From beachside dining rooms to neighborhood wine bars, Santa Monica's best spots have a laid-back confidence that matches the city itself. This is the shortlist for a night out worth the drive.
Santa Monica · 1 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
A breezy beachfront classic tucked right into Shutters where the Pacific surf practically licks your table. White linens meet ocean views and the seafood tastes like it was caught out front. Pricey, polished, and just c…
Santa Monica · 1657 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Classic beachside drinking hole where you can get a dangerously stiff drink and a buttered steak while admiring the nautical theme. There are peanut shells on the floor, the jukebox doesn’t play anything newer than musi…
Santa Monica · 1119 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
This place is local legend level: built on deep ties with the Saturday farmers market and turning that bounty into local‑produce dishes that taste like someone actually cares. The dining room—warm wood, soft lighting, a…
Santa Monica · 1332 2nd St Rooftop, Santa Monica, CA 90401
A sun-drenched rooftop hideout that feels like Capri by way of Instagram, Élephante is all terracotta tones, slatted wood, and sweeping ocean views. The crowd skews pretty and polished, sipping spritzes and scooping up …
Santa Monica · 2732 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
The kind of French bistro where you can either casually sip a glass of wine and pretend you understand Op Art or go full indulgence mode with beef tartare and scallop quenelles. Our move is a seat at the bar with an ice…
Santa Monica · 2723 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403
A Santa Monica staple where brunch turns into a whole production—lines out front, pastries disappearing fast, and every table fully committed to doing the most. Inside, it’s bright, busy, and just chaotic enough to feel…
Santa Monica · 2310 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
A Santa Monica beer bar that’s been flying the craft flag since before it was cool to argue about hops. It’s brick-walled, unpretentious, and stacked with taps that lean IPA-heavy without alienating the dark-beer loyali…
Santa Monica · 1432 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
A moody, red-lit time capsule that’s been slinging blues, burlesque, and late-night soul since 1931. Tucked beneath street level, Harvelle’s delivers dive-bar intimacy with serious music cred—think torch singers, funk b…