Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Santa Monica

Authentic soup spots

You are looking for a bowl of soup that honors the traditional methods and origins of the recipe.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
User
User
User
Updated
01
Pita House Inc image 1
Pita House Inc image 2
Pita House Inc image 3
View all

Modern Mediterranean restaurant offers a nice and open space with understated, relaxing decor and visible kitchen setup. Atmosphere feels casual and serene with table service and a trendy vibe. Food is authentic and affordable, featuring standout dishes like beef shawarma and fresh hummus.

Lentil soup stands out as a consistent choice, served warm and flavorful. It pairs well with dishes like beef kofta and mixed kebabs.

Hummus, baba ghanoush, and toum stand out as authentic Palestinian dishes here. The food feels genuine and brings a strong sense of home with its traditional flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is so authentic, it feels like home."

"I thought the lentil soup was awesome."

Good to know

1

Pita House Inc is halal and kosher, making it suitable for diverse dietary needs.

2

Expect a wait time during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The food is affordable, with prices generally under $20 per meal.

02
Jincook Santa Monica image 1
Jincook Santa Monica image 2
Jincook Santa Monica image 3
View all

Traditional Korean decor creates a cozy and authentic atmosphere with lacquered tables and Raden wall decorations. The space feels comfortable and roomy but can be a bit loud due to music and dish carts. It fills up quickly and attracts those seeking high-quality Korean food in a casual setting.

Soups come piping hot and hearty with generous portions. Options like traditional pork soup, seolleongtang, galbi-tang, and tofu soup with mushroom deliver authentic, warming flavors.

Hearty dishes like seolleongtang, galbi-tang, and bibimbap deliver authentic Korean soul food. Portions are generous and flavors stay true to traditional recipes.

People are saying

"I found authentic Korean soul food here."

"The traditional pork soup was especially great and hearty."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-minute wait during peak dinner hours on weekends.

2

Parking is available in a small lot behind the building.

3

Prices are higher than average for Korean food in the area.

03
Z Garden Mediterranean Cuisine image 1
Z Garden Mediterranean Cuisine image 2
Z Garden Mediterranean Cuisine image 3
View all

Mediterranean restaurant with a covered patio and comfortable seating, including couches and outdoor options. Atmosphere feels relaxed yet vibrant, with authentic music playing at a moderate volume. Casual setup where guests order and pay at the counter before seating themselves.

Lentil soup stands out with its bright lemon addition and rich flavor. Soups here are consistently delicious and pair well with dishes like hummus and kabobs.

Fresh, authentic flavors define the menu. Warm atmosphere and authentic music on the patio add to the experience.

People are saying

"The flavors here are fresh and authentic, especially the hummus and grilled meats."

"You have to try the lentil soup; it's the best I've had."

Good to know

1

This is a casual restaurant where you order and pay before finding a table.

2

There is free parking outside the restaurant.

3

Z Garden offers catering services at reasonable prices.

04
Noma Sushi image 1
Noma Sushi image 2
Noma Sushi image 3
View all

Spacious sushi restaurant with Japanese-style decor and a retro Showa-era atmosphere. The vibe is cozy and relaxing, featuring modern jazz and instrumental music that complements the classic wood finishes. Guests watch chefs at the sushi bar while enjoying a calm, inviting environment suited for casual or special dinners.

Miso soup comes with tofu and seaweed and appears in both the omakase and sashimi sets. The mushroom miso soup in the omakase is a premium option. Clam soup also features in the sashimi platter.

Spacious interior creates an authentic Japanese atmosphere. Sushi is fresh and prepared in a simple, traditional style.

People are saying

"The soup here is so fresh and delicious."

"The sushi here is so fresh and authentic."

Good to know

1

Noma Sushi does not accept reservations and is walk-in only.

2

The restaurant has a system for managing the waiting list.

3

Parking is limited, but there is a large parking area behind the restaurant.

05
Kappo Miyabi image 1
Kappo Miyabi image 2
Kappo Miyabi image 3
View all

Minimalist design blends traditional Japanese elements with modern charm in a serene, elegant space. Open kitchen adds interactive dining energy while booths provide privacy. Atmosphere suits both casual and intimate meals with a calm, authentic vibe.

Miso noodle soup offers a rich, savory flavor. The beef noodle soup comes in a hot stone pot, keeping it warm and enhancing the taste.

Elegant and serene ambience creates an immersive setting with authentic Japanese elegance and modern charm. The menu offers high-quality izakaya dishes true to traditional flavors.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so fresh and bursting with flavor."

"The mushroom soup here is $35, which is quite expensive."

Good to know

1

The Omakase experience offers a curated selection of sushi and sashimi.

2

A 22% service charge is automatically added to the bill.

3

Expect to pay around $35-$50 for udon dishes.

06
Solidarity image 1
Solidarity image 2
Solidarity image 3
View all

Polish restaurant offers authentic homestyle decor with private outdoor patios featuring firepits and cozy seating. Atmosphere feels like a friend's home, combining cozy vibes with an elevated dining experience. Bar serves unique cocktails like the Warsaw Mule, creating a lively spot to meet and relax.

Pickle soup stands out as a comfort food and a frequent choice for feeling better. Other soups like split pea and options with lamb dumplings also appear on the menu.

Polish and Eastern European dishes serve up authentic flavors with a homestyle yet elevated touch. The hunterโ€™s stew stands out as a classic Polish dish that captures true authenticity.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and really authentic."

"You have to try the pickle soup; it's shockingly awesome."

Good to know

1

Parking is tough in that area; street parking is available.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

The outdoor courtyard hosts Yappy Hour on alternate Thursdays, and dogs are always welcome.

07
Sushi Hanashi image 1
Sushi Hanashi image 2
Sushi Hanashi image 3
View all

Small sushi restaurant offers a cozy, casual atmosphere with a calming vibe and friendly staff. Fresh fish pairs well with ice-cold Sapporo, and menu includes classic and unique rolls alongside top-tier nigiri and sashimi. The space feels authentic and personal, creating a sense of being in Japan.

Free miso soup is offered on arrival. The seafood udon soup is warm and flavorful, a solid choice when undecided. The chicken ramen soup has noodles only and feels like poor value.

Sushi here offers authentic sushi in a small restaurant environment. Prices stay affordable compared to other spots.

People are saying

"I found the sushi here to be authentic and affordable."

"Their seafood udon soup is warm, flavorful, and satisfying."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers 30% off on most items, except Sundays.

2

Street parking is easily available near the restaurant.

3

The portion sizes are large, often enough for one person.

08
Poom Thai Cuisine image 1
Poom Thai Cuisine image 2
Poom Thai Cuisine image 3
View all

Plants grow wild inside, filling every inch of wall space alongside customer scribbles and art, creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere. The space feels homey and cluttered, with limited seating that suits a takeout-focused vibe. Music from a portable record player adds to the unique, soulful energy of the place.

Tom Kha soup comes with generous chicken portions and balanced spice. Veggie Tom Kha includes mushrooms and tofu but is a bit salty and lacks other vegetables.

Food offers authentic and traditional Thai flavors with fresh ingredients and generous portions.

People are saying

"I thought the chicken coconut soup had the perfect spice and flavor."

"I experienced authentic Thai food here."

Good to know

1

They are open until 1:00am for late-night dining.

2

Place your order on Grubhub or call 30 minutes ahead.

3

There is limited sit-down space in the restaurant.

Discover more

Santa Monica, California

Area guide