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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Santa Monica

Food

A meal that feels like it was made by someone who actually cares about the ingredients.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
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Updated April 2026
01
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Spacious Mexican restaurant offers authentic Mexican taste with fresh, flavorful dishes. Attentive service ensures a smooth experience. Cozy yet lively atmosphere features beautiful decor and a large screen TV showing NBA games, perfect for families and groups.

Food comes out fresh and flavorful, packed with authentic Mexican taste. Service is attentive, making the dining experience smooth and enjoyable.

People are saying

"I thought the food was delicious and outstanding."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers margarita and taco specials.

2

Santa Monica charges a 10.75% city tax on all bills.

3

The menu features a variety of innovative burritos and tacos.

02
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Cozy space with lofted seating and unique wall art sets a calm, work-friendly vibe with soft jazz. Locally sourced, farm-to-table comfort dishes shine in a family-like atmosphere. Midwest/East Coast class meets neighborhood warmth here.

Food features locally sourced, farm-to-table comfort dishes that are fresh and beautifully presented. The menu offers delicious selections with a family-like atmosphere enhancing the overall experience.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

Expect a wait during weekend brunch hours, especially after 10am.

3

The cafe accepts credit cards and mobile payments, but not personal checks.

03
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Small, cozy spot with a family-run feel and casual vibe. Enjoy authentic Mexican flavors in fresh, affordable dishes. Outdoor seating offers a dog-friendly table, though loud blenders can disrupt the calm atmosphere.

Food comes fresh to order with authentic Mexican flavors and affordable prices. The menu features delicious breakfast options and dishes made with clear passion and care.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Yagul Cafe is a family-owned establishment known for its authentic Oaxacan cuisine.

2

The cafe seats around 30 people, making it an intimate dining experience.

3

Expect to pay around $20 for chicken enchiladas, which may be considered small in portion.

04
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Cozy restaurant offers live music and large Fonzi-style tables for a welcoming vibe. Food is well-seasoned and filling, matching the bright, clean space perfect for brunch. Guests enjoy a relaxed, quiet atmosphere even when busy.

Food comes out excellently seasoned and very filling. Simple cuisine pairs well with a welcoming atmosphere and beautifully set tables.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy with a garage across the street, free for the first 90 minutes.

2

The restaurant is kid-friendly, making it a good choice for families.

3

Vegan breakfast options are available on the menu.

05
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Open-air seating creates a calm atmosphere perfect for families. Homemade dishes use local produce and pair well with house beer. Bright, spacious space feels homey and curated, inviting guests to relax away from noise.

Food features homemade dishes crafted from local produce including beer. Quality consistently rates as outstanding with delicious flavors and excellent service.

People are saying

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

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.

06
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Italian dishes shine with authentic flavors and a delicious carbonara sauce. Pizza offers great taste at fair prices. Enjoy a heated patio or a spectacular bar in a warm, elegant setting that feels relaxed yet classy.

Italian dishes stand out with authentic flavors and delicious carbonara sauce. The pizza is also notable for its great taste and fair pricing.

People are saying

"I found the Italian food here to be excellent and generous."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant gets quite busy.

2

Happy hour is available at the bar with limited seating.

3

It gets chilly by the sea in the evening; bring a warm layer.

07
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Cozy spot with cherry blossoms and neon signs sets a quiet, intimate mood. Sushi is fresh and affordable, with perfect sashimi cuts and tasty bento boxes. Service is friendly, making it great for dates or casual dinners.

Food shows consistent quality with dishes cooked excellently and sashimi cut just right, not too thin or thick. Service complements the tasty offerings, making meals enjoyable and well-prepared.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Miyako Restaurant closes at 9 PM.

2

Parking may be hard to find due to limited street parking.

3

Expect to pay around $20 per person for lunch.

08
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Space blends Japanese decor with a cherry blossom tree and floral ceilings for a cozy, charming vibe. Food is fresh and filling, perfect for late-night cravings as it stays open until midnight. Outdoor terrace offers warm, romantic lighting enhancing the relaxed atmosphere.

Food here is fresh, delicious, and filling. Open until midnight, it suits late-night cravings well.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was excellent and a 10 out of 10."

Good to know

1

The bar is open until midnight for late-night drinks.

2

There is a public parking lot nearby with 90 minutes of free parking.

3

The restaurant is open until 12 midnight, making it ideal for late-night snacks.

09
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Small Thai spot serves authentic Thai flavors with fresh, organic ingredients. Cozy setting offers a quiet ambiance and good music. Lunch crowd enjoys reasonable prices and satisfying portions of dishes like Pad Thai and Khao Soi.

Food comes fresh and organic with authentic Thai flavors. Dishes like green curry and Pad Thai burst with flavor and offer a comforting, delicious experience every time.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

The lunch special offers great prices and value for money.

2

Expect quick service as food arrives faster than estimated delivery times.

3

The restaurant is small, so seating may be limited during peak hours.

10
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Traditional Korean decor with lacquered tables sets a cozy tone. Food shines with perfectly prepared pork soup that tastes authentic. Casual vibe feels roomy but lively, making it great for those craving high-quality Korean dishes.

Food comes out prepared to absolute perfection with high quality and thoughtful plating. Traditional dishes like pork soup stand out as especially delicious and authentic.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

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.

11
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Cozy cafe offers warm Eastern European vibes and a spacious sunny patio perfect for relaxing or working. Food is extremely tasty with coffee that pairs well, served by attentive staff. Dog-friendly amenities add to the calm, friendly atmosphere.

Food stands out for being extremely good and very tasty. Coffee pairs well, and service is attentive and knowledgeable.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and awesome."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait of 30-45 minutes during peak brunch hours.

2

Payment is made at the counter; no servers for outdoor seating.

3

They offer gluten-free options, but vegan choices are limited.

12
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Spacious interior with modern design and beautiful chandeliers creates a calm, clean atmosphere. Sushi and cooked dishes offer nice sized portions with consistent quality and reasonable prices. Robot waitress Bella adds a unique touch to the cozy, inviting setting.

Food includes sushi and cooked dishes with nice sized portions and well presentation. Quality stays consistent and prices remain reasonable for the setting.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features items priced around $5 to $7, with good-sized portions.

2

The lunch special costs $24 for a full plate, including a nice roll and sashimi.

3

The restaurant and bathrooms are clean and well-maintained.

13
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Market offers fresh produce and tasty Korean dishes in a relaxed outdoor park setting. Live music and plenty of seating create a friendly atmosphere where dogs are welcome. Payment is easy with Venmo, card, or cash, plus programs like Market Match make healthy food affordable for all.

Fresh produce and prepared foods like Korean dishes, hummus, coffee, pastries, and tea fill the market. Prices get a boost with market match for EBT food stamps, making healthy options more affordable.

People are saying

"I found great prepared food and fresh produce here."

Good to know

1

The farmers market takes place on Saturday mornings.

2

Most vendors accept Venmo, card, and cash.

3

Parking is available on the street, but it can be limited.

14
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Outdoor seating surrounds a vintage Airstream trailer, creating a hidden gem vibe perfect for people watching. Enjoy delicious coffee and dishes that match the relaxed, dog-friendly atmosphere near the ocean. Nearby Mexican food truck adds tasty variety.

Food includes delicious coffee and great dishes that pair well with an outdoor dining vibe. The nearby Mexican food truck adds variety with unreal options.

People are saying

"The food and coffee here are delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is metered, so be prepared to pay.

2

They offer oat and almond milk for non-dairy options.

3

Seating is limited, so plan accordingly.

15
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1940s-style diner offers vintage decor and big portions that feel like home-cooked meals. Cozy booths inside and a dog-friendly patio with private dividers create a relaxed vibe. Lively energy blends classic charm with casual outdoor seating.

Food here feels like a home-cooked meal with big portions and proper coffee. The dishes come with a cozy vibe that matches the charming ambiance.

People are saying

"The food here felt like a home-cooked meal in an untouched-by-time diner."

Good to know

1

Parking is usually easy to find in the neighborhood behind the restaurant.

2

The menu features a diverse selection of traditional American diner dishes.

3

Daily specials and fresh juices are offered regularly.

16
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Small space with eclectic decor offers a cozy, authentic vibe perfect for relaxing or catching up. Enjoy authentic Turkish dishes like doner and iskender, paired with excellent specialty coffee. Quiet atmosphere feels like a family kitchen.

Authentic Turkish dishes like doner and iskender stand out. The food is consistently amazing and tasty, paired well with specialty coffee in a cozy setting.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is metered and only allows 20 minutes on the same side of the coffee shop.

2

They serve breakfast and drinks only, with an expanded menu on weekends.

3

Seating is limited, so expect a small space if visiting during busy hours.

17
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Cozy sushi spot offers authentic Japanese food with a relaxed vibe and spacious seating. Staff and chefs create a welcoming feel that matches the high-quality dishes. Happy hour features tasty salmon collar with lemon.

Authentic Japanese food stands out with consistently high quality dishes. Happy hour features salmon collar with lemon and other tasty options.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, well-prepared, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers 50% off on all hand rolls until 6 PM.

2

Reservations are required to meet a $50 per person minimum on weekends.

3

Parking is available in a small lot behind the restaurant.

18
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Modern Mediterranean spot offers authentic Middle Eastern cuisine with standout beef shawarma and fresh hummus. Space feels casual and serene with an open kitchen and trendy vibe. Food is tasty, clean, and affordable, making it a great choice for quality and atmosphere.

Food here features authentic Middle Eastern cuisine with tasty and clean meat. Dishes are consistently delicious and high quality.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

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.

19
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Mediterranean restaurant offers authentic Arabic flavors with fresh ingredients. Relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere features covered patio and comfy seating. Casual setup lets guests order at the counter while enjoying authentic music in a lively space.

Fresh, delicious ingredients create authentic Arabic flavors with a Mediterranean touch. The food offers a variety of dishes that are hard to stop eating once you start.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and excellent."

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.

20
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Gastropub shines with prompt service and excellent food quality paired with a library of craft beers like Pliny the Elder. Back patio offers a quiet, dog-friendly space amid a warm but often crowded interior.

Food comes out promptly even when busy, with consistently excellent quality. The menu pairs super delicious dishes with a diverse beer selection.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be very good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm Monday to Friday with great deals.

2

Trivia night is held every Wednesday evening in the back area.

3

Parking can be challenging, but there are usually spots available nearby.

21
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Seafood market shines with fresh seafood and a lively oyster bar. Staff offer helpful guidance for both dine-in and takeaway. Atmosphere blends bustling energy with quiet spots, creating a true community hub for shopping and dining.

Food features exceptional freshness and high quality with flavors that stand out as extremely delicious. Staff provide helpful guidance on ordering both dine-in and takeaway options.

People are saying

"The food here is exceptionally high quality and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is available at the back of the market.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

3

Prices for fresh seafood are comparable to upscale restaurants.

22
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Small artisan bakery shines with authentic French pastries and a warm, cozy atmosphere. Lines form fast for exceptional croissants that offer a yummy escape in every bite. Intoxicating smells and rustic decor create a joyous, welcoming vibe.

Food here offers a yummy experience that feels like a mini escape. The amazing flavors connect well with others who love good eats.

People are saying

"The pastries here are excellent and truly amazing."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines, especially during weekends and mornings.

2

The croissants sell out quickly, so arrive early.

3

There are no tables available; it's primarily a grab-and-go bakery.

23
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Outdoor market buzzes with live music and local food vendors offering tamales, crepes, and gluten-free bread. Family-friendly arts and crafts add charm in a casual, welcoming setting. Fresh produce and specialty items make it a favorite for locals and visitors.

Farmers market food stands offer a variety of produce and prepared foods like savory and sweet crepes, tamales, bread, and pastries. The market also features live music and coffee alongside the food options.

People are saying

"I loved the variety of prepared food options here."

Good to know

1

Some stores at the farmers market are cash-only.

2

SILVIO's crepes are only available at the Santa Monica Farmers Market on Sunday morning.

3

The farmers market had a decent selection of produce and goods.

24
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Roman-style pizza shines with authentic Italian ingredients and premium quality dough. Atmosphere feels like Italy with amazing decor and a friendly vibe. Every dish shows high quality and passion, making it a top spot for flavorful pizza lovers.

Food shows high quality and passion from the owner. The dishes earn a perfect rating for satisfaction and taste.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was the best I had ever tasted."

Good to know

1

Pizza Fling uses premium ingredients imported from Italy, including San Marzano tomatoes.

2

The pizza style is Roman, featuring both thin and thick crust options.

3

There are both indoor and outdoor seating options available.

25
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Compact cheese shop offers grab-and-go bodega style with a curated selection of fine cheeses and sandwiches. Food comes from local artisans and tastes consistently amazing. Adorable atmosphere with patio seating and cheese samples makes visits special.

Food comes from local and out-of-state artisans who handcraft each item. Quality stays consistently amazing and the dishes are delicious.

People are saying

"The food here, especially the Disco sandwich, was excellent."

Good to know

1

The shop offers a variety of charcuterie board fixings, wines, and sandwiches.

2

Lady & Larder features products from local and independent artisans.

3

They accommodate dietary restrictions when curating gift baskets.

26
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Bright space with soaring ceilings and soft jazz creates a calm vibe. Authentic Italian dishes show high quality and great flavor. Outdoor courtyard adds a charming setting that blends well with the elegant interior.

Authentic Italian flavors shine through every dish. The food shows high quality and is consistently well executed.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

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

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

3

Expect a 20% service charge for large parties of six or more.

27
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Bright, lively spot offers huge portions and waffle fries that pack flavor. Casual vibe welcomes dogs with treats and water, making it a dog-friendly hangout. Cozy space includes a mini-library for book swapping, blending food, pets, and reading perfectly.

Food features huge portion sizes and reasonable prices. The waffle fries stand out as some of the best around, with overall dishes delivering incredible flavor.

People are saying

"The food portions here are huge and delicious."

Good to know

1

Katsu Bar has a parking lot with plenty of free parking.

2

You pay at the counter first and then receive your food.

3

They have lunch specials and accept credit cards.

28
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Ice cream shop shines with innovative flavors and excellent quality food. Pink retro decor creates a cozy, modern vibe while a lively atmosphere draws a trendy crowd. Limited seating invites guests to savor treats on-site.

Food features delicious flavors and excellent quality consistently. The menu offers really good options that stand out.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

The shop is open until midnight, perfect for late-night cravings.

2

Parking is available in the back, making access easy.

3

On Tuesdays, they offer a free topping with any purchase.

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Santa Monica, California

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