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

Wine and dinner spots

You want a dinner where the wine list is just as important as the menu.

Based on 776 Opinions
+773
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Wally's Santa Monica image 1
Wally's Santa Monica image 2
Wally's Santa Monica image 3
View all

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.

Four-course dinners pair with wine tastings that suit business gatherings well. Wine plays a key role in the dining experience, especially for those who value it during fine meals.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic and exquisite."

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

"The truffle pasta and pizza are amazing dinner spots."

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.

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.

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 garlic shrimp and scallops were perfectly cooked."

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

"Their Spanish wine selection is excellent and 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.

03
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.

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

"I found the food here to be delicious."

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

"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.

04
Mรฉlisse Restaurant image 1
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.

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

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

"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.

05
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.

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 food here is fresh, healthy, and delicious."

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

"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.

06
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.

Dinner here features excellent food and service with options for both casual seating like couches around the fire pit and private gatherings in an upstairs private room. The spot suits celebrations and group dinners well.

People are saying

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

"Our server Rico was so kind and helpful during dinner."

"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.

07
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.

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

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

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

"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.

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.

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

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

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

"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
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 rosรฉ from Aix en Provence suits wine enthusiasts well.

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 food here was delicious and high quality."

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

"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.

Discover more

Downtown, Santa Monica

Area guide
Loading Map...