Santa Monica’s best restaurants

While there has been a restaurant renaissance taking over the Santa Monica dining scene of late, it would be a culinary crime to not mention the leafy patio scene at Michael's. Michael McCarty is considered ‘the Godfather of California cuisine’ and has discovered many talented chefs during the restaurant’s 40-year life span – from Nancy Silverton to Jonathan Waxman. 

In the same vein, two-Michelin-starred Citrin and Melisse by chef Josiah Citrin is still a top old-guard spot that is going strong 25 years later, Wolfgang Puck is still serving up his Peking duck at Chinois on Main since 1983, and The Lobster celebrated 25 years (with Govin Armstong at the helm since 2017), elevating this seafood-centric experience. 

But recently, many new restaurant imports have opened in Santa Monica by the sea, mostly from San Francisco. And spoiler alert: expect to eat a lot of innovative seafood dishes on your next visit to the West Coast. So, here are our seven favourite restaurants in the Californian city right now. 

Capo 

A longstanding, destination-worthy dining outing, cosy Capo feels like a home in Tuscany – but with art from Picasso to Hockney. Hopefully, they have the lobster risotto special, but if not, order the signature house gnocchi with sugo di pomodoro sauce for something rich and satisfying. Once you savour the prime filet steak from Creekstone Farm or the Flannery New York cut next to the crackling embers from the kitchen fireplace, you’ll be back for every date night and special occasion moving forward. This is also a great place to flex your wine knowledge with the 2,500-bottle list. 

San Vicente Santa Monica 

Big news for Westside dwellers: San Vicente Santa Monica is now thriving on Ocean Ave. The 40-million-dollar venture has taken up residency on the top floors of the Water Grill building with an indoor restaurant and bar, lounge, and screening room. But the rooftop patio with an alfresco bar will be the place to be this spring and summer. Expect a similar menu to the sister property in West Hollywood – from sushi and lobster rolls to fried chicken sandwiches and caviar with potato chips. Now, you just need to become a member. 

MUSE

Chef-owner Fardad Khayami is reimagining traditional French cuisine at this tiny jewel box spot tucked away on Channel Road. The hidden-art-gallery-in-Paris vibe was designed by Marc Ange Design Studio, with works from Catalan-Spanish painter Joan Miro amid the romantic nooks and sculptural lighting fixtures. If you crave more intimacy, book the private dining room and order food porn, like veal bonbons, lobster pomme souffle topped with caviar, and whole branzino in beurre blanc and tarragon pistou. End with the Au Soleil cocktail (vodka, saffron, and clarified apricot) and the house vanilla St Honoré, which is fittingly indulgent. 

Orla

The latest concept from award-winning chef Michale Mina can be found at the glamorous Regent Santa Monica Beach hotel. Orla is an elevation of the food the Egyptian-born chef grew up eating and is heavily influenced by Greek-Mediterranean fare. The nautical interiors were inspired by a voyage on the Aegean Sea and the captivating view from the open-air patio might distract you from the handmade Pompeii mosaic. This is the perfect place for a group of people who want to share the generous kebab platter, plus a round or two of gin cocktails from the tableside cart. 

Fitoor Santa Monica 

While upscale Indian food on the westside might have been scarce before, Fitoor has changed the game with the first Southern California concept by AVB Hospitality. The opulent dining room with walnut woods, emerald hues, and mirrored tiles holds a large bar and two main rooms. No matter when you dine, the Indian fusion and flavours are on another level. Expect live-fire cooking and cocktails based on natural elements such as the earthy B. Rabbit concocted of tomato rasam, honey, vodka, and curry leaf garnish. The chicken tikka jalapeno-infused cream cheese pizza defies typical flavour profiles. 

SELINE 

Award-winning Chef Dave Beran is once again focused on fine dining with Seline. Set off Main Street, its front garden entrance is used to grow herbs and veggies, leading to a kitchen that flows seamlessly into the 38-seat space. The main room is dotted with bold paintings by David Choe, roses by Arielle Pytka, and de Gournay wallpaper. Custom, museum-worthy plateware is matched with the 15–18 courses that blend unexpected flavours, like “the less obvious parts of the squab” with liver and bitter chocolate, skin and hazelnut, and heart and strawberry. 

Marelle

Santa Monica native and celebrated chef Raphael Lunetta’s (Lunetta All Day) latest restaurant inside the Sandbourne hotel translates to “star of the sea”. So, go with that thread and order Hamachi crudo in jalapeño kefir lime ponzu or California sea bass grilled in banana leaves. Designed by acclaimed local architect Gulla Jónsdóttir, the airy eatery with a view of the pool holds sculptures separating the main dining room from a private table experience and white ceramic pendant lamps handmade in Oaxaca, Mexico. And, not many eateries use hyper-local elements like honey from the onsite beehive.