Best Restaurants with a Tasting Menu in Santa Monica

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

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

79 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Loulou Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge restaurant

1. Loulou Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge

4.4

Awesome(916)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Santa Monica

Booked 51 times today

Experience the "Joie de Vivre"At LouLou, food, entertainment, fashion, and art converge into a unique, one-of-a-kind destination.LouLou’s carefully crafted menus showcase French Mediterranean flavors with a classic California twist, while honoring the generosity of artisanal and homemade ingredients, as well as local organic produce.A carefully selected wine list offers a tasteful array of wines from both France and CaliforniaNever bowing to the ordinary, whether it’s a legendary brunch, after work cocktails, elegant dinner, or corporate event, LouLou will always deliver an experience to remember.Ample parking is available in the building. We are located on the rooftop level. Suite 300

A photo of Benihana - Santa Monica, CA restaurant

2. Benihana - Santa Monica, CA

4.2

Awesome(4136)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Santa Monica

Booked 34 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.

3. Xuntos

4.8

Exceptional(167)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Tapas / Small Plates • Santa Monica

Booked 10 times today

XUNTOS, "together" in Gallego, is a Tapas Bar from Chef Sandra Cordero in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica, serving small plates of things we want you to try: from the farmer's market around the corner to traditional dishes of Galicia, Asturias, Catalunya & the Basque Country, as they're eaten in Spain.The wines follow the food: natural, fun & unrefined–joined at the bar with Spanish twists on classic cocktails, plus vermouths, sherries & cold cervezas.Now open for lunch!! Tuesday-Saturday, 11-3pm.Walk in to the bar for Bikini Bar Happy Hour from 3-6pm, Tuesday-Saturday!Please email us for large parties & private dining: hola@barxuntos.comValidated parking is available across the street at 501 Santa Monica Blvd (Enter on 5th St.): $7 for 3 hours.

4. AJA Vineyards

4.9

Exceptional(5)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Winery • Santa Monica

Welcome to Santa Monica's first and only wine tasting room! Located two blocks from the iconic Santa Monica Pier, you'll find our elegant and warm wine bar. Our family owned and grown Malibu Coast fruit is as local as it gets. At AJA, we strive to make high quality wines that are rooted in family values and passion. Enjoy our vast selection from our Extra Brut Sparkling wine to our complex, yet approachable, reds at our tasting room. We offer flights, glasses and bottles to enjoy here or take home. Explore the benefits of becoming a wine club member including free tastings, discounted wines, unique experiences and more. We do accept walk ins, but our cozy space has limited seating so we recommend making a reservation. We look forward to welcoming you.

A photo of Calabra at Santa Monica Proper restaurant

5. Calabra at Santa Monica Proper

4.8

Exceptional(1620)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Santa Monica

Booked 66 times today

Calabra is an elevated rooftop restaurant and bar serving Mediterranean and California cuisine, prepared in an inspiring setting with the ocean as a backdrop. Whether from the sundeck, circular bar, or indoor lounge, views are best enjoyed with boutique wines, seasonal cocktails, and small-batch spirits. All dishes are thoughtfully crafted with a seed oil-free approach for a dining experience that feels as good as it tastes.

A photo of The Penthouse Restaurant restaurant

6. The Penthouse Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(4331)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Monica

Booked 25 times today

Discover one of the best places to eat in Santa Monica! The Penthouse offers guests a dramatic 18th-floor rooftop dining experience, complete with panoramic ocean views, beach cabanas, and open sky enclaves. Sip signature craft cocktails or indulge in contemporary Mediterranean inspired California cuisine. The Penthouse provides a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience and is among the best places to eat in Santa Monica.

7. SELINE

4.8

Exceptional(51)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 2 times today

Join James Beard award-winning Chef Dave Beran at his 38-seat fine dining restaurant in Santa Monica, where the kitchen is seamlessly integrated with the dining room. The menu, comprising 15-18 courses, showcases Chef Dave's deeply thoughtful approach to storytelling, inviting guests to embrace the experience & embark on a memorable culinary journey featuring the many inspirations of Southern California.At SELINE, the focus is on connection, with every aspect of the restaurant— from the design to the custom plateware—built on fostering meaningful relationships. Wine Director Matthew Brodbine presents two beverage pairing options to complement your menu. The wine pairing showcases selections from innovative, forward-thinking winemakers across various regions worldwide. The non-alcoholic pairing features a unique collection of house-made and curated beverages designed to align with the menu's progression. A carefully curated wine list is also available.

8. 1212 Santa Monica

4.3

Awesome(1810)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 40 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.

9. Citrin

4.7

Exceptional(240)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Santa Monica

Booked 7 times today

Citrin is a modern Californian cuisine restaurant by Chef Josiah Citrin. The attention to detail and pursuit of excellence that defined Josiah’s landmark Mélisse restaurant for 20 years thrives in this new space. Citrin is a fun, welcoming, and approachable experience. A large bar and a la Carte menu brings a fresh take on our love of hospitality and passion to deliver exciting and delicious food.

10. Melisse

4.9

Exceptional(2001)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 6 times today

Chef & Owner Josiah Citrin has revived his Michelin 2-Star institution with an intimate, 14-seat restaurant with Chef/Partner Ken Takayama. In a setting that blurs the line between kitchen and dining room, Chefs and service staff guide guests through a 2.5-hour culinary experience.Collaborating with California farmers from San Diego to Napa Valley, Chef Josiah sources the most unique and exclusive ingredients available. An 8-course tasting menu is bookended by canapés, amuse-bouches and mignardise, all of which showcase global flavors using both modern and classic techniques.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

E
ElizabethVIP
Los Angeles •29 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We had the most wonderful Wedding Anniversary celebration at Xuntos. The servers were well-informed about the food and drinks and were very warm and inviting. The food was very tasty and expertly prepared. We left feeling that we’d eaten very well and been embraced by a friendly and caring crew. A+ restaurant.
More info
XuntosPrice: Expensive• Tapas / Small Plates• Santa Monica
•
4.8
A
Alexis
Las Vegas •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Antonio was such a great waiter! Food and customer service was excellent. Will be back
More info
Loulou Rooftop Restaurant and LoungePrice: Expensive• French• Santa Monica
•
4.4
F
florence
San Diego •5 reviews
4.0
Dined 7 days ago
We were four the service and food were lovely Kurt one of us was seated a little in the way and brushed by many walking by, otherwise lovely
More info
Calabra at Santa Monica ProperPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Santa Monica
•
4.8
M
Mike
Los Angeles •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 9, 2025
Great experience. The management was spectacular. The cook was fantastic. The service was great as the food and drinks were always on time.
More info
Benihana - Santa Monica, CAPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Santa Monica
•
4.2
S
SaraVIP
Los Angeles •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 25, 2025
Great wines - their reds are all really nice! Jenny was our server and so sweet, it was great getting to chat with her. Really enjoyed the space and we took a bottle with us to have something different at home.
More info
AJA VineyardsPrice: Expensive• Winery• Santa Monica
•
4.9

Explore OpenTable

Neighborhood
Tasting menu

Santa Monica

El Segundo
Hollywood
Downtown
Artesia
Atwater Village
Pico Rivera
Calabasas
Lakewood / Bellflower
Naples Island
Culver City
South Pasadena
Century City
West Los Angeles
Redondo Beach
Venice
Los Angeles / Orange County
Santa Monica
Universal City
Ontario
Hawthorne / Gardena