Seemor
Tar & Roses
602 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
· Californian restaurant, American restaurant, New American restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (1083 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Creative New American with wood-fired flair and standout whole fried snapper; excellent food with occasional service and portion-size gripes.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with wood-fired aromas drifting from the open kitchen, while the back patio offers a quieter nook for date nights. Servers often guide the meal with confident pacing, as one diner noted: "they explained the menu and timed each plate perfectly." The cooking leans Californian with fusion accents rather than theatrics: think gochujang-kissed bone marrow, miso touches, and a dramatic whole fried snapper with cool soba. Dishes are shareable and flavor-forward, though a few guests found seasoning heavy or portions modest. For most, it is a creative, ingredient-driven experience worth planning for. Families should know this is not especially kid-oriented. Reviews mention no high chairs or boosters, and flavors skew adventurous. While simple sides like whipped potatoes or roasted veggies could suit some kids, the menu largely targets adult palates; plan accordingly.
At a Glance
- Signature whole fried snapper is a showstopper and delicious
- Knowledgeable service with thoughtful pacing and wine guidance
- Creative, wood-fired New American with fusion touches
- Portions can feel small for the price on some items
- Occasional service hiccups and reservation delays
What Sets It Apart
- signature_whole_snapper
- wood_fired_cooking
- creative_fusion_accents
What People Love
- The dramatic whole fried snapper for two
- Oxtail dumplings and rich starters
- Thoughtful pacing and menu guidance
- Cozy patio and warm wood-fired ambiance
Points of Concern
- Some diners report small portions relative to price
- Isolated reports of oversalted dishes or bland mains
- Seating delays and tight tables at peak times
- Limited kid accommodations including no high chairs
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$66-88 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair rich starters (bone marrow, ribs) with bright plates (crudo, endive) for balance
- If ordering the shellfish pot, add bread or a side to enjoy the broth
- For lighter eaters, combine a veggie large and one protein to control spend
Perfect For
- Date night with shared plates
- Celebrating with a seafood-loving friend
- Adventurous eaters seeking fusion accents
- Wine-focused dinners with pacing
Location Insights
Area: Busy beach-adjacent downtown with a mix of offices, tourists, and locals; lively evenings and date-night energy.
Safety: Generally safe, high foot traffic; occasional complaints about crowding and isolated discomfort.
Nearby: Near Third Street Promenade, hotels, bars, and beach; strong walkability and rideshare access.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday17:30–21:00
Wednesday17:30–21:00
Thursday17:30–21:00
Friday17:30–21:30
Saturday17:30–21:30
Sunday
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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