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Local picks

Salad spots in Downtown Santa Monica

Made for those who treat a bowl of greens as a primary meal and refuse to accept anything less than fresh, crisp components.

Based on 776 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
The Curious Palate image 1
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New American restaurant

Open-air seating creates a calm atmosphere perfect for families. Salads shine with fresh, local vegetables and generous portions. Bright, spacious interior invites guests to relax away from noisy spots.

Salads feature fresh, locally sourced vegetables and come in generous portions. Options like the Thai Satay Salad with chicken and the house salad offer a balance of flavors and quality ingredients.

People are saying

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

"This Local Spot's fresh, from-scratch cooking uses local ingredients."

"The spicy kale Caesar salad is a must-try."

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.

02
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Izakaya restaurant

Long, narrow space with intimate bar seating creates a cozy vibe. Salads like daikon salad and tomato ginger offer fresh, crisp flavors. Romantic lighting highlights antique sake cups and skilled chefs, blending minimal decor with thoughtful design.

Salads here include a daikon salad that stands out and a tomato ginger salad that feels simple and refreshing. The cucumber salad also appears alongside other dishes, offering a crisp option.

People are saying

"The sashimi here is incredibly fresh and delicious."

"You have to get the corn ribs; they're amazing."

"I found the tomato ginger salad simple and refreshing."

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.

03
Mikomi Sushi Santa Monica image 1
Japanese restaurant

Spacious interior with modern design and beautiful chandeliers creates a calm, clean atmosphere. Robot waitress Bella adds a unique touch while serving high-quality sushi. Lunch boxes include a ginger dressing salad that complements teriyaki chicken and crunch roll perfectly.

Lunch boxes come with a salad with ginger dressing that pairs well with teriyaki chicken and crunch roll. The udon salad offers a satisfying mix of flavors and textures.

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 seaweed salad here is so flavorful and fresh."

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.

04
Solidarity image 1
Polish restaurant

Polish restaurant feels like a friend's home with cozy seating and private firepit patios. Salad options shine with the Solidarity salad and fresh cucumber salad. Bar offers lively vibes and unique drinks like the Warsaw Mule.

Solidarity salad stands out as a favorite with a perfect balance. The cucumber salad is consistently fresh and a reliable choice. Sauerkraut salad also offers a great tangy option.

People are saying

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

"The outdoor seating feels like a beautiful secret garden."

"I did not want to miss this perfect Salad."

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.

05
Orto Santa Monica image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant shines with burrata and beet salad starters and fresh dressings. Bright space with soaring ceilings and soft jazz creates a calm vibe. Outdoor courtyard adds charming setting for relaxed dining.

Starters include a burrata and beet salad that stands out. Salads come with fresh, nice dressing and pair well with dishes like sea bass and scaloppina.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

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

"I found the salad to be truly amazing with fresh dressing."

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
Monica Cafe image 1

Cozy space with lofted seating and soft jazz sets a calm, work-friendly vibe. Fresh, satisfying salads like chicken salad pair well with strong espresso and smooth lattes. Midwest and East Coast styles blend for a classy yet welcoming feel.

Fresh and satisfying salads come with options like chicken salad and dishes paired with Turkish eggs. Salads serve as a healthy, light lunch choice alongside strong espresso and smooth lattes.

People are saying

"The breakfast here is so fresh and delicious."

"The staff here are so welcoming, it makes you feel appreciated."

"I loved their fresh, flavorful chicken salad."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

Expect a wait during weekend brunch hours, especially after 10am.

3

The cafe accepts credit cards and mobile payments, but not personal checks.

07
Simply Salad image 1
Salad shop

Salad shop serves super fresh ingredients with many toppings like beans and meats. Atmosphere is quiet and clean with a modern look and street views. Prices are reasonable and portions generous, making it a great spot for quick, healthy meals.

Salads come with super fresh ingredients and a variety of toppings like multiple beans, meats, and cheeses. Prices hover around 10 dollars for a well-served bowl, and the atmosphere stays clean and inviting.

People are saying

"The salads here are so fresh and delicious."

"I found the healthy foods here to be delicious and fresh."

"The service at this lunch spot is so proactive and personal."

Good to know

1

Simply Salad offers healthy and affordable options for quick meals.

2

Prices are around $10 for a well-served salad bowl.

3

Parking on 2nd street can be tricky.

08
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Italian restaurant

Quaint Italian spot offers a cozy atmosphere with a lovely patio for relaxed dining. Penne and Caesar Salad are standout dishes, though salads can take up to 30 minutes. Soft music keeps the vibe calm and inviting without loud noise or crowds.

Penne and Caesar Salad stands out as a go-to meal. The Mediterranean salad is also good, but salads take a long time to arrive, sometimes up to 30 minutes.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic Italian, bursting with fresh flavors."

"The Italian food's gnocchi is perfectly soft and delicious."

"I found the Mediterranean salad to be good."

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.

09
MIXT Salads image 1
Salad shop

Bright, airy space offers a cozy atmosphere perfect for casual dining. Salads boast fresh organic ingredients with many vegan options and large portions. Relaxed vibe complements a healthy meal with a generous variety of fresh and cooked vegetables.

Salads feature fresh organic ingredients with many vegan options. Portions are large and filling, including options like Mediterranean and elote special salads with a wide variety of fresh and cooked vegetables.

People are saying

"I was obsessed with these brilliant salads; I could eat them for every meal."

"The staff here is so friendly and helpful with the healthy foods."

"The falafel bowl was exceptional and outstanding."

Good to know

1

Prices for salads start around $15, including tax.

2

The restaurant offers a large variety of salads and allows customization.

3

Portion sizes are generous, making salads a filling meal option.

10
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.

People are saying

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

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

"My friend said the Caesar salad was the best she's ever had."

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.

11
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Tapas bar

Spanish tapas bar shines with authentic flavors and a cozy art deco vibe. Salads stand out for their bright freshness and a peach twist that adds sweetness. Cocktails and vermouth offer a perfect match to the lively yet elegant atmosphere.

Salads here are consistently bright and fresh, featuring options like arugula and a notable kale salad. The salad with peach adds a unique, sweet twist to the mix.

People are saying

"The garlic shrimp and scallops were perfectly cooked."

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

"The salads here are bright, fresh, and delicious."

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.

12
Santa Monica Seafood Market & Cafe image 1

Seafood market offers fresh seafood displays and a lively oyster bar. Sea-themed salads like Crab Louie and seaweed salad shine alongside fish tacos. Atmosphere blends bustling market energy with quiet spots for conversation, creating a true community hub.

Sea-themed salads stand out with options like seaweed salad and Crab Louie. The selection includes various pokes and salads served alongside dishes like fish tacos.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

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

"The seafood in this salad is so fresh and delicious."

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.

13
Santa Monica Pizza Kitchen image 1

New York style pizza shines in a chill spot with baseball games on TV and spacious seating. Chicken Caesar salad features a distinctive dressing and pairs well with pizza. Prices vary online and in-store, but the vibe stays relaxed and easy-going.

Chicken Caesar salad comes with a distinctive dressing that stands out. Salads are available in small sizes and often paired with pizza and drinks for a quick meal.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and always tastes fresh."

"This New York Style Pizza is simple, yummy, and generously topped with ricotta."

"The salad here tasted so fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the back of the restaurant.

2

Online menu prices may not match in-store prices; check before ordering.

3

A slice of pizza costs about $4.

14
1212 Santa Monica image 1
New American restaurant

Large space with a dog-friendly patio and live DJ music creates a loud, fun vibe. Salads offer well-seasoned salmon and blackened chicken with fresh ingredients. Outdoor fire pits add warmth but music volume can challenge conversation.

Salads feature well-seasoned proteins like salmon and blackened chicken. Dressings are light, and ingredients stay fresh and flavorful.

People are saying

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

"Our Brunch server Robert was very attentive and accommodating."

"The server made excellent recommendations for the salad."

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.

15
Ugo Santa Monica image 1

Indoor and outdoor seating offers a relaxed vibe with violin music enhancing the chill atmosphere. Salads like quinoa and grilled vegetables provide hearty, fresh options. Positive energy makes it great for casual afternoons and people watching.

Quinoa and grilled vegetables make a hearty salad option. Fruit salad comes at a moderate price and tastes fresh.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be delicious and refreshing."

"The Nutella cream cake is light and not overwhelming."

"I enjoyed the fruit salad; it was delicious."

Good to know

1

The cafe is convenient for a small bite, dessert, or drink on the go.

2

The restaurant is located right in the heart of the 3rd Street Promenade.

3

There was no wait time on a Saturday evening.

16
Trader Joe's image 1
Grocery store

Underground supermarket offers a modern layout and wide organic selections with fresh salads like arugula and quinoa options. Shoppers enjoy competitive prices and no checkout lines, making visits quick and pleasant.

Salads come in a range from light arugula and chicken to more filling options with quinoa and beans. Everything stays fresh and neatly packaged, ready to grab and go.

People are saying

"I found an amazing selection of fresh, organic healthy foods here."

"I found the prices to be affordable for the area."

"The staff here are so sweet and genuinely friendly."

Good to know

1

Trader Joe's offers one hour of free parking with a validated ticket.

2

The store is located underground with parking accessible from 5th Street.

3

Expect a wide selection of organic and gluten-free products.

17
Kappo Miyabi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Minimalist design blends traditional Japanese elements with modern charm in a serene space. Freshness shines in the green salad, offering a crisp, tasty bite. Open kitchen adds interactive dining energy, while booths ensure privacy for a calm, authentic vibe.

Freshness stands out with the green salad here. The salad tastes quite good overall.

People are saying

"The sushi here is so fresh and delicious."

"The food here is a work of art, truly a feast for the senses."

"The green salad here is so 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.

18
Nick The Greek image 1
Greek restaurant

Greek restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with authentic music and a nice outdoor area. Salads feature fresh cucumbers and classic toppings, often paired with pitas and falafel. Seating includes high chairs for kids, making it family-friendly despite indoor warmth.

Greek salads come with fresh cucumbers and classic toppings. Options include a side Greek salad that pairs well with pitas and falafel. Salads are part of combo meals with fries and drinks.

People are saying

"The Greek food, especially the gyros, is delicious."

"I loved the Mediterranean food, especially the amazing falafel pita."

"I loved their delicious salads and bowls."

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.

19
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.

People are saying

"The food here was delicious and high quality."

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

"The salads here are amazing, with attentive and friendly service."

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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