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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Santa Monica

Salad spots with nice views

A clean, healthy meal paired with a wide-open perspective.

Based on 751 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers terrace seating with views of the ocean and park, creating a relaxing and romantic atmosphere. Live music and a classy bar add to the elegant yet cozy vibe. Charming booths provide privacy while overlooking a beautifully decorated dining room.

Salads feature fresh local ingredients with a variety of styles. The Caesar salad includes sardines for an authentic touch, while the Georgian chopped salad offers flavorful satisfaction.

Views overlook the ocean and Ocean Avenue, offering gentle sea breezes and good people watching. The terrace view stands out, with staff closing windows and turning up heaters to keep it clear.

People are saying

"The food here is outstanding, fresh, and served hot."

"The Caesar salad was crisp, flavorful, and authentic with sardines."

"The view from the terrace overlooking the ocean is hard to beat."

Good to know

1

Valet parking is available for $20 at the front of the hotel.

2

The restaurant offers a beautiful view of Palisades Park and the beach.

3

Lunch menu options are limited and primarily American cafeteria-style food.

02
Orla by Michael Mina image 1

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.

Greek salad appears often and stands out as a fresh starter. Hummus and lobster salad with stacked portions offer unique textures and presentation. Lamb kebab and lamb chops complement the salads well.

Tables offer incredible beach and sunset views. Covered patio overlooks the ocean, pool, and pier with panoramic sights. The ambiance features a hand-laid octopus mosaic adding to the elegant setting.

People are saying

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

"The sunset view here is a beautiful, magical show."

"The Greek salad was a highlight of the meal."

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.

03
The Albright image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seaside restaurant on a pier offers huge outdoor deck with scenic views and patio seating where dogs are welcome. Atmosphere stays chill and cozy with Bob Marley music and heaters keeping the space warm. Counter service uses buzzers for orders, creating a casual, relaxed vibe.

Salads feature fresh seafood like shrimp and prawns, often in Cobb or Caesar styles. They come out crispy, tasty, and carefully arranged, offering a simple but enjoyable option.

Great views and seaside ambience set the scene here. Eating outside on the pier offers a better view of the ocean and boardwalk, matching the hearty coastal comfort food served.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"It's a nice view of the ocean from the outdoor seating."

"The Cobb salad was crispy, fresh, and carefully arranged."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible.

2

Expect long lines around noon; arrive early to secure a table.

3

Prices are effectively 10% higher due to a hidden fee.

04
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.

Salads come with fresh ingredients and appear in dishes like the shrimp taco plate and mahi mahi plate with Greek salad. Shrimp salad options exist, but some salads feel overpriced compared to their quality.

Offers a beachfront view with sights of the ocean, volleyball courts, and bike trail. Dining happens with toes in the sand and an ocean breeze, creating a relaxed, resort-like feel.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the salad to be very fresh."

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.

05
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.

Salads often feature salmon as a protein, like in the Caesar and Cobb salads. Steak appears in some salads but can be overcooked and less fresh.

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

People are saying

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

"I loved the gorgeous beach views from every seat."

"I loved the Cobb salad with salmon."

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.

06
Coast image 1
Californian restaurant

Beachfront restaurant offers breathtaking ocean views and comfortable outdoor seating that creates a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Soft live music enhances the peaceful vibe while diners enjoy the scenic patio setting.

Asian chicken salad and Cobb salad offer solid options with fresh ingredients. Some salads like the Caesar show inconsistency with lettuce quality.

Unobstructed beachfront views and the sound of waves create a peaceful setting. The sunset over the water offers a relaxed, casual vibe that makes the experience feel special.

People are saying

"The food at this beach spot is outstanding, especially the lobster roll."

"I enjoyed the beautiful ocean view from the patio."

"I was told tables outside were reserved, even though they were open."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers during specific hours.

3

Valet parking is available for $20 on weekends.

07
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 areas show panoramic city and ocean views with a beautiful sunset backdrop. Openable windows add a glimpse of the outside from inside spaces.

People are saying

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

"The design creates a modern California daydream atmosphere."

"My friend said the Caesar salad was the best she's ever had."

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.

08
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.

Salads here include a huge lobster salad designed for sharing and a seared ahi tuna salad that holds up well. The watermelon salad pairs nicely with other dishes like latkes, adding fresh contrast.

Rooftop setting offers incredible views that create a relaxed vibe. The spot sits atop a hotel, providing beautiful scenery during lunch.

People are saying

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

"The service here is so nice, they always recommend the best food."

"The vegan salad here is surprisingly delicious and filling."

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.

09
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.

Salads feature grilled chicken with a good amount of meat even in smaller portions. The Sombrero Salad stands out with sour cream, guacamole, and cotija cheese. Adding verde salsa boosts the flavor.

Stunning ocean views create a beautiful backdrop. The spot offers a clean, welcoming environment with a great view of the beach.

People are saying

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

"The ocean view here is truly unbeatable."

"The chicken salad was delicious with lots of sour cream and guacamole."

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.

10
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 of the ocean and PCH, creating a lively yet relaxed vibe. The atmosphere includes nice furnishings and a cozy feel that complements the scenery.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and high quality."

"The salads here are amazing, with attentive and friendly service."

"I loved the cool rooftop with its great views."

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.

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Santa Monica, California

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