What are the best restaurants in Santa Monica, Los Angeles?

According to Seemor's analysis, top-rated restaurants in Santa Monica include Shunji Japanese Cuisine (A+, Sushi omakase), Mélisse Restaurant (A, Fine dining), Yagul Cafe (A, Oaxacan cafe), Rustic Canyon (A, Restaurant), Wally's Santa Monica (A, Wine bar and restaurant). Seemor grades restaurants from A+ to F based on review-language analysis across 35+ dimensions including food quality, service, ambiance, and value.

What is Santa Monica known for?

Based on Seemor's analysis of 136 restaurants in Santa Monica, the most represented cuisines are American (50), Japanese (11), Italian (11). Grades reflect contextual review analysis, not star ratings.

Is Santa Monica good for a special occasion?

Yes — Santa Monica has 33 top-rated restaurants from expensive to extremely_expensive, including Shunji Japanese Cuisine (A+, Sushi omakase). The area offers strong options for special occasions across price points.

Seemor

Best Restaurants in Santa Monica

136 restaurants analyzed · Los Angeles

Santa Monica has one of Los Angeles's most consistently strong dining scenes, with an unusually wide range of cuisines running from casual California-inflected spots to serious special occasion restaurants. Third Street Promenade and Montana Avenue are the best-known corridors, but Ocean Avenue and the blocks inland offer some of the area's most interesting American and Mediterranean restaurants. Prices lean toward the higher end across much of Santa Monica, though the quality generally justifies the investment.

Restaurants

Shunji Japanese Cuisine A+ · Sushi omakase, Japanese
Mélisse Restaurant A · Fine dining, Tasting menu
Yagul Cafe A · Oaxacan cafe, Brunch
Rustic Canyon A · Restaurant, Californian
Wally's Santa Monica A · Wine bar and restaurant, Cheese & charcuterie
Bun & Mi A- · Vietnamese restaurant, Casual dining
Local Kitchen & Wine Bar A- · Neighborhood Italian & Wine Bar, Pizza
Vito Restaurant A- · Italian restaurant, Bar
Forma Restaurant & Cheese Bar Santa Monica A- · Italian restaurant, Cheese bar
Blue Daisy A- · Brunch restaurant, Cafe
Sushi Kanpai Santa Monica A- · Sushi restaurant, Japanese
Santa Monica Seafood Market & Cafe A- · Seafood restaurant, Seafood market
Desvelados Santa Monica A- · Mexican restaurant, Tacos
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa A- · Sushi restaurant, Japanese
Little Bean Coffee A- · Coffee shop, Cafe
The Penthouse A- · Restaurant, Californian
Tar & Roses A- · Restaurant, New American
Water Grill A- · Seafood restaurant, Raw bar
La Vecchia Cucina A- · Italian restaurant, Wine bar
The Upper West A- · New American restaurant, Bar & grill

Top Neighborhoods for Dining

Top Cuisines

American — 50 restaurants
Japanese — 11 restaurants
Italian — 11 restaurants
Mediterranean — 11 restaurants
Mexican — 8 restaurants
Cafe — 6 restaurants
Latin American — 4 restaurants
Southeast Asian — 3 restaurants
Modern American — 3 restaurants
Bakery — 3 restaurants

Find Your Next Meal in Santa Monica

Casual Meal restaurants in Santa Monica — Quick, quality, no fuss
Date Night restaurants in Santa Monica — Romantic dining for two
Fun with Friends restaurants in Santa Monica — Something everyone will enjoy
Family Outing restaurants in Santa Monica — Kid-friendly, stress-free dining
Solo Dining restaurants in Santa Monica — Comfortable spots for dining alone
Business Discussion restaurants in Santa Monica — Professional setting, no distractions
Vegetarian-Friendly restaurants in Santa Monica
Vegan-Friendly restaurants in Santa Monica
Gluten-Free Friendly restaurants in Santa Monica
Walk-ins Welcome restaurants in Santa Monica
Highly Authentic restaurants in Santa Monica
Local Favorites restaurants in Santa Monica
Easy Parking restaurants in Santa Monica
Amazing Setting restaurants in Santa Monica
Hidden Gems restaurants in Santa Monica
Great Value restaurants in Santa Monica

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