Best Lunch Restaurants in Mid-City

287 restaurants available nearby

1. Fia

4.5

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Santa Monica

Booked 31 times today

Hidden inside a lush, secret garden in the coastal enclave of Santa Monica, Fia is the first collaboration between hospitality trailblazer Michael Greco and celebrated Chef Brendan Collins. A venue designed by acclaimed designer Matt Winter ~ Fia is an urban oasis, where Greco's service mantra is rooted in a dedication to hospitality... Service, Service, Service. Collins' craveable menu delivers on flavor & execution, highlighting the freshest seasonal ingredients, inspired by California & Italian Coastal Cuisine, that will satisfy all. Add to the equation, carefully crafted cocktails, and old & new world wine list. Maximum reservable table size is for eight persons, see Fia website for event/catering inquiries. Weekend Brunch with Bottomless Mimosas & Margaritas (2 hour time limit per booking)We do not allow dogs (excepting certified service animals)We allow one special bottle for a $45 corkage as long as we do not carry that same bottle in our award winning wine cellar.

A photo of The Penthouse Restaurant restaurant

2. The Penthouse Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(4310)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Monica

Booked 20 times today

Discover one of the best places to eat in Santa Monica! The Penthouse offers guests a dramatic 18th-floor rooftop dining experience, complete with panoramic ocean views, beach cabanas, and open sky enclaves. Sip signature craft cocktails or indulge in contemporary Mediterranean inspired California cuisine. The Penthouse provides a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience and is among the best places to eat in Santa Monica.

A photo of Water Grill - Santa Monica restaurant

3. Water Grill - Santa Monica

4.7

Exceptional(5996)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Santa Monica

Booked 56 times today

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Water Grill Santa Monica is an iconic seafood destination to enjoy the first catch of the season and a deep variety of fish, lobsters, crabs, oysters and shellfish on a robust menu that changes daily. Located on Ocean Ave. across from the Pacific Ocean and steps away from the Santa Monica Pier, Water Grill Santa Monica is the perfect place to dine, celebrate and host an event for business or pleasure. New product arrives from boat-to-table in a matter of hours from our exclusive seafood distribution company and our chef’s preparations allow the high-quality product to shine. Consistently rated as one of Santa Monica’s top seafood restaurants, Water Grill Santa Monica also offers customizable private dining options for business meetings and special events.

A photo of Élephante Santa Monica restaurant

4. Élephante Santa Monica

4.5

Awesome(1377)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Santa Monica

Booked 261 times today

Chic destination for elevated Italian cuisine in breezy, loungelike dining areas with ocean views.

5. Lunetta

4.7

Exceptional(2174)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 35 times today

Chef Raphael Lunetta and Emilio Cuyuch chef driven neighborhood diner with rustic California dining room and bar. Lunetta serves great food paired with locally roasted coffee options, classic cocktails, large selection of craft beer and delicious wines that we enjoy drinking with our family & friends.We buy the freshest ingredients we can find. We cook seasonally because that’s what is fresh and best. We support local farmers and businesses whenever we can, because the best flavor naturally follows. Menus for Lunetta are locally sourced and responsibly grown, using seasonal ingredients based on the abundant product available on the California Coast. Our full bar features classic as well as craft cocktails using the finest in artisan spirits, mixers and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Our comprehensive wine list highlights small California producers and artisan winemakers from around the world.

6. Gjelina

4.7

Exceptional(2295)

Price: Expensive

• American • Venice

Booked 178 times today

Gjelina is a restaurant specializing in New American cuisine. Open every day from 8 a.m. until 11pm, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. For breakfast, try 9 grain pancakes with butter and maple syrup or warm banana buckwheat loaf with butter and jam of the day. Brunch options include Moroccan baked eggs and 7 grain porridge. Gjelina offers a variety of oysters, crudo, charcuterie and salad options to start at lunch and dinner. Main courses include pizzas from our wood fired oven and entrees like duck confit, house made pastas and roasted organic half chicken.*Only ADA certified animals are allowed in Gjelina*A 20% Mandatory Service Charge is added to your check. Our belief is that every hourly Gjelina employee contributes to your service and 100% of the MSC will be distributed amongst them.

7. Baltaire

4.8

Exceptional(2867)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Brentwood

Booked 101 times today

Baltaire is a modern restaurant with a classic touch, offering high-quality steaks, exceptional seafood, and healthy, light fare options in Brentwood. Our spacious dining room opens to a beautiful outdoor terrace, and we have an inviting lounge where you can enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine and listen to live music. Our Sunday DJ Brunch features a prix fixe, tableside bloody mary & cinnamon roll carts plus roaming caviar. Come and experience a re-imagined steakhouse at Baltaire.

A photo of Il Fornaio - Beverly Hills restaurant

8. Il Fornaio - Beverly Hills

4.5

Awesome(2201)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Beverly Hills

Booked 28 times today

Step inside Il Fornaio and take a culinary journey through Italy. Early mornings bring rustic, crisp crusted bread hot from the oven accompanied by the scent of fresh brewed espresso. During lunch and dinner hours, pastas and flavorful sauces simmer while meats and vegetables roast over hot coals. Bottles of wine from small, regional wineries are uncorked to complement the dishes, which have been crafted in the custom of Italy’s chefs, bakers and homemakers. Il Fornaio means the Baker in Italian. This award-winning restaurant offers an authentic and unique Italian dining experience. Specialties include wood-fired rotisserie and grilled meats, poultry and game; housemade pastas; pizzas from an oak wood burning oven; fresh salads and housemade soups; a wide variety of desserts; and fresh baked bread made daily from scratch. Repeat winner of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.

A photo of Loulou Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge restaurant

9. Loulou Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge

4.4

Awesome(847)

Price: Expensive

• French • Santa Monica

Booked 32 times today

Experience the "Joie de Vivre"At LouLou, food, entertainment, fashion, and art converge into a unique, one-of-a-kind destination.LouLou’s carefully crafted menus showcase French Mediterranean flavors with a classic California twist, while honoring the generosity of artisanal and homemade ingredients, as well as local organic produce.A carefully selected wine list offers a tasteful array of wines from both France and CaliforniaNever bowing to the ordinary, whether it’s a legendary brunch, after work cocktails, elegant dinner, or corporate event, LouLou will always deliver an experience to remember.Ample parking is available in the building. We are located on the rooftop level. Suite 300

A photo of Calabra at Santa Monica Proper restaurant

10. Calabra at Santa Monica Proper

4.8

Exceptional(1575)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Santa Monica

Booked 69 times today

Calabra at Santa Monica Proper Hotel (One MICHELIN Key 2024) is located on the hotel's rooftop. The elevated garden terrace provides an inspiring atmosphere, with the ocean as a backdrop. Whether from the pool sundeck or circular bar, the views are best enjoyed with dinner, boutique wines, seasonal cocktails, and small-batch spirits. Serving Mediterranean & Californian cuisine with a view. Seating arrangements for all reservations at Calabra may include outdoor dining, bar area, as well as our indoor/ outdoor covered lounge space. Be sure to dress warmly.**Dinner reservations are for dining only. Drinks will be accommodated upon first come first serve at the bar area. Private Couch Alcoves are available with a rental and minimum spend**

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
Angie
Los Angeles •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
This place is great. Everyone loves the food, and you can't beat the ocean view.
More info
Water Grill - Santa MonicaPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Santa Monica
•
4.7
R
RobertVIP
New York City •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Delivered on all fronts! Becoming one of my favorites in Santa Monica!
More info
Élephante Santa MonicaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Santa Monica
•
4.5
L
LindaVIP
Los Angeles •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Always 5 stars! Food is lovely , service is stellar and environment is so welcoming!
More info
FiaPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Santa Monica
•
4.5
J
Jeffrey SVIP
Los Angeles •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
This was our second visit to the Penthouse--this time on a Saturday evening in the peak holiday/office party season. Although the restaurant and bar area was of course crowded and more noisy than usual, the ambience was still very good, and the service did not suffer. The food was excellent, as it was for our last visit. The good food, attentive service and terrific views make this a great choice for a "special occasion" restaurant.
More info
The Penthouse RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Monica
•
4.6
L
Leslie
Los Angeles •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
chef Raphael Lunetta is a master. He offers a fantastic menu that is both relatable yet hip and cool and maintains an environment that you never get tired of going to. His food is spot on with options to please the most picky diners if you’re lucky enough to have Jeffrey as your waiter, you are marvel in his ability to cover an entire room with skill and grace, and a terrific sense of humor. Can’t recommend this place highly enough.
More info
LunettaPrice: Moderate• Californian• Santa Monica
•
4.7

Best Lunch Restaurants in Mid-City

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

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Award-winning

Accessibility

287 restaurants available nearby

1. Fia

2. The Penthouse Restaurant

3. Water Grill - Santa Monica

4. Élephante Santa Monica

5. Lunetta

6. Gjelina

7. Baltaire

8. Il Fornaio - Beverly Hills

9. Loulou Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge

10. Calabra at Santa Monica Proper

See what locals rave about

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