Santa Monica's Culinary Delights: A Food Lover's Guide

Santa Monica beckons with its blend of coastal charm and cosmopolitan allure. While its stunning oceanfront properties have long been the crown jewels of luxury real estate, this vibrant city offers more than picturesque views and gorgeous homes. Whether it's a morning walk on the beach that seamlessly transitions into shopping in upscale promenades or a day of strolling through art galleries followed by a sophisticated dinner, there are new things to do and places to explore. Santa Monica is known for its cultural influences on art and cuisine, so taking a journey through Santa Monica's culinary scene will lead you to some of the finest restaurants in the country.

For Italian cuisine, Orto Santa Monica offers a classic and elegant menu inspired by California produce. Owner Andrea Inio grew up in Italy with rich culinary traditions. After working in Italian restaurants and experiencing the Santa Monica farmers’ market, he opened Orto, which is Italian for "vegetable garden." Using prime local ingredients and organic herbs grown in the restaurant, Inio creates traditional Italian recipes and cocktails. The wine list is carefully curated to focus on organic and sustainable producers. Vegan and vegetarian options are available. The restaurant also offers private parties where they strive to bring your vision to life.

At Tar and Roses, you will find a globally inspired menu that focuses on excellence and is created with quality ingredients and locally sourced fresh products. Award-winning chef Andrew Kirschner focuses on the rustic charm of the wood-fired oven to highlight the best flavors. The goal is to push the limits of traditional food and bring you adventurous yet approachable dishes. The menu changes frequently, and there is a rotating selection of local craft beer, which means there is always something new to try and each visit is unique.

Reinventing the American steakhouse, BOA brings you an innovative and bold dining experience. There is as much focus on creating an alluring ambiance as there is on curating a premium menu. When you want an elevated dining experience, BOA strives to provide unforgettable experiences to guests. With an award-winning wine selection, craft cocktails, and a quality menu, it's no wonder BOA is a favorite among locals and celebrities alike. Enjoy the diverse menu selection and contemporary upscale atmosphere and discover what attracts visitors worldwide.

When you desire an intimate dining experience, Mélisse Restaurant is the place to be. This 14-seat restaurant serves a seasonally driven prix fixe menu featuring chic French-New American cuisine. Chefs and sommeliers guide guests in a delightful fine-dining culinary experience. Josiah Citrin, an award-winning culinary expert, brings gourmet dining to a new level with critically acclaimed Mélisse.

Santa Monica is a beautiful seaside city, and as such, it's expected to offer some of the highest-quality seafood restaurants available to locals and visitors. Water Grill is a family-owned and -operated establishment. Offering a sophisticated and seasonally sourced seafood dining experience, the restaurant has extensive raw bar options and a menu that is updated daily. With multiple private dining options, Water Grill is also excellent for intimate groups, corporate dinners, and everything in between.

For a more casual dining experience that still offers excellence, consider Ghisallo. The pizzeria features seasonal salads, Neapolitan and New York-style pizzas, and sandwiches served on house-made ciabatta bread. They go beyond traditional cheese or margherita pizzas, though, offering various interesting topping combinations, such as the squash blossom pizza with Pomodoro, fior di latte, zucchini, nduja sausage, chili, ricotta, Castelvetrano olives, and honey. You can enjoy a relaxed lunch or an intimate dinner with friends or family without compromising quality.

Another excellent option for a farmers’ market-inspired menu, Rustic Canyon is an upscale yet casual neighborhood destination. Offering small plates and a unique wine list, Rustic Canyon is a critically acclaimed restaurant offering a slow-food approach. Executive chef Zarah Khan draws on a culturally diverse background to craft a hyper-seasonal menu. You may find Pakistani, Moroccan, Syrian, Levantine, or Turkish influences at any given time. With a love of simplicity and a desire for zero waste, she applies sustainable practices to ingredients sourced from local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen. Her unique style also creatively highlights every element of the dish so that you have a delightfully local culinary experience.

Michael's has become a classic in Santa Monica. The restaurant was founded in 1979 by Michael McCarty and was one of the first to specialize in upscale Californian cuisine. Focusing on local produce and seasonal ingredients, Michael's features market-driven plates designed to impress your palate. The restaurant takes pride in offering only the best for its guests and is dedicated to providing quality service and food. The spacious facility has two private rooms, a stunning garden, and outdoor dining, ideal for special events such as anniversaries or weddings.

Another stunning restaurant near the beach, Capo is aptly poised to offer an excellent atmosphere. With its rustic elegance and renowned artwork, the dining room is considered one of the prettiest in the area. With its beautiful ambiance, combined with delectable Italian dishes, Capo offers a sophisticated and upscale dining experience. Fresh seafood, fireplace-grilled meats, and homemade pasta are chef favorites and can be expertly paired with the perfect wines from the award-winning wine list.

Another upscale restaurant frequented by high-profile diners, Ivy at the Shore is known for its Californian cuisine and inventive drinks. It is situated on the shore with a bright, airy interior and casual sophistication. Whether you are grabbing a weekend brunch with friends or a dinner with loved ones, the menu is diverse and offers something for everyone. Enjoy a seafood platter, an Indian burger from the mesquite grill, or homemade spinach-and-cheese ravioli.

Santa Monica's dining scene is a mosaic of culinary excellence that can only be truly appreciated by experiencing it firsthand. From coastal elegance to modern chic experiences, the city offers diverse dining experiences to cater to every palate. Santa Monica has a way of catering to every lifestyle. Owning property in Santa Monica gives you easy access to enchanting seaside views, a vibrant art scene, and culinary expertise. If you are enticed by the idea of calling Santa Monica home or are ready to sell your current property, contact Claire O'Connor of O'Connor Estates. With years of experience and keen attention to detail, Claire will help you find the perfect Santa Monica real estate.