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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Santa Monica

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39 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Tar & Roses restaurant
1. Tar & Roses
4.8
Exceptional(4268)
Price: Expensive
• American • Santa Monica
Booked 48 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 Orto Santa Monica restaurant
2. Orto Santa Monica
4.3
Awesome(1121)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Santa Monica
Booked 4 times today
Orto Santa Monica is a hot spot for its authentic Italian cuisine and warm ambiance. Reviewers rave about the 'excellent food and service', 'lovely experience', and 'amazing food and great service'. The staff's warmth and friendly nature also adds to the charm of the restaurant. One reviewer even said 'it's like a visit to Tuscany'. So, if you're looking for a taste of Italy in Santa Monica, Orto Santa Monica is a must-visit!
A photo of Lunetta restaurant
3. Lunetta
4.7
Exceptional(2217)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Santa Monica
Booked 37 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 Meat On Ocean restaurant
4. Meat On Ocean
4.7
Exceptional(3478)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Santa Monica
Booked 46 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 Gjelina restaurant
5. Gjelina
4.7
Exceptional(2414)
Price: Expensive
• American • Venice
Booked 253 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 Benihana - Santa Monica, CA restaurant
6. Benihana - Santa Monica, CA
4.0
Excellent(4135)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Santa Monica
Booked 75 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
7. North Italia - Santa Monica
4.4
Awesome(1519)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Santa Monica
Booked 34 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 Wabi on Rose restaurant
8. Wabi on Rose
4.6
Exceptional(1329)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Venice
Booked 40 times today
This local hot spot suffered a fire in 2018 and triumphantly returned in 2020. With Chef Rain's innovative cuisine and vibrant bar scene, Wabi on Rose embodies the Rose Avenue lifestyle. Sexy, contemporary design, frames this hip spot with a chic outdoor seating area. Neighborhood regulars enjoy the fresh-caught, Pacific Rim, sushi inspired menu,and live fire grill. Swimsuit to business suit, all are welcome.
A photo of AOC - Brentwood restaurant
9. AOC - Brentwood
4.6
Exceptional(3355)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Brentwood
Booked 30 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.
A photo of Beachside Restaurant & Bar restaurant
10. Beachside Restaurant & Bar
4.7
Exceptional(1750)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Marina del Rey
Booked 42 times today
Overlooking Mother’s Beach, Beachside Restaurant & Bar is the destination for waterfront dining in Marina del Rey. Enjoy Californian cuisine with a Latin twist in a lively setting featuring a full bar, indoor dining room, and an oceanfront patio just steps from the sand for a truly unique al fresco experience. Open for brunch, dinner, and happy hour—plus, our dog-friendly patio welcomes your four-legged friends!

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Discover best hot spot restaurants in Santa Monica

Discover a culinary paradise in Santa Monica, where dining hot spots cater to every palate and preference. From beachfront escapes offering organic, well-cooked meals to cozy British pubs that transport you straight to England, Santa Monica's restaurant scene is as diverse as it is impressive. Mediterranean delights, authentic Italian cuisines, and fresh Mexican flavors are just a few of the offerings that make these locations must-visit destinations. These restaurants are celebrated not only for their exceptional food but also for their unique ambiances, ranging from romantic settings with Tuscan-style fireplaces to vibrant rooftops with stunning ocean views. Service at these establishments is consistently lauded for being attentive and friendly, ensuring a memorable dining experience. Whether you're looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion or just a casual outing, Santa Monica's Westside offers a dining experience that combines quality, variety, and a welcoming atmosphere. This is truly a dining scene where every visit promises new delights and lasting memories.

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