Redondo Beach
From restaurants near the Santa Monica Pier to rooftop lounges overlooking the ocean, the best restaurants in Santa Monica offer a mix of upscale dining and relaxed coastal cuisine in 2026. Santa Monica is a culinary paradise where sun, sand, and sensational flavors meet. Its prime coastal location offers an abundance of fresh, locally sourced seafood, from perfectly seared fish tacos to elegant oyster platters, often accompanied by sweeping ocean views. The city’s vibrant dining scene blends casual beachfront cafes with high-end, award-winning restaurants, creating a range of experiences that cater to every palate. Seasonal farmers’ markets, artisanal bakeries, and innovative chefs ensure that every meal highlights California’s rich bounty, while the iconic Santa Monica Pier and sandy shores provide a stunning backdrop, making dining here not just a meal, but a full sensory experience.
Tucked into an iconic 1920s address, Fia delivers a charming, garden‑like dining experience with its twinkling lights and sprawling outdoor patio that many locals call perfect for date night or special occasions, though the lively atmosphere can get a bit buzzy at peak times. The contemporary Italian‑inspired menu makes the most of fresh, locally sourced ingredients with creative touches — from spicy tuna on crispy arancini to porcini tortellini — and the service is consistently praised as warm and attentive. While value can feel a bit steep for some, most diners walk away impressed by both the food and the overall vibe, making Fia a memorable stop in Santa Monica’s vibrant restaurant scene.
Image Credit Frank Wonho Lee
Pasjoli, an elevated French bistro located in Santa Monica, is the brainchild of acclaimed chef Dave Beran. Beran's cooking style is reflected in Pasjoli's menu, which draws inspiration from traditional French cuisine while incorporating the fresh, local produce of Southern California. The restaurant's bistro fare is elevated with Beran's creative touches, resulting in a dining experience that thoughtfully blends homage to classic French cooking with modern innovations. Pasjoli was named one of GQ Magazine’s Best New Restaurants in America, one of Esquire Magazine’s Best New Restaurants as well as one of The Top 25 Restaurants in Los Angeles by The New York Times. The restaurant was also a James Beard Award Finalist in 2020 for Best New Restaurant.
Ivy at the Shore offers a quintessential Southern California dining experience with a lively, tropical‑infused atmosphere and stunning views of the Pacific from its breezy Ocean Avenue patio, making it a fun choice for brunch, sunset cocktails, or a leisurely dinner by the sea. The menu leans toward elevated American comfort classics like lobster ravioli, Ricky’s Fried Chicken, and house‑made desserts such as chocolate chip cookies and red velvet cake, with a full bar that includes crowd‑favorite cocktails. While many guests praise the vibrant décor, attentive staff, and prime people‑watching location, reviews are mixed on food consistency and value—some find portions and pricing justified by the setting, while others feel the culinary execution doesn’t always match the buzz.
Perched above Santa Monica with chic Mediterranean‑Italian flair and one of the Westside’s most sought‑after rooftop views, Elephante combines vibrant, shareable cuisine with buzzy sunset vibes that draw locals and visitors alike. Diners often praise its house‑made pastas (think vodka pasta and branzino), standout shareable starters like whipped eggplant, and creatively crafted cocktails, all best enjoyed around golden hour in the Sunset Room with ocean glimpses. The atmosphere leans lively and social — occasionally loud during peak dinner hours — and service swings from warm to inconsistent, but many guests find the experience worth it for the scene and scenery alone. Reservations are usually essential for prime sunset tables, and while prices are on the higher side for Santa Monica, the combination of food, ambiance, and coastal panorama make it a memorable choice for a special night out.
Citrin Restaurant in Santa Monica is widely regarded as a standout fine‑dining destination that blends Michelin‑level craftsmanship with a warm, contemporary California vibe. The restaurant, helmed by Chef Josiah Citrin and acknowledged with a Michelin star, offers an elegant yet approachable experience with both à la carte and prix‑fixe options showcasing seasonally driven, artfully prepared dishes that often emphasize French technique with fresh local ingredients. The atmosphere strikes a balance between romantic and relaxed—soft lighting, an inviting bar scene, and attentive service make it ideal for special occasions or a refined date night. While many diners praise the creative cuisine and refined ambiance, some reviews note that execution and service can vary and that the experience occasionally falls short of the lofty expectations that come with its Michelin status.