Guidebook for Santa Monica
Food Scene
Creative mix of northern & southern Italian cuisine. It’s upscale even though it’s located next to a dry cleaners! True and authentic Italian food.
13 locals recommend
Locanda Portofino
1110 Montana AveCreative mix of northern & southern Italian cuisine. It’s upscale even though it’s located next to a dry cleaners! True and authentic Italian food.
American-Italian in a causal setting. More American than Italian, but they offer fresh meals and are reasonably priced. Get the garlic knot bread (unless you’re on a date).
130 locals recommend
Milo & Olive
2723 Wilshire BlvdAmerican-Italian in a causal setting. More American than Italian, but they offer fresh meals and are reasonably priced. Get the garlic knot bread (unless you’re on a date).
Solid tapas offered along Main Street. Some of the best Spanish cuisine from a chef that has put his own twist on classics.
37 locals recommend
Manchego
2518 Main StSolid tapas offered along Main Street. Some of the best Spanish cuisine from a chef that has put his own twist on classics.
Dimly lit restaurant with some of the best Mexican in Santa Monica. My favorites are the Savanitas plate, carnitas and chile relleno.
35 locals recommend
Lares
2909 Pico BlvdDimly lit restaurant with some of the best Mexican in Santa Monica. My favorites are the Savanitas plate, carnitas and chile relleno.
Solid Mexican fare at a more than reasonable price. Taco Tuesday is great.
28 locals recommend
Gilbert's El Indio Restaurant
2526 Pico BlvdSolid Mexican fare at a more than reasonable price. Taco Tuesday is great.
Located along Ocean Avenue with a great view, you can enjoy oysters and other seafood options. The bread is also amazing!
104 locals recommend
Water Grill
544 S Grand AveLocated along Ocean Avenue with a great view, you can enjoy oysters and other seafood options. The bread is also amazing!
Trust Me, you won’t be disappointed. Their sushi is butter in your mouth. Unless you go early, plan to wait.
115 locals recommend
SUGARFISH
1345 2nd StTrust Me, you won’t be disappointed. Their sushi is butter in your mouth. Unless you go early, plan to wait.
Formerly known as Houston’s. I know it’s a chain, but the food and atmosphere are great. Get the ribs or even the burger. It’s a great option that’s located in the heart of downtown Santa Monica.
50 locals recommend
Hillstone
202 Wilshire BlvdFormerly known as Houston’s. I know it’s a chain, but the food and atmosphere are great. Get the ribs or even the burger. It’s a great option that’s located in the heart of downtown Santa Monica.
On Main street. Get a flight of beer and some pub grub. Bar hop to other spots on Main.
48 locals recommend
Ashland Hill
2807 Main StOn Main street. Get a flight of beer and some pub grub. Bar hop to other spots on Main.
Father's Office
1018 Montana AveUnique and tasty burgers, but no modifications.
Umami Burger Santa Monica
525 BroadwayGet the truffle fries with your burger!
Pono Burger
829 BroadwayCool setting. Get a beer with your burger.
Located in the Fairmont Hotel, FIG offers a great happy hour from 5-6pm daily. It's a happening scene, so you'll probably have to wait for a seat, but it's worth it.
37 locals recommend
FIG
101 Wilshire BlvdLocated in the Fairmont Hotel, FIG offers a great happy hour from 5-6pm daily. It's a happening scene, so you'll probably have to wait for a seat, but it's worth it.
Drinks & Nightlife
Trendy spot located at the Fairmont Hotel. Pretty unique spot where you’ll find people in suits, board shorts, bikinis, jeans…it’s quite the scene.
525 locals recommend
The Bungalow
101 Wilshire BlvdTrendy spot located at the Fairmont Hotel. Pretty unique spot where you’ll find people in suits, board shorts, bikinis, jeans…it’s quite the scene.
The Misfit Restaurant + Bar
225 Santa Monica BlvdGood cocktails in downtown SM.
Sightseeing
The iconic pier. Make it part of your day sightseeing day in downtown SM.
2744 locals recommend
Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica PierThe iconic pier. Make it part of your day sightseeing day in downtown SM.
Outdoor shopping and dining. Great atmosphere and vibes. Walk around and enjoy it all. The south end has a three story mall with additional food and shopping options.
1595 locals recommend
Apple Third Street Promenade
1415 3rd Street PromenadeOutdoor shopping and dining. Great atmosphere and vibes. Walk around and enjoy it all. The south end has a three story mall with additional food and shopping options.