Location: Santa Monica
Top Restaurants in Santa Monica
Top 10 restaurants in Santa Monica, United States
The beaches of Santa Monica attract all sorts of visitors-- don't be surprised to see families playing on the sand next to a boot-camp fitness class with a barking instructor. Visit the Santa Monica Pier, a haven of shops, restaurants, and carnival attractions (including a Ferris wheel) atop a wooden wharf. By night, the Third Street Promenade is the place to be, bustling with activity from moviegoers, party animals, and talented street performers.
Things to do in Santa Monica
1. Amelia's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By Nancy B
Amelia's was a great way to start our day every day. Great coffee, home made baked goods and a very friendly and helpful family team left us wanting more. They were very friendly and curious as to how our previous day had gone and offered suggestions about upcoming events. A true Santa Monica experience!
2. Forma
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By Gail C - Reston
All my family likes Italian and I am lukewarm about it. However, I adore this restaurant because of it's outstanding food. Just fabulous. Everything was ever so tasty. A friend took me here for lunch and we did a bunch of small plates. Thought it all great except for the octopus, which was fine but nothing special. Everything else was fabulous!!! I liked it so much I talked my grown kids in to coming back. I adored the bruschetta, they call it bruschella, loved the Citrus Avocado Salad and the burnt spaghetti. My lunch friend raved about the burnt spaghetti but my son's wife at dinner thought it ok but not as thrilled. I could have that brushcella every time I go. Place is nice. Tables are close together and you definitely have to make a reservation for most nights. They also put the pasta's in carved out hollowed cheese that gives it more flavor. Not cheap but worth every penny. I had a wonderful dessert with Honey Yogurt that was delicous as well. Can not wait to go back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Service was so so, but forgivable with food that tastes like that!!
3. True Food Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By VacaAllie - Cranbury, New Jersey
We had a great brunch here. The food is fresh and delicious. There is inside and outside seating. Staff is knowledgeable, friendly and efficient. My big problem was what to order as everything on the menu looked delicious and was indeed. The kitchen is open but even better the prep kitchen is also. If you are interested in how things work (as I am) it is fascinating. Watching how someone peels all those avocados, chops all those onions, carrots etc was an ah ha moment. Thanks for a great meal. I would return
4. Tar and Roses
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 526 reviews
Centered around a wood burning oven, Tar & Roses serves up farmers market dishes with global influences.
Reviewed By Lilibie - Corvallis, Oregon
My partner and I were politely fighting over pieces! The restaurant has an excellent wine and beer selection. No liquor. We had one bar plate, two small plates, and an entrée. The balsalmic glazed ribs, yellowfin crudo, honey lavender cauliflower, and venison with brussels and sweet potatoes.
By the end, we wanted more. Not that we weren't full, but those flavors were amazing.
I am dairy-free, and I was able to enjoy 95% of the meal (couldn't eat the sweet potatoes). No substitutes were offered. I went for it anyway!
5. Tender Greens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 311 reviews
Opened Sept 2011
Reviewed By RMJ11 - Rottach-Egern, Germany
A boutique chain of locally sourced fresher ingredients with emphasis on Whole and minimum of processed Fresh salads, soups, entrees with multiple sides. Order adult beverages elsewhere In SoCal you can eat well, healthy and yummy through Tender Greens.
6. SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 406 reviews
High end sushi. Has 4 locations.
Reviewed By CrystalAnn56 - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
This was my third visit to a Sugarfish. This place has ruined me forever on sushi- living in a landlocked state (Oklahoma) is so difficult! Anyway, I liked the aesthetic of this location better than Beverly Hills and Marina del Rey; however maybe that had something to do with seeing and joking around with Aaron Paul (from Breaking Bad) in the waiting area here. As for the melt-in-your-mouth sushi, it didn’t disappoint. I got the Trust Me at lunch. I had been talking this place up to my friends and was worried I had oversold it, but they assured me I had not. I can’t wait to come back again; Sugarfish has the best sushi in the US in my opinion.
7. Fritto Misto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 501 reviews
Reviewed By GoneAgain02 - Des Moines Iowa
This is a restaurant that maintains consistent very flavor-fill offerings. It is usually crowded in the evening, and you may have to wait outside, but it is more than worth it. They have nice wine offerings, and the pasta dishes are delicious. Ask about the specials, too.
8. Hillstone Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 671 reviews
Reviewed By Jim T
This restaurant does a great job taking American food and making it taste European. As in it has a lot of flavor. The service is very consistent and excellent. What else can I say.
9. La Vecchia Cucina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 394 reviews
Reviewed By IntotheWideBlue - Dallas, Texas
We love this restaurant and have never had a bad meal here. We also love that their prices are reasonable. The seafood puttanesca is out of this world and GLUTEN FREE!!! I tell everyone about this place.
10. FIG
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 404 reviews
A Mediterranean inspired bistro named after Santa Monica's famous landmark, the 137 year-old Moreton Bay Fig tree, placing strong emphasis on sustainability and indigenous ingredients. FIG features a frequently changing seasonal menu, Cheese and Charcuterie Bar, approachable wines by the glass, and a signature cocktail program.
Reviewed By Welcomethesun - Montreal, Canada
If you are looking to enjoy great food in a relax setting, the Fig restaurant is the place. Located in the Fairmont Miramar Hotel, the Fig offers nice bistro dishes. Try the foie gras! Nice to know,
the "Fig at Five" (50% off most menu items between 5PM and 6PM).
