Best Californian Restaurants in Santa Monica
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- SSeanDallas - Fort Worth •4 reviews5.0Dined 3 days agoWe loved the food and the wine. The whole fried snapper is perfect for a celebration, dramatic and delicious, and all of the other dishes we tried were also excellent- the charred salad, the oxtail dumplings, the crab cake, and the wood fired squash. The Cabernet Sauvignon by the glass was also excellent. I highly recommend the entire experience.More infoTar & Roses$$$$• American• Santa Monica•4.8
- CCarlosLos Angeles •1 review5.0Dined on 26 Sept 2026This was our first rooftop dining experience - it was fantastic. My wife and I were celebrating our 15 year anniversary. The food, service, views and vibes were exceptional.More infoCalabra at Santa Monica Proper$$$$• Mediterranean• Santa Monica•4.6
- AandreaLos Angeles •8 reviews5.0Dined on 25 Sept 2026Our server was excellent. Friendly, helpful and attentive. The happy hour ROCKS!!! Great food and a awesome price.More infoLoulou Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge$$$$• French• Santa Monica•4.4
- BBrianSan Diego •6 reviews4.0Dined on 17 Sept 2026Nice place, most the food was great, and service was pretty good. The sides we got and the lobster rolls were fantastic. Unfortunately the Mahi tacos were rough, the chunks were overcooked and super dry, I honestly should have sent them back and got something different. The overall experience was a 4 out of 5. I would recommend it, it could have been a one-off overdone plate...but as good as the other food was, if I went back I'd probably try something different.More infoThe Surfing Fox$$$$• Californian• Santa Monica•4.3
- NNicolaGoldLos Angeles •58 reviews4.0Dined on 13 Sept 2026The music duo were really enjoyable. Food was great. Service was very friendly. I’m never normally excited about hotel restaurants but this was a really nice setting outside and the food and drinks were great.More infoShoreside$$$$• Seafood• Santa Monica•4.2
Discover best Californian restaurants in Santa Monica
Discover the vibrant Californian dining scene in Santa Monica, a culinary hotspot that showcases an array of restaurants offering a fusion of local and international flavors tailored to the Californian palate. Each venue in this coastal city brings its own unique twist to Californian cuisine, incorporating fresh, locally-sourced ingredients that reflect the region's rich agricultural bounty. From the laid-back, health-conscious offerings at Tiato Kitchen + Garden, which blends classic Vietnamese with Californian touches, to the sophisticated blend of Californian and Italian dishes at Fia, Santa Monica's restaurant scene is diverse and innovative. Santa Monica's dining establishments pride themselves on creating memorable experiences that go beyond just food. Many restaurants, such as Lunetta and 1212 Santa Monica, emphasize the importance of ambiance and service, ensuring a holistic dining experience that complements their mouth-watering dishes. The city's commitment to sustainability is also evident, with places like Papille Gustative championing a farm-to-table approach and zero-waste policies. Whether you’re in the mood for the Mediterranean-inspired dishes from Calabra, perched with stunning ocean views, or the unique Californian-Mexican fusion at Socalo, Santa Monica offers culinary adventures that cater to all tastes. This rich dining environment not only highlights the creativity and quality of Californian cuisine but also makes Santa Monica a must-visit destination for food lovers seeking variety and excellence in every meal.