Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Downtown Santa Monica's best

Authentic dinner spots

A dinner that feels honest and unpretentious is exactly what you crave at the end of the day.

Based on 776 Opinions
+773
User
User
User
Updated
01
LA PUREPECHA COCINA MEXICANA image 1
LA PUREPECHA COCINA MEXICANA image 2
LA PUREPECHA COCINA MEXICANA image 3
View all

Small Mexican restaurant with spartan interiors and paper plate service offers a super casual and family-friendly vibe. Background music features Mexican tunes while TVs show local sports and events. The atmosphere feels welcoming but leans toward quick dining rather than lingering.

Flavors hit with authentic Mexican taste in every dish. Spanish phrases on the walls add to the genuine vibe. Tacos and burritos come through as true to Mexico.

Warm and inviting space blends modern and traditional styles. Staff serves tortilla chips while waiting for dinner.

People are saying

"I found the food to be authentic Mexican cuisine."

"The carnitas tacos here are packed with flavor and so tender."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers a 1 plus 1 deal on tacos.

2

Specials are available Monday through Friday with $2 off select items.

3

Street parking is available, but can be hard to find.

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

Italian restaurant offers a smallish space with soaring ceilings and lots of windows, creating a bright and pleasant atmosphere. Soft jazz music keeps noise levels low, making it easy to have conversations. The outdoor courtyard adds a charming setting that complements the elegant interior.

Handmade pasta and quality ingredients create a truly authentic Italian experience. The truffle pasta stands out with its rich, creamy flavor that feels fresh and genuine.

Offers a fantastic Italian dinner experience with options for both intimate and large group meals. Upstairs space accommodates large surprise birthday dinners comfortably.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here are delicious, with authentic Italian flavors."

"I found the food to be amazing and authentic Italian."

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.

03
Ugo Trattoria image 1
Ugo Trattoria image 2
Ugo Trattoria image 3
View all

Quaint Italian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and lovely patio. Music plays softly, creating a calm, inviting vibe without loud noise or crowds. The setting feels warm and simple, offering a relaxed dining experience.

Food captures the heart of authentic Italian cuisine with excellent quality and genuine flavors. The bruschetta stands out as fresh, flavorful, and truly authentic.

Offers a relaxed atmosphere for dinner with friends or a partner. Serves full Italian meals and suits quick bites or drinks. Often quiet during early dinner hours.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic Italian, bursting with fresh flavors."

"The meatballs at these dinner spots are tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features Italian beer like Peroni on tap.

2

An automatic 20% gratuity is added to all bills.

3

The restaurant charges $5 for card payments.

04
XUNTOS image 1
XUNTOS image 2
XUNTOS image 3
View all

Spanish tapas bar offers a cozy art deco interior with soft warm lighting and a down-to-earth yet elegant vibe. The atmosphere ranges from loud and lively to more intimate upstairs seating, attracting those seeking authentic Spanish flavors paired with an extensive vermouth and cocktail selection.

Tapas here are excellent and very authentic, closely matching traditional Spanish flavors. The food consistently delivers a genuine Spanish experience.

Dinner here offers a great interactive experience that suits both romantic evenings and gatherings with friends. The spot handles large celebrations smoothly, making it a solid choice for special dinners with groups.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here have amazing taste and fresh ingredients."

"I found the Spanish food here to be very authentic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on busy evenings.

2

Happy hour is available on weekdays with a limited menu.

3

The restaurant adds a 4% employee benefits fee to the bill.

05
Desvelados Santa Monica image 1
Desvelados Santa Monica image 2
Desvelados Santa Monica image 3
View all

Spacious Mexican restaurant with stunning design and beautiful decor creates a cozy yet lively atmosphere. Music plays softly while a large screen TV shows NBA games behind the bar. The place welcomes families and groups, featuring large tables for celebrations.

Food comes out fresh and packed with authentic Mexican flavor. The blend of upscale looks with genuine taste creates a unique dining experience. Generous portions and good prices add to the appeal.

Dinner here lasts long, often around 2 hours. The food is very good, making it a solid choice for a relaxed Saturday night meal.

People are saying

"The food here is so flavorful and truly authentic Mexican."

"I loved the piรฑa colada at this dinner spot; the food was great."

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.

06
Shirubฤ“ image 1
Shirubฤ“ image 2
Shirubฤ“ image 3
View all

Long, narrow space with open kitchen and intimate bar seating offers a cozy, authentic vibe. Lighting creates a romantic atmosphere that highlights the antique sake cups and skilled chefs at work. The setting feels distinct from typical izakayas, blending minimal decor with thoughtful design.

Cozy atmosphere creates an authentic dining experience with genuine flavors and traditional touches.

Dinner here offers a wide variety of choices that suit solo diners and couples alike. The interior feels intimate and cute, making it a solid pick for a quiet dinner date.

People are saying

"I found the Japanese food here to be truly authentic and unlike anything else."

"The dinner spots here are insanely delicious, like a religious experience."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day on Sunday with food and drink specials.

2

Most happy hour menu items are about $5 cheaper than regular prices.

3

They offer both early and late-night happy hour specials.

07
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.

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.

Varied Japanese dishes suit group dinners well. Both lunch and dinner omakase options stand out for romantic or celebratory meals.

People are saying

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

"The fresh seafood at these dinner spots is so tasty."

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.

08
Nick The Greek image 1
Nick The Greek image 2
Nick The Greek image 3
View all

Greek restaurant offers a casual, cozy atmosphere with authentic music enhancing the vibe. Seating includes a nice outdoor area and high chairs for kids, though indoor space can feel warm and smokey. The place fills up during busy times but maintains a low-key, friendly energy throughout.

Shawarma and pita wraps deliver authentic local style with tasty Greek flavors. Music adds to the authentic atmosphere, though sauces stay simple and traditional.

Offers a quick dinner option with a casual vibe. Meals come in baskets mainly for French fries or fried chicken, not large dinner portions.

People are saying

"I found the food to be authentic Greek cuisine."

"It's a great, easy spot for a casual dinner."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during lunchtime, especially on weekends.

2

Online ordering is recommended to avoid long wait times.

3

The restaurant has limited seating, so plan accordingly.

Discover more

Downtown, Santa Monica

Area guide