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Santa Monica › Santa Monica › The Surfing Fox
The Surfing FoxB+Worth Trying
120 Colorado Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
· Restaurant, Californian restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (435 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Creative California coastal spot inside The Pierside Hotel with standout small plates and cocktails, variable service speed, and prices on the higher side for the area.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
The Surfing Fox delivers solid neighborhood dining with exceptional beachfront appeal and above-average food quality featuring creative California-Asian fusion. However, inconsistent execution across visits and variable service pacing prevent it from reaching higher territory—the kitchen and front-of-house show promise but lack the reliability expected of grade A establishments. Worth visiting for the location and standout dishes like ceviche and kale salad, though manage expectations around timing and portion value.
Restaurant Summary
Just off the pier inside The Pierside Hotel, The Surfing Fox feels warm and beachy with a lounge-y bar and cushy seating. Travelers and locals drop in for sunny patio bites, and many call out friendly staff even when timing slips. One diner summed it up: "Great spot by the ocean, creative plates, but the pacing can wobble during busy stretches." In the kitchen, the approach is contemporary California with playful fusion: coconut leche de tigre on ceviche, miso aioli for the lobster roll, and Japanese chimichurri with steak. When it hits, flavors are bright and polished; a few items like fish and chips and the hot chicken can wobble from crisp to heavy, so lean into ceviche, kale salad, and the burger if you want the most reliable wins. Families do fine here thanks to familiar staples like burgers, fries, and fish and chips, though portions lean modest and brunch pacing can test patience. There is no kids menu noted, but the menu has accessible options; the space is also notably dog-friendly with a dedicated pup menu on the patio.
At a Glance
- Prime location steps from the pier with patio and beachy lounge atmosphere
- Creative California flavors with Asian-Latin accents; ceviche and kale salad are standouts
- Service speed and coordination can be inconsistent, especially at peak times
- Portion sizes and add-on fees can make value feel uneven
- A few seafood safety complaints (poke, lobster roll); choose raw items thoughtfully
What Sets It Apart
- dog_menu_patio
- creative_coastal_flavors
- hotel_convenience_steps_to_pier
What People Love
- Bright, fresh ceviche and crisp fries when on form
- Relaxed coastal vibe near the ocean
- Friendly bartenders and servers
- Dog-friendly touches on the patio
Points of Concern
- Service pacing varies; appetizers and mains sometimes mistimed or delayed
- Some mains (fish and chips, hot chicken) swing from great to greasy or dry
- Pricing feels high for portion sizes; substitution upcharges surprised diners
- Review patterns show signs of variability in seafood handling; a few illness claims suggest caution with raw items
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$55-72 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with Street Corn Focaccia ($12) or Ceviche* ($22) then share Fish Tacos ($25) for balance.
- Add a side of Crispy Sweet Potatoes ($9) for a reliable hit.
- Value combo: Kale Salad ($18) + Fox Fries ($9) + shared Shrimp Toast ($15).
Perfect For
- Pre-pier cocktails and small plates
- Casual hotel dining without leaving the property
- Sunny patio lunch with a dog
- Solo bar bite after the beach
Location Insights
Area: Beach-adjacent, tourist-heavy hub with hotel, bars, and shopping; attracts travelers and locals for pier access.
Safety: Well-trafficked, brightly lit tourist zone; typical urban cautions but generally safe.
Nearby: Inside The Pierside Hotel; steps to Santa Monica Pier, shopping streets, beach paths, and parking structures.
Santa MonicaSanta Monica's dining scene is diverse, ranging from casual beachside eateries to upscale restaurants. The area is lively and pedestrian-friendly, with a strong emphasis on fresh, health-conscious cuisine and a relaxed yet trendy social atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday07:00–22:00
Tuesday07:00–22:00
Wednesday07:00–22:00
Thursday07:00–22:00
Friday07:00–22:00
Saturday07:00–22:00
Sunday07:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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