modern love letter to classic American steakhouses with impeccable Wine Spectator Grand Award selections.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tournedos Rossini, A5 Japanese Wagyu, Tableside Tuna Tartare
What Makes it Special: Live-fire wood-burning grill creates sensory theater in intimate setting
9
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.
Notable Picks
8.9
Since Chef Sang Yoon took over in 2000, Father's Office has become legendary for its no-substitutions Office Burger with caramelized onions, Gruyere, Maytag blue, and bacon compote. This gastropub pioneered LA's craft beer movement with 36 rotating taps and elevated bar food that still sets the standard.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Office Burger, Sweet Potato Fries with Blue Cheese Aioli, Spanish Mushrooms
What Makes it Special: Home of LA's most iconic gourmet burger
Chef Mark Okuda's intimate omakase bar delivers exquisite seasonal courses with over 20 years of expertise, featuring dry-aged fish from global sources. The sophisticated space with antique knife collections beneath your feet creates an unforgettable high-end experience perfect for special occasions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal Omakase Course, Dry-Aged Bluefin Tuna, Hokkaido Uni Nigiri
What Makes it Special: Dry-aged fish program and chef's meticulous attention to detail
#8
Soko Sushi
8.9
Chef Masa Shimakawa's intimate sushi bar inside the Fairmont Miramar delivers refined Edomae-style technique with pristine fish flown in from Japan. The 12-course nigiri omakase showcases seasonal selections with house-aged rice and real wasabi, creating an elevated experience that rivals Tokyo's finest.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bluefin Tuna Trio Roll, Hokkaido Scallop Nigiri, Shimakawa Special Maki
What Makes it Special: Hotel hideaway with master chef from Hokkaido using traditional aging techniques
Family-run for over three decades, Giorgio Baldi is a celebrity-beloved Italian hideaway known for rich pastas and coastal romance just off PCH. Dim lighting, white tablecloths, and tightly packed tables create an old-world date-night feel that still draws Hollywood regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sweet corn agnolotti in white truffle sauce, Spaghetti bottarga, Langostine grigliate
What Makes it Special: Classic coastal Italian with decades of star-studded regulars.
#10
Pasjoli
8.8
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
#11
Citrin
8.8
One Michelin-starred modern Californian by Chef Josiah Citrin blending French technique with seasonal California produce. More approachable sister to Mélisse with à la carte options alongside prix fixe, plus a lively bar scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Artichoke Agnolotti with Comté, Crispy Rouget with Bouillabaisse, A5 Wagyu with Truffle
What Makes it Special: Michelin-starred dining with flexible format and bar scene
#12
BOA Steakhouse
8.8
This seductively stylish steakhouse reinvents the traditional American steakhouse experience with 40-day dry-aged New York strips and A5 Japanese Wagyu. The ocean-view patio and vibrant bar scene create an alluring ambiance that matches the exceptional cuisine.
Must-Try Dishes:
40-Day Dry-Aged NY Strip, A5 Japanese Wagyu Flight, Tableside Caesar Salad
What Makes it Special: The only steakhouse offering ocean views with 40-day dry-aged steaks.
#13
The Lobster
8.8
Perched above the Santa Monica Pier since 1923, this Michelin Plate restaurant showcases Celebrity Chef Govind Armstrong's seasonal seafood menu with locally-sourced ingredients. The second-story dining room offers a breathtaking 180-degree ocean view spanning from Santa Monica Bay to Point Dume.
Must-Try Dishes:
Charred Octopus with Romesco, Maine Lobster Thermidor, Pan-Roasted Black Cod
What Makes it Special: Century-old legacy restaurant with Michelin recognition and panoramic ocean views
#14
Birdie G's
8.8
Michelin-recognized restaurant from Rustic Canyon's Jeremy Fox blending Eastern European heritage with California produce in an airy Bergamot Station space. The Early Birdie happy hour (5-6pm daily) showcases refined small plates like corned beef tongue and Vernors-baked ham.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Frites with Montreal Spice, Matzo Ball Soup, Jello Pie
What Makes it Special: Michelin Guide restaurant with one-hour happy hour featuring chef-driven snacks
8.8
This world-renowned Taiwanese dumpling empire delivers its signature 18-pleat soup dumplings with breathtaking ocean views from the third floor of Santa Monica Place. Every xiao long bao arrives expertly folded and piping hot, while the bamboo steamer-shaped booths and turf-lined patio create an unexpectedly playful atmosphere for such precise culinary craftsmanship.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Xiao Long Bao, Crab & Kurobuta Pork Soup Dumplings, Garlic String Beans
What Makes it Special: Ocean-view patio meets world-class soup dumpling precision
#16
Capo
8.7
An intimate Italian hideaway where a Tuscan-style fireplace sets the stage for exceptional homemade pasta and grilled meats. Wine Spectator's Grand Award winner with museum-quality art and only 16 tables creates exclusivity perfect for special occasions.
Must-Try Dishes:
White Corn Ravioli with Truffles, Wood-Grilled Branzino, Osso Buco
What Makes it Special: Secret club ambiance with fireplace cooking and Grand Award wine list.
8.6
Van Leeuwen brings artisanal French ice cream techniques to Montana Avenue with cult-favorite honeycomb and vegan selections made from scratch. Their signature Earl Grey and brown butter sage caramel showcase sophisticated flavor profiles that balance nostalgia with innovation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Honeycomb Ice Cream, Earl Grey Tea Ice Cream, Vegan Cookies & Cream
What Makes it Special: French-style ice cream with unique flavors and exceptional vegan options
#18
Il Forno
8.6
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
8.6
Steps from the pier, this upscale cantina elevates Baja-inspired seafood with ocean views and expertly crafted cocktails. Rick Bayless-trained chefs create innovative dishes like lobster enchiladas alongside traditional favorites in a sophisticated beachside setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Enchiladas, Ceviche Trio, Duck Carnitas
What Makes it Special: Upscale Baja cuisine with ocean views and Rick Bayless influence
8.5
This 75-year-old Santa Barbara institution crafts ultra-premium ice cream with grass-fed milk and cage-free eggs in small batches. Their dense, velvety texture and collaborations with brands like See's Candies create a sophisticated scoop experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Turkish Coffee, Eureka Lemon & Marionberries, Sea Salt Cream & Cookies
What Makes it Special: California's original craft ice cream with unmatched texture since 1949
#21
Meat On Ocean
8.5
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
This modern meat-centric steakhouse features an artisanal charcuterie bar, exhibition dry-aging room with 30-120 day aged cuts, and Pacific Ocean views. The highly trained butchers communicate directly with guests about their extensive selection from domestic prime to Japanese A5.
Must-Try Dishes:
120-Day Dry-Aged Ribeye, Japanese A5 Wagyu, House-Made Charcuterie Board
What Makes it Special: On-site butcher shop with visible dry-aging room.
#22
The Albright
8.5
This seafood-focused pier restaurant elevates their Old Bay-seasoned fries to complement fresh catches. Beer-battered and twice-fried, these golden beauties pair perfectly with their sustainable seafood offerings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Old Bay Seasoned Fries, Fish & Chips Platter, Raw Bar Selection
What Makes it Special: Sustainable seafood meets perfectly seasoned fries
#23
The Penthouse
8.5
Perched on the 18th floor of the Huntley Hotel, this sophisticated rooftop restaurant delivers contemporary Mediterranean-California cuisine with 360-degree panoramic views from downtown LA to Malibu. The wraparound windows and beach cabanas create an unmatched setting for sunset cocktails and special occasions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Mediterranean Branzino, Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter
What Makes it Special: Unrivaled 18th-floor panoramic ocean and city views
8.5
Since 1990, brothers Mark and Anthony Mollica have served exceptional northern Italian home cooking in a buzzing dining room where strangers swap recommendations. The house-made burrata with heirloom tomatoes achieves perfection through simplicity, while Chef Mark's Sicilian family recipes deliver consistent quality year after year.
Must-Try Dishes:
House-Made Burrata Salad, Rigatoni Bolognese, Fiore di Zucca Fritti
What Makes it Special: 35-year neighborhood institution with Sicilian family recipes and owners who create genuine community warmth
#25
Fitoor
8.5
From the team behind Michelin-recognized ROOH, Fitoor brings contemporary Indian coastal cuisine with theatrical cocktails and weekend fire dancers. The avocado chaat with burrata and pan-seared Hokkaido scallops showcase California-Indian fusion at its most refined.
Must-Try Dishes:
Avocado Chaat with Burrata, Maryland Soft Shell Crab, Pulled Butter Chicken Kulcha
What Makes it Special: Fire-based cooking meets craft cocktails inspired by the five natural elements.
#26
Le Great Outdoor
8.5
This entirely outdoor restaurant in Bergamot Station's parking lot reimagines farm-to-table dining as an elegant backyard gathering. Chef Rudy hand-picks ingredients daily from multiple markets, cooking everything over open flames at picnic tables under the stars, creating a uniquely Californian experience that feels like a sophisticated campfire feast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood-Grilled Lamb Chops, Whole Roasted Fish, Seasonal Vegetable Plates
What Makes it Special: Completely outdoor dining with open-fire cooking and farmers market ingredients
#27
Colapasta
8.5
Michelin Bib Gourmand winner where Chef Stefano De Lorenzo crafts handmade pasta at an open station, sourcing ingredients from the Santa Monica Farmer's Market. The intimate 30-seat space offers front-row seats to pasta artistry at remarkably fair prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Calamarata with Stracciatella, Handmade Tagliatelle, Daily Pasta Special
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized pasta made fresh daily at exceptional value.
8.5
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.
#29
Vito Restaurant
8.4
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Business Lunch Power Players
Happy Hour Hotspots
Celebrating 45 years, this family-owned establishment features Chef Ernesto's legendary Spaghetti Della Casa, often called the best pasta dish locals have tasted. Tuxedo-clad servers provide old-school formal service in a romantic setting with mood lighting and outdoor patio dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti Della Casa, Tableside Caesar Salad, Gnocchi Sorrentina
What Makes it Special: Chef Ernesto's 30+ years cooking with love creates signature dishes like the famous Spaghetti Della Casa
#30
Caffé Delfini
8.4
Since 1990, this narrow Italian dining room has delivered cozy, candlelit plates of pasta and seafood to locals who treat it like their weekly canteen. The space is intimate and slightly old-school, but the cooking is warm, generous, and quietly romantic.
Must-Try Dishes:
Zuppa di pesce in guazzetto, Fettuccine Bolognese, Veal Milanese
What Makes it Special: A long-running, snug Italian spot where regulars swear by the pastas and seafood.
#31
Lunetta
8.4
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Family Friendly Favorites
Birthday & Celebration Central
Chef Raphael Lunetta's neighborhood restaurant features three distinct outdoor patios serving seasonally-driven California cuisine with house-made pastas and wood-grilled meats. The multiple patio spaces create intimate garden-like settings with string lights and lush greenery, offering both casual daytime dining and romantic evening ambiance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kobe Beef Burger, Wood-Grilled Salmon, Chocolate Lava Cake
What Makes it Special: MICHELIN Plate recognition with three distinct patios and chef-driven seasonal California cooking
8.4
Chef Gunn Pankum's plant-based Thai kitchen transforms vegetables into complex, layered dishes without relying on mock meats. Since 2013, this Lincoln Boulevard veteran sources from local farmers markets to create inventive takes on classics like Khao Soi and Mung Bean Pad Thai alongside unique preparations like Southern Thai Fried 'Chicken' made from lion's mane mushrooms.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khao Soi, Southern Thai Fried 'Chicken', Mung Bean Pad Thai
What Makes it Special: Pioneering plant-based Thai cuisine in LA for over a decade with no fake meats
#33
Tu Madre
8.4
Born from a happy accident with a fried chicken taco, Tu Madre reinvents the taco game with creative combinations like ahi tuna on handmade tortillas. Their vibrant cantina atmosphere and $1.50 happy hour tacos make this a local favorite for groups and date nights alike.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken Taco, Ahi Tuna Tostada, Street Corn Nachos
What Makes it Special: Inventive fusion tacos with daily happy hour featuring $1.50 tacos
#34
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
#35
R+D Kitchen
8.3
Part of the Hillstone Restaurant Group, R+D Kitchen serves elevated American comfort food in a sophisticated yet approachable setting. Known for their artisanal sandwiches and inventive cocktails, this Montana Avenue fixture has been a neighborhood favorite for business lunches since opening.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ding's Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Chopped Salad with Blackened Chicken, Sicilian Sliders
What Makes it Special: Hillstone's consistent excellence meets Montana Avenue sophistication
8.3
Listed in the 2025 Michelin Guide, Tumbi elevates street food to haute cuisine in an industrial-chic setting. Clay tandoor proteins and unique desserts like Nutella dosa make this a locals' favorite away from the tourist crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Masala Dosa, Pani Puri Shooters, Deconstructed Carrot Halwa
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized modern Indian combining street food with haute cuisine.
#37
Via Veneto
8.3
Since 2001, Fabrizio Bianconi's intimate 40-seat trattoria features homemade pastas and locally-sourced organic ingredients with celebrity following. The candlelit narrow space with chandeliers creates authentic Italian ambiance, while dishes like tuna tartare and sampling ravioli platters showcase refined technique.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna Tartare, Ravioli Sampler, Rigatoni with Truffle Meat Sauce
What Makes it Special: Owner Fabrizio's Rome-to-California journey creates fine dining without austere atmosphere beloved by celebrities
#38
North Italia
8.3
Handcrafted Italian with daily chef's choice pizzas and fresh pasta made from scratch, offering sophisticated late-night dining until 11pm on weekends. The open kitchen and ocean breeze create an energetic atmosphere perfect for Santa Monica nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
White Truffle Pizza, The Pig Pizza, Daily Chef's Special Pizza
What Makes it Special: Daily rotating chef's pizza with seasonal ingredients
#39
Uovo
8.3
This pasta bar flies handmade noodles overnight from Bologna, serving authentic regional Italian dishes at a counter surrounding the open kitchen. The no-reservations policy and quick service make it ideal for families seeking quality without formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e Pepe on Cheese Wheel, Traditional Bolognese, Carbonara
What Makes it Special: Fresh pasta flown daily from Bologna, Italy
8.3
Named after Tokyo's legendary fish market, this Main Street spot commits to sustainable seafood and daily hand-selection from four suppliers since 2012. The chutoro, engawa, and simaaji show off pristine quality in an environment that transports regulars to Japan with each beautifully plated course.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chutoro, Engawa Sushi, Planet Earth Roll
What Makes it Special: Maintained an A health rating since 2012 with daily fish selection
8.2
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
#42
Blue Plate Taco
8.2
This beachside Baja-meets-Santa Monica spot features ocean views, handmade tortillas made fresh all day, and a coastal approach to Mexican cuisine. Happy hour brings discounted margaritas and sustainable, organic ingredients prepared with California flair.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baja Fish Tacos, Short Rib Tacos, Lobster Taco
What Makes it Special: Ocean views with organic, sustainably-sourced ingredients
8.2
Chef Antonio Murè reimagines his original Piccolo concept with signature fig and potato tortelli alongside creative homemade pastas and fresh seafood. The charming back patio provides intimate neighborhood dining with specialty cocktails and an impressive wine selection focused on Italian varietals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fig and Potato Tortelli, Squid Ink Pasta with Clams, Grilled Lamb Sirloin
What Makes it Special: Chef Antonio's signature dishes from his original Piccolo with creative seasonal twists and full bar
8.2
This intimate Thai restaurant brings authentic flavors from Thailand with Chef Wasana Pisaikun's traditional recipes served in an elegantly decorated space with crystal chandeliers. The menu balances familiar favorites like pad thai with more adventurous fusion dishes and house specialties.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yellow Curry with Coconut Milk, Pad Thai Bangkok Roll, Emperor Duck Rolls
What Makes it Special: Authentic Thai chef creating traditional dishes in an upscale intimate setting
#45
Xuntos
8.2
Chef Sandra Cordero's tapas bar specializes in hard-to-find Galician specialties like percebes and huge empanadas, alongside traditional pintxos from Spain's northern regions. The two-story space with dual mezzanines creates an unrefined Barcelona-style atmosphere perfect for sharing small plates and natural Spanish wines.
Must-Try Dishes:
Galician Empanadas, Jamón Ibérico de Bellota, Percebes (Gooseneck Barnacles)
What Makes it Special: Only place in LA serving authentic Galician specialties and percebes
#46
Ugo Trattoria
8.1
VPN-certified Neapolitan pizzeria established in 2002 offering wood-fired pizzas with imported Italian tomatoes and handmade gelato. The Third Street Promenade location provides authentic Italian fare in the heart of Santa Monica's shopping district.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Quattro Formaggi, Prosciutto e Funghi
What Makes it Special: VPN certification ensuring authentic Neapolitan standards
#47
Cobi's
8
Chef Tin Vuong's Southeast Asian and African fusion menu leans into high-impact dishes—rendang, curry puffs, branzino—served in a moody, design-forward room on Main Street with a soul and reggae soundtrack that sets the energy level. It draws couples and adventurous eaters who want bold, globally inflected cooking without the stiffness of fine dining. Expect a lively room better suited to a fun night out than a hushed conversation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter Chicken, Curry Puffs, Short Rib
What Makes it Special: Southeast Asian and African-inspired dishes from chef Tin Vuong, served in a moody, design-forward Main Street space
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
#49
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
7.8
Operating since 1943, this historic diner got an Italian-influenced makeover from Capo restaurant's Bruce Marder. The bougainvillea-covered patio provides a romantic setting for orange pancakes and burrata caprese omelets, while maintaining its neighborhood coffee shop charm with Illy espresso and organic ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes:
Orange Pancakes, Burrata Caprese Omelet, Breakfast Burrito
What Makes it Special: Historic 1943 diner with Italian-influenced breakfast menu
7.8
The original California creativity in pizza form, with hand-tossed crusts and unexpected toppings open until 11pm on weekends. While it's grown into a chain, this location maintains the innovative spirit that started the California pizza revolution.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ Chicken Pizza, Thai Chicken Pizza, Tostada Pizza
What Makes it Special: Original home of California-style fusion pizza
#52
Water Grill
7.8
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
While primarily a seafood destination, this iconic restaurant serves exceptional prime steaks with Pacific Ocean views. The luxurious copper bar, live saltwater tanks, and robust daily-changing menu offer surf-and-turf options perfect for special date nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone-In Ribeye, Lobster Tail Combo, Oyster Selection
What Makes it Special: Best surf-and-turf combination with ocean views.
#53
Patio del Mar
7.8
Hotel Casa del Mar's seasonal alfresco bistro sits beachside on the Strand offering fresh seafood, raw bar selections, and coastal fare with unobstructed Pacific Ocean views. Operating seasonally through warmer months, it provides front-row seating to Santa Monica's legendary sunsets and pier views.
Must-Try Dishes:
East and West Coast Oysters, Waygu Hamburger, Shrimp Ceviche
What Makes it Special: Exclusive seasonal oceanfront patio at historic beachfront hotel with unmatched sunset views
#54
El Cholo
7.7
Since 1923, this LA institution serves traditional Mexican-American favorites with their legendary 1800 margaritas. The nostalgic décor and time-tested recipes for enchiladas and chile rellenos deliver consistent comfort food in a relaxed atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Enchiladas Suizas, Chile Relleno, Nachos Original Recipe
What Makes it Special: 100+ year family legacy and historical recipes
#55
Vamos Vamos
7.6
A nacho-and-margarita bar that pivoted toward Japanese-Mexican fusion under new chef Ivan Barros, with duck tacos and carne asada earning repeat praise while the cocktail program—anchored by nine margarita variations and a mezcal-watermelon standout—remains the most reliable draw. The sprawling Main Street patio sets the tone for a casual, flip-flops-welcome session, though food quality swings between visits and portions run lean for the price point. Best approached as a drinks-forward hangout where you graze the taco menu and lean into happy hour.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nachos, Duck Tacos, Grilled Fish Tacos
What Makes it Special: Nacho and margarita bar blending New Mexican hatch chile specialties with beachside Santa Monica energy on Main Street.
#56
Chelsea
7.6
Inspired by London's Chelsea district, this moody New American restaurant blends global influences from India and East Africa into its contemporary menu. The dramatic interior features tasseled chandeliers and crescent booths, creating an atmospheric backdrop for Earl Grey-infused cocktails and internationally-inspired dishes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Harissa Lamb Tartare, Sweet Corn Ravioli, Tikka Masala Fried Chicken
What Makes it Special: London-inspired ambiance with global fusion flavors