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Best Restaurants in Santa Monica, California
15
items After living in Santa Monica, California for over 5 years, these are my favorite restaurants that I'd return to over and over again.
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Elephante is definitely a place to see and be seen in Santa Monica, but it also has amazing food and cocktails. Don't leave here without trying the whipped eggplant dip.
Élephante
The only 2-star Michelin rated restaurant in Santa Monica, this hidden fine dining restaurant is limited to minimal seats at a time and serves a $400 tasting menu that's worth every penny.
Mélisse Restaurant
This contemporary French eatery from Chef Dave Beran is a classic for date nights in Santa Monica and operates on a tasting menu featuring items like scallop mousse quenelles, duck egg custard and hanger steak au poivre.
Pasjoli
There's a reason why the queue here is usually out the door. With counter seating only, it's worth the wait for Kazu Nori's melt-in-your-mouth hand rolls.
KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar
This hidden treasure in Santa Monica feels like transporting straight to Tuscany. Located in the trendy Montana Avenue neighborhood, the authentic Italian restaurant and coffee shop has a dreamy back patio that's perfect for a Tuscan focaccia sandwic...
Sogno Toscano Cafe´& Wine Bar
A must-visit for seafood lovers, Crudo e Nudo is a pandemic pop-up that was so successful it now has a permanent location on busy Main Street.
Crudo e Nudo
Wood fired pizzas and their iconic garlic knots are the go-to orders at this staple Santa Monica Italian spot.
Milo & Olive
The ultimate date spot in Santa Monica with top-notch ambiance and dishes like handmade pastas and creative veggie dishes.
Fia Restaurant
For the ultimate omakase experience, head straight to Shunji which is the only Michelin recognized Japanese restaurant in Santa Monica.
Shunji Japanese Cuisine
This new bagel spot is getting tons of attention for their New York-style sourdough bagels.
Layla Bagels
Come here for a lively weekend brunch with great coffee and healthy California classics.
Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe
A local favorite for hearty deli sandwiches, Bay Cities is the perfect to-go food to grab for a day at the beach.
Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery
My go-to for years for mouth watering and affordable sushi served in a set menu style. Go for the Trust Me Nozawa if you're feeling extra hungry!
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa
This tiny hole in the wall Vietnamese joint is one of my favorite new additions to the Montana Ave neighborhood. The flavors here are amazing.
Bun & Mi
Come here for super fresh sourdough bread, pastries and coffees served in a unique setting that was once a funeral home!
Tartine Bakery