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Guide to Downtown

Wine and date spots

A wine bar where you can focus on the conversation instead of the noise of the room.

Based on 604 Opinions
+601
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Updated April 2026
01
Mélisse Restaurant image 1
Mélisse Restaurant image 2
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New American restaurant

Small dining room with only five tables offers an intimate atmosphere and close-up view of the open kitchen. Bright lighting contrasts with the sleek, modern design and vinyl records playing softly in the background. Staff create a relaxing, comfortable vibe that complements the upscale yet cozy setting.

Exceptional wine pairings accompany each plate, enhancing the dining experience. Guests receive an elegant envelope with the full menu and wine selections as a keepsake.

Arriving right on time with valet service adds ease to the evening. Celebrations like birthdays fit well with the intimate atmosphere and thoughtful timing.

People are saying

"The intimate tasting menu was a masterclass in balance and flavor."

"The food here is stunning and meticulously planned for your Date Spots."

"The wine pairings here were exceptional and worth it."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to limited seating.

2

The cost is on the higher side of tasting experiences at $399 per person.

3

Expect a unique performance using an 18th-century press during the meal.

02
XUNTOS image 1
Tapas bar

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.

Eclectic wine selection pairs well with tapas and food. Scott the sommelier offers detailed descriptions and suggests better options to enhance the experience.

Cute decor sets a cozy mood for a date night. Small plates like stuffed dates and artichoke hearts offer tasty bites to share.

People are saying

"The garlic shrimp and scallops were perfectly cooked."

"Their Spanish wine selection is excellent and authentic."

"The Spanish tapas here are really delicious and fresh."

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.

03
1212 Santa Monica image 1
New American restaurant

Large space with dog-friendly patio and live DJ music creates a loud, fun atmosphere that energizes the evening. Outdoor seating features fire pits enhancing the vibe. Music volume often challenges conversation but adds to the lively environment.

A nice selection of wines pairs well with meals here. Staff like Theresa and Nick offer solid knowledge and make excellent recommendations for wine and food pairings.

Great atmosphere near the promenade offers good people watching and a lively vibe. Food feels authentic and fresh, making it a solid choice for happy hour date nights or special occasions.

People are saying

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

"The servers here are so attentive, making it a great spot for a date."

"The wine recommendations here are excellent and paired perfectly with our meals."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

All-night happy hour is available on Mondays, offering great deals.

3

Reservations are recommended for special events like the Super Bowl.

04
Santa Monica Seafood Market & Cafe image 1

Seafood market combines fresh seafood displays with a lively oyster bar and casual dining space. Atmosphere balances bustling market energy with enough quiet for conversation. Offers a community hub vibe where people shop and eat in one place.

Reasonably priced wine pairs well with oysters and raw clams served at the bar. Bottles and fresh seafood are available to take home for cooking or snacking.

Feels like a hidden gem with a cozy vibe for casual date nights. Works well for quick bites or a relaxed first date.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The oysters here are the best I've ever had."

"The wine here is great and fairly priced."

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.

05
Orto Santa Monica image 1
Italian restaurant

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.

An incredible wine selection pairs well with the food. The top notch wine stands out in the intimate ambience.

A relaxed vibe suits low-key date nights and special occasions like anniversaries or birthdays. The beautiful setting makes it a solid pick for a first date with quality Italian food.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"The Italian food here feels so authentic and romantic."

"The staff gave excellent wine and food recommendations."

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.

06
Citrin Restaurant image 1

Dining space feels elegant but cramped with loud music creating a bar-like atmosphere when busy. Outdoor patio offers a romantic and quiet setting ideal for dates. Interior blends new yet dated decor with veneers and cheaper materials.

Thoughtful pairings match each dish with a local wine chosen by the sommelier. The wine pairing adds depth and is worth the extra cost.

Outside seating offers a quiet, intimate atmosphere. The setting suits both first dates and business dinners.

People are saying

"The food here is phenomenal and beautifully presented."

"The food here is extraordinary, making it a great spot for Date Spots."

"The wine pairings were exquisite and worth the upcharge."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required well in advance for prime weekend seating.

2

The meal typically takes about 2.5 hours to complete.

3

A 4% opt-out service charge is added to the bill.

07
The Curious Palate image 1
New American restaurant

Restaurant offers open-air seating with a calm, relaxing atmosphere that contrasts with nearby noisy spots. Space feels homey and curated, encouraging guests to unwind in a bright, spacious interior suitable for families.

A large wine selection pairs with a wide variety of beers. Wine sells at 50% off with a class at the Gourmandise School.

Warm, welcoming atmosphere with a husband and wife team running the place. Offers delicious food that works well for a date night or a casual meal with family.

People are saying

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

"The food here is superb, making it a great spot for a date."

"They had a great wine selection and local brew options."

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.

08
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.

Management offers a complimentary bottle of wine to celebrate special occasions. Guests receive wine alongside meals and surprise desserts, adding a thoughtful touch to the experience.

Dinner offers a nice setting for celebrations with options like a salad with skirt steak that stands out. The atmosphere suits special occasions with family.

People are saying

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

"The rooftop offers breathtaking ocean views and smart cocktails."

"The wine service was outstanding and truly exceptional."

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.

09
Wally's Santa Monica image 1

Walls lined with hundreds of wine bottles create a wine cellar atmosphere with high ceilings and marble surfaces. Loud music fills the space, generating energetic vibes where people gather around the bar and dining areas. The setting combines upscale decor with a chilly temperature, offering shawls for warmth.

One of the largest wine selections in California pairs with a beautiful interior resembling a wine cellar. The spot offers wine tastings with food pairings like cheese, charcuterie, and truffle dishes in an upscale setting.

Many choose this spot for date nights or celebrations. The vibe includes eating high-end caviar in a cozy, intimate setting with small stools.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic and exquisite."

"I enjoyed the massive wine selection and delicious food."

"The food here is amazing, especially the pasta and steaks."

Good to know

1

Weekly tequila tasting events occur every Saturday, offering a fun experience.

2

Happy hour features discounted drinks and appetizers, making it a popular time to visit.

3

Live performances take place on Monday nights, adding to the venue's atmosphere.

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.

A wide selection of French wines appears on a separate drinks menu. Ordering a bottle of wine or champagne saves money, especially for groups. Choosing a rosé from Aix en Provence suits wine enthusiasts well.

Memorable date nights happen here with a warm atmosphere. It suits special occasions like graduations and romantic evenings.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and high quality."

"The DJ played awesome international music and took requests."

"The wine here feels like St Barths with a DJ and tequila time."

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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Downtown, Santa Monica

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