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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Pacific Palisades

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40 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Penthouse Restaurant restaurant
1. The Penthouse Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4320)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Santa Monica
Booked 26 times today
The Penthouse Restaurant in Santa Monica offers an exceptional Mediterranean-inspired dining experience that perfectly blends authentic flavors with a contemporary California twist. Located on the dramatic 18th-floor rooftop, diners are treated to breathtaking panoramic ocean views that enhance the overall experience. Guests rave about the "amazing service" and "superb ambiance" that complement the "incredible" and "delicious" meals, making it an unforgettable culinary journey. Standout dishes like the seafood tower and shakshuka bring the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean to life. Whether for a special occasion or a casual brunch, The Penthouse promises a "fantastic" gastronomic adventure in a stunning setting.
A photo of Citrin restaurant
2. Citrin
4.6
Exceptional(206)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Santa Monica
Booked 16 times today
Citrin, nestled in the vibrant heart of Santa Monica, offers a stellar representation of modern American cuisine with a distinct Californian twist. Chef Josiah Citrin's expertise shines through in every meticulously crafted dish, earning the restaurant its well-deserved Michelin star. Patrons rave about the "phenomenal flavors" and "exceptional service," creating an unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant's inviting atmosphere is complemented by a large bar and a la carte menu, allowing guests to explore a variety of exquisite dishes like the famed Lobster Bolognese. Citrin's commitment to quality and innovation makes it a must-visit for lovers of authentic American cuisine.
A photo of Edgemar Restaurant + Lounge restaurant
3. Edgemar Restaurant + Lounge
4.6
Exceptional(84)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Santa Monica
Booked 15 times today
Edgemar Restaurant + Lounge in Santa Monica is a standout destination for authentic Mediterranean cuisine, celebrated for its fresh and flavorful dishes that transport diners straight to the shores of the Mediterranean. Nestled in a historic Frank Gehry-designed building, Edgemar offers an ambiance that is as inviting as its menu. Diners rave about the "uniquely tasty" offerings and "exceptional flavor profiles" that are crafted with "authentic spices," making every dish a memorable experience. The "beautiful ambiance" and "fantastic service" further elevate the dining experience, ensuring that Edgemar is not just a meal, but a true culinary journey.
A photo of The Courtyard Kitchen restaurant
4. The Courtyard Kitchen
4.7
Exceptional(124)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Santa Monica
Booked 38 times today
The Courtyard Kitchen in Santa Monica is a true gem for Mediterranean cuisine enthusiasts. This delightful restaurant captivates diners with its vacation-inspired Mediterranean dishes that are as authentic as they are delicious. Guests consistently rave about the “excellent food” and vibrant flavors that echo the essence of the Mediterranean. The restaurant's commitment to quality ensures that every meal is made from the freshest ingredients, providing "consistently delicious" experiences that have patrons returning time and again. The charming ambiance and attentive service further enhance the dining experience, making it a must-visit spot for anyone seeking an authentic taste of the Mediterranean.
A photo of Melisse restaurant
5. Melisse
4.9
Exceptional(2004)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Santa Monica
Booked 3 times today
Melisse in Santa Monica redefines American cuisine with its exquisite blend of flavors and meticulous attention to detail. This Michelin 2-Star gem, helmed by Chef Josiah Citrin and Chef Ken Takayama, offers an unparalleled dining experience that has diners raving. Guests are treated to a culinary journey that expertly combines classic and modern techniques, as they are guided through an 8-course tasting menu featuring the finest ingredients from California’s farms. Reviewers describe Melisse as "one of the best dining experiences" they've ever had, highlighting the "exceptional service" and "creative, flavorful dishes." For an unforgettable celebration, Melisse truly stands out.
A photo of Ivy at the Shore restaurant
6. Ivy at the Shore
4.8
Exceptional(3550)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Santa Monica
Booked 53 times today
Ivy at the Shore in Santa Monica is a seafood lover's paradise that promises an exceptional dining experience. Known for its vibrant ambiance and ocean views, this iconic restaurant serves a seafood menu that's as fresh as it is flavorful. Guests rave about the "incredibly fresh and flavorful" Stone Crab, perfectly chilled and paired with a tangy mustard sauce, underscoring the restaurant's dedication to quality seafood. The service is impeccable, with attentive staff ensuring every detail is perfect. Whether it's a leisurely lunch or a special occasion, Ivy at the Shore offers "an unforgettable dining experience" with its standout seafood dishes.
A photo of Wolfsglen restaurant
7. Wolfsglen
4.2
Awesome(406)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Westwood
Booked 3 times today
Wolfsglen in Westwood, Los Angeles, offers an exceptional Contemporary American dining experience that truly captures the essence of "Los Angeles comfort food." Chef Fidel Guzman masterfully blends familiar flavors from diverse cultures, creating an innovative and authentic menu that has left diners raving. With glowing reviews like "the food is amazing you cannot go wrong" and accolades for its "creative compositions" and "exceptional service," Wolfsglen is a standout choice for those seeking a modern twist on American classics. The ambiance, complemented by live music and a welcoming atmosphere, makes it a must-visit spot for both locals and visitors alike.
A photo of West Restaurant at Hotel Angeleno restaurant
8. West Restaurant at Hotel Angeleno
4.4
Awesome(935)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Brentwood
Booked 8 times today
Nestled on the 17th floor of the Hotel Angeleno, West Restaurant offers an exceptional breakfast experience that diners rave about. With a panoramic view that spans the downtown skyline to the Pacific Ocean, breakfast here isn't just a meal—it's an event. Guests laud the "delicious" breakfast offerings, which are complemented by a "very nice view and low noise level during the morning hours," making it a perfect spot for a relaxing start to the day. The service is consistently "on point," ensuring that every morning spent at West is a memorable one. Whether you're a local or a traveler, West Restaurant promises a delightful breakfast that truly stands out.
A photo of Buffalo Club restaurant
9. Buffalo Club
4.3
Awesome(400)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Santa Monica
Booked 1 time today
The Buffalo Club in Santa Monica is a true gem for those seeking authentic American cuisine. Established by award-winning writer Anthony Yerkovich and offering the innovative creations of Executive Chef Patrick Healy, this restaurant beautifully marries tradition with modern flair. Diners rave about the "spectacular" dishes, highlighting the impeccable preparation and presentation of each meal. The atmosphere exudes glamour and charm, reminiscent of old Hollywood, perfect for a special occasion or a casual night out. Whether you’re savoring the legendary pot pie or indulging in a perfectly cooked steak, the Buffalo Club promises an "out of this world" dining experience.
A photo of Opaque - Dining in the Dark, LA restaurant
10. Opaque - Dining in the Dark, LA
4.1
Excellent(418)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Santa Monica
Coming Soon! Please check back for updates or sign up for email notifications through our website!Opaque - Dining In The Dark Imagine that you are recognizing friends by their voice, sounds tell a story, aromas come alive and elegance is felt. In this era of information overload, visual stimulation has reached an all time pinnacle. But imagine, just for an hour or two that you cannot see, that you are abandoning vision in exchange for a new, more stimulating dining experience – this is “Dining in the Dark." Opaque - Dining in the Dark – will seat you in a literally pitch-black dining room where you will be guided and served by blind or visually impaired individuals that have been specially trained to serve meals in the dark, casually and comfortably offering guidance and reassurance for sighted guests.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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