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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Downtown Santa Monica

Lunch and seafood spots

Fresh seafood is the only thing that satisfies when the craving for a midday meal hits.

Based on 838 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Mikomi Sushi Santa Monica image 1
Mikomi Sushi Santa Monica image 2
Mikomi Sushi Santa Monica image 3
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Japanese restaurant

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.

Lunch offers great deals with large portions that stay affordable. Bento boxes include teriyaki chicken, crunch roll, and ginger salad in a pleasant atmosphere.

Fish comes in incredibly fresh and high-quality cuts, with sushi featuring generous slices of fish. Shrimp tempura offers a delicious mix alongside spicy tuna rolls packed mostly with fish.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is amazing, especially the fresh, well-prepared sushi."

"The lunch special here is a huge, affordable plate."

"The seafood here is so fresh and tastes really good."

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
Desvelados Santa Monica image 1
Mexican restaurant

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.

Downtown spot offers a perfect lunch with an ambiance suited for both date nights and casual midday meals.

Shrimp stands out with perfect cooking and seasoned to perfection. Shrimp tacos offer a flavorful seafood option alongside guacamole and chips.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is amazing."

"This lunch spot has delicious, authentic Mexican food with generous portions."

"I highly recommend the seafood here; I would definitely come back."

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.

03
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.

Offers a quick lunch option with a lobster roll deal that stands out. Works well for a casual meal solo or with friends, especially when arriving early to avoid crowds.

Freshness stands out with consistently fresh fish and succulent seafood meals. The oysters and jumbo shrimp cocktail rank among the most notable dishes.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The market has an excellent selection of fresh seafood."

"This lunch spot has excellent, fresh seafood and fish."

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.

04
LA PUREPECHA COCINA MEXICANA image 1

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.

Comfort food remains available for lunch far from home. Friendly service at the counter supports a relaxed lunch date vibe near the beach.

Shrimp burritos stand out with iconic flavor and generous portions. Fish tacos offer fresh, well-spiced fish that never feels cheaped out on.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is oozing with flavor and moisture."

"The shrimp burrito is juicy and delicious seafood."

"The tacos at this Lunch Spot are freaking delicious."

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.

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.

Lunch features a burger and fries with a house-made dipping sauce. The spot works well for casual meetups and family lunches with kids.

Shrimp po boy stands out with its fresh shrimp and solid flavor. Fish tacos use never frozen fish, adding to their quality.

People are saying

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

"The fish tacos and swordfish sandwich were delicious."

"This lunch spot's food is delicious and prepared 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.

06
Kappo Miyabi image 1
Sushi restaurant

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.

Lunch features premium sushi omakase with eight pieces including snowcrab handroll, hamachi, sweet shrimp, salmon, ootoro, kanpachi, halibut, and red snapper. Specials like sushi and sashimi come at a set price and attract repeat visits.

Fish tastes really fresh and portions come generous. Seafood Udon features big shrimp, mussels, clams, and udon noodles in a pork broth.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so fresh and delicious."

"The seafood here is so fresh and flavorful."

"The sushi and sashimi at this Lunch Spot were fresh and generous."

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.

07
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.

Lunch offers a prix fixe menu around $18 with attentive and friendly service. It serves as a reasonably priced spot for a midday meal or happy hour.

Oysters come pre-dressed with jalapeรฑos and grapefruit, blending spice and citrus. Popcorn shrimp and crostini add variety, while toasts feature vegetables and fish for a fresh mix.

People are saying

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

"The seafood here is amazing, especially by the warm fire."

"The service at this Lunch Spot was so attentive and friendly."

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.

08
Benihana - Santa Monica image 1
Japanese restaurant

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.

Lunch features great specials with standout options like the lunch duet of chicken and shrimp. The service team including the GM, server, and chef contribute to a memorable dining experience.

Seafood dishes feature fresh shrimp cooked perfectly alongside other items. Every dish, including seafood, shows tender texture and flavorful preparation.

People are saying

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

"The seafood chefs put on an entertaining show right at your table."

"The staff at this Lunch Spot are so attentive and friendly."

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.

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.

Trendy, chic vibe defines the lunch experience here. Express lunch offers great prices and Sundays bring a lively brunch and lunch scene.

Seafood noodles and fresh oysters stand out here. Salmon and grilled fish come cooked perfectly, often paired with flavorful vegetables like asparagus and broccolini.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and high quality."

"The seafood here is outstanding, especially the grilled fish."

"The food at this lunch spot is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented."

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.

10
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.

A lunch menu runs alongside a happy hour, drawing a varied crowd. Weekend lunch options show limited variety and quantity.

Garlic shrimp and scallops in their shells stand out with fresh, rich flavors. The anchovy on brioche pairs salty fish with sweet bread for a unique bite.

People are saying

"The garlic shrimp and scallops were perfectly cooked."

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

"This Lunch Spot organized free meals for responders during the fires."

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.

11
Rita's Gate Of India image 1
Indian restaurant

Small, cozy space filled with Indian art and music creates a relaxing, homely atmosphere. Quiet and intimate setting suits meeting locals and date nights. Decor blends antique pictures and Bengali culture paintings with a slightly industrial feel.

Lunch offers delicious dishes with a satisfying variety. Quick searches often lead here for a late lunch option.

Shrimp dishes stand out, especially the shrimp coconut curry and lemon fish curry with a spicy twist. Lamb also pairs well, but shrimp is the preferred choice across meat options.

People are saying

"I found the Indian food here to be the best I'd tried in LA."

"The Garlic Naan was piping hot, fresh out of the oven."

"This Indian Lunch Spot has the best food I've ever tasted."

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not have restrooms available for customers.

2

There is no parking available at this location.

3

The medium spice level is on the spicier side, so adjust your order accordingly.

12
Casa Martin | 3rd St Promenade image 1

Mexican restaurant offers a cozy, stylish atmosphere with live Mariachi music and outdoor seating on a promenade. The space feels warm and inviting, blending a laid-back vibe with exquisite decoration. Guests enjoy a mix of traditional dishes and notable margarita flights in a lively setting.

Lunch features guacamole as a notable item. The manager or owner personally serves everyone during lunch.

Fish tacos come loaded and very tasty. The menu features Garlic Shrimp appetizer, Garlic Fish, shrimp cocktail, and shrimp quesadilla, all prepared with strong garlic flavors.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the fish tacos, is fantastic."

"The seafood, especially the garlic shrimp, was delicious."

"The manager here really cares about your lunch experience."

Good to know

1

Expect an 18% automatic service charge on your bill.

2

Happy hour offers better value with a 2 taco special.

3

The average entree costs around $25.

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Downtown, Santa Monica

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