- HOME
- PLACES
- Santa Monica
- Best Restaurants in Santa Monica
Best Restaurants in
Santa Monica
Pacific Coast Highway Travel picks ten of the best restaurants in Santa Monica, including Californian, Asian, vegetarian, Italian, and seafood choices.
Choosing the best restaurants in Santa Monica isn’t easy as there are plenty to pick from, and it also depends on your budget and your mood. Do you want seafood, Italian, vegetarian, or do you want to eat on Santa Monica Pier? In our view, that’s the best location in town. But whichever you want, our list has got you covered.
Best Restaurants in Santa Monica
Rustic Canyon
This cozy and inviting restaurant features a seasonal menu focusing on locally-sourced, sustainable ingredients. The decor is warm and rustic, with exposed brick walls and wood accents. Must-try dishes include the Beet Salad with avocado and pistachio, and the Grilled Pork Chop with polenta and roasted vegetables.
Cuisine: Californian
Address: 1119 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: (310) 393-7050
Website: rusticcanyonrestaurant.com
Cassia
Cassia offers a vibrant, lively atmosphere with an open kitchen and industrial-chic decor. The menu combines Southeast Asian flavors with French techniques, resulting in unique, flavorful dishes. Signature items include the Vietnamese Pot Au Feu, Charcuterie Fried Rice, and Spicy Coconut Seafood Stew.
Cuisine: Southeast Asian/French
Address: 1314 7th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: (310) 393-6699
Website: cassiala.com
The Lobster
Located on the Santa Monica Pier, The Lobster offers stunning ocean views and a classic seafood dining experience. The decor is elegant yet casual, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a large outdoor patio. Must-try dishes include the Lobster Roll, Oysters on the Half Shell, and Grilled Whole Branzino.
Cuisine: Seafood
Address: 1602 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: (310) 458-9294
Website: thelobster.com
Forma Restaurant and Cheese Bar
Forma offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with rustic Italian decor and an extensive cheese selection. The menu features handmade pasta dishes and traditional Italian favorites. Signature dishes include the Chitarra Cacio e Pepe, prepared tableside in a wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano, and the Raviolo Al' Uovo with ricotta and egg yolk.
Cuisine: Italian
Address: 1610 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403
Phone: (424) 231-2868
Website: formasantamonica.com
Elephante
This rooftop restaurant offers stunning views of the Santa Monica coastline and a chic, coastal-inspired decor. The menu features Italian dishes with a California twist, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Must-try items include the Wood-Fired Pizza, Grilled Branzino, and Burrata with grilled peaches and prosciutto.
Cuisine: Italian, Coastal
Address: 1332 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: (424) 320-2384
Website: elephantela.com
Chez Jay
This classic, old-school seafood restaurant has been a Santa Monica staple since 1959. The decor is vintage and nautical-themed, with cozy booths and a lively bar area. Signature dishes include the Clams Casino, Lobster Thermidor, and Sautéed Sand Dabs.
Cuisine: Seafood
Address: 1657 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: (310) 395-1741
Website: chezjays.com
The Hive Superfood Eats & Organic Café
This trendy, all-vegetarian restaurant offers a fresh, innovative menu in a bright, modern space. The decor features colorful accents, plants, and a buzzing, energetic atmosphere. Must-try dishes include the Avocado Toast with watermelon radish and sprouts, Cauliflower Wings with buffalo sauce, and the Impossible Burger.
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Address: 606 Broadway #100, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: (310) 899-6030
Website: thehivesm.com
Chinois on Main
Chinois offers a fusion of Chinese and French cuisines in a sleek, modern setting. The decor features bold colors, contemporary art, and an open kitchen. Signature dishes include the Shanghai Lobster with curry sauce, Szechuan Beef, and the Curried Oysters with cucumber sauce.
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Address: 2709 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Phone: (310) 392-9025
Website: wolfgangpuck.com/dining/chinois-santa-monica
Mélisse
This upscale French restaurant has two Michelin stars and offers a refined, elegant dining experience with impeccable service and attention to detail. The decor is sophisticated and understated, with crisp white tablecloths and soft lighting. The menu features classic French dishes with a modern twist, such as the Dover Sole with lemon caper butter, Foie Gras Terrine, and Beef Tenderloin Rossini.
Cuisine: French, Californian
Address: 1104 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: (310) 395-0881
Website: citrinandmelisse.com
Water Grill
Santa Monica's Water Grill offers a classic and elegant ambience with a nautical twist. Think warm woods, iron finishes, and subtle nods to the ocean throughout the dining area. The menu is a seafood lover's dream, featuring fresh catches that change daily. Imagine succulent Chilean sea bass, perfectly cooked Maine lobster, or decadent crab cakes alongside a raw bar selection boasting plump oysters and shellfish.
Cuisine: Seafood
Address: 1500 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Phone: (310) 452-2555
Website: watergrill.com/sm
Check out this Fodor's guide to Los Angeles, which also covers Santa Monica, Malibu, and Disneyland
Other Santa Monica Pages
The Miramar Santa Monica Restaurant
The Miramar Santa Monica's restaurant, FIG, had a rave review from the Los Angeles Times for its romantic dining and tasty food.
Santa Monica Luxury Hotels
There are many Santa Monica luxury hotels and while Le Meridien Delfina is not right by the beach it has a great bar, pool, restaurant.
Pictures of Santa Monica
Pictures of Santa Monica from Pacific Coast Highway Travel to help anyone thinking of staying in Santa Monica on their PCH drive.
Viceroy Santa Monica
The Viceroy Santa Monica hotel is one of Los Angeles' best, a favorite of celebrities like Dustin Hoffman, Sting, Demi Moore, and Leonardo DiCaprio,
Best Hotels in Santa Monica with Spas
The best hotels in Santa Monica combine spa luxury with easy access to the beach, among them Shutters on the Beach, Fairmont Miramar, Casa del Mar and Merigot
Hotel Shangri-La
The Hotel Shangri-La in Santa Monica overlooks the Pacific Coast Highway and Santa Monica Beach and is a short walk from Santa Monica Pier.
Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica in California is famous for its pier, and beaches, and is one of the best west coast vacation spots, with hotels, restaurants, surfing, museums.
Events in Santa Monica: Glow
Of all the events in Santa Monica, Glow must be the most amazing, an all-night celebration of art and culture and one of the USA's largest public art events.
Best Things to Do in Santa Monica
Pacific Coast Highway Travel picks the best things to do in Santa Monica including visiting the pier, the beach, parks, museums, mountains, and shopping.
Recent Articles
-
10 Most Scenic Road Trips to Take in the US
Oct 12, 24 04:08 AM
Whether you’re looking to take a leisurely drive down the coast or embark on an epic cross-country journey, there are plenty of scenic routes to choose from in the United States. To help you plan your… -
Popular stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway closing nightly due to storm damage
Oct 04, 24 03:51 AM
section of the Pacific Coast Highway in Ventura County is closing nightly for the indefinite future because of road erosion worsened by the recent winter storms. -
Unassuming northern California town surprisingly ranked as the No.1 place in America for food and wine
Sep 11, 24 03:58 AM
A tiny northern California town has been named the best small town in America for foodies and wine lovers. The quiet idyll of Elk, which is located three hours drive north up the coast from San Franci…
FTC Disclosure: If you make a purchase via a link on this site, we may receive a small commission on the transaction - at no added cost to you. Thank you!
LATEST BOOKS
Take a look at our latest books: 101 Best Things to Do on the Pacific Coast Highway and 101 Budget Hotels along the Pacific Coast Highway. Click on the covers to learn more.
LATEST NEWS
Recent Articles
-
10 Most Scenic Road Trips to Take in the US
Oct 12, 24 04:08 AM
Whether you’re looking to take a leisurely drive down the coast or embark on an epic cross-country journey, there are plenty of scenic routes to choose from in the United States. To help you plan your… -
Popular stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway closing nightly due to storm damage
Oct 04, 24 03:51 AM
section of the Pacific Coast Highway in Ventura County is closing nightly for the indefinite future because of road erosion worsened by the recent winter storms. -
Unassuming northern California town surprisingly ranked as the No.1 place in America for food and wine
Sep 11, 24 03:58 AM
A tiny northern California town has been named the best small town in America for foodies and wine lovers. The quiet idyll of Elk, which is located three hours drive north up the coast from San Franci…
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, but at no cost to you.
Buy an inexpensive journal to record your own Pacific Coast Highway adventure!
If you're planning a PCH road trip, take a look at our guide to hotels along the way:
FOLLOW OUR PCH VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE
The Best PCH Guide
We've read lots of guides to the Pacific Coast, and easily the best one is the Moon Handbook. You can read our review here, or buy it through the Amazon link below.
No words or images to be used without prior permission.
We do not sell personal information: see our Privacy Policy.
California Consumer Privacy Act - CCPA: Sale Of Personal Information
Pacific Coast Highway Travel does not sell any information it gathers for any reason. It has not collected or sold any personal information in the last twelve months or ever in the past.
This website was built using Site Build It!
