Best Casual Restaurants in Santa Monica

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

Beach CitiesHollywoodSan Fernando ValleyWest Hollywood / Beverly Hills / Mid-WilshireWestside

Neighborhoods

Beverly / Fairfax / La Brea / Third St.Beverly HillsBrentwoodCentral Los AngelesCentury CityCulver City

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

69 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. The Surfing Fox

4.1

Excellent(110)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 20 times today

The Surfing Fox is a chilled-out gathering spot serving up coastal California cuisine on a plate (or in a glass!) with a generous side of good times and vibes. Whether you're spending the day hanging ten or hanging out, come take it easy with us from dawn to dusk.

A photo of King & Queen Cantina - Santa Monica restaurant

2. King & Queen Cantina - Santa Monica

4.9

Exceptional(144)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Santa Monica

Booked 10 times today

*WALK-INS ALWAYS WELCOME*King and Queen Cantina brings a Latin flavor to Santa Monica. Our colorful skull décor makes for a Dia de Los Muertos theme all year long. Prepare to “fiesta like there’s no mañana” with our unique menu adding an Asian infusion and an urban twist. The concept created by the owner Mr.Tempo will make you live an incredible experience from bar to kitchen to service - one of a kind. #MASCHINGON

A photo of Élephante Santa Monica restaurant

3. Élephante Santa Monica

4.6

Exceptional(1654)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Santa Monica

Booked 279 times today

Chic destination for elevated Italian cuisine in breezy, loungelike dining areas with ocean views.

4. 1212 Santa Monica

4.3

Awesome(1810)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 50 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 Sugar Palm Ocean Avenue restaurant

5. Sugar Palm Ocean Avenue

4.0

Excellent(136)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Unspecified • Santa Monica

Booked 8 times today

When LA beach life calls, Sugar Palm is the answer. Viceroy Santa Monica's singular dining and nightlife destination is a sweeping, indoor-outdoor scene where laid-back vibes ripple far beyond the poolside. You'll tap into the coastal energy in each of its vibrant spaces: wraparound indoor-outdoor bar, outdoor dining terrace, modern dining room, coffee bistro, and poolside cabanas. From latte-spiked mornings to cocktail-splashed nights, you'll be inspired to unwind under the palms and let the ocean breeze find you.

A photo of Beachside Restaurant & Bar restaurant

6. Beachside Restaurant & Bar

4.5

Awesome(1752)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Marina del Rey

Booked 39 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!

7. STK - Los Angeles

4.3

Awesome(2669)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steak • Westwood

Booked 45 times today

Alert: As of 5/14, STK Los Angeles will move just down the street to 1100 Glendon Ave, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Your reservation is at our new location in Westwood Village. Please update your GPS—we look forward to seeing you there!STK Steakhouse is “not your daddy’s steakhouse,” offering a high-energy dining experience that artfully combines the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse with a Vibe Dining atmosphere unlike any other. Delectable cuisine, upscale cocktails and an elevated Happy Hour, along with an in-house DJ and chic décor, all come together to offer a memorable fine dining experience that keeps guests enjoying their evening from drinks to dinner to late night. STK’s menu features reimagined classic American cuisine for lunch, brunch and dinner with unique local flair infused into each location’s menu. The brand’s beef program focuses on the highest quality, delicious and craveable steaks while emphasizing transparency and traceable sourcing practices.

A photo of The Waterfront Venice restaurant

8. The Waterfront Venice

4.0

Excellent(200)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Venice

Booked 16 times today

The Waterfront Venice is a California Beer Garden with views of the Pacific Ocean. Situated between Rose and Navy on the famous Venice beach Boardwalk, our food & beverage menus celebrate California with carefully selected seasonal produce from local farms.

9. Charcoal Venice

4.6

Exceptional(581)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Venice

Booked 32 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.

10. Terratory

new

4.2

Awesome(6)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 7 times today

"Terratorry's ethos revolves around our local Farmers' Markets where we directly source our products, proudly along with nearby Ranchers & Fishermen providing simply the best of what California has to offer. As much as we try to keep it uber local, we are fortunate to have built relationships over the years that do expand this realm to find the best of the entire west coast. All of our ingredients are simply treated and from there we are able to create dishes that tell the story of the inspiration that is connected to these individuals."

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Myrna
1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Ethan was our waiter and he did an amazing job! We were visiting from Texas & celebrating our daughter’s 17th birthday with family! It was pricey but a great way to celebrate a special occasion!
More info
The Surfing FoxPrice: Moderate• Californian• Santa Monica
•
4.1
N
Nikitha
Philadelphia County •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Great food and beautiful ambience. The service was quick and very pleasant.
More info
Élephante Santa MonicaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Santa Monica
•
4.6
D
Daphne
Los Angeles •1 review
4.0
Dined 5 days ago
Everything was great me and my friends had a good time here. The Dj was excellent he had a mixture of every song/genre. The only area we were a little upset about was the Photo Booth. It needs to have a screen so we are able to see ourselves before the picture actually takes.
More info
1212 Santa MonicaPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Monica
•
4.3
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined on May 11, 2025
Very intimate athmosphere. Great service. Good chef.
More info
Sugar Palm Ocean AvenuePrice: Moderate• Unspecified• Santa Monica
•
4
N
Nakia
Los Angeles •8 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 9, 2025
The food at this place was much better than I expected, it was excellent. They were very generous with the alcohol and the martinis were 🔥🔥🔥 The service was also amazing and very fast. Would definitely be a return customer and recommend this place to others.
More info
King & Queen Cantina - Santa MonicaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Santa Monica
•
4.9

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