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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Downtown Santa Monica's best

Dinner spots

The day finally winds down once there is a plate of food in front of you.

Based on 764 Opinions
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01
Mikomi Sushi Santa Monica image 1
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Spacious interior with modern design and beautiful chandeliers creates a calm, clean vibe. Dinner offers three sushi rolls and edamame for a quick, satisfying meal. Unique touch comes from robot waitress Bella delivering food in a cozy setting.

Dinner features three sushi rolls and edamame for a simple, satisfying meal. The spot suits quick dinners and is easy to reach by walk or short drive.

People are saying

"The baked salmon and eel rolls are delicious dinner spots."

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.

02
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Quaint Italian spot offers cozy atmosphere and a lovely patio for dinner. Music plays softly, keeping the vibe calm and inviting. Perfect for relaxed meals or quick bites with friends or partners.

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 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.

03
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Open-air seating creates a calm atmosphere perfect for families. Dinner uses fresh local ingredients with kid-friendly options. Space feels homey and bright, ideal for quick, relaxing meals after a busy day.

Dinner features fresh and local ingredients with options tailored to individual tastes and kids' needs. The spot welcomes families and suits quick meals after a long day.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here have amazing handmade dishes with fresh ingredients."

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.

04
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Bright space with soaring ceilings and soft jazz sets a calm mood. Perfect for intimate dinners or large groups upstairs. Charming outdoor courtyard adds elegance to any meal.

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."

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.

05
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Long, narrow space with intimate bar seating creates a cozy vibe perfect for dinner. Open kitchen showcases skilled chefs crafting a wide variety of dishes. Romantic lighting highlights antique sake cups, making it ideal for a quiet dinner date.

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

"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.

06
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Small Mexican spot offers family-friendly vibe with quick, casual dining. Warm, inviting space blends modern and traditional styles. Staff serves tortilla chips while you wait, with Mexican tunes playing in background.

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

People are saying

"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.

07
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Seafood market offers fresh seafood displays and a lively oyster bar. Dinner features fresh, flavorful fish perfect for families, dates, or business. Atmosphere blends bustling market energy with quiet spots for conversation.

Seafood dinners stand out with fresh, flavorful fish options. The spot suits families, dates, and business dinners well. Early meals help avoid crowds and secure seating.

People are saying

"I had the freshest, most delicious seafood dinner here."

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.

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Spanish tapas bar shines with authentic Spanish flavors and a cozy art deco interior. Perfect for romantic dinners or lively group celebrations, it offers an extensive vermouth and cocktail selection. Upstairs seating adds an intimate touch to the vibrant atmosphere.

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."

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.

09
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Minimalist design with traditional Japanese elements creates a calm, elegant space. Open kitchen adds interactive dining energy while booths offer privacy for intimate meals. Varied Japanese dishes and omakase options make it ideal for group dinners and celebrations.

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

People are saying

"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.

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Rooftop setting delivers stunning views and cozy outdoor heaters. Dinner impresses with fantastic dishes perfect for groups or solo guests. Accessibility shines with wheelchair-friendly seating and elevator access, all wrapped in a sexy, lively vibe.

Dinner offers a fantastic experience with dishes that impress guests consistently. The atmosphere supports a wonderful evening for groups and individuals alike.

People are saying

"The service for dinner spots here is so friendly and amazing."

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.

11
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Spacious Mexican restaurant offers a cozy yet lively atmosphere with beautiful decor and soft music. Perfect for relaxed Saturday night meals, dinner lasts about two hours. Large tables make it ideal for family celebrations and groups.

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

"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.

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Small dining room with intimate atmosphere offers a close-up view of the open kitchen. Dinner is Michelin-level and very expensive, with meals served promptly to all guests. Bright lighting and vinyl records create a relaxing vibe in a sleek, modern setting.

Dinner here is very expensive with a Michelin-level dining experience. Meals start promptly at the reservation time, serving all guests each course together.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here have incredible flavor profiles and seamless pairings."

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.

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Boutique hotel blends warm vibe with panoramic city views from its rooftop pool and dining area. Dinner here shines with sunset backdrop and lively energy, perfect for celebrations. Indoors offers a calm ambiance contrasting the vibrant rooftop scene.

Rooftop dining offers panoramic city views and a beautiful sunset backdrop. The spot serves dinner alongside drinks, creating a nice setting for celebrations.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here are beautifully designed and spectacular."

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.

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Open hibachi-style setup offers an engaging dining experience with chef performances that turn dinner into a lively show. Dim lighting and cozy decor create a fun atmosphere perfect for celebrations and family outings. A second-level bar adds interactive energy to the venue.

Dinner here turns into a show with the chefโ€™s performance. It suits celebrations well, making dinners memorable and fun with friends or family.

People are saying

"Chef Pablo's skilled performance made our dinner feel special."

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.

15
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Brick walls and concrete floors set a casual scene with multiple TVs showing sports and a full bar serving distinctive cocktails. Family-style BBQ offers delicious smoked meats that bring comfort and celebration. Friendly, lively energy makes it great for relaxed dinners.

Dinner features family-style BBQ with delicious smoked meats served in a casual setting. Meals often bring a sense of celebration and comfort, fitting for special occasions or relaxed evenings.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here have delicious, fall-off-the-bone tender ribs."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $5, but the lot is small and spaces are compact.

2

Dinner plates are large enough to share, but they are expensive.

3

A pound of rib tips costs $38, which is on the higher side.

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Greek restaurant has a cozy atmosphere with authentic music and a nice outdoor area. Quick dinner baskets focus on French fries and fried chicken, fitting casual dining. Seating includes high chairs for kids, making it family-friendly.

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

"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.

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Rooftop restaurant offers cool views of water and Ferris wheel with a live DJ and percussionist creating a club-like vibe. Perfect for romantic dinners and lively celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries.

Beautiful location sets a romantic tone for dinner. Attentive service and a rooftop with a live DJ create a perfect Saturday night vibe for celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries.

People are saying

"The grilled fish and truffle chicken at these dinner spots were outstandingly spots were outstanding."

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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