Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Los Angeles

Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in Santa Monica

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

80 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Tar & Roses restaurant
1. Tar & Roses
4.8
Exceptional(4209)
Price: Expensive
• American • Santa Monica
Booked 32 times today
Tar & Roses has a vibrant bar scene, as described in the reviews. Customers mention a 'relaxed vibe' and 'lively crowd', while the ambiance is consistently rated highly. One review notes 'Didn’t want to leave so we moved to the bar for more drinks after dinner', indicating a lively atmosphere that encourages patrons to stay and enjoy the bar scene. The food and wine are also praised, contributing to the overall vibrant atmosphere.
A photo of Meat On Ocean restaurant
2. Meat On Ocean
4.7
Exceptional(3402)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Santa Monica
Booked 39 times today
Meat On Ocean is a meat-centric, modern steakhouse in Santa Monica that offers both a sense of adventure and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Beyond the offerings of a world-class steakhouse, Meat On Ocean features an artisanal charcuterie bar, an exhibition dry-aging room and a variety of prime beef – from dry-aged domestic cuts to Japanese A-5. Integral to the operation is a highly trained crew of servers and butchers, who communicate directly with Guests about the beef, organically farmed chickens, house made sausages, choice seafood and more.Located on the corner of Ocean and Broadway, Meat On Ocean is steps from the action - including the Santa Monica Pier, shopping and hotels.Starting May 2024, Meat On Ocean is also your headquarters for private dining and events, with customizable spaces that are perfect for social events, corporate meetings, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, wedding receptions and ceremonies, with full audio/visual connectivity.
A photo of Benihana - Santa Monica, CA restaurant
3. Benihana - Santa Monica, CA
4.1
Excellent(4072)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Santa Monica
Booked 72 times today
Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.
A photo of North Italia - Santa Monica restaurant
4. North Italia - Santa Monica
4.5
Awesome(1479)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Santa Monica
Booked 31 times today
Everyone has a favorite dish at North. Every day, our Chefs start from scratch to create handmade pizza and pasta using only the best ingredients to craft inspired dishes from the garden, farm, and sea. North defines the standards for handcrafted Italian. Our menu offers a great selection of antipasti (daily soup, charcuterie, bruschetta), salads full of seasonal ingredients, and a main entrée menu driven by both traditional Italian cuisine and lighter fresh fish dishes. North is a great neighborhood spot for family and friends to meet and share a handcrafted experience. From the food to the service, at North every detail matters. Due to recent current events, we will be only open for to go sales only at this point in time. Thank you for your understanding
A photo of The Penthouse Restaurant restaurant
5. The Penthouse Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4289)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Santa Monica
Booked 20 times today
The Penthouse Restaurant in Santa Monica is known for its lively and vibrant bar scene. Customers rave about its 'fun, chic' ambiance and 'fabulous' food. One reviewer mentions the 'great fun' they had at the restaurant, while others highlight the 'good vibes' from the DJ. The restaurant also offers signature craft cocktails that contribute to the vibrant atmosphere. The stunning ocean views and beach cabanas add to the overall vibrant experience.
A photo of Gjelina restaurant
6. Gjelina
4.7
Exceptional(2256)
Price: Expensive
• American • Venice
Booked 148 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
7. The Rose Venice
4.5
Awesome(2951)
Price: Expensive
• American • Venice
Booked 31 times today
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 1212 Santa Monica restaurant
8. 1212 Santa Monica
4.6
Exceptional(1773)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Santa Monica
Booked 32 times today
1212 Santa Monica is a unique New American Cuisine restaurant located in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica on the Third Street Promenade. Our menu highlights the palette and diversity of the SoCal landscape. Complimenting the food, our beverage program includes select wines and creative cocktails to enhance your dining experience.Join us for All Night Happy Hour starting daily at 5pm & Bottomless Brunch every Friday, Saturday and Sunday with bottomless mimosas for only $28. On specific Saturdays & Sunday brunches we charge a $10 Entertainment Fee for those enjoying drag shows in our Main Dining Area.Enjoy the beautiful beach weather on the patio, or indoors in our massive dining room. Plan a private event or meeting on our Balcony, Private Dining Room or Patio.
A photo of Lunetta restaurant
9. Lunetta
4.7
Exceptional(2161)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Santa Monica
Booked 24 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 Katsuya & SBar – Brentwood – SBE restaurant
10. Katsuya & SBar – Brentwood – SBE
4.7
Exceptional(2147)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Brentwood
Booked 47 times today
Katsuya Brentwood was named one of Travel + Leisure's "Best New Restaurants," and continues to garner acclaim as one of OpenTable's "50 Hottest Restaurants in the U.S." and the Los Angeles Times Readers' Choice "Best Sushi Restaurant" in Southern California. Featuring the dynamic pairing of Master Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi and design impresario Philippe Starck, Katsuya is a feast for the senses. With specialty cocktails, unique rolls, spectacular sushi & sashimi platters, Chef Katsuya skillfully translates Japanese flavors to the American palate. Join us at S Bar, our connected sister lounge, for weekend DJ, craft cocktails & ice cold sake before or after dinner. Walk ins only. (Call Katsuya for current hours) Large groups (9-12) are subject to an $100 food and beverage min spend per adult guest, previous to tax & gratuity. Cakes permitted for celebratory desserts, at per person cake fee$5/guest. Email KatsuyaBrentwood@sbe.com for inquiries.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Open for Business Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo