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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Santa Monica

American and Italian food

You want the flexibility to choose between a classic American plate or a traditional Italian dish.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated May 2026
01
Chelsea Restaurant image 1
Chelsea Restaurant image 2
Chelsea Restaurant image 3
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Upscale restaurant with trendy decor and intimate vibe offers a quiet, sophisticated atmosphere suited for date nights or casual outings. Comfortable booths and a nearly full dining room create a lively yet relaxed energy. Inventive cocktails and gourmet menu complement the hip South London Indian influence.

Massala fried chicken stands out with its bold flavors. Tikka masala fried chicken comes over garlic mashed potatoes, blending American and Indian tastes.

Sweet corn ravioli and boar ragu stand out, with the ragu leaning very sweet. Dishes like lemon ricotta gnocchi, lobster linguine, and sea bass add variety to the Italian offerings.

People are saying

"This place is perfect for a romantic dinner or a casual night out."

"The Italian food and service here are excellent."

"The cocktails here are incredible, especially the smoke-infused old fashioned."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can get busy quickly.

2

Valet parking is available for $15, but street parking is also plentiful.

3

Dress code is business casual; avoid flip flops and shorts.

02
The Curious Palate image 1
New American restaurant

Restaurant offers open-air seating with a calm, relaxing atmosphere that contrasts with nearby noisy spots. Space feels homey and curated, encouraging guests to unwind in a bright, spacious interior suitable for families.

Hamburgers come cooked to order with homemade buns and ketchup. Roasted brussel sprouts, nachos, squash soup, and salads add variety, while chicken wings and fries offer unique flavors.

Pasta quality stands out with fresh, light pea pesto pasta loaded with pesto, peas, and sun-dried tomatoes. Salads and pasta offer a fresh and savory taste that impresses even those familiar with Italian food.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, healthy, and delicious."

"The American food here, especially the fries, is fantastic."

"Their Italian food is handmade, from the pasta to the sauces."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located on the 3rd floor of the Santa Monica Place Mall.

2

The menu offers a variety of dishes at reasonable prices.

3

There are many vegetarian options available.

03
MARELLE Santa Monica image 1

Restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with ocean and pool views and a breezy coastal charm. Outdoor area features live DJ sets and heaters, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Space suits both casual meals and large events, blending Tulum-style design with a beach-front vibe.

Plates include a hummus plate, Caesar salad, and fish options like salmon and white fish. The mac and cheese uses bรฉchamel and stands out as rich and creamy. Breakfast features a notable sandwich.

Lemon mushroom rigatoni stands out with a surprising flavor. The crab cake also adds a notable touch to the menu.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and totally worth it."

"The American Food here is sinfully delicious, especially the mac and cheese."

"The Italian food here, like the calamari with saffron marinara, is to die for."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, and the restaurant is usually not busy at night.

2

Parking validation is available for $10 off valet parking.

3

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating options.

04
1212 Santa Monica image 1
New American restaurant

Large space with dog-friendly patio and live DJ music creates a loud, fun atmosphere that energizes the evening. Outdoor seating features fire pits enhancing the vibe. Music volume often challenges conversation but adds to the lively environment.

Steak and eggs stands out as a very delicious dish here. Buffalo wings, cheeseburgers with fries, crostini, and oysters also feature as notable American food options.

Gnocchi and mushroom risotto stand out for their rich flavors. The Wild Boar Papperdelle comes with bread to soak up the bolognese sauce, and the Nonna lasagna is consistently exceptional.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful, fresh, and delicious."

"Our server Rico was so friendly and gave great recommendations."

"You have to try the steak and eggs; it's delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

All-night happy hour is available on Mondays, offering great deals.

3

Reservations are recommended for special events like the Super Bowl.

05
The Cloverfield image 1
American restaurant

Large outdoor patio offers an airy, dog-friendly space with heaters and warm fires for chilly nights. Smooth jazz music plays, creating a peaceful and warm vibe that suits groups and families. A special bar room in the back hosts celebrations, adding to the cozy atmosphere.

Fried chicken sandwich stands out with strong competition in LA. The cheeseburger features tangy cheddar and spicy thousand island dressing. Nachos rank as exceptional, while chicken pot pie is solid. Mac and cheese comes off as just okay.

Shrimp Pasta stands out with strong flavors. The tiramisu tastes sour and old, and costs $25 for two pieces.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating has a great vibe and atmosphere."

"The short rib bucatini here is so flavorful and cooked perfectly al dente."

"You have to try the nachos; they're the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available on the premises.

2

Reservations are required for outdoor seating.

3

Happy hour, called social hour, offers special deals.

06
Diner Antonette image 1
American restaurant

Old building hosts an American diner with retro-inspired decor and cozy booths under warm, dim lighting. Atmosphere blends nostalgic charm with modern touches, creating a relaxed vibe. Patio and event spaces offer airy, bright settings for gatherings.

Juicy cheeseburgers made with Angus beef ground to order stand out here. Fried chicken offers a crispy crunch with moist, flavorful meat inside, and simple, fresh artichokes complement the menu well.

Fresh in-house-made pasta stands out, especially in the lobster and crab dishes. Burrata pairs surprisingly well with peaches, adding a unique twist to the menu.

People are saying

"The diner's fried chicken is wonderfully spiced and crispy."

"The American Food, like the fried chicken and cheeseburgers, is wonderfully spiced and flavorful."

"The homemade pasta here is incredible, better than in Italy."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price drinks before 7 PM on weekdays.

2

Kids meals are available for $5 each.

3

Parking is generally available on the street, but check for meters.

07
The Galley image 1
Steak house

Rustic steakhouse with nautical-themed decor and Christmas lights creates a unique, intimate vibe. Large, heated patio offers a relaxed, easygoing atmosphere with fun staff and a late-night menu. The setting blends dive bar charm with high-quality steaks and casual social energy.

Cheeseburger stands out with rich flavor, paired with crispy onion rings. The clam chowder offers a creamy, satisfying taste.

Pasta dishes like shrimp pasta, pasta marinara, and linguine with clams or mussels stand out here. The seafood pasta and steak sandwich also get attention, while the fried shrimp divides opinions.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers tasted excellent."

"The American Food clam chowder is hearty and contains many fresh clams."

"The Italian food here has a great atmosphere and is a lovely place to meet friends."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 5-7pm with discounted drinks.

2

The restaurant offers late-night food service until 1am.

3

Expect some menu items to be marked as 'market price.'

08
Fia Restaurant image 1
Californian restaurant

Outdoor garden with fire pits and seating under a pine tree creates a cozy, magical atmosphere. Space heaters and blankets help manage a chilly, intimate setting. The vibe suits modern American brunch and dinner, with a unique, beautiful indoor-outdoor design.

Shrimp and grits come in generous portions with incredible flavor and a balanced heat. Pastries taste good, and steak and eggs serve up a solid meal though the steak could use more salt.

Spicy arrabbiata pasta stands out with its rich, fiery flavor and boldness. All pastas are made in house and well put together, with tortellini and Caesar salad also notable.

People are saying

"The brunch here is amazing, especially the chilaquiles."

"The pasta here is rich, fiery, and unapologetically bold."

"The American Food here, especially the Shrimp & Grits, was amazing and generously portioned."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for brunch, especially on weekends.

2

Brunch for four people costs around $460, so plan your budget accordingly.

3

Happy hour is available from 4:30 to 5:30 PM on weekdays.

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