Seemor
The Curious PalateB+Worth Trying
395 Santa Monica Pl 3rd Floor, Santa Monica, CA 90401
· New American restaurant, American restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (793 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Creative New American spot with house-made sauces and breads, standout burgers and tacos, strong owner presence, but mixed service reports and automatic gratuity confusion to watch closely.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
The Curious Palate delivers solid neighborhood dining with excellent food quality highlighted by house-made sauces, standout burgers, and creative global-American cooking. However, inconsistent execution and isolated food safety concerns prevent a higher grade, despite warm service and a charming tucked-away setting. Worth seeking out for reliable comfort food and genuine owner hospitality, though not yet a destination establishment.
Restaurant Summary
Hidden on the third floor of Santa Monica Place, this spot feels like a tucked-away gem where owners chat about farmers market produce and staff check in with genuine warmth. One diner called the burger "top notch" and praised the house-made sauces, while others enjoyed roomy seating and the easygoing mall patio vibe. The cooking leans modern American with global twists—think miso short rib wraps, tonkatsu touches, and Thai satay flavors alongside comforting soups, nachos, and grass‑fed burgers. It suits diners who enjoy creativity without pretense and appreciate scratch-made details like breads and condiments. Families will find plenty of kid-friendly picks—burgers, PB&J, mac and cheese, tenders—though feedback on kids portions and quality is mixed. From the menu, tacos and burgers are reliable for less-adventurous eaters, while fusion wraps may suit curious teens. Expect a casual, flexible setup rather than a formal kids program.
At a Glance
- House-made breads, sauces, and scratch cooking shine
- Standout burgers and crisp Baja fish tacos
- Automatic 18% gratuity for groups of 6+ caused confusion
- Polarized reports on service attitude and follow-up
- A few food safety and cleanliness complaints amid mostly positive feedback
What Sets It Apart
- house_made_sauces_and_breads
- fusion_influenced_menu
- owner_table_engagement
What People Love
- Warm owner presence and conversation
- Fresh produce and generous salads
- Creative yet comforting flavor mashups
- House-made ketchup and sauces that elevate basics
- Hidden-gem feeling away from street bustle
Points of Concern
- Automatic gratuity policy for parties of 6+ led to disputes; verify before ordering
- Service can vary from attentive to curt; a few reports of confrontations over tips
- Occasional off days on execution (greasy fish, undercooked pasta)
- Isolated illness/cleanliness complaints; majority report cleanliness but remain mindful
- Review patterns show signs of polarization in service experiences which may not reflect every visit
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$42-58 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For pescatarians: Baja Fish Tacos or Grilled Swordfish Sandwich ($25)
- Vegetarian picks: Spicy Kale Caesar ($15), Insalata Mediterranea ($20), PB&J ($16)
- Spice fans: Spicy Thai Satay Tacos ($16) or Diablo Garlic Fries ($8)
Perfect For
- Casual lunch during shopping
- Burger and craft beer craving
- Mixed groups with varied tastes
- Solo bite at the bar or patio
Location Insights
Area: Busy beach-adjacent shopping district attracting locals and visitors; mall environment with casual vibes.
Safety: High foot traffic, generally safe, well-lit mall setting with security presence.
Nearby: Next to Santa Monica Place retail, near Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Pier.
Downtown Santa MonicaDowntown Santa Monica is a bustling urban area featuring a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. The dining scene is diverse, ranging from trendy new American eateries to established seafood and international cuisine, catering to a mix of locals and visitors seeking a lively social environment.
Santa Monica PlaceSanta Monica Place is a popular shopping mall area with a concentration of dining options that appeal to shoppers and tourists looking for casual to upscale meals in a convenient, modern setting.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–20:00
Tuesday11:00–20:00
Wednesday11:00–20:00
Thursday11:00–20:00
Friday11:00–20:00
Saturday11:00–20:00
Sunday11:00–20:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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