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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Santa Monica

Scenic views with cocktails

Sipping a cocktail while the sky changes colors over the water.

Based on 764 Opinions
+761
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Updated June 2026
01
Orla by Michael Mina image 1
Orla by Michael Mina image 2
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Tiered flooring and panoramic ocean views create an elegant, inviting atmosphere with high ceilings and a large bar. Music from a DJ blends into the background, supporting a vibrant yet conversational vibe. Spaces range from lively patio areas to quiet, segregated rooms for intimate talks.

Tables offer incredible beach and sunset views. Covered patio overlooks the ocean, pool, and Santa Monica pier with panoramic sights.

Creative and balanced cocktails stand out here. Each drink offers a fun twist and pairs well with the overall excellent entertainment and service.

People are saying

"The food at these dinner spots is extraordinary, with layers of flavor."

"The sunset here is a beautiful, free magic show."

"The cocktails here are served with attentive and friendly service."

Good to know

1

Valet parking costs $25 if validated inside.

2

A mandatory 20% service charge is added to all bills.

3

Reservations are recommended to guarantee a spot, especially for outdoor seating.

02
The Georgian Hotel image 1

Hotel offers oceanfront views with rooms featuring vintage glamour and spacious suites. Atmosphere stays bustling day and night, blending charm with lively energy. Amenities include a speakeasy bar, secret library, and terrace restaurant with live music.

Rooms offer breathtaking ocean views that make staying inside tempting. A beautiful balcony and a whimsical garden setting add to the charm and ambiance.

Well-balanced cocktails match the stunning bar and the cozy jazz lounge downstairs. Warm lighting and velvet textures create a stylish, intimate vibe.

People are saying

"The hotel staff were so polite and helpful with everything."

"The ocean views here are breathtaking."

"The cocktails here feel like old Hollywood glamour meets coastal cool."

Good to know

1

The hotel has a speakeasy opening this summer.

2

The Georgian Room will open in about a month.

3

Check-in is available as early as 11 AM.

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.

Ocean views dominate the setting, with seating that overlooks the pool and offers a partial beach view. The space feels open and airy, capturing a breezy coastal charm that enhances the dining experience.

Handcrafted cocktails burst with flavor and include creative presentations like a shell-shaped glass. They pair well with dinner and stand out for their attention to detail.

People are saying

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

"The outdoor space overlooks the pool and ocean."

"You can enjoy amazing ocean views from the outdoor seating."

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
Calabra image 1
Restaurant

Rooftop setting offers stunning views and outdoor heaters that keep the space comfortable despite the breeze. Atmosphere blends casual enjoyment with a sexy, entertaining vibe, attracting a lively crowd. Accessibility features include elevator access and wheelchair-friendly seating.

Rooftop setting offers incredible views that stand out during a relaxed lunch. The spot sits atop a hotel, providing a fabulous vantage point for scenic enjoyment.

Expertly curated cocktails complement the food with full flavor. The cocktail program offers plenty of great options and maintains an excellent standard.

People are saying

"The food here was incredible, especially the slow-roasted chicken."

"The rooftop setting offers breathtaking scenic views for a relaxed lunch."

"Their vegan burger is amazing, especially the patty they make."

Good to know

1

Reservations are almost required due to high demand.

2

A $5 non-refundable reservation fee is charged per person.

3

Valet parking is available and convenient.

05
Perry's Cafรฉ & Beach Rentals - Santa Monica 2400 image 1

Outdoor seating on sand with ocean views and umbrella-covered tables creates a relaxed, beachside atmosphere. Comfortable beach chairs and live music on select days add to the laid-back vibe. The setting features sunset views and casual dining right by the water.

Offers beautiful ocean views with a relaxed vibe right on the beach. Dining happens with toes in the sand, overlooking the bike trail, volleyball courts, and the Pacific Ocean breeze.

Cocktails come in canned drinks with a good balance of organic custom flavors and alcohol. Bartenders serve these cocktails by the beach, letting you enjoy them with your toes in the sand.

People are saying

"I loved watching everything happening on the beach from the cafe."

"You can enjoy a great ocean view right on the beach."

"You can enjoy a cocktail with your toes in the sand."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5pm to 7pm on weekdays.

2

Bikes and beach umbrellas can be rented for $8 per hour.

3

The cafรฉ closes just before sunset, limiting evening visits.

06
Terrazza image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers gorgeous beach views and a garden setting that suits romantic evenings and first dates. Live music with piano and vocals enhances the spectacular ambiance and decor. Valet parking adds convenience to the experience.

Seating offers a beach view with sights of the boardwalk, sea, and sand. The setting shows an amazing sunset and peaceful views of the Pacific Ocean, even on rainy days.

Cocktails show a mix of creative yet refined ideas but sometimes feel amateurish. Prices reach up to 22 dollars per drink.

People are saying

"The food here is spectacular, with fresh ingredients and balanced flavors."

"You'll love the great ocean views and relaxing vibe here."

"You might visit just for a drink to enjoy the stunning coastal view."

Good to know

1

Valet parking costs $20 if validated, increasing to $40 after three hours.

2

Reservations are not required for dinner at 5 pm, and seating is available by the window.

3

The restaurant closes from 3 to 5 pm, which coincides with sunset.

07
The Whaler Santa Monica image 1

Oceanfront setting offers unmatched beach views and a lively atmosphere with loud music and a DJ at night. The space includes a game room nook and TVs showing sports, attracting groups who enjoy social and energetic vibes. Outdoor seating on terraces enhances the experience with sunset views and a bar-focused environment.

Outdoor seating offers great views of the Santa Monica Pier and the beach. The rooftop provides a lovely vantage point with a lively atmosphere including music and TV.

Cocktails come in small servings and cost around ยฃ16 each. They taste very tasty but feel a bit pricey.

People are saying

"The live sports here are great, with friendly and attentive service."

"I loved the great view of the Santa Monica Pier."

"I enjoyed the cocktails; they were very tasty."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-5pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Karaoke night, called terry-oke, happens every Monday at 9pm.

3

Parking is available nearby through SpotHero for convenience.

08
Shutters on the Beach image 1

Hotel offers beachfront views and a stylish, romantic atmosphere with live music and evening cocktails. Guests enjoy daily bike rentals and a lounge bar favored for socializing. The setting combines luxury decor with a relaxing vibe despite occasional traffic noise.

Breathtaking ocean views and a clear sightline to the Santa Monica Pier define the scenery here. Private balconies and oceanfront dining tables offer extraordinary sunset views.

Evening cocktails come with live music and a fireplace setting. The cocktail and ice cream pairings stand out for their quality.

People are saying

"This hotel's location is great, right on the beach."

"I loved the scenic views right on the sand."

"The cocktails here are served by a genuinely warm and professional staff."

Good to know

1

Parking without validation costs $44 for 2.5 hours.

2

The hotel offers a Mon-Thurs Happy Hour at Coast restaurant.

3

Live music is available on Wednesday nights.

09
LouLou Santa Monica image 1
French restaurant

Rooftop restaurant offers cool views of water and Ferris wheel with a club-like vibe created by a live DJ and percussionist. Atmosphere suits large groups and blends beachy elegance with lively energy.

Rooftop seating offers beautiful views that create a lively yet relaxed vibe. Cozy decoration and cool atmosphere add to the overall scenic experience.

Creative mixes of flavors define the cocktails here, with standout choices like the margarita and old fashioned. Staff like James and Victoria provide attentive service, ensuring drinks and needs are promptly met.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and high quality."

"The service here is fantastic, attentive, and friendly."

"Victoria made the best charcuterie recommendation and cocktails."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on food and drinks, making it worthwhile.

2

Expect long wait times during busy events, like Valentine's Day.

3

The restaurant turns into a lively party after 9 pm with dancing.

10
Santa Monica Proper Hotel image 1

Boutique hotel with warm, comforting vibe and beautiful, charming design offers a rooftop pool oasis and panoramic city views. Spaces range from relaxed rooftop bars to lively restaurants with strong energy. Guests encounter a mix of calm ambiance indoors and vibrant social scenes on the rooftop.

Rooftop bar and pool offer panoramic city and ocean views with a beautiful sunset backdrop. Openable windows add to the open-air ambiance.

An extensive selection of craft cocktails caters to all tastes in a chic atmosphere. The bar serves great cocktails alongside delicious food.

People are saying

"This hotel's design is beautiful, stylish, and incredibly comfortable."

"The cocktails here are stunning, with a design that blends modern aesthetics and coastal vibes."

"The design here is a modern California daydream with warm, natural tones."

Good to know

1

Valet service fee is $55, but some guests report being charged $70.

2

Additional $40 per night for amenities not disclosed at check-in.

3

The pool and bar may be closed for private events, impacting guest access.

11
Maria Sol image 1
Mexican restaurant

Ocean-facing patio offers breathtaking views and warmth from scattered heating lamps. Live music from street artists creates a lively atmosphere with a touristy vibe. Fresh, locally sourced seafood and exceptional margaritas complement the energetic seaside setting.

Offers a stunning ocean view with a beautiful beach backdrop. The setting combines breathtaking scenery with a clean, welcoming environment.

Spicy jalapeรฑo cocktail and Baja mojito stand out for their good taste and quality. Shrimp cocktail offers a fresh take on ceviche, complementing the reasonably priced drinks.

People are saying

"The Mexican Food here is served with quick, friendly, and welcoming service."

"The ocean views here are truly unbeatable."

"The cocktails here are generously portioned and very good."

Good to know

1

Check your bill carefully as extra charges may be added.

2

Expect a reasonable cost of about $50 for two entrees and drinks.

3

Outdoor seating is available, but the upper level may be closed.

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