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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Mid-City, Santa Monica

Food spots

A place to eat that feels like a neighborhood staple rather than a tourist trap.

Based on 776 Opinions
+773
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Updated May 2026
01
LOKL HAUS image 1
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Coffee shop

Small space with eclectic decor offers a cozy, authentic vibe perfect for relaxing or catching up. Enjoy authentic Turkish dishes like doner and iskender, paired with excellent specialty coffee. Quiet atmosphere feels like a family kitchen.

Authentic Turkish dishes like doner and iskender stand out. The food is consistently amazing and tasty, paired well with specialty coffee in a cozy setting.

People are saying

"I loved the rich, distinct flavor of the Turkish coffee."

"It's a small, cozy place with a warm and inviting atmosphere."

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is metered and only allows 20 minutes on the same side of the coffee shop.

2

They serve breakfast and drinks only, with an expanded menu on weekends.

3

Seating is limited, so expect a small space if visiting during busy hours.

02
Katsu Bar image 1
Restaurant

Bright, lively spot offers huge portions and waffle fries that pack flavor. Casual vibe welcomes dogs with treats and water, making it a dog-friendly hangout. Cozy space includes a mini-library for book swapping, blending food, pets, and reading perfectly.

Food features huge portion sizes and reasonable prices. The waffle fries stand out as some of the best around, with overall dishes delivering incredible flavor.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the katsu sandwiches, is perfectly fried and juicy."

"The katsu curry here is heavenly."

"The food portions here are huge and delicious."

Good to know

1

Katsu Bar has a parking lot with plenty of free parking.

2

You pay at the counter first and then receive your food.

3

They have lunch specials and accept credit cards.

03
Pizza Fling image 1
Pizza restaurant

Roman-style pizza shines with authentic Italian ingredients and premium quality dough. Atmosphere feels like Italy with amazing decor and a friendly vibe. Every dish shows high quality and passion, making it a top spot for flavorful pizza lovers.

Food shows high quality and passion from the owner. The dishes earn a perfect rating for satisfaction and taste.

People are saying

"I thought this thin crust pizza was the best I had in LA."

"The authentic Italian pizza here uses the best quality ingredients."

"I thought the pizza here was the best I had ever tasted."

Good to know

1

Pizza Fling uses premium ingredients imported from Italy, including San Marzano tomatoes.

2

The pizza style is Roman, featuring both thin and thick crust options.

3

There are both indoor and outdoor seating options available.

04
Sushi Kanpai Santa Monica image 1

Cozy sushi spot offers authentic Japanese food with a relaxed vibe and spacious seating. Staff and chefs create a welcoming feel that matches the high-quality dishes. Happy hour features tasty salmon collar with lemon.

Authentic Japanese food stands out with consistently high quality dishes. Happy hour features salmon collar with lemon and other tasty options.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is incredibly fresh."

"This Lunch Spot has fantastic ramen and delicious donburi bowls."

"The food here is fresh, well-prepared, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers 50% off on all hand rolls until 6 PM.

2

Reservations are required to meet a $50 per person minimum on weekends.

3

Parking is available in a small lot behind the restaurant.

05
New York Bagel Deli & Bakery image 1

Bagel shop offers fresh bagels and traditional deli sandwiches in a modern inviting atmosphere with large windows. Mornings are busy with a bustling energy and limited seating. Food is tasty, prices are reasonable, and service is fast for quick pickups.

Food comes fresh and tastes great with an amazing variety of items and drinks. Prices stay reasonable and service is fast for quick pickups.

People are saying

"I thought the bagels here were the best I had ever tasted."

"I found the coffee here to be good and tasty."

"I found the food to be fresh and a good value."

Good to know

1

They open early at 5am every day.

2

There is parking in the back in case metered parking in the front is unavailable.

3

The bakery gets very busy in the morning.

06
Chelsea Restaurant image 1

Upscale spot boasts trendy decor and a quiet atmosphere perfect for dates or casual nights. Food shines with amazing selection and eclectic dishes that taste great and look sharp. Inventive cocktails add to the hip South London vibe.

Food offers amazing selection with consistent delicious taste and good portion sizes. Presentation looks nice and dishes range from appetizers to mains with an eclectic touch.

People are saying

"This place is perfect for a romantic dinner or a casual night out."

"The cocktails here are expertly crafted and super inventive."

"The food here is outstanding and beautifully presented."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can get busy quickly.

2

Valet parking is available for $15, but street parking is also plentiful.

3

Dress code is business casual; avoid flip flops and shorts.

07
Offhand Wine Bar image 1

Modern interior and vinyl DJs create a stylish vibe perfect for early evenings. Creative menu offers amazing sandwiches and tasty dishes. Bright space welcomes a friendly crowd enjoying natural wines and simple food.

Food features a creative menu with amazing sandwiches added for lunch. Dishes are consistently tasty and well received.

People are saying

"I loved their natural wine selection, especially the skin contact options."

"It's a cool, chill spot to hang out with friends."

"The food here was really tasty and fabulous."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5-7 PM, Monday through Saturday.

2

There is ample street parking available nearby.

3

The wine list features mostly California natural wines.

08
San Sai Japanese Grill image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi spot offers budget-friendly prices and generous portions with a salad bar. Food is fresh and flavorful, especially poke bowls and tempura. Cozy vibe with subtle holiday decorations adds charm.

Food comes out fresh and flavorful with generous portions. Service is quick, and the quality stays solid for the price.

People are saying

"The poke bowl here is so fresh and delicious."

"The soup here is delicious and affordable."

"The food here is delicious and always fresh."

Good to know

1

San Sai Japanese Grill is a self-served restaurant.

2

The combo cost about $13 and includes two salads and rice.

3

The portion sizes are generous for the price.

09
Trader Joe's image 1
Grocery store

Large, bright store offers fresh produce and international cuisines with affordable prices. Spacious layout keeps the atmosphere relaxed and pleasant even when busy. Ample parking adds to the convenience.

Wide variety of international cuisines and fresh ingredients fill the shelves. Snacks, prepared meals, and frozen foods come well packaged and taste delicious, all at affordable prices.

People are saying

"I found the parking available to be easy and convenient."

"I found their unique products to be incredibly affordable for the quality."

"The food here is great, and the crew is super friendly."

Good to know

1

Parking is free and easy to access, but can fill up quickly during peak hours.

2

Expect limited availability of fruits and vegetables after 7 pm.

3

The store layout can be confusing, especially with a large liquor section.

10
Fia Restaurant image 1
Californian restaurant

Outdoor garden with fire pits and cozy seating under pine trees creates a magical vibe. Food delivers excellent quality and great taste, perfectly matched by attentive service. Unique indoor-outdoor design and space heaters keep the setting intimate and warm.

Food offers excellent quality and great taste with every bite. Service and ambience complement the fabulous dining experience.

People are saying

"The brunch here is amazing, especially the chilaquiles."

"The pasta here is rich, fiery, and unapologetically bold."

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

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for brunch, especially on weekends.

2

Brunch for four people costs around $460, so plan your budget accordingly.

3

Happy hour is available from 4:30 to 5:30 PM on weekdays.

11
Palms n' Patties image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Shared space with four stalls creates a food hall vibe that feels clean but a bit stale. Juicy, perfectly seasoned burgers use quality ingredients for fresh, healthy fast food. Limited seating can feel uncomfortable when busy, but background music adds energy to the quiet atmosphere.

Food features juicy, perfectly seasoned burgers and quality ingredients that stand out in every bite. The menu offers classic smash-style fast food that tastes fresh and healthy with quick service.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the smash burgers."

"These smash burgers are some of the best I've had in LA."

"I enjoyed the beef tallow French fries."

Good to know

1

They have a 50% off deal in the afternoon.

2

Parking is free in the lot at the back.

3

Seating is limited and shared with other shops.

12
Noma Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Spacious sushi spot boasts Showa-era decor and a cozy vibe with modern jazz playing softly. Guests enjoy super fresh sushi made to order while watching chefs at the bar. Perfect for casual or special dinners with an elevated Japanese dining feel.

Food here is consistently super fresh and made to order with great quality. The dishes offer an elevated Japanese dining experience that justifies the extra cost.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the omakase, is so fresh and beautifully presented."

"The seafood here is so fresh, especially in the omakase."

"The food here is incredibly fresh and high quality."

Good to know

1

Noma Sushi does not accept reservations and is walk-in only.

2

The restaurant has a system for managing the waiting list.

3

Parking is limited, but there is a large parking area behind the restaurant.

13
Paderia Bakehouse image 1

Small bakery shines with Portuguese-style egg tarts and large cookies. Food is high quality but pricey. Modern, clean look suits quick visits with free parking and outdoor seating.

Food offers great quality but comes at a pricey cost. The overall experience is decent with consistent service.

People are saying

"The cookies here are soft, chewy, and delicious."

"This Vietnamese coffee is bold, smooth, and packed a kick."

"I loved the food; the croissants were perfected."

Good to know

1

Paderia Bakehouse is strictly takeout with no indoor seating available.

2

A single cookie costs $7, making them relatively expensive.

3

Paderia Bakehouse does not accept cash; only card payments are allowed.

14
Lee's Chinese Fast Food image 1
Chinese restaurant

No-frills spot serves fresh, hot food with generous portions of Chinese American dishes like orange chicken. Affordable prices and quick service keep the place busy with regulars from healthcare and construction. Free parking adds convenience to the straightforward dining experience.

Food here is fresh and hot, with generous portions of Chinese American dishes like orange chicken and kung pao chicken. Prices stay low while the cooks deliver quick service and consistently tasty meals.

People are saying

"The food here is tasty, especially the orange chicken."

"The orange chicken at this Chinese food place is really tasty."

Good to know

1

There was free parking in the lot.

2

The restaurant can get pretty busy during peak hours.

3

You can buy a plate and save some for later because their portions are huge.

15
O'Briens Irish Pub image 1

Irish pub buzzes with lively atmosphere and many TVs showing sports. Comfort food and cold drinks shine in a friendly setting. Heated outdoor patio adds to the authentic vibe where locals gather and laughter flows.

Offers a solid mix of comfort food and cold drinks with a friendly atmosphere that fits a neighborhood pub well.

People are saying

"This pub has an authentic, welcoming vibe and feels like home."

"This bar has so many TVs, it's great for watching games."

"I enjoyed the great food here."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Wednesday at 7pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

The pub quiz on Mondays fills up quickly, so arrive early.

3

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

16
Thai Dishes Wilshire image 1
Thai restaurant

Modernized interior creates a clean and spacious setting with fast service. Authentic Thai dishes offer unique menu items and are consistently fresh and delicious. Atmosphere stays relaxing and welcoming, perfect for casual dining or private events.

Food here is consistently fresh, delicious, and perfectly prepared. The dishes capture authentic Thai flavors, though they tend to be less spicy than in Thailand unless you specifically ask for more heat.

People are saying

"The Thai food here is so aromatic and perfectly balanced."

"I loved the papaya salad and the spicy coconut soup."

"The food here is amazing, with intense, authentic Thai flavors."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a small lot behind the restaurant.

2

Lunch specials are offered Monday through Friday from 11 am to 3 pm.

3

The restaurant accommodates private events for up to 35 people.

17
Busby's West image 1
Bar & grill

Huge sports bar buzzes with over 100 TVs and a lively arcade featuring mini golf. Fresh food shines with an excellent burger and quick service. Friendly crowds fill spacious seating and a cool outdoor deck, creating a fun, social vibe for sports fans.

Food features fresh taste and an excellent burger. Service keeps up well with high demand during busy times.

People are saying

"The food here tasted great and fresh."

"The staff here is so inviting while you watch live sports."

"You can play arcades, mini golf, and watch the games here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Trivia night happens every Monday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

3

Expect a wait for pool tables during peak hours, especially on weekends.

18
goodboybob coffee roasters image 1

Cozy cafe offers delicious chapatis and wonderful coffee in a stylish setting. Both indoor and outdoor seating welcome dogs, creating a dog-friendly space. Creative energy fills the air, attracting a diverse crowd and beautiful cars outside.

Delicious food includes chapatis, pastries, and red-eye sandwiches. Drinks feature wonderful coffee, lattes, and unsweetened cold tea.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was really delicious."

"It's a cute spot with a nice outdoor space and tables."

"I thought the food here was really tasty and fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tricky; expect to pay $7 for street parking.

2

The coffee shop has limited indoor seating and some outdoor seating.

3

It takes about 20 minutes to get a cup of coffee.

19
Carl's Jr. image 1
Fast food restaurant

Bright, sparkling clean spot serves freshly grilled patties fast. Staff often speak Spanish, adding a friendly touch. Known for vegan burgers and a quiet atmosphere, it offers a clean dining area that feels welcoming.

Food comes out quickly and tastes delicious. The place stays very clean for a fast food spot.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and perfectly made."

"I thought the fast food here was fresh and delicious."

"The drive-thru here is usually pretty quick."

Good to know

1

The facility is very clean and well-maintained.

2

The restroom is the cleanest I have seen around.

3

The drive-thru is faster than the McDonald's across the street.

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Mid-City, Santa Monica

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