Best Hidden Gems Restaurants in Santa Monica
60 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
Notable Picks
#3
Yagul Cafe
8.9
This hidden Oaxacan gem crafts exceptional house-made tortillas from fresh nixtamal masa at their own tortilleria, elevating traditional tasajo and cecina tacos with authentic preparation methods. Family-owned since 2021, the bright downtown cafe serves breakfast and lunch with a focus on traditional cooking techniques passed down through generations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tasajo Tacos, Cecina Tacos, Mole Enchiladas
What Makes it Special: House-made nixtamal tortillas from their own tortilleria
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
#5
La Purepecha
8.8
Named after Michoacán's indigenous societies, this year-old taquería offers handmade corn tortillas with exceptional meat-to-tortilla ratios. Tuesday's $1.99 tacos draw crowds for authentic carnitas, adobada, and their memorable grilled fish tacos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Taconazos, Grilled Fish Taco, Adobada Taco
What Makes it Special: Handmade tortillas with cheese-melted taconazos option
#6
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.
#7
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
Since 1925, this legendary deli serves the famous Godmother sandwich alongside imported Italian groceries and fresh pasta dishes. The no-nonsense counter service and packed atmosphere speak to its enduring popularity among locals seeking authentic Italian provisions.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Godmother Sandwich, Burrata Caprese, Fresh Pasta Salads
What Makes it Special: Century-old institution with imported Italian specialties
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
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
#11
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
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
#13
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.
#14
Fritto Misto
8.4
This beloved family-owned trattoria has served generous portions of customizable pasta for over 30 years, letting diners choose their noodles and sauces for personalized combinations. The warm, welcoming atmosphere and reasonable prices make it a neighborhood institution where servers know regulars by name.
Must-Try Dishes:
Create-Your-Own Pasta Combinations, Misto Salad, Veal Marsala
What Makes it Special: Build-your-own pasta concept with over 20 sauce options
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
#16
Rock 'N Pies
8.4
No-frills classic rock meets artisanal pizza at this late-night staple where wood-fired quality meets dive bar vibes. Six perfectly executed pizzas on the menu prove that sometimes less is more, especially when paired with craft beers and rock anthems.
Must-Try Dishes:
Appetite for Destruction Pizza, Margherita with Garlic Knots, Wood-Fired Wings
What Makes it Special: Rock 'n roll soundtrack meets serious wood-fired pizza technique
Family-owned seafood market since 1939 with attached cafe serving impeccably fresh catches and New England classics. The casual market atmosphere and kids menu make it perfect for seafood-loving families seeking quality without pretension.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Roll Connecticut Style, Manhattan Clam Chowder, Grilled Swordfish Sandwich
What Makes it Special: Buy fresh fish and eat it too since 1939
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.
#19
Noma Sushi
8.3
A beloved local institution serving authentic Japanese cuisine in an unpretentious setting since establishment. Known for consistent quality, generous portions, and exceptional value alongside traditional preparation methods that honor Japanese culinary heritage.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase Selection, Chirashi Bowl, Yellowtail Sashimi
What Makes it Special: Authentic preparations without pretense or high prices
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
#21
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
#22
Jincook
8.3
Jincook brings authentic Korean soul food to Santa Monica's Westside, specializing in traditional comfort dishes like seolleongtang beef bone broth and spicy rose tteokbokki with bacon and mozzarella. The restaurant opened in 2024 and quickly became a local favorite for its late-night hours, generous banchan selection, and individual-sized army stew portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seolleongtang (Beef Bone Broth), Spicy Rose Tteokbokki, Brisket Hot Stone Pot
What Makes it Special: Only authentic Korean soul food restaurant in 90403 ZIP.
#23
Frozen Fruit Co
8.2
Former lawyers turned plant-based ice cream artisans create dairy-free frozen treats using minimal natural ingredients like dates and organic agave. Made fresh daily on Montana Avenue, their rotating specials and homemade peanut butter caramel have earned devoted local following.
Must-Try Dishes:
Homemade Peanut Butter Caramel, Daily Special Flavor, Classic Chocolate
What Makes it Special: 100% plant-based ice cream that rivals traditional dairy versions
#24
Kai Ramen
8.2
Chef Nishimura's family ramen legacy spans over 20 years, bringing Mountain View's expertise to Montana Avenue with house-made broths simmered daily for authentic Japanese flavors. This cozy neighborhood spot balances traditional tonkotsu excellence with modern touches like flame-torched chashu and extensive vegan options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tokyo Bomb Ramen, Classic Tonkotsu with Torched Pork Belly, Crispy Chicken Steam Buns
What Makes it Special: Only dedicated ramen shop on Montana Avenue with daily house-made broths
#25
Pono Burger
8.2
Hawaiian-inspired organic burger joint grilling grass-fed beef over white oak fire in a converted WWII Quonset hut. Chef Makani's commitment to farmers market ingredients and kid-friendly sliders makes this a thoughtful family destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Piku Fig Burger with Brie, Sweet Potato Fries with House Aioli, Kids Organic Sliders
What Makes it Special: Oak-fired organic burgers with Hawaiian soul
#26
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
#27
Bun & Mi
8.2
Family-owned Vietnamese fusion spot specializing in fresh banh mi sandwiches, noodle bowls, and spring rolls with house-made sauces. Owners Alvin and Pamela bring personal attention to this intimate Montana Avenue gem, crafting dishes with vibrant vegetables and perfectly seasoned proteins.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Belly Banh Mi, Saigon Grilled Chicken Noodle Bowl, Shrimp & Pork Spring Rolls
What Makes it Special: Husband-wife team delivers personalized service with house-made chili sauce.
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
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
Hawaiian-inspired taro donuts fried to order in coconut oil bring a dense, cake-like texture with tropical glazes that rotate weekly. The made-to-order approach means each donut arrives hot, though the smaller size and premium price point may surprise first-timers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original Taro Donut, Hail Mary, Chaga Chai
What Makes it Special: Hawaii's taro donut tradition brought to Santa Monica with made-to-order preparation
#31
Massilia
8.1
Marseille-inspired brasserie since 1997 blending French, Italian, Spanish, and North African influences. Known for exceptional happy hour with 50% off drinks and authentic bouillabaisse that transports diners to the Mediterranean coast.
Must-Try Dishes:
8-Hour Braised Lamb Shank, Traditional Bouillabaisse, Clams with Merguez Sausage
What Makes it Special: Authentic Marseille flavors with incredible happy hour value
8.1
Family-owned for over 30 years, this old-school Italian gem serves authentic handmade pizzas and traditional dishes. Red checkered tablecloths and genuine hospitality create a warm home-away-from-home atmosphere just blocks from the pier.
Must-Try Dishes:
NY-Style Pizza, Chicken Parmigiana, Homemade Gnocchi
What Makes it Special: 30+ year local institution with authentic Italian family recipes
#33
Sunny Blue
8.1
California's pioneering omusubi specialist crafts Japanese rice balls fresh daily with unexpected fillings like curry chicken and spicy salmon. The eco-conscious counter-service spot transforms grab-and-go into an art form with rice balls wrapped in crispy nori.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Curry Omusubi, Spicy Salmon Omusubi, Miso Beef Curry
What Makes it Special: First and only dedicated omusubi shop in Southern California since 2010
8.1
Family-operated Jalisco-style restaurant bringing authentic Tepatitlan regional cuisine to Santa Monica since 2015. The Martin family's dedication to fresh ingredients and traditional techniques creates vibrant flavors in generous portions that keep locals returning weekly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wet Burrito Ahogado, Molcajete Mixto, Carnitas Michoacanas
What Makes it Special: Authentic Jalisco family recipes from Tepatitlan region
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
#36
Samosa House
8
A counter-service vegetarian Indian cafeteria running a rotating daily lineup of curries, dosas, and chaats — the kind of place where regulars show up not knowing what's on the steam trays and trust it anyway. The three-item combo with rice and naan lands under $15 on a stretch of Main Street where that buys you half a salad elsewhere, and the operation has held this format steady across four locations and nearly 50 years of family ownership.
Must-Try Dishes:
Samosa Chaat, Chole Bhature, Dosa
What Makes it Special: All-vegetarian Indian cafeteria with a rotating daily lineup of curries, served counter-style with a three-item combo of naan, rice, and your pick of entrées.
8
Woman-owned for over 20 years, this cozy Japanese restaurant balances traditional sushi bar excellence with ramen, katsu, and Korean-fusion offerings. The Chef's Omakase at remarkably accessible pricing draws regulars who appreciate fresh bluefin toro cuts appearing on special days alongside thoughtfully prepared hand rolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef's Omakase, Rainbow Roll, Tonkotsu Ramen
What Makes it Special: Diverse Japanese-Korean menu with premium fish at neighborhood prices
#38
Cha Cha Chicken
8
Family-owned since 1996, this colorful Caribbean beach shack serves jerk chicken with Latin fusion twists on two covered patios steps from the ocean. The BYOB policy, coconut fried chicken featured on Food Network, and homemade jerk sauce create a laid-back island vibe that locals have treasured for nearly three decades.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jerk Chicken Enchiladas, Coconut Fried Chicken, Cha Cha Chicken
What Makes it Special: Caribbean-Latin fusion with BYOB policy at beach-adjacent outdoor shack
#39
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
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
A Brentwood Country Mart staple since 1950, Reddi Chick is a walk-up stall turning out rib baskets, rotisserie chicken, and fries dusted with their famous seasoning salt. Family-owned since the late ’70s, it’s a nostalgic, no-frills stop where locals grab saucy BBQ pork ribs and chicken-and-rib combo baskets to eat in the open-air courtyard.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ Rib Basket, Rotisserie Chicken and BBQ Rib Combo Basket, Seasoned Fries with House BBQ Sauce
What Makes it Special: Old-school counter serving rib baskets in a beloved country mart.
#41
Caffe Luxxe
8
Caffe Luxxe anchors the Country Mart mornings with serious espresso, silky matcha, and better-than-average pastries. It’s a casual, counter-service spot where locals linger over cappuccinos before school drop-off or a Montana Avenue walk.
Must-Try Dishes:
Matcha Latte, Nutella Croissant, Breakfast Sandwich with egg and cheddar
What Makes it Special: Specialty coffee and pastries with a relaxed, European-style café feel.
Worthy Picks
#42
Tacos Tuzo
7.9
This authentic food truck parks downtown serving traditional street tacos until midnight on weekends. With its no-frills approach and generous portions, it delivers legitimate Mexican flavors at budget prices to late-night crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos, Lengua Tacos
What Makes it Special: Authentic taco truck experience in downtown Santa Monica
#43
Donut King
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Family Friendly Favorites
Family-run neighborhood spot behind Starbucks serves old-school donuts alongside breakfast sandwiches and boba drinks from early morning until evening. The unassuming strip mall location belies consistently fresh donuts at budget prices, with apple fritters earning particular devotion from regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Apple Fritter, Chocolate Chip Bar, Glazed Raised
What Makes it Special: Old-fashioned donuts at unbeatable prices in a no-frills neighborhood setting
#44
Chez Jay
7.9
Historic dive bar steakhouse established in 1959, featuring peanut shells on the floor and a legendary jukebox. This Santa Monica landmark has hosted celebrities for decades while serving classic steaks and seafood in red vinyl booths.
Must-Try Dishes:
New York Steak, Fresh Catch Scampi, Jay's Surf & Turf
What Makes it Special: Santa Monica Historical Landmark since 1959
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
#46
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
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
A walk-up taqueria inside Brentwood Country Mart, Frida Tacos turns out straightforward chicken, pastor, and mole tacos with a customize-it-yourself salsa bar. It’s a go-to Westside stop for quick, filling taco plates between errands or after-school runs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos al Pastor, Pollo con Mole Taco, Bean & Cheese Burrito
What Makes it Special: Counter-service tacos anchored by mole, pastor, and a robust salsa bar in the middle of Brentwood Country Mart.
#48
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
7.8
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family-owned since 1983, this old-school pizzeria makes classic and gourmet NY-style pies using imported Italian ingredients and local produce when possible. The long-standing neighborhood presence and consistent execution keep generations of locals returning.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original Cheese Pizza, BBQ Chicken Pizza, Caesar Salad
What Makes it Special: Over 40 years in the same location with multi-generational loyal following
#50
Sushi King
7.8
Operating for over 30 years in a modest strip mall, this no-frills spot serves incredibly fresh fish at unbeatable prices. Japanese sushi masters who remember regulars by name create an authentic experience that prioritizes quality over ambiance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase Special, Fresh Yellowtail Nigiri, Salmon Skin Salad
What Makes it Special: Exceptional value with generous portions of quality fish
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Serving fresh Mediterranean staples since 1958 from a bright yellow cottage across from Santa Monica College. The tiny counter-service spot maintains original recipes with generous portions and some of LA's crispiest falafel at budget-friendly prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Falafel Sandwich, Gyro Plate, Shish Kabob
What Makes it Special: Over 60 years serving Santa Monica with unchanged recipes and $8 falafel sandwiches
7.8
Family-run since 1993, Rita personally oversees every dish at this authentic neighborhood gem. While the ambiance is modest, the personalized cooking and genuine hospitality create an experience that locals have cherished for decades.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Rogan Josh, Lemon Chicken Curry, Chef's Special Shrimp
What Makes it Special: Rita's personal touch and home-style cooking from family recipes.
#53
T's Thai
7.8
This casual strip mall gem serves authentic Thai classics with generous portions and wallet-friendly prices, just one block from the Third Street Promenade. Popular lunch specials under $15 include soup, salad, and entrée combos that draw both locals and tourists seeking quick, satisfying Thai comfort food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad See-Ew with Crispy Pork, Tom Yum Soup, Lunch Special Combos
What Makes it Special: Authentic Thai at strip mall prices with generous lunch deals
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
This 50-year-old British pub serves traditional and buffalo-style chicken wings just steps from the beach, maintaining its reputation as an authentic taste of Britain on the West Coast. The comfortable dining room and outdoor patio provide a proper pub atmosphere for enjoying wings with imported beers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo Chicken Wings, Fish & Chips, Bangers & Mash
What Makes it Special: Authentic British pub with 50-year legacy
#56
Café Bolívar
7.8
South American cafe serving handmade arepas since 2002, with gluten-free cornmeal pockets filled with pulled pork, mango, and panela cheese. The laid-back space doubles as a coffee shop and art gallery, drawing laptop workers and neighborhood regulars for aromatic Colombian-inspired brews and crispy arepas with rosemary aioli.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pulled Pork Arepa, Pacifico Arepa with Mango, Cafe Bolivar Latte
What Makes it Special: Authentic South American arepas in a neighborhood cafe with art gallery
#57
George's Burgers
7.6
Since 1995, this no-frills burger joint has maintained the same quality and value that earned its local following, operating from a Lincoln Boulevard location just off the I-10. The straightforward menu focuses on classic burgers delivered without pretension, attracting both Santa Monica residents and travelers seeking reliable American comfort food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Cheeseburger, Double Burger, French Fries
What Makes it Special: Nearly 30 years of consistent burger quality at unbeatable value
#58
Sushi Vegan
7.6
Santa Monica's dedicated all-vegan sushi hub uses plant-based proteins and fresh local ingredients to craft surprisingly satisfying rolls that win over even fish-eaters. The 911, Volcano, and Baked Lobster rolls deliver balanced flavors without relying on artificial substitutes, though the compact dining space fills quickly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegan Hot Lovers Roll, Baked Lobster Roll, 911 Roll
What Makes it Special: Fully plant-based sushi menu that doesn't compromise on flavor
7.6
Since 1902, this boardwalk institution feeds beach-goers classic burgers and cold beers with sunset views. While kitchen closes earlier, the bar stays hopping late with 35 TVs broadcasting games and a crowd that spans from lifeguards to tourists.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Beach Burger, Buffalo Wings, Fish Tacos
What Makes it Special: Century-old boardwalk landmark with ocean views
#60
Shirubē
7.5
Authentic Tokyo-style izakaya from the Uno family brings 50+ years of tradition with specialty rolls alongside yakitori and small plates. While primarily an izakaya, their sushi selection showcases careful preparation and pairs beautifully with their extensive sake menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shirubē Special Roll, Aburi Salmon Roll, Soft Shell Crab Roll
What Makes it Special: First US location of Tokyo izakaya institution since 1968