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Best Restaurants for Foodies in Santa Monica

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42 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Tar & Roses restaurant
1. Tar & Roses
4.9
Exceptional(4233)
Price: Expensive
• American • Santa Monica
Booked 17 times today
Tar & Roses is a globally inspired culinary experience. Chef Andrew Kirschner has transformed his kitchen into a local and welcoming home, focused on the element of the wood fired oven to bring out the best flavor in our dishes. Coming straight from the visionary mind of our award winning chef, our menu is created with only the highest quality ingredients and fresh, local products. This attention to detail helps makes our food a perfected craft which will inspire you to be adventurous, in the most approachable and delicious way possible. When you step into Tar & Roses, you'll feel like you are coming home. Our entire staff awaits your arrival with warm smiles and thoughtful service ~ please, come share a meal with us!
A photo of True Food Kitchen - Santa Monica restaurant
2. True Food Kitchen - Santa Monica
4.3
Awesome(1534)
Price: Moderate
• American • Santa Monica
Booked 19 times today
True Food Kitchen is a chef-driven restaurant and scratch bar that was founded by Dr. Andrew Weil, the pioneer of integrative medicine, to provide food that tastes great and is good for you. At our table, delicious dining and conscious nutrition go hand in hand, without sacrificing flavor, creativity or indulgence. Our expertly trained chefs craft flavor-forward dishes, handcrafted cocktails and freshly pressed refreshers so you can enjoy epic food experiences that aren’t just good for you, but good to you. Join us in Santa Monica for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch. New flavors, new combinations, new obsessions. Come see us for something completely new and delicious.
A photo of The Penthouse Restaurant restaurant
3. The Penthouse Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4312)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Santa Monica
Booked 23 times today
The Penthouse Restaurant is a foodie's delight, offering a unique rooftop dining experience in Santa Monica with panoramic ocean views. The contemporary Mediterranean-inspired California cuisine is consistently praised for its high quality, as reflected in the high ratings for food. The ambiance, service, and overall dining experience also receive high praise, with many customers stating it's worth the high prices.
A photo of Melisse restaurant
4. Melisse
4.9
Exceptional(2001)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Santa Monica
Booked 4 times today
Chef & Owner Josiah Citrin has revived his Michelin 2-Star institution with an intimate, 14-seat restaurant with Chef/Partner Ken Takayama. In a setting that blurs the line between kitchen and dining room, Chefs and service staff guide guests through a 2.5-hour culinary experience.Collaborating with California farmers from San Diego to Napa Valley, Chef Josiah sources the most unique and exclusive ingredients available. An 8-course tasting menu is bookended by canapés, amuse-bouches and mignardise, all of which showcase global flavors using both modern and classic techniques.
A photo of Gjelina restaurant
5. Gjelina
4.7
Exceptional(2302)
Price: Expensive
• American • Venice
Booked 134 times today
Gjelina is a restaurant specializing in New American cuisine. Open every day from 8 a.m. until 11pm, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. For breakfast, try 9 grain pancakes with butter and maple syrup or warm banana buckwheat loaf with butter and jam of the day. Brunch options include Moroccan baked eggs and 7 grain porridge. Gjelina offers a variety of oysters, crudo, charcuterie and salad options to start at lunch and dinner. Main courses include pizzas from our wood fired oven and entrees like duck confit, house made pastas and roasted organic half chicken.*Only ADA certified animals are allowed in Gjelina*A 20% Mandatory Service Charge is added to your check. Our belief is that every hourly Gjelina employee contributes to your service and 100% of the MSC will be distributed amongst them.
A photo of The Rose Venice restaurant
6. The Rose Venice
4.6
Exceptional(2976)
Price: Expensive
• American • Venice
The Rose is an iconic restaurant in the heart of Venice, serving locals and travelers alike since 1979.The Rose presents modern California cuisine that is globally influenced and seasonally driven by local farms. The menu is complimented by a thoughtfully curated wine list, highlighting boutique producers focused on self sustainable practices. The bakery celebrates American classics, as well as some of the original Rose classics, re-conceptualized with their innovative techniques. The sprawling space has indoor and outdoor dining areas including ample patio seating, a full market and bakery, coffee bar, and 40-foot craft-cocktail bar. If you're unable to find a reservation at your desired time don't worry, we always reserve some of our service areas for walk-in traffic for all services.
A photo of Charcoal Venice restaurant
7. Charcoal Venice
4.7
Exceptional(546)
Price: Expensive
• American • Venice
Booked 16 times today
Charcoal Venice is an inviting neighborhood restaurant from Michelin-starred Chef and Owner Josiah Citrin that was inspired by the backyard barbecues he hosts on weekends for his friends and family. As the name suggests, everything is cooked indoors over live fire – whether over charcoal or in the coals. Citrin and Chef de Cuisine Dani McNish prepare a seasonal menu of craveable comfort foods featuring locally-sourced proteins and vegetables ideal for sharing family-style. Whether diving into a platter of smoky grilled chicken wings with a beer or classic cocktail at the bar, or splitting a 48 oz. dry-aged Porterhouse and a bottle of Bandol with friends, Charcoal Venice is an everyday dining spot.
A photo of Lunetta restaurant
8. Lunetta
4.7
Exceptional(2175)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Santa Monica
Booked 20 times today
Chef Raphael Lunetta and Emilio Cuyuch chef driven neighborhood diner with rustic California dining room and bar. Lunetta serves great food paired with locally roasted coffee options, classic cocktails, large selection of craft beer and delicious wines that we enjoy drinking with our family & friends.We buy the freshest ingredients we can find. We cook seasonally because that’s what is fresh and best. We support local farmers and businesses whenever we can, because the best flavor naturally follows. Menus for Lunetta are locally sourced and responsibly grown, using seasonal ingredients based on the abundant product available on the California Coast. Our full bar features classic as well as craft cocktails using the finest in artisan spirits, mixers and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Our comprehensive wine list highlights small California producers and artisan winemakers from around the world.
A photo of The Butcher's Daughter restaurant
9. The Butcher's Daughter
4.7
Exceptional(169)
Price: Moderate
• American • Venice
Booked 28 times today
The Butcher’s Daughter Venice is a plant-forward restaurant, bar, juicery, and “vegetable slaughterhouse.” Located in the vibrant Venice neighborhood, we treat fruits and vegetables with the same care a butcher would meat: chopping, filleting, and carving fresh produce into healthy vegetarian dishes and pressing them into vibrant juices. Under the guidance of our Culinary Director Richard Rea, our menu changes every season, offering 100% vegetarian dishes with many vegan and gluten-free options. We take pride in our great selection of wines, craft cocktails, and mocktails, ensuring there’s something for every taste. We also offer take-out and delivery for those who prefer to enjoy our meals at home. Named one of the best supper spots in Venice by the LA Times, we serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, creating a celebrated dining experience with in-season ingredients that nourish both body and soul.
A photo of AOC - Brentwood restaurant
10. AOC - Brentwood
4.5
Awesome(3341)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Brentwood
Booked 13 times today
A.O.C is a small plates restaurant driven by seasonal ingredients, locally sourced. Our California French cuisine was developed by Chef Suzanne Goin, and has some Mediterranean influences as well. We have a large selection of wines by the glass and over 150 bottles chose from, curated by Caroline Styne, all of witch are either organic, biodynamic or sustainable. Featuring a full bar with premium spirits and specialty cocktails.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • JeffreyVIP
    Los Angeles •128 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The soup was not what I ordered but they were nice about it the baguette with butter was fabulous a must buy , the lobster ravioli was homemade and solid the steak was done well and the napoleon type desert was very good
    More info
    The Penthouse RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Monica
    •
    4.6
  • David
    Los Angeles •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Another spectacular meal at Gjelina. I've made it my mission to work my way through the menu, and last night I tried the orecchiette with beef cheek bolognese, Japanese turnip and coal-roasted cabbage - all excellent. Special props to the orecchiette. The pasta was perfectly al dente, the sauce was rich and savory and the addition of the dollop of ricotta bound all the elements together beautifully. Loved it.
    More info
    GjelinaPrice: Expensive• American• Venice
    •
    4.7
  • Rachel
    California Central Coast •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    This is consistently a good dining experience. Will return again.
    More info
    True Food Kitchen - Santa MonicaPrice: Moderate• American• Santa Monica
    •
    4.3
  • ErikaVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Tar & Roses provides an exceptional dining experience. The beet and yogurt dip, along with the octopus skewers were divine. The fried red snapper is a MUST. Also, the service is top notch. When we wanted to switch tables, the staff immediately accommodated us. Then, to receive an email and text from management thanking us for dining in the restaurant was a nice touch. This restaurant does everything right!
    More info
    Tar & RosesPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Monica
    •
    4.9
  • Mark
    Los Angeles •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 8, 2024
    One of the best meals of my life - absolutely wonderful experience!
    More info
    MelissePrice: Very Expensive• Californian• Santa Monica
    •
    4.9

Discover best foodies restaurants in Santa Monica

Discover the ultimate dining destination for foodies in the vibrant heart of Santa Monica, Los Angeles' Westside. This area is renowned for its diverse culinary scene that caters to every palate, featuring an array of restaurants that blend local Californian ingredients with global culinary traditions. From beachfront cafes offering meals with a view to cozy, intimate bistros, each restaurant presents a unique atmosphere and menu designed to satisfy food enthusiasts. The dining options in Santa Monica emphasize fresh, innovative cuisine, often highlighting organic and locally-sourced ingredients. Whether you're seeking a casual dining experience by the ocean or a sophisticated rooftop meal, Santa Monica's Westside provides an exceptional array of choices that promise memorable gastronomic adventures. The area's commitment to quality and service shines through in the rave reviews from both locals and visitors alike. Immerse yourself in Santa Monica’s foodie paradise where every meal is crafted to offer a delightful and satisfying dining experience.

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