Best Instagram Worthy Restaurants in Santa Monica
40 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
LA Puglia
Only authentic Pugliese restaurant in LA with ingredients sourced directly from Italy
Essential Picks
#1
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
Vibes:
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Sidecar fries small batches of artisanal doughnuts hourly using seasonal ingredients and house-made glazes, compotes, and creams. Their butter and salt cake donut has achieved cult status among LA's donut aficionados, while the huckleberry special draws lines of devoted customers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter & Salt Cake Donut, Huckleberry Donut, Maple Bacon Raised
What Makes it Special: World's freshest doughnuts made hourly in small batches.
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
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
#5
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
#6
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
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.
8.8
HiHo revolutionizes the classic burger joint with 100% grass-fed Wagyu beef and hand-cut fries cooked in heart-healthy rice bran oil. Their crispy-outside, fluffy-inside fries are double-fried for perfection and served piping hot with house-made sauces.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double HiHo Burger with Fries, Hand-Cut French Fries, Willie Mae Fried Chicken
What Makes it Special: Wagyu beef burgers paired with perfectly executed double-fried fries
8.8
This Brentwood Country Mart scoop shop from the Rustic Canyon family turns organic dairy and peak-season farmers market produce into small-batch ice creams, sundaes, and frozen novelties. Since 2010, chef Shiho Yoshikawa’s team has built a loyal following for deeply flavored classics and inventive seasonal specials, plus thoughtful dairy-free options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salted Caramel Ice Cream, Fresh Mint Chip Ice Cream, Campfire Sundae
What Makes it Special: Serious small-batch ice cream made with organic, farmers market-driven ingredients.
#10
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
#11
Élephante
8.8
This buzzy rooftop Mediterranean hotspot channels coastal Italian vibes with its cactus garden, ocean views, and wood-fired dishes. Since 2018, it's been the see-and-be-seen destination for whipped eggplant spread, handmade pastas, and scene-y weekend brunches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whipped Eggplant with Puccia Bread, Wood-Fired Pizza, Vodka Rigatoni
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized rooftop with unbeatable ocean views and scene
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
#13
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
#14
Joe's Pizza
8.7
Award-winning New York-style thin crust recognized by LA Times and Zagat, serving authentic East Coast slices until midnight on weekends. This is where locals go when they want legitimate NY pizza without the cross-country flight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic NY Cheese by the Slice, Pepperoni with Garlic Knots, White Pizza with Ricotta
What Makes it Special: Authentic NY pizza technique with California ingredients
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
#16
Bread Head
8.6
From Michelin-starred chefs Alex Williams and Jordan Snyder comes this elevated sandwich shop featuring house-baked focaccia-ciabatta hybrid bread. Named LA's Next Great Sandwich Shop by the LA Times, they craft perfect versions of classic sandwiches with premium ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes:
Muffuletta Sandwich, Turkey Pesto, Grinder
What Makes it Special: Michelin-star chefs making extraordinary sandwiches
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
Heavy Handed
8.6
This walk-up smashburger spot uses ground short rib for patties with molten American cheese, house-made bread-and-butter pickles, and tangy Heavy sauce on potato rolls. Lines snake out the bright orange building onto Main Street for burgers that deliver both tender richness and crispy caramelized edges.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Smashburger, Beef Tallow Fries, Triple Stack
What Makes it Special: Ground short rib patties create uniquely tender and beefy smashburgers
#19
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
#20
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
#21
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.
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
#23
Umami Burger
8.5
Pioneering the umami-bomb burger movement since 2009, this flagship serves 6-ounce Wagyu beef patties with parmesan crisps and shiitake mushrooms until midnight weekends. The late-night happy hour from 10:30 PM features two-for-one cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original Umami Burger, Truffle Burger, Impossible Burger
What Makes it Special: Invented the gourmet umami burger category
8.4
James Beard Award-winning chefs Nancy Silverton and Matt Molina bring Roman-style pizza with creative seasonal toppings to Santa Monica's Main Street. Rectangular slices feature inventive combinations like pastrami pickle with calabrian chiles or roasted corn esquite with cotija and tajín, plus traditional, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Acorn Squash Pizza, Roasted Corn Esquite, Pepperoni
What Makes it Special: James Beard pedigree meets Roman technique with California seasonal ingredients
#25
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
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
#27
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
#28
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
#29
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
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
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
#32
Urth Caffé
8
LA institution serving exclusively organic, heirloom coffee with health-conscious California cuisine in Spanish-style building. Founded in 1989, Urth pioneered the organic coffee movement and offers extensive breakfast menu featuring everything from vegan options to decadent pastries, all made with sustainable ingredients in a European-style coffeehouse setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Burrito, Spanish Latte, Sticky Buns
What Makes it Special: America's first exclusively organic coffee company with celebrity following
#33
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
#34
Trejo's Tacos
7.9
Danny Trejo's celebrity-backed taqueria brings creative fusion tacos with bold flavors and quality ingredients to downtown Santa Monica. The menu features innovative combinations like Korean BBQ and vegan cauliflower options alongside traditional preparations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Asada, Blackened Salmon Taco, Cauliflower Taco
What Makes it Special: Celebrity chef Danny Trejo's creative fusion tacos
#35
Interstellar
7.9
Chef Angie Kim's modern all-day cafe blends Asian fusion with brunch classics in a sleek, minimalist space. The katsu curry rivals any Japanese restaurant while French toast gets elevated with blueberry ricotta, creating a menu that bridges continents with confident execution and specialty coffee drinks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Katsu Curry, Blueberry Ricotta French Toast, Branzino Ochazuke
What Makes it Special: Asian-fusion breakfast dishes you won't find elsewhere
#36
Pier Burger
7.8
Boardwalk burger stand on the pier serving classic American fare with Wisconsin frozen custard since opening. The ocean views and carnival atmosphere make it perfect for families enjoying a day at Pacific Park.
Must-Try Dishes:
Last Burger On Land, Wisconsin Frozen Custard, Boardwalk Fries
What Makes it Special: Authentic frozen custard on the iconic pier
#37
Bruxie
7.8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Bruxie pioneered the waffle sandwich concept, serving hand-breaded fried chicken tenders and creative chicken-and-waffle combinations from their Third Street Promenade location. This fast-casual spot transforms Belgian waffles into crispy vessels for buttermilk-marinated fried chicken.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original Fried Chicken & Waffle, Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Tenders Combo
What Makes it Special: The original chicken and waffle sandwich concept
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
#39
Cosetta
7.8
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Trendy Table Hotspots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Chef Zach Pollack's Westside Italian restaurant features California-inflected cooking with wood-fired pizzas and market-driven dishes. The plant-filled patio welcomes families with crayons and sippy cups while maintaining appeal for adult diners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked Mozzarella Sticks, Margherita Pizza, Chocolate Peanut Butter Budino
What Makes it Special: One of few spots successfully balancing toddler-friendly touches with grown-up culinary ambition
#40
Urban Skillet
7.6
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Late Night Legends
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
This halal burger concept brings street-inspired flavors and 100% locally sourced halal meat to Main Street, combining beachside chill with bold LA energy. The growing chain's flagship location serves gourmet burgers, crispy wings, loaded fries, and hand-crafted shakes from its Ocean Park spot where it all began.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature Halal Burger, Loaded Fries, Hand-Crafted Shakes
What Makes it Special: 100% halal burgers with street-style creativity and fresh ingredients