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FIG RESTAURANTA-Worth Trying
101 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
· New American restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (581 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Polished hotel restaurant for creative California-leaning fare with standout brunch and a famed half-off happy hour, but steep pricing and service-charge add‑ons require eyes‑open dining.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
FIG delivers solid A-grade performance through excellent food quality—particularly standout brunch dishes and seafood—paired with exceptional poolside setting and attentive service. However, quality variation across dishes and steep pricing without generous portions prevent it from reaching grade A territory. Best experienced for brunch or happy hour when value improves.
Restaurant Summary
Inside the Fairmont, FIG feels warm and bustling with greenery and an elegant poolside backdrop. Service leans personal—several diners mention staff guiding wine and pacing—though peak times can wobble. One guest noted, "we felt looked after from arrival," capturing the polished hotel vibe. Do expect premium pricing and visible service-charge additions. The cooking skews contemporary California, mixing pristine seafood and handmade comforts with creative global accents—think vadouvan-spiced salmon, sweet potato falafel with muhammara, and silky lemon-ricotta pancakes. When it hits, it is excellent: eggs Benedict, chilaquiles, lamb bolognese, and scallops get repeated praise. There are misses—occasional bland tartare or chewy calamari—so order where the kitchen shows its produce-first confidence. Families do well here, especially at brunch. Kids can land on pancakes, margherita pizza, and pasta, while adults explore seafood or salads. Portions run refined rather than huge, and prices are steep, but Friday half-off hour softens the blow. No kids menu called out; choose the simpler items for easier wins.
At a Glance
- Polished poolside setting with upscale hotel ambiance
- Strong brunch and seafood; pancakes and Benedicts are crowd favorites
- Steep pricing with added service/health surcharges
- Inconsistent execution on a few dishes (tartare, calamari)
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- half_off_friday_happy_hour
- poolside_setting
- creative_california_flavors
What People Love
- Resort-like poolside setting
- Attentive, personable servers
- Vibrant brunch staples executed well
- Half-off Friday happy hour value
Points of Concern
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($45+ mains) with automatic service charges noted by multiple diners
- Execution can be uneven on certain items (tartare seasoning, calamari texture)
- Menu timing rules (10:45 vs 11:00 brunch) felt rigid to some guests
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (staff name praise clusters are present but limited) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$64-88 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with PEI Mussels ($25), share Margherita Pizza ($26), finish with Apple Galette ($16) for a balanced, mid-range check.
Perfect For
- Upscale brunch before a beach stroll
- Happy hour graze with cocktails
- Hotel stay date night by the pool
- Business lunch with wine pairings
Location Insights
Area: Upscale coastal hub with beach hotels, boutiques, and business travelers; popular with locals for brunch and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, busy, and well-lit; hotel environment with steady foot traffic.
Nearby: Inside Fairmont Miramar near beach, Third Street Promenade, and Ocean Ave pedestrian routes.
Downtown Santa MonicaDowntown Santa Monica is a bustling area with a lively dining and retail environment, featuring a mix of casual eateries and upscale restaurants. It is popular for its walkability, proximity to the beach, and a diverse crowd seeking both trendy and classic dining experiences.
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Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday07:00–11:00
Tuesday07:00–11:00, 17:00–22:00
Wednesday07:00–11:00, 17:00–22:00
Thursday07:00–11:00, 17:00–22:00
Friday07:00–11:00, 17:00–22:00
Saturday07:00–11:00, 11:30–15:00, 17:00–00:00
Sunday12:00–11:00, 11:30–15:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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