The 20 Best Restaurants in Santa Monica

Citrin Restaurant is a Michelin one-star restaurant offering refined contemporary American cuisine with French influences. Dishes such as lobster bolognese, Dover sole, and thoughtfully prepared meats highlight careful technique and rich flavor. Attentive, polished service and a well-run dining room create a comfortable setting for both intimate meals and larger gatherings. A separate bar area accommodates walk-in guests seeking a more casual experience.

The Brixton is a lively gastropub where elevated comfort food and a full bar set the tone. Guests highlight flavorful, generously seasoned dishes such as short rib benedict, fried chicken, burgers, and skillet mac and cheese. Photographs lining the walls add a local, nostalgic feel, while attentive staff and plenty of sports on screen create an easygoing, social atmosphere.

Local Kitchen & Wine Bar offers contemporary American dishes alongside artisan pizzas and seafood in a stylish interior with a covered patio. Guests highlight the truffle pizza, halibut, and chicken cooked under a brick, complemented by a thoughtful wine list and well-crafted cocktails. Attentive, welcoming service reinforces its appeal as a comfortable local gathering place.

Pasjoli is a Michelin-selected restaurant offering refined French cuisine in an elegant, modern setting. The kitchen revisits classic preparations with careful technique, highlighted by tableside pressed duck and freshly baked bread with housemade butter. Well-crafted cocktails and attentive, welcoming service complete the experience.

Élephante is a Michelin-selected restaurant offering Italian-leaning coastal cuisine and creative cocktails with sweeping ocean views. Guests find a lively, stylish atmosphere that suits both brunch and evening drinks, especially at sunset. Dishes such as whipped eggplant, house-made pastas, pizza, and seafood highlight fresh, balanced flavors. Friendly, attentive service and warm decor complete the experience.

Enjoy expertly crafted dishes with a focus on dry-aged cuts, complemented by stunning ocean views and exceptional service.

BOA Steakhouse in Santa Monica focuses on high-quality steaks, from classic cuts to dry-aged and wagyu options cooked to guests’ preferences. Professional, attentive service and a warm greeting on arrival contribute to a polished yet comfortable experience. Indoor and outdoor seating, including cozy booths, make it suitable for both relaxed and special-occasion meals.

This stylish Italian restaurant is located in Santa Monica. The restaurant offers a wide variety of creative Sicilian-style dishes using local fish and vegetables. You can enjoy it slowly with a wide variety of wines. Sweets such as homemade tiramisu are also available.

Sushi Roku Santa Monica offers contemporary Japanese cuisine with fresh sushi, creative rolls, and comforting hot dishes. Beachside views and sunsets add to the appeal, while the bar serves thoughtfully crafted cocktails. Attentive, welcoming service and gluten-friendly options contribute to a relaxed yet polished dining experience.

Caffé Delfini offers classic Italian cooking with an emphasis on fresh, carefully prepared dishes such as homemade pasta and tender veal. The intimate interior evokes a relaxed, old-world European café, with quiet, comfortable surroundings that feel removed from the city’s bustle. Attentive service and the option of pleasant outdoor seating contribute to an inviting, unhurried dining experience.

Sugar Palm Santa Monica is an inviting hotel bar and restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, and late-night bites in an appealing indoor-outdoor setting. Guests highlight well-prepared dishes such as omelettes, along with enjoyable cocktails and drinks. Attentive, accommodating service and thoughtful touches create a laid-back yet polished experience for both casual meals and social gatherings.

Blue Plate Taco serves Mexican-inspired cuisine in a casual, beachside setting near the pier, with views of the oceanfront. Guests highlight flavorful tacos, hearty bowls, and well-seasoned sides, along with fresh salsa selections. House margaritas are frequently noted for their bright, balanced taste. Friendly, efficient service contributes to an enjoyable, laid-back dining experience.

Orto Santa Monica offers refined Italian cuisine with an emphasis on fresh pasta, vibrant salads, and thoughtfully prepared classics. Guests highlight dishes such as beet carpaccio, lasagna, and pasta with clams, along with elegant desserts. Attentive, knowledgeable service and inviting outdoor seating create a polished yet relaxed dining experience.

Ye Olde King's Head offers traditional British pub fare, from fish and chips to hearty dishes like bangers and mash, served hot and as ordered. The lively space features British decor, a busy bar, and darts for added entertainment. Friendly, attentive staff and well-kept drinks contribute to an inviting, characterful atmosphere.

Water Grill specializes in fresh seafood, from oysters and a raw bar selection to specialties like Chilean seabass and spiny lobster. Cocktails are noted for their balanced flavors, complementing both raw and cooked dishes. Guests describe attentive, considerate service and an attractive setting where meals unfold at an unhurried pace.

Bruno's Italian Restaurant offers classic Italian-American dishes, including fresh pasta, hearty chicken Parmesan, pizzas, and generous salads with house-made bread. The atmosphere is lively and unpretentious, with many locals and families filling the small dining room. Friendly staff accommodate special requests, making it easy for vegetarians and groups with varied tastes to find something satisfying.

Located within the Fairmont Miramar, FIG RESTAURANT offers fresh, skillfully prepared dishes that highlight quality ingredients and herbs. Guests note a peaceful, inviting setting with views of the courtyard and koi pond, as well as the option of semi-private seating. Attentive, responsive service and well-crafted drinks contribute to a relaxed, polished dining experience.

Chinois On Main is a longstanding Santa Monica restaurant known for its inventive Asian-inspired cuisine in an elegant, lively setting. Signature items such as duck or lobster spring rolls and the Chinois chicken salad highlight bold, balanced flavors. Attentive, knowledgeable service and a consistent dining experience keep guests returning over the years.