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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 715 Opinions
+712
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01
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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

"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
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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 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.

03
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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 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
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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 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.

05
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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

"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.

06
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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

"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
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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 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.

08
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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."

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.

09
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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 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.

10
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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 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
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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."

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
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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 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
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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

"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.

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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

"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.

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Mid-City, Santa Monica

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