Best Pet Friendly Restaurants in Santa Monica
13 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Socalo
Modern Mexican cantina with plant-forward options like jackfruit tacos alongside traditional carne asada, all served on a dog-friendly patio
Notable Picks
#1
Socalo
8.2
Modern Mexican from James Beard and Julia Child Award-winning chefs Feniger and Milliken, built around conscientiously-sourced ingredients and creative plant-forward options like jackfruit tinga tacos alongside traditional preparations. The dual dog-friendly patios and well-regarded happy hour made it a natural fit for Santa Monica groups who wanted upscale execution without fuss.
Must-Try Dishes:
Guacamole, Ceviche, Burrito
What Makes it Special: Modern Mexican cantina with plant-forward options like jackfruit tacos alongside traditional carne asada, all served on a dog-friendly patio
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
8.1
This chef-driven New American restaurant occupies a historic building with a charming courtyard patio. Operating a 100% scratch kitchen with 90% gluten-free menu, they serve Euro-inspired dishes alongside California classics for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Protein Power Bowl, Neapolitan Pizza, Puff Bread with Hummus
What Makes it Special: Historic courtyard setting with scratch-made gluten-free focus
#4
Socalo
8
From Border Grill's Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken, Socalo offers conscientiously-sourced SoCal Mexican with a famous salsa macha. The dog-friendly patios and proximity to Santa Monica Pier make it ideal for casual lunches with craft beers and creative antojitos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbacoa Tacos, Tacos Gobernador with Cheesy Shrimp, Jackfruit Tinga Tacos
What Makes it Special: Award-winning chefs' modern Mexican interpretation
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
Worthy Picks
#6
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 contemporary Chinese spot brings handmade dumplings and noodles to downtown Santa Monica with a clean, modern aesthetic. Their dan mein noodles are perfectly chewy, and the three cup chicken delivers authentic Taiwanese flavors at prices that won't break the bank.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dan Mein Short Rib, Steamed Chicken Dumplings, Garlic String Beans
What Makes it Special: Fresh handmade noodles and modern take on classics
7.9
Día de Muertos-themed cantina established in 1991 featuring Mexico City-inspired dishes and over 300 tequilas on a colorful outdoor patio. The kitchen emphasizes lighter preparations suitable for various dietary preferences while maintaining authentic regional flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp Tacos, Lula Margarita, Chicken Mole
What Makes it Special: One of LA's largest tequila collections with over 500 varieties and vibrant Chicano art
7.9
Surf-and-skate culture cafe in the landmark Jeff Ho Zephyr building serving health-conscious breakfast burritos and organic micro-roasted coffee. Pet-friendly patio celebrating Santa Monica's iconic skateboard and surfing heritage.
Must-Try Dishes:
Munchies Burrito, Main Street Slider, Acai Bowl
What Makes it Special: Historic Dogtown Z-Boys surf shop location with locally micro-roasted organic coffee and extensive vegan options
#10
SOCALO
7.8
Award-winning chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken bring seasonal SoCal-Mexican fare to this Gateway Hotel gem with expansive dog-friendly patios. The funky mid-century decor and string lights create a Palm Springs vibe, while the conscientiously-sourced tacos and strong margaritas make it a reliable neighborhood gathering spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Deshebrada Brisket Tacos, Tacos Gobernador, Salsa Macha
What Makes it Special: Celebrity chef duo creates approachable Mexican gastropub with sustainable sourcing
#11
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
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
#13
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.