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ZipPicks Awards

Best Date Night Steakhouse in Santa Monica Best Steakhouse in Santa Monica

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Meat On Ocean 8.5
Santa Monica
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
Scores:
Value: 8.1 Service: 8.7 Consistency: 8.2 Food Quality: 8.9 Atmosphere: 8.3 Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: On-site butcher shop with visible dry-aging room.
Who should go: Meat enthusiasts and special occasion diners
When to visit: Weekend evenings for full experience
What to order: Dry-aged selection, carpaccio, bone marrow
Insider tip: Ask the butcher for daily specials
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, beachside lot 2 blocks away ($8/2hrs), street parking scarce after 5pm
Dress code: Smart casual to business - nice jeans acceptable, avoid beachwear despite proximity to pier
Noise level: Moderate - energetic but conversation-friendly, quieter on the patio
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating, 10-15 min during peak business lunch (12-1pm)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 options including truffle mac, roasted cauliflower steak, extensive sides
Vegan options: Limited - modified sides and salads, chef can adapt with advance notice
Gluten-free options: Yes - all steaks naturally GF, dedicated fryer, GF bread available on request
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - impressive without being stuffy, outdoor seating adds romance, noise level allows conversation, and the exhibition dry-aging room is a natural conversation starter
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch yes, dinner unlikely. Best bet: arrive at 5pm opening or try the bar/charcuterie counter which is first-come first-served with full menu
Is it kid-friendly? Yes but better for 10+ - they have a kids menu, outdoor seating helps with noise, but the upscale vibe means well-behaved children work best. Peak family time is Sunday early dinner
Best For
Better for: Interactive butcher experience and A5 wagyu selection surpasses most LA steakhouses, outdoor ocean breeze dining unique for high-end steak
Consider Alternatives If: You want old-school steakhouse atmosphere (try Mastro's) or lower prices (try BOA). Also skip if you need extensive vegan options or late-night dining (closes 10pm)

Hours

Monday11:30am - 10pm
Tuesday11:30am - 10pm
Wednesday11:30am - 10pm
Thursday11:30am - 10pm
Friday11:30am - 11pm
Saturday11:30am - 11pm
Sunday11:30am - 10pm