Best Casual Restaurants in Santa Monica

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodIndianMexican

Regions

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

Neighborhoods

Bel-AirBeverly / Fairfax / La Brea / Third St.Beverly HillsBrentwoodCentral Los AngelesCentury City

Top Rated

CharmingGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunchGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

71 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. The Surfing Fox

4.1

Excellent(113)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 11 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

4.8

Exceptional(144)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Santa Monica

Booked 3 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 Sugar Palm Ocean Avenue restaurant

3. Sugar Palm Ocean Avenue

4.1

Excellent(136)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Unspecified • Santa Monica

Booked 10 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 Kassi Venice Beach restaurant

4. Kassi Venice Beach

new

3.5

Very Good(6)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Greek • Venice

Booked 76 times today

Venice Beach welcomes a touch of Greek serenity with KASSI, a new rooftop destination from the Wish You Were Here Group set to invoke an easygoing seaside escape at the top of Hotel Erwin. Inspired by a shared appreciation for life’s simple pleasures and art of slow living, KASSI is a fusion of sundrenched, laid-back charm and community vibes with a menu that celebrates sharable coastal flavors, vibrant cocktails, and dishes inspired by the breezy flavors of California’s coast. Wish You Were Here Group is a hospitality and lifestyle group focused on creating unforgettable dining experiences inspired by travel. Each property has its own unique vibe influenced by different cultures and cuisines and delivers delicious food and cocktails alongside exceptional service in thoughtfully designed spaces. Wish You Were Here Group’s restaurants, bars and lounges are currently in destinations including Los Angeles, Scottsdale, Las Vegas, and New York City with many more to come.

A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Santa Monica, CA | 3rd Street Promenade restaurant

5. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Santa Monica, CA | 3rd Street Promenade

4.1

Excellent(205)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Santa Monica

Booked 8 times today

Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku has become the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand! Thanks to our devoted fans we have reached over 700 locations worldwide. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the table-top smokeless grill, a centerpiece of our dining concept, enjoying selections of premium meats, just off the grill, and other freshly prepared foods from our kitchens, inspiring laughter, conversation, and a magical dining experience.Our authentic yakiniku (grilled barbeque) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, paired with Japanese sake, frosty cold beers, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options of your choice. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends and family, organize an office party, or to spend quality time with your significant other! Before you go, don't forget to taste our best-seller Harami Skirt Steak or Prime Kalbi Short Rib among other must-try dishes!

6. Terratory

4.2

Awesome(10)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 6 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.

A photo of Rosti - Santa Monica restaurant

7. Rosti - Santa Monica

4.3

Awesome(156)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Santa Monica

Booked 5 times today

Ro – STI; pronounced (Row-stee) Short for Rosticceria, An informal Italian countryside kitchen or restaurant. It all started as a love affair with smell of fresh herbs and feel of hand-picked garden vegetables. Rosti Cuccina Italiana is a transplant of simple Tuscan countryside cooking where fresh herbs and wholesome ingredients will marry one another and create a delightful experience. Our trained chefs start with Sage, Rosemary, Thyme, Sweet Basil, Garlic and Marjoram as our star ingredients and then add the finest Meats, Seafood, Pasta and Cheeses to complete the picture allowing all those flavors to do their dance on the palate.

A photo of The Room Santa Monica restaurant

8. The Room Santa Monica

4.8

Exceptional(7)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Santa Monica

Booked 1 time today

The Room Santa Monica offers Large VIP Sections for parties 10+ and Small VIP Tables for parties 4+. You're welcomed to invite as many guests as you'd like to your table an everyone will receive line privileges until 11pm and no cover charge. For groups larger than 20 guests, please email reservations@circa93.com.From the owners of The Association, The Continental Club, The Queensberry and The Room Hollywood (Circa 93 Group) The Room Santa Monica is a true West-side hidden jewel in Santa Monica. A proper neighborhood bar since 1998, it has been established as one of LA's Best Bars Where You Can Actually Dance! (Infatuation)The bar offers live DJs on Fridays and Saturdays, dancing, great cocktails, VIP seating and a fun, high-energy ambiance. The Room Santa Monica is open on Fridays & Saturdays from 9pm-2am, and every other Sunday for trivia night from 6pm-10pm. The venue is also available for private events.

9. All Roads

4.8

Exceptional(15)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Brentwood

Booked 8 times today

A Roman-Inspired Culinary Journey in the Heart of Los AngelesNestled in the heart of Brentwood, All Roads is a modern wine bar and restaurant where Roman-inspired cuisine meets casual sophistication. Here, urban dwellers and out-of-towners alike unwind over dishes that marry tradition with a playful twist.

10. A Votre Sante

4.5

Awesome(338)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Brentwood

Booked 5 times today

Celebrating 37 years in Brentwood, A Votre Santé is a cozy neighborhood restaurant serving World inspired California cuisine that caters to your health while satisfying your palate. Vegan and gluten-free options available year round. Full table service available on our outdoor patio. Indoor room available for private parties for up to 40 people. Curbside pick-up and delivery also available.A Votre SanteCheers!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

I
Iain
Orange County •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great spot. You can't beat the outlook watching the sunset. Food was also outstanding, flat bread one of the best I've ever tasted. Be sure to rug up though as the wind is pretty cool
More info
Kassi Venice BeachPrice: Moderate• Greek• Venice
•
3.5
S
Staci
Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Jude was exceptional!!the food was amazing and the drinks too. Only complaint is that the booths should be recovered. They were pokey and stinking us in the legs
More info
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Santa Monica, CA | 3rd Street PromenadePrice: Expensive• Japanese• Santa Monica
•
4.1
M
Myrna
1 review
5.0
Dined on Jun 10, 2025
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
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
•
4.1
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
•
4.8

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