SavarinWhere to eat · Santa Monica
Best Restaurants In Santa Monica Ca
Santa Monica’s dining scene is anchored by serious culinary heavyweights, spanning multi-course Michelin tasting menus to unmatched neighborhood pasta bars.
1
Mélisse
Chef Josiah Citrin’s two-Michelin-starred institution delivers benchmark French-Californian fine dining with theatrical tableside service. Order the dry-aged duck Rouennaise pressed in an antique silver press, or the signature egg caviar course. At $$$$ ($395 per person), it is an extravagant splurge worth every penny for a milestone; book well ahead on OpenTable.
2
Pasjoli
Chef Dave Beran’s Michelin-starred French bistro crafts elevated Parisian classics with produce straight from the Santa Monica Farmers Market. Order the tableside pressed duck for two or the silky chicken liver mousse on warm brioche. At $$$$ (around $120 a head), it is fair value for exacting French technique; reserve via OpenTable.
3
Rustic Canyon
This pioneering hyper-seasonal restaurant and wine bar builds its daily-changing menu around close relationships with local organic farmers. Order the Flannery beef ribeye with mojo de ajo butter alongside whichever market vegetable crudo is in season. At $$$ (around $75 a head), it is superb value for top-tier produce; reserve on Resy or walk into the bar.
4
Colapasta
Chef Stefano De Lorenzo’s Michelin Bib Gourmand pasta shop specializes in fresh, organic handmade pasta rolled right behind the counter. Order the beet-filled casunziei with poppy seeds and brown butter or the moringa fontina agnolotti. At $$ (around $30 a head), it is an unbelievable steal for pasta this good; it is walk-in only, so arrive at 5 PM.
5
Cobi's
This Michelin Bib Gourmand standout on Main Street is known for bold Southeast Asian cooking served inside a floral, vintage-styled bungalow. Order the rich beef rendang alongside flaky roti and crispy curry puffs. At $$ (around $40 a head), it is exceptional value for big, punchy flavors; secure a table on Resy well in advance.
Ask Savarin your own question
Recipes with real chefs’ steps, restaurant picks with prices and addresses, meal plans for the week.
Try it freeBrowse all recipes or where to eat.