Diners' Choice: Best Ambiance restaurants in Westside

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best ambiance in Westside? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Somerville

4.7

4.7 (59)

$31 to $50

American

Culver City

About the restaurant

Intentionally located along the Slauson Corridor in Historic View Park-Windsor Hills, Somerville is an ode to the past, a toast to the present, and celebration of the progress in between. We are a progressive American dining experience that highlights contemporary cuisine while honoring the rich roots of South Central Los Angeles. Each dish captures the bold and savory essence of California, blending traditional influences with modern techniques to elevate every bite.

Designed as an inviting space for locals, travelers, and culinary enthusiasts alike, Somerville cultivates community in a timeless setting, featuring a thoughtfully curated wine selection, skillfully crafted cocktails, and live entertainment -- creating the perfect backdrop for conversation and connection.

Top review

Marilyn

Dined 1 day ago

The food came out too slowly. People who came in after us got their food before us so the kitchen is still working things out. But the food was worth the wait! Really excellent! And the ambiance is incredibly well thought out. It’s a beautiful addition to South LA. Can’t wait to go back.

Casa Sanchez

5.0

5 (945)

$30 and under

Mexican

West Los Angeles

About the restaurant

At Los Angeles’ Casa Sanchez Mexican Restaurant patrons will enjoy delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine, amazing cocktails as well as a live mariachi band. At this LA Mexican restaurant you can sit back on Tuesdayy- Sunday and listen to the live music or enjoy dinner and drinks under the stars on the outdoor patio.
Whether you are looking for a romantic evening, out with a group, or just grabbing a quick bite you will enjoy the very diverse Mexican menu. The friendly and knowledgeable wait staff at Casa Sanchez Mexican Restaurant will assist you with anything you may need.

Top review

Wendy

Dined on Dec 4, 2024

Wonderful decoration we went last week for my mother’s birthday, the mariachi are pleasant. The food was tasty, the Cadillac have too much salt in them I returned 2 of them and they made it way better. The indoor decorations were the highlight of my night.

401K Food and Wine

4.9

4.9 (390)

$31 to $50

Tapas / Small Plates

Venice

About the restaurant

Welcome to 401K Food and Wine, an all gluten free eatery and wine bar by the creators of Sinners & Saints Desserts!

Top review

Ryan

Dined 7 days ago

I have had to eat gluten free for almost a decade now and this is by far one of the best menus I have found in California. Even if I wasn't GF, I would still be eating here. Food is always 12/10 along with service + ambiance. A note to the Open Table developers: need to enable 6 star ratings literally just for 401k.

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Experience

Blind Tasting Wine Bingo

Experience

Wine Time at 401K Wine Bar

Back on the Beach

4.9

4.9 (184)

$30 and under

American

Santa Monica

About the restaurant

Back on the Beach Café is situated along a wide, sandy white beach that offers jaw-dropping views of the ocean waves, the pier, the mountain range and of course, Catalina Island. There is both indoor and outdoor seating which allows you to enjoy the sea-salt air and sandy toes while you dine.

The café takes reservations for 2-12 guest. Reservations are available one month in advance. To accommodate our reservations in a timely and orderly manner, the café has carefully designed time frames in which to dine. The café designates 25% of the restaurant for reservations, 75% is available for walkup service.

For reservations of 12 or more guest, please contact the restaurant directly. We don't take multiple group reservations. Please note that large group reservations requires a customizable menu. We only seat complete parties.

In consideration of all guest, we kindly remind you that tables are reserved for 1.5 hours.
We take a maximum of two credit cards payment per table.

Top review

valerieVIP

Dined 1 day ago

A singular experience. Right on the sand. Fresh groceries as a baseline, well cooked and served with pleasant attentiveness. Not fancy. Not fine dining just a good solid menu with fresh ingredients in an epic location. New cocktail menu. Love it here.

Via Veneto

4.8

4.8 (1076)

$50 and over

Italian

Santa Monica

About the restaurant

An authentic, Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of Santa Monica, VIA VENETO fuses organic, locally grown & sourced ingredients with the delicious, traditional flavors of Italy.

Top review

Jack

Dined on Dec 8, 2024

Amazing dinner had a great time will definitely be back

Pastina Trattoria

4.9

4.9 (546)

$30 and under

Italian

West Los Angeles

About the restaurant

Casually elegant, Pastina is home to some of the best Italian cooking in town inspired by the freshest ingredients, cooked simply and prepared beautifully with excellent service and a warm comfortable atmosphere. Many of the clientele are on the first name basis with host Franco Catullo who supplies ample amount of Italian charm to go along with delicate antipasti, splendid pastas, fresh fish, hefty veal chops and fabulous desserts flown in from Italy. Pastina strikes a perfect balance between favorite dishes of the moment and trusty standbys with waiters that have the Italian enthusiasm for seeing diners happy.

Top review

RobertaVIP

Dined on Nov 22, 2024

Always a pleasure! Pastina not only has delicious cuisine, but every night there is a plethora of specials, often including my favorite: sand dabs, which are so hard to find other places. The dining room and service are always warm and welcoming. Miracle of miracles, the music is played at a low volume, creating a nice ambiance, without being intrusive. Pastina is truly a neighborhood gem

Barrique Venice

4.8

4.8 (1341)

$31 to $50

Italian

Venice

About the restaurant

Indulge in the exquisite world of Italian cuisine curated by Chef Antonio Murè at the enchanting Little Yellow House in the heart of Venice. Driven by his Italian heritage and a deep passion for fresh, flavorful ingredients, Chef Antonio has crafted a unique style of Italian cuisine that promises a delightful experience, featuring handmade pastas, a selection of meats, traditional desserts and an extensive wine list.

Join us for a candlelit dinner, perfect for your date night, special occasion, or grand celebration.
Gluten-free options are also available.

Top review

NicoleVIP

Dined 3 days ago

We always have the best experience at Barrique! Not only is the food so incredible and unique, the service is excellent and they make you feel at home. Miguel is the best around! We can’t wait to come back.

Calabra at Santa Monica Proper

4.8

4.8 (1576)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Santa Monica

About the restaurant

Calabra at Santa Monica Proper Hotel (One MICHELIN Key 2024) is located on the hotel's rooftop. The elevated garden terrace provides an inspiring atmosphere, with the ocean as a backdrop. Whether from the pool sundeck or circular bar, the views are best enjoyed with dinner, boutique wines, seasonal cocktails, and small-batch spirits. Serving Mediterranean & Californian cuisine with a view.

Seating arrangements for all reservations at Calabra may include outdoor dining, bar area, as well as our indoor/ outdoor covered lounge space. Be sure to dress warmly.

**Dinner reservations are for dining only. Drinks will be accommodated upon first come first serve at the bar area. Private Couch Alcoves are available with a rental and minimum spend**

Top review

BarbaraVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Stunning setting. Knowledgeable and attentive staff. Excellent food. Will definitely go back to try other dishes.

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Sogno Toscano - Santa Monica

4.7

4.7 (144)

$31 to $50

Italian

Santa Monica

About the restaurant

Our newly opening location, SOGNO TOSCANO WINE BAR, MARKET & LIFESTYLE CAFÉ, will offer an exquisite selection of the finest Italian delicacies such as pastries, espresso, cappuccino, typical focacce Toscane, and great wines. What is most unique and differentiated about our new venue is that the place will not just be your regular bar for breakfast, lunch and aperitivo, but rather a very much needed Italian marketplace. Located in one of the coolest neighborhoods of the city, Santa Monica, our groundbreaking venue will provide customers with a variety of high-quality, specialty retail food products under the single label of the already well known “Sogno Toscano” brand. Our patio is unique, spacious and charming, ready to host very interesting events such as Wine Tastings, Sip & Draw nights, live Jazz music on weekends. Get ready to experience the Italian Dolce Vita...!

Top review

WendyVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Lunch was superb, as the Contadina Schiacciate is a favorite, with artichokes and other vegetables pressed with melted rubiola cheese in between flaky focaccia. The seasonal salad offered even more artichokes and intensely flavored tomatoes. The patio is delightful, complete with lovely Italian tableware. Service was prompt, but nobody seemed rushed, most diners enjoying the terrific food and convivial atmosphere.

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Experience

Sogno Wine Tasting

Restaurant at the Getty Center

4.7

4.7 (4726)

$31 to $50

Californian

West Los Angeles

About the restaurant

Thank you for choosing The Restaurant at the Getty!

Reservations are not required to dine with us, but they are recommended, especially on high traffic days.
We do NOT offer same day reservations.
We have a 15 minute grace period. Please call us if you are running later than 15 minutes after your reservation time. We may contact you about this reservation, so please ensure your email and phone number are up to date. Due to high command, Requests for window seating are not guaranteed. If there are more than 4 guests in your party, please contact The Restaurant directly for reservations. Duplicate reservations are subject to cancellation.

Admission to the Getty Center now requires a free timed-entry reservation for each person in your party over the age of two. Reserve your entry time using the special access link below.

https://bit.ly/3yLiUj5

Top review

ShannonVIP

Dined 3 days ago

We love dining at the Getty Restaurant! It never disappoints, the food selection is diverse and tasty. Keeps us coming back!

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