A sophisticated beachfront neighborhood in Los Angeles, Santa Monica has long been a dining destination. The best restaurants in Santa Monica, CA range from a charming French bistro to a sophisticated Italian steakhouse and a cozy Spanish wine bar.
Whether you’re planning a date night, a group dinner, or a solo evening out, these are Santa Monica’s standout restaurants. From MICHELIN-Starred fine dining spots to stylish beachfront spots, there’s something for everyone in this neighborhood.
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Read on to discover the 10 best restaurants in Santa Monica, CA.
For Italian cuisine with seaside ambiance — head to Élephante

Élephante is a destination for its prime ocean views and coastal Italian menu. Expect a deep menu of pastas and pizzas like the classic margherita along with elegant mains like a 20-ounce dry-aged, bone-in ribeye. Enjoy them along with shared plates like burrata and caviar on the expansive outdoor patio or in the lounge-like interior. Don’t miss live DJs on Friday and Saturday evenings or the popular brunch, served until 3 p.m. daily.
For wood-fired American cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Santa Monica — book a spot at Tar & Roses

Santa Monica’s ocean proximity shines in the American cuisine at Tar & Roses, which uses local ingredients to craft seafood-forward dishes like squid ink fettuccine and fried snapper. The menu also includes stellar wood-fired dishes like octopus skewers, duck breast, and a whole snapper for two. The stylish, light-filled interior is a cozy setting for a memorable meal.
For Italian cuisine at one of the best date night restaurants in Santa Monica, CA, in a garden setting — book a spot at Fia
Fia’s concept is centered around its secret garden-like design by Matt Winter. Come here to feast on Italian cuisine inspired by the Amalfi Coast, either al fresco under mature trees or in the cozy interior dining room. The restaurant’s menu features housemade pasta, raw seafood dishes, and a robust vegetable dish selection. Sundays extend the vibe with bottomless brunch options, enhancing the feeling of being in a luxurious private home.
For award-winning French cuisine — reserve a place at pasjoli

One of the best restaurants for dinner in Santa Monica, pasjoli pays homage to traditional French cooking. Head here for James Beard award-winning chef Dave Beran’s elegant prix fixe menus starring modern spins on classic French dishes that could include beef tartare and Parisian gnocchi. Don’t miss the equally elegant bar menu with dishes like chicken liver mousse, also served in the chic interior with arches that channels a cozy French brasserie.
For a MICHELIN-Starred contemporary American cuisine with California flavors — book a table at Citrin

MICHELIN-Starred Citrin goes all in on fine-dining contemporary American food, served in a comfortable setting. Choose between a tasting or a la carte menu full of sophisticated California-centric dishes like egg caviar, truffle risotto, and lobster bolognese. Come at happy hour for a low-key bar menu and creative cocktails—including stellar zero-proof options—that make Citrin one of the best restaurants in Santa Monica, CA.
For standout Spanish wine and tapas — head to Xuntos

Xuntos’ menu is focused on Basque-inspired tapas and pintxos. Dig into Spanish dishes like gambas al ajillo, alcachofa with baby artichokes and pea purée, and patatas bravas, many of which incorporate California produce. Linger with a glass of Spanish wine, sherry, or vermouth in the intimate space with warm terracotta hues, sleek marble counters, and chic red leather seating.
For fine Californian cuisine in an intimate setting — book a reservation at Mélisse

With just 14 seats, acclaimed chef Josiah Citrin’s two-MICHELIN-Starred Mélisse is an exclusive California tasting experience. Settle in the intimate dining room for an immersive, multi-course feast from current chef Ken Takayama. The restaurant’s showstopping dishes pair fresh California produce with ultra-luxe ingredients like uni, caviar, and A5 wagyu for the ultimate special occasion dinner.
For iconic Chinese fusion at one of the best restaurants in Santa Monica, CA — reserve a place at Chinois on Main
Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck opened this Santa Monica institution in 1983. Come with a group to share family-style Chinese fusion dishes like curried oysters, Szechuan beef with cilantro sauce, roasted Cantonese duck, and stir-fried Sonoma lamb. An open kitchen anchors the lively space, making Chinois on Main a must-visit among the best restaurants in Santa Monica.
For a stylish Italian steakhouse — reserve your group’s spot at Fia Steak

Fia Steak, Santa Monica mainstay Fia’s sibling spot, is a modern Italian steakhouse with California sensibilities. The menu includes luxe starters like caviar and oysters accompanied by high-end steaks and seafood. Enjoy it all in a swanky, throwback space, complete with colorful artwork, brick walls, and stained glass accents.
For an expansive seafood selection — reserve a table at Water Grill

As one of the best restaurants in Santa Monica, CA, Water Grill is noteworthy for its menu of fresh seafood. The restaurant’s seaside location and rustic interior provide an inviting atmosphere to sample wild catches from the Pacific, like bigeye tuna poke and live California Dungeness crab, along with chilled selections, whole fish, and impressive steaks. The patio overlooks the Pacific Ocean, and the extensive bar selection makes Water Grill a great place to celebrate with a group.
From intimate MICHELIN-Starred tasting experiences to stylish steakhouses and oceanfront seafood spots,, the best restaurants in Santa Monica, CA offer a variety of culinary experiences.