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Best Fun Restaurants in Santa Monica

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357 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Loulou Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge restaurant
1. Loulou Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge
4.4
Awesome(858)
Price: Expensive
• French • Santa Monica
Booked 42 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 Benihana - Santa Monica, CA restaurant
2. Benihana - Santa Monica, CA
3.9
Excellent(4109)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Santa Monica
Booked 88 times today
Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.
A photo of Xuntos restaurant
3. Xuntos
4.8
Exceptional(150)
Price: Expensive
• Tapas / Small Plates • Santa Monica
Booked 17 times today
XUNTOS, "together" in Gallego, is a Tapas Bar from Chef Sandra Cordero in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica, serving small plates of things we want you to try: from the farmer's market around the corner to traditional dishes of Galicia, Asturias, Catalunya & the Basque Country, as they're eaten in Spain.The wines follow the food: natural, fun & unrefined–joined at the bar with Spanish twists on classic cocktails, plus vermouths, sherries & cold cervezas.Walk in to the bar for Xuntanza from 5-7pm, Tuesday-Saturday!Please email us for large parties & private dining: hola@barxuntos.comValidated parking is available across the street at 501 Santa Monica Blvd (Enter on 5th St.): $7 for 3 hours.
A photo of Tar & Roses restaurant
4. Tar & Roses
4.8
Exceptional(4246)
Price: Expensive
• American • Santa Monica
Booked 40 times today
Tar & Roses is a globally inspired culinary experience. Chef Andrew Kirschner has transformed his kitchen into a local and welcoming home, focused on the element of the wood fired oven to bring out the best flavor in our dishes. Coming straight from the visionary mind of our award winning chef, our menu is created with only the highest quality ingredients and fresh, local products. This attention to detail helps makes our food a perfected craft which will inspire you to be adventurous, in the most approachable and delicious way possible. When you step into Tar & Roses, you'll feel like you are coming home. Our entire staff awaits your arrival with warm smiles and thoughtful service ~ please, come share a meal with us!
A photo of Meat On Ocean restaurant
5. Meat On Ocean
4.7
Exceptional(3443)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Santa Monica
Booked 65 times today
Meat On Ocean is a meat-centric, modern steakhouse in Santa Monica that offers both a sense of adventure and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Beyond the offerings of a world-class steakhouse, Meat On Ocean features an artisanal charcuterie bar, an exhibition dry-aging room and a variety of prime beef – from dry-aged domestic cuts to Japanese A-5. Integral to the operation is a highly trained crew of servers and butchers, who communicate directly with Guests about the beef, organically farmed chickens, house made sausages, choice seafood and more.Located on the corner of Ocean and Broadway, Meat On Ocean is steps from the action - including the Santa Monica Pier, shopping and hotels.Starting May 2024, Meat On Ocean is also your headquarters for private dining and events, with customizable spaces that are perfect for social events, corporate meetings, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, wedding receptions and ceremonies, with full audio/visual connectivity.
A photo of Water Grill - Santa Monica restaurant
6. Water Grill - Santa Monica
4.6
Exceptional(6024)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Santa Monica
Booked 67 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 The Surfing Fox restaurant
7. The Surfing Fox
4.2
Awesome(102)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Santa Monica
Booked 24 times today
The Surfing Fox is a chilled-out gathering spot serving up coastal California cuisine on a plate (or in a glass!) with a generous side of good times and vibes. Whether you're spending the day hanging ten or hanging out, come take it easy with us from dawn to dusk.
A photo of Orto Santa Monica restaurant
8. Orto Santa Monica
4.7
Exceptional(1103)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Santa Monica
Booked 8 times today
Orto Santa Monica is a fun restaurant with an extraordinary Italian culinary experience. As one reviewer says, the food is 'imaginative, artistically presented and delicious'. Another praises the 'excellent food and service'. The cocktails are also highly acclaimed, made from fresh herbs and premium spirits. The ambience is described as 'cozy' and 'lovely', with 'good vibes'. It's a place where you're treated like family and can enjoy a delightful evening with great food and service.
A photo of Massilia restaurant
9. Massilia
4.7
Exceptional(826)
Price: Expensive
• French • Santa Monica
Booked 31 times today
Massilia is a Marseille-inspired brasserie with culinary influences from the South of France, Italy, Spain & North Africa. SUN – THURS Bar open til 11pm / Kitchen open til 10pm | FRI + SAT Bar open til 12am / Kitchen open til 11pm | MON – FRI Enjoy 50% off all craft cocktails & wines by the glass from 11am – 6pm
A photo of North Italia - Santa Monica restaurant
10. North Italia - Santa Monica
4.4
Awesome(1497)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Santa Monica
Booked 50 times today
Everyone has a favorite dish at North. Every day, our Chefs start from scratch to create handmade pizza and pasta using only the best ingredients to craft inspired dishes from the garden, farm, and sea. North defines the standards for handcrafted Italian. Our menu offers a great selection of antipasti (daily soup, charcuterie, bruschetta), salads full of seasonal ingredients, and a main entrée menu driven by both traditional Italian cuisine and lighter fresh fish dishes. North is a great neighborhood spot for family and friends to meet and share a handcrafted experience. From the food to the service, at North every detail matters. Due to recent current events, we will be only open for to go sales only at this point in time. Thank you for your understanding

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Jelena
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    What a great place. I was there last night. Amazing food, great wine, great ambiance. I'm looking forward to eating there again.
    More info
    XuntosPrice: Expensive• Tapas / Small Plates• Santa Monica
    •
    4.8
  • OpenTable Diner
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Incredible restaurant! We have been here twice now and couldn’t recommend it more. Each dish is unbelievable and the service is top notch. If you’re looking for flavorful dishes with a cozy ambience for date night or any special occasion, this is your place!
    More info
    Tar & RosesPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Monica
    •
    4.8
  • SusiVIP
    Los Angeles •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Fabulous‼️. This is categorically THE BEST steak anywhere. Period. The quality, the rub, and the exact cooking makes the anticipation worth it. Also try the crab cake. A delightful evening.
    More info
    Meat On OceanPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Santa Monica
    •
    4.7
  • Shawne
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Loved the brunch. A friend took me for my birthday and then I brought my family and friends back so they could enjoy the lovely brunch with amazing food and great service.
    More info
    Loulou Rooftop Restaurant and LoungePrice: Expensive• French• Santa Monica
    •
    4.4
  • Iris
    Los Angeles •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 25, 2024
    We were there around 3 pm on Christmas day and the young lady at the front desk was warm, welcoming, and efficient. After checking in early, we only waited a short time for our table. Our server was Joseph and he was also very welcoming and efficient. He made us feel like our business was valuable. He asked numerous times if we needed anything and was prompt to bring whatever was requested. Our chef was Nmemon (spelling??) and he did an excellent job in preparing our food. We come to Benihana's frequently and will continue to do so with employees like Joseph and the front desk hostess. Thanks for an outstanding Christmas dinner.
    More info
    Benihana - Santa Monica, CAPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Santa Monica
    •
    3.9

Discover best fun restaurants in Santa Monica

Discover the playful and diverse dining scene in Santa Monica, a vibrant part of Los Angeles' Westside known for its eclectic eateries and breathtaking ocean views. If you're searching for a "fun" dining experience in this area, you're in luck! Santa Monica boasts an array of restaurants that offer not just a meal, but a delightful experience, whether you're sitting with your feet in the sand, enjoying a poolside Mediterranean feast, or basking in the ambiance of a cozy, candle-lit Italian bistro. From the beachfront vibes of coastal cafes to the authentic, hearty flavors of international cuisines, each restaurant captures the essence of fun with great food, lively atmospheres, and stunning settings. Perfect for both a casual outing or a special occasion, these establishments ensure every meal is memorable. Embrace the chance to dine in settings that range from elegant to laid-back, where every restaurant strives to offer not just a dish, but a delightful dining adventure. Santa Monica's restaurant scene truly offers a slice of culinary delight for anyone looking for a fun and fulfilling dining experience.

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