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Valentine’s experiences to love

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Top restaurants this week

Explore what's popular with other diners with these lists, updated weekly.
Explore what's popular with other diners with these lists, updated weekly.

Top booked

  1. A photo of Gjelina restaurant
    1

    Gjelina

    Price: Expensive
    •
    American
    •
    4.7
    (2,344)
    Venice
  2. A photo of Casaléna restaurant
    2

    Casaléna

    Price: Expensive
    •
    Italian
    •
    4.6
    (1,846)
    Woodland Hills
  3. A photo of Perch LA restaurant
    3

    Perch LA

    Price: Expensive
    •
    French American
    •
    4.6
    (11,869)
    Downtown
  4. A photo of Steak 48 - Beverly Hills restaurant
    4

    Steak 48 - Beverly Hills

    Price: Very Expensive
    •
    Steakhouse
    •
    4.8
    (2,059)
    Beverly Hills
  5. A photo of Élephante Santa Monica restaurant
    5

    Élephante Santa Monica

    Price: Moderate
    •
    Italian
    •
    4.6
    (1,458)
    Santa Monica
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Top viewed

  1. A photo of STK - Los Angeles restaurant
    1

    STK - Los Angeles

    Price: Very Expensive
    •
    Steak
    •
    4.3
    (2,602)
    Westwood
  2. A photo of NIKU X restaurant
    2

    NIKU X

    Price: Very Expensive
    •
    Steakhouse
    •
    4.4
    (299)
    Downtown
  3. A photo of 71Above restaurant
    3

    71Above

    Price: Very Expensive
    •
    Contemporary American
    •
    4.7
    (5,946)
    Downtown
  4. A photo of Somerville restaurant
    4

    Somerville

    Price: Expensive
    •
    American
    •
    4.6
    (122)
    Culver City
  5. A photo of Bavel restaurant
    5

    Bavel

    Price: Expensive
    •
    Middle Eastern
    •
    4.8
    (5,023)
    Downtown
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Top saved

  1. A photo of LAVO Los Angeles restaurant
    1

    LAVO Los Angeles

    Price: Expensive
    •
    Italian
    •
    4.6
    (1,475)
    West Hollywood
  2. A photo of Providence restaurant
    2

    Providence

    Price: Very Expensive
    •
    Seafood
    •
    4.9
    (4,404)
    Hollywood
  3. A photo of The Rooftop at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills restaurant
    3

    The Rooftop at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills

    Price: Expensive
    •
    American
    •
    4.8
    (2,935)
    Beverly Hills
  4. A photo of The Little Door restaurant
    4

    The Little Door

    Price: Expensive
    •
    Contemporary French
    •
    4.6
    (3,041)
    West Hollywood
  5. A photo of La Boheme restaurant
    5

    La Boheme

    Price: Moderate
    •
    American
    •
    4.7
    (4,691)
    West Hollywood
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Award winning restaurants in Los Angeles

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Check out diners' favorite restaurants in Santa Monica

Updated on

Diners’ Choice Awards are based on where your fellow diners book, dine, and review. Only verified diners get to review restaurants on OpenTable, so our data doesn’t lie.

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SELINE
Diners’ top pick
•
Price: Very Expensive
•
Californian
•
4.9
(24)
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.
A photo of La Vecchia Cucina restaurant
La Vecchia Cucina
Price: Expensive
•
Italian
•
4.9
(2,107)
La Vecchia Cucina has been Santa Monica, California's finest neighborhood Italian restaurant since 1990, located by the blue Pacific on historic Main Street. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite, a full course dinner, an evening snack, or something in between, La Vecchia Cucina offers outstanding Italian cuisine, a great wine list, a luxurious selection of desserts, a full bar, great service and a relaxed atmosphere.
A photo of Back on the Beach restaurant
Back on the Beach
Price: Moderate
•
American
•
4.9
(187)
Back on the Beach Café is situated along a wide, sandy white beach that offers jaw-dropping views of the ocean waves, the pier, the mountain range and of course, Catalina Island. There is both indoor and outdoor seating which allows you to enjoy the sea-salt air and sandy toes while you dine.
The café takes reservations for 2-12 guest. Reservations are available one month in advance. To accommodate our reservations in a timely and orderly manner, the café has carefully designed time frames in which to dine. The café designates 25% of the restaurant for reservations, 75% is available for walkup service.
For reservations of 12 or more guest, please contact the restaurant directly. We don't take multiple group reservations. Please note that large group reservations requires a customizable menu. We only seat complete parties.
In consideration of all guest, we kindly remind you that tables are reserved for 1.5 hours.
We take a maximum of two credit cards payment per table.
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Melisse
Top-rated food
•
Price: Very Expensive
•
Californian
•
4.9
(2,007)
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.
A photo of Tar & Roses restaurant
Tar & Roses
Price: Expensive
•
American
•
4.8
(4,251)
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 Vito Restaurant restaurant
Vito Restaurant
Price: Expensive
•
Italian
•
4.9
(1,611)
Vito Restaurant is celebrating over 44 years of delighting its customers with the best in fine Italian cuisine. As a family-owned-and-operated restaurant located in Santa Monica, California we are dedicated to providing exquisite food and impeccable service to create the perfect dining experience. Step through the front doors and begin your journey to the heart of Italy.
Ernesto has been our Chef for over 32 years. He continues to Wow us and our guests as he cooks every meal with love and unmatched flavor. Our signature dish, Spaghetti Della Casa, is a guest favorite and often called the best pasta dish you've ever tasted.
Vito is proud to offer customers an outdoor dining experience. Santa Monica is one of the most beautiful Cities in the Nation and our weather is usually fantastic. If it's a little cool, we have heaters to keep you comfortable. Come experience it for yourself, nightly starting at 4:30pm.
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Fia Steak
Top-rated hospitality
•
Price: Very Expensive
•
Steakhouse
•
4.7
(371)
Fia Steak is a love letter to the classic steak house, and new sister restaurant to Fia. The intimate 48-seat restaurant offers three distinct experiences with the energetic Grill, elegant Dining Room & intimate outdoor Patio. The heart of the restaurant is the Grill, where guests can catch the theatrics of live cooking on a wood-burning fire. Chef offers a menu of steakhouse classics, featuring the finest cuts of U.S. beef, as well as handmade pastas & fresh fish from across the globe; Japanese A5 Wagyu & USA Prime beef, "Bubbles & Bumps", featuring great champagnes, paired with "bumps" of the finest caviar, to make every night a celebration. Expect tableside Steak carving of our large format steaks, which complement the stellar service provided by the all-star hospitality team.
A photo of Shirube restaurant
Shirube
Price: Expensive
•
Japanese
•
4.8
(163)
The first ever Shirube was established in Tokyo, in 1968, by Takashi Uno, who quickly earned the nickname 'God Father of Izakaya'. Since then, it has become a business passed down from father to sons, who have grown Shirube to 12 locations all over Japan. Kodai and Yudai Uno have brought Shirube to Santa Monica, for its first ever U.S location. We are a traditional, Japanese Izakaya centered around quality food and amazing customer service. Our signature dishes of Sashimi Mori, Aburi Shime Saba, Corn Ribs, and Mentaiko Udon, are rapidly winning the hearts of all who give them a try. Our ever growing cocktail menu, has a blend of sake and shochu based beverages to delight the senses and offer a unique and memorable take on your favorite drinks. The interior is moody and carefully cultivated to give a cozy, intimate feeling to our diners.
A photo of BOA Steakhouse - Santa Monica restaurant
BOA Steakhouse - Santa Monica
Price: Moderate
•
Steakhouse
•
4.8
(2,315)
Simply put, BOA is unlike any other steakhouse. We reinvented the traditional American steakhouse to fashion a distinctly unique dining experience. That experience is bold, modern and innovative. From the seductively stylish interior to the dry-aged prime steaks, BOA’s vibrant ambiance is as alluring as the cuisine itself.
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Pacific Catch- Santa Monica
Great vibe
•
Price: Moderate
•
Seafood
•
4.7
(26)
Pacific Catch is a seafood restaurant that offers a variety of fresh, sustainable seafood dishes with Pacific flavors. The restaurant has a modern, casual atmosphere and is located in Santa Monica, California. The menu features a variety of dishes, including ceviche, poke, sushi, tacos, burgers, bowls, and Fresh Catch plates. The beverage program includes tiki cocktails and a variety of non-alcoholic drinks. The restaurant also has a full cocktail bar, dining room, and extensive sunny patio. The airy, beachy interior offers a mix of intimate booths and group-friendly tables for any occasion. Pacific Catch is committed to serving the most sustainable fish available and being a positive force in the communities it serves.
A photo of Calabra at Santa Monica Proper restaurant
Calabra at Santa Monica Proper
Price: Expensive
•
Mediterranean
•
4.8
(1,588)
Calabra at Santa Monica Proper Hotel (One MICHELIN Key 2024) is located on the hotel's rooftop. The elevated garden terrace provides an inspiring atmosphere, with the ocean as a backdrop. Whether from the pool sundeck or circular bar, the views are best enjoyed with dinner, boutique wines, seasonal cocktails, and small-batch spirits. Serving Mediterranean & Californian cuisine with a view.
Seating arrangements for all reservations at Calabra may include outdoor dining, bar area, as well as our indoor/ outdoor covered lounge space. Be sure to dress warmly.
**Dinner reservations are for dining only. Drinks will be accommodated upon first come first serve at the bar area. Private Couch Alcoves are available with a rental and minimum spend**
A photo of Via Veneto restaurant
Via Veneto
Price: Very Expensive
•
Italian
•
4.7
(1,082)
An authentic, Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of Santa Monica, VIA VENETO fuses organic, locally grown & sourced ingredients with the delicious, traditional flavors of Italy.
Upper West
Great budget-friendly spot
•
Price: Moderate
•
American
•
4.9
(2,689)
**Contact us today to schedule your next event! We can accommodate parties of 10 to 150 guests**
Upper West's ever-changing menu draws inspiration from around the world while maintaining eclectic flavors unique to them. The bar offers Happy Hour Wednesday-Sunday from 4:30-7:00pm serving refreshing craft cocktails, handcrafted beer. The dinner menu is always evolving and includes ingredients sourced locally from the Santa Monica Farmers Market as well as local farmers such as Weiser Farms and Niman Ranch. Upper West is the perfect place to book large events for 20 or more guests and is an excellent private party venue for hosting corporate events, birthdays, anniversaries, holiday festivities, rehearsal dinners, and more.
A photo of The Courtyard Kitchen restaurant
The Courtyard Kitchen
Price: Moderate
•
Contemporary American
•
4.7
(127)
The Courtyard Kitchen is located in a historic landmark building on Montana Ave, Santa Monica. We are a full service bar and restaurant with 4 different dining spaces ranging from old world charm to contemporary upscale dining. We pride ourselves in our Neapolitan style pizza, vacation inspired Mediterranean cuisine and favourite American Brunch classics.
A photo of Socalo restaurant
Socalo
Price: Moderate
•
Mexican
•
4.7
(868)
SOCALO is a beachy, California canteen and Mexican pub from award-winning chef/owners Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken. Located within the Gateway Hotel, SOCALO offers seasonal and organic SoCal Mexican fare with cocktails, Mexican wines and craft beers.
SOCALO has been named Eater's Superb Santa Monica Restaurants and Hottest Happy Hours, LA Times' 101 Best Restaurants, Best Tacos and Best Mexican Restaurants in LA by Time Out and Thrillist.
Open for indoor and outdoor dining, and counter service dining prior to 4pm (no reservations necessary nor taken). Takeout and delivery with plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available.
For groups of 7 or more, please call 310.451.1655 to discuss accommodations, or visit socalo.com. We offer semi-private spaces, private banquet rooms, long communal tables, and two spacious outdoor patios.
Mary Sue & Susan are the founders of Mundo Hospitality Group, including Border Grill, Pacha Mamas, BBQ Mexicana, SOCALO & Alice B.

See what locals rave about in Santa Monica

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • JayVIP
    Los Angeles •32 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Another stellar night out in Santa Monica. Some of the best cooked swordfish anyone can ask for, with a delightful side of incredible service as well. One of our favorite restaurants in all of SoCal. Amazing staff.
    More info
    Water Grill - Santa MonicaPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Santa Monica
    •
    4.6
  • LionelVIP
    Greater Boston •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Loved the food, especially their specialty fish dish. Never had any fish prepared that way before and extremely delicious.
    More info
    Tar & RosesPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Monica
    •
    4.8
  • virginia
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 4, 2025
    This place is very nice. I loved the atmosphere and the view of Santa Monica Pier. I taken my wife for her birthday she really enjoyed it and love her food. My cousin and our friend as well enjoyed the food. I would go back and bring more friends and Family. Our Server was amazing and very helpful as well. We'll be back. 
    More info
    Meat On OceanPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Santa Monica
    •
    4.7
  • Mark
    Greater Boston •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 3, 2025
    We loved North Italia. The food was great, very tasty and just the right amount on the plate. Our waiter Eddie was really cool. Very good at his job. Loved the ambience as well. Didn't feel cramped and crowded. Love the high ceilings and the architecture of the room
    More info
    North Italia - Santa MonicaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Santa Monica
    •
    4.3
  • Iris
    Los Angeles •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 25, 2024
    We were there around 3 pm on Christmas day and the young lady at the front desk was warm, welcoming, and efficient. After checking in early, we only waited a short time for our table. Our server was Joseph and he was also very welcoming and efficient. He made us feel like our business was valuable. He asked numerous times if we needed anything and was prompt to bring whatever was requested. Our chef was Nmemon (spelling??) and he did an excellent job in preparing our food. We come to Benihana's frequently and will continue to do so with employees like Joseph and the front desk hostess. Thanks for an outstanding Christmas dinner.
    More info
    Benihana - Santa Monica, CAPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Santa Monica
    •
    3.9

Trending dishes in Santa Monica

Explore dishes that diners are raving about
Shellfish Pot
Shellfish Pot
Tar & Roses
•
4.8
Steak-Frites
Steak-Frites
Massilia
•
4.7
Ora King Salmon
Ora King Salmon
The Penthouse Restaurant
•
4.7
Onion Soup
Onion Soup
Loulou Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge
•
4.5
CALABRA BURGER
CALABRA BURGER
Calabra at Santa Monica Proper
•
4.8
Pork Tenderloin
Pork Tenderloin
Upper West
•
4.9

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Get inspired by our collections of the top restaurants in Santa Monica

Discover Santa Monica

It is hard to pass up a stroll at any time of the day or night in Santa Monica, California. With the beautiful view of the ocean and the range of dining options to choose from, you're sure to have an unforgettable day. Third Street Promenade is a top choice for visitors. Those who wander through Santa Monica regularly will know that one of the most common cuisine options is Mexican. However, the neighborhood is also home to comfort food and Asian restaurants, and it does not stop there. From bar food to vegan-friendly, Santa Monica has it all and will keep you coming back for more. The one thing you might regret after eating in Santa Monica? Not saving your leftovers.

Frequently asked questions

Healthy restaurants located in Santa Monica include Lunetta, Pacific Catch- Santa Monica and Water Grill - Santa Monica

Restaurants with gluten-free options in Santa Monica are True Food Kitchen - Santa Monica, Élephante Santa Monica and Water Grill - Santa Monica

Bottomless brunch in Santa Monica is available at Élephante Santa Monica, Lunetta and The Penthouse Restaurant

The most romantic restaurant in Santa Monica is The Penthouse Restaurant

Restaurants in Santa Monica with a great view include Élephante Santa Monica, The Penthouse Restaurant and Water Grill - Santa Monica

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