It’s hard to believe, but I’ve officially been living in Santa Monica, California for almost two years now! Did you know that whenever you order one of our Vogelle bags, your shipment comes from Santa Monica? It’s such a wonderful place nestled on the coastline between Malibu and Venice Beach, and I love exploring this pacific paradise that I am lucky enough to call home. There will be many guides to come about Santa Monica and the surrounding areas, but this one is focused on food.
Everything on this list is a local spot and not located on the Santa Monica Promenade (thank me later!).
From breakfast to brunch to dinner, here are some of the best places to eat in Santa Monica, California. These restaurants are listed in no particular order and there are many other amazing places in our city that aren’t on the list. The food in Santa Monica is seriously SO good! Let’s dive in and explore where to eat in Santa Monica, California for your next visit.
Layla’s Bagels
Ocean Park; Breakfast; ($$)
Layla’s Bagels has a few locations now, but I love their location in Ocean Park which is a part of Santa Monica. Enjoy beautifully made, filling bagels with some of the yummiest cream cheese you’ve ever tasted. They have great coffee and matcha here along with dog treats in case you’ve got your furry best friend with you.
Pro Tip: If you’re coming to Layla’s on the weekends for breakfast, get there early! Once it hits 9-10am, the line is typically around the block.
colapasta
Santa Monica; Dinner; ($$)
If you’re headed to Santa Monica, do not miss this authentic Italian spot.
Colapasta is a small restaurant that doesn’t accept reservations, but that’s what makes it so intimate. There is no view or “tourist” feel here, so you’re really here for the food and the experience. As an Italy lover, you can feel that this is an authentic Italian restaurant with a love for cuisine. Colapasta is not an expensive meal in comparison to many of the other restaurants in the area, so my fiancรฉ and I love doing little date nights here.
Calabra
Santa Monica; Brunch & Dinner; ($$$)
If you’re looking for a vibey rooftop brunch, lunch, or dinner, Calabra is the place to be. There’s truly nothing better than sipping on an aperol spritz there on a sunny day. Calabra is located on top of the Santa Monica Proper Hotel and offers panoramic views of the city and the coast. The food at Calabra is a blend between California and Mediterranean cuisine. If you’re there for brunch and a fan of smoked salmon, get the Mediterranean breakfast. I’m already hungry thinking about it now.
Local Kitchen & Wine Bar
Ocean Park; Lunch & Dinner; ($$)
Located in the same area as Layla’s Bagels, we’re headed back over to Ocean Park for this one!
Local Kitchen & Wine Bar is such a cute neighborhood spot in Ocean Park, which is a section of Santa Monica. This restaurant serves a range of dishes including pizza, burgers, fish, chicken, and more. If you’re looking for a cozy neighborhood vibe, grab dinner here. You can swing by Hendel’s Ice Cream after for a sweet treat!
Ghisallo
Ocean Park; Lunch & Dinner; ($$)
We’ve got another one in Ocean Park! Ghisallo is home to some of the best pizza in LA. They have an adorable back patio area that feels closed off from the rest of the city. Enjoy some wine, freshly baked pizza, meatballs, and pasta at Ghisallo. This is one of our neighborhood favorites.
Manchengo
Santa Monica, Dinner; ($$$)
If you love Spanish tapas, you have to make it down to Manchengo on Main Street. Main Street is where us locals spend time in Santa Monica while the tourists hangout on the promenade. Manchengo is one of our favorite restaurants on Main Street and is home to some delicious Spanish Tapas and wines. Sit on the patio and people watch on Main Street or sit inside and enjoy the carefully curated Spanish vibe.
Lula Cocina
Santa Monica; Lunch & Dinner; ($$)
No foodie list in LA is complete without a Mexican restaurant!
Lula Cocina is also on Main Street near Manchengo. This is such a fun restaurant with great burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and of course, margaritas! Enjoy dinner here before bar hopping around Main Street, or walk here after an afternoon at the beach.
Santa Monica Seafood
Santa Monica; Lunch & Dinner; ($$)
Located on Wilshire and 10th, this is a true seafood market with the freshest fish in town. We come here a lot to grab fresh fish to cook at home, but there is a restaurant inside of the market if you’re looking to sit down and enjoy their dishes. Try their oysters, calamari, and do not miss the tuna sandwich! Stop by this spot for lunch while you explore Santa Monica. It’s a local spot and some of the best food in town.
The Courtyard Kitchen
Santa Monica; All Day; ($$$)
Last but most definitely not least, The Courtyard Kitchen on Montana and 12th. This place is such a vibe all day long! They have great breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The bar in the back (photographed above) is stunning and there are a bunch of little rooms in this restaurant with different aesthetics where you can eat. If you do stop here for dinner, be sure to get one of their freshly cooked pizzas.
Best Places to Eat in Santa Monica
I hope you enjoy these delicious restaurants in this beautiful city. Since moving here, I’ve been blown away by the food scene. Everything really is that good. There are so many restaurants that I haven’t tried yet, so I look forward to updating this list as time goes on. If you have a favorite that’s not on this list, leave a comment below! I hope you enjoy your next visit to Santa Monica.
Honorable Mentions: Art’s Table, Piccolo, & La Vecchia Cucina
