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Santa Monica › Santa Monica › Wally's Santa Monica
Wally's Santa MonicaAMust Try
214 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
· Restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (588 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Upscale wine-focused spot with strong food and a massive bottle selection; vibrant scene, high prices, and occasional service inconsistencies.
Why it gets an A for overall quality
Wally's Santa Monica exemplifies grade A standards through exceptional food quality anchored by standout truffle dishes and premium charcuterie, paired with expert wine guidance and striking design appeal. Consistency shows occasional variation and service speed can lag during peak times, preventing a higher grade, but the serious wine program and destination appeal make this a celebrated Santa Monica dining destination that delivers on its premium positioning.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling, lined floor to ceiling with bottles that glow under soft light. Staff often guide guests through pairings and the bar team crafts polished cocktails. One diner summed it up: five-star experience atmosphere with a wine shop you can browse mid-meal. Cooking skews upscale comfort with a truffle-forward streak: baked brie that oozes, a wagyu burger with Old Amsterdam, boards stacked with premium imports, and steaks that most guests rave about. It is more elevated American than experimental, buoyed by a serious wine program and occasional chef’s table theater. Families do fine here if kids like familiar fare. The menu has kid-friendly anchors like burgers, grilled cheese, and even truffle pizza. Salads and sides help picky eaters, though prices are high and noise spikes at peak times, so earlier seatings are the calmest.
At a Glance
- Massive wine selection with expert pairing guidance
- Standout truffle brie, charcuterie, and wagyu burger
- Loud at peak times; conversation can be difficult
- Pricey across the board; premium add-ons add up
- Occasional service delays or policy rigidity at the door
What Sets It Apart
- library_wall_wine_selection
- chef_table_view
- premium_charcuterie_program
What People Love
- Browsing walls of bottles and discovering new labels
- Rich truffle dishes that feel indulgent
- Knowledgeable sommeliers who tailor pairings
- Lively, celebratory vibe that feels special
Points of Concern
- Noise levels can be very high during peak hours
- Seating waits even with reservations reported by a few guests
- Pricing is premium; boards and steaks escalate totals quickly
- Review patterns show minor marketing-style language in a few five-star posts but overall authenticity looks solid
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$62-$88 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with the 3-for-$28 board then share the $35 wagyu burger; consider a by-the-glass flight if not committing to a bottle
Perfect For
- Wine-focused date night
- Celebrations with bottle service
- Pre- or post-beach upscale bite
- Cheese and charcuterie enthusiasts
Location Insights
Area: Beach-adjacent urban hub with upscale shopping, hotels, and nightlife; attracts locals and visitors.
Safety: Well-trafficked, well-lit tourist core; generally safe with busy evening foot traffic.
Nearby: Near Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade; hotels, offices, and retail surround.
Downtown Santa MonicaDowntown Santa Monica is a bustling area with a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options. It attracts a diverse crowd including tourists visiting the beach and pier, as well as locals enjoying trendy restaurants and nightlife. The dining scene ranges from casual eateries to upscale establishments, reflecting the area's cosmopolitan vibe.
Wilshire Boulevard CorridorThis corridor along Wilshire Boulevard is a key commercial and dining strip in Santa Monica, featuring a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops. It serves as a convenient and popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking quality dining close to the beach and downtown attractions.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–22:30
Tuesday11:30–22:00
Wednesday11:30–23:00
Thursday11:30–23:30
Friday11:30–00:00
Saturday11:30–00:00
Sunday11:30–22:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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