Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Downtown Santa Monica

Cool spots

A place with a distinct personality makes even a simple meal feel like a deliberate choice.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
User
User
User
Updated
01
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.

Central European dishes offer super tasty small plates that satisfy without being too heavy. Polish cuisine features delicious spรคtzle and comfort food that feels like a secret garden experience on the outdoor patio.

Outdoor patio offers a cool vibe for hanging out. Servers bring a warm, unpretentious energy, matching the nostalgic feel of an Eastern-European aunt's spot with stronger vodka and better lighting.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, homestyle, and elevated comfort food."

"The pierogi here are a comforting taste of authentic Polish food."

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.

02
Mikomi Sushi Santa Monica image 1
Mikomi Sushi Santa Monica image 2
Mikomi Sushi Santa Monica image 3
View all

Spacious interior features modern design and beautiful chandeliers with a calm, clean atmosphere ideal for relaxed dining. A robot waitress named Bella delivers food, adding a unique touch to the experience. The place attracts those seeking high-quality sushi in a 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.

Robot waitress Bella adds a unique touch to the vibe. A robot cat delivery brings a cool, futuristic feel to the experience.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"The robot waitress, Bella, was super cool!"

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.

03
LouLou Santa Monica image 1
LouLou Santa Monica image 2
LouLou Santa Monica image 3
View all

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.

French cuisine shines with delicious dishes and amazing flavors. Service matches the food quality, creating a very good dining experience.

A rooftop bar offers cool views and a creative drinks menu. The atmosphere feels really cool and inviting.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and high quality."

"The atmosphere here is so cool and relaxed."

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.

04
Benihana - Santa Monica image 1
Benihana - Santa Monica image 2
Benihana - Santa Monica image 3
View all

Open hibachi-style setup offers an engaging dining experience with chefs performing theatrical grilling shows at each table. Dim lighting and cozy decor create a fun, lively atmosphere suited for date nights and family outings. A second-level bar adds to the venue's entertaining vibe and interactive energy.

Food preparation handles allergies perfectly with consistent quality. Dining offers amazing food paired with exceptional service for a reliable experience.

Staff like Larry and Harry show cool tricks and kindness, making the experience lively. The dinner show and Chef Fabian's creative touches add to the cool vibe.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and full of flavor."

"The chefs here are so cool and entertaining while they cook."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6 PM with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

The staff celebrates birthdays with a special song and treat.

05
Calabra image 1
Calabra image 2
Calabra image 3
View all

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.

Food arrives quickly and looks as good as it tastes. Drinks and service match the consistently great quality of the dishes.

A super cool rooftop bar with a central bar and heat lamps all around. A DJ plays in the pool area early on, adding to the cool vibe before leaving.

People are saying

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

"It's a cool spot with a great vibe."

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.

06
Santa Monica Proper Hotel image 1
Santa Monica Proper Hotel image 2
Santa Monica Proper Hotel image 3
View all

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.

Food includes delicious dishes, complemented by wonderful wine and a surprise dessert. The bar offers excellent drinks alongside the meals.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, creative, and truly memorable."

"The vibe here is modern, relaxed, and effortlessly cool."

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.

07
The Chestnut Club image 1
The Chestnut Club image 2
The Chestnut Club image 3
View all

Cocktail bar with dim, moody lighting and an old-timey speakeasy vibe. Music features a live saxophone and a DJ mixing new and old jams, creating a cool, laid-back atmosphere. Seating includes booths, high tops, and bar stools, supporting both relaxed drinks and dancing.

Happy hour offers good drinks and food options. Food quality varies, with some dishes not standing out.

Live saxophone music creates a laid back vibe with cool 90's tunes playing. The decor and lighting give off dark old school bar vibes.

People are saying

"The old-school speakeasy vibe and decor inside is really cool."

"The food and drinks here were awesome."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Expect wait times of less than 10 minutes for drink orders.

3

Happy hour offers specials on drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm.

08
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.

Japanese style bar food features authentic flavors and dishes mostly under $25. The Saba stands out for its quality and careful preparation, paired with warm, thoughtful service.

Flaming the mackerel right in front of you adds a cool visual touch. The sharing menu features some unique items. The window display and the staff vibe also stand out as cool.

People are saying

"The food here is so fresh and full of flavor."

"I thought the window display was pretty cool."

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.

09
Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery image 1
Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery image 2
Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery image 3
View all

Traditional Italian deli combines market, cafรฉ, and quick-stop in a bustling, cozy atmosphere with authentic Italian grocery offerings. Outdoor seating includes stone picnic tables for enjoying sandwiches. The vibe recalls Little Italy in Manhattan with a quaint, small-town charm.

Fresh ingredients and a wide variety of authentic Italian foods stand out here. Hot food options are reasonably priced and draw people from far away.

Small market offers almost everything needed with a super cool vibe. Employees stay friendly and the deli feels authentic with quality products.

People are saying

"You have to try the Godmother sandwich; it's wicked good food."

"I thought the sandwiches were perfect."

Good to know

1

They accept only cash and debit card.

2

You need to grab a ticket with a number and wait until they call out the numbers.

3

Expect long wait times, especially during peak hours.

10
Britannia Pub image 1
Britannia Pub image 2
Britannia Pub image 3
View all

Pub offers multiple seating areas including a backyard patio, balcony, and sidewalk patio, creating a spacious feel. Atmosphere mixes British and Philadelphia Eagles themes with loud music and a lively crowd during games. Features include pool tables, many TVs for sports, and a DJ energizing the space.

Offers authentic UK foods served crispy and hot with adequate portions for the price. Food quality stands out as solid and delicious, often better than the service.

Atmosphere feels cool and relaxed with a friendly staff. The bartender adds to the English bar vibe.

People are saying

"The fish and chips here are delicious."

"It's a cool place with a friendly staff and a different vibe."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour runs from 4 to 7 pm, Monday to Friday.

2

Karaoke night happens on weekends with no cover charge.

3

The pub offers $7 fish and chips during Happy Hour.

11
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.

Fresh fish stands out with excellent quality and taste. Menu prices sit on the $$ side while delivering top-notch food and great service.

Pork broth makes the Seafood Udon mouth-watering and soothing in cool evening weather. The place has a cool modern interior and an authentic atmosphere.

People are saying

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

"The sushi here is top quality and incredibly fresh."

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.

12
Holey Moley Golf Club Santa Monica image 1
Holey Moley Golf Club Santa Monica image 2
Holey Moley Golf Club Santa Monica image 3
View all

Miniature golf course features unique themed holes spread over several floors with a great bar and live magician entertainment. Atmosphere is loud and crowded, with karaoke music playing openly and tight spaces causing frequent bumping. The vibe suits energetic nights out rather than quiet, relaxed play.

Corn bites and corn ribs stand out as spectacular dishes. Pizza and a pesto dish also feature, with staff like Elvis and Marissa providing attentive service to ensure food and drinks arrive smoothly.

Unique mini golf holes and a lively DJ create a cool vibe. Friendly bartenders add to the fun atmosphere and occasional magic shows bring extra excitement.

People are saying

"The food here was awesome and delicious."

"Elvis's exceptional service made our visit so cool."

Good to know

1

Events can cost over $1000 for limited time slots, so plan accordingly.

2

No kids are allowed after 8pm, so check age restrictions before visiting.

3

The venue lacks air conditioning, making it very hot during summer visits.

Discover more

Downtown, Santa Monica

Area guide