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Santa Monica › Santa Monica › 1 Pico
1 PicoA-Worth Trying
1 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
· Californian restaurant, Cocktail bar, Italian restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (271 reviews)
Reservations · Outdoor seating
Destination oceanfront dining with refined seafood and Italian-leaning plates, stellar views, and polished service, but expect very high prices and occasional inconsistency.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
1 Pico delivers A-grade performance anchored by exceptional oceanfront setting and sunset views that justify a special occasion visit, paired with warm, attentive service and standout seafood execution on scallops and branzino. However, inconsistent pasta quality and occasional oversalting prevent grade A territory, while high pricing limits broader appeal despite the memorable beachfront experience.
Restaurant Summary
Set inside Shutters on the Beach, 1 Pico delivers breathtaking ocean views and a sunset scene that feels celebratory even on weeknights. Service often comes across as warm and attentive, and a guest put it simply: "the scallops were perfection." A few diners find the room dated or seating promises not honored, but most agree the setting is the main draw. The cooking leans coastal-Californian with Italian cues—think simply grilled fish, bright crudos, and pastas—favoring ingredient purity over theatrics. Seafood plates like scallops and branzino win consistent praise, while pastas can run pricey for the portion and occasionally uneven. Cocktails and wine guidance are strong, and special wine dinners add event-night sparkle. Families can do well here if aiming for the view: there are kid-friendly staples like burgers, fries, omelets, and simple pastas, plus grilled fish for adventurous eaters. No designated kids menu is noted, so expect adult pricing; still, familiar options make it workable if the goal is a memorable beachfront night.
At a Glance
- Oceanfront sunset views worth a special trip
- Seafood execution (scallops, branzino) earns raves
- High prices; value hinges on view and occasion
- Pasta consistency varies; some oversalting reports
- Professional, welcoming service with strong bar and wine guidance
What Sets It Apart
- oceanfront_sunset_tables
- wine_dinner_programming
- simply_grilled_seafood_excellence
What People Love
- Feeling of a beachside celebration at sunset
- Expertly seared scallops and well-cooked fish
- Gracious service from host stand to bar
- Thoughtful wine recommendations and special dinners
Points of Concern
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($50+ mains) which may surprise casual diners
- Pasta dishes can be undercooked or oversalted according to multiple diners
- Occasional seating frustrations for window requests on special occasions
- Review patterns show signs of mixed expectations on value; quality strong but not uniformly exceptional
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$95-135 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Seafood-forward order (scallops or branzino) with a fresh contorno
- If vegan or gluten-free, choose the dedicated pasta and salads
- For brunch, Benedict Bar or omelette with sides
Perfect For
- Sunset date with cocktails and seafood
- Out-of-town client dinner in a luxe setting
- Celebratory meal where the view matters
- Solo business traveler at the bar
Location Insights
Area: Beachfront luxury hotel setting attracting travelers, celebratory diners, and business clientele; sunset views dominate the appeal.
Safety: Well-patrolled, high foot traffic tourist zone; generally safe and well lit around the hotel.
Nearby: On Santa Monica Beach near the Pier, Ocean Ave hotels, and shopping; heavy visitor presence and valet culture.
Santa MonicaSanta Monica's dining scene is diverse, ranging from casual beachside eateries to high-end restaurants. The area is popular for its walkability, scenic ocean views, and a mix of trendy and classic venues that cater to a broad demographic including health-conscious diners and food enthusiasts.
Downtown Santa MonicaDowntown Santa Monica is the bustling core with a concentration of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It is a lively area with a mix of locals and visitors enjoying a dynamic urban beach city vibe.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:30–21:30
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday17:30–21:30
Friday17:30–21:30
Saturday11:00–15:00, 17:30–21:30
Sunday11:00–15:00, 17:30–21:30
Available: Reservations, Outdoor seating
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