1. Tar & Roses
8.8
602 Santa Monica Blvd (at 6th St.), Santa Monica, CA
American Restaurant · 82 tips and reviews
Tim Harter: Crudo, oxtail and octopus, duck rillete bruschetta all so good!!
Ashley Chan: Come here for a delightful platter of charcuterie, cheeses and bruschetta (the duck confit one is great). Getting the platter, other small dishes and the strawberry tart will guarantee a good meal.
Ai K: Really good food and an intimate vibe at a surprisingly good price point for the area. One of my favourites during our stay. The duck breast and trump mushrooms!
2. Chinois On Main
7.7
2709 Main St (at Ocean Park Blvd.), Santa Monica, CA
Asian Restaurant · Ocean Park · 30 tips and reviews
Paras Bhakta: Szechuan pancakes with stir fried duck, mushrooms, & cilantro with their house syrup is unreal!
BlackboardEats: Menu musts: Chinois chicken salad, Grilled salmon, Whole sizzling catfish, Stir fried duck and vegetables http://bit.ly/osS1iM
goop: The curried oysters, duck pancakes, and spicy miso black cod are classics. A trip here always brings a real sense of nostalgia, as this was one of the first foodie destinations in California. Read more.
3. Upper West
8.5
3321 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
American Restaurant · 87 tips and reviews
Chip Luman: Mizo glazed duck & apple meatballs paired with Anderson Valley Oatmeal Stout is amazing
Elle Cameron: Ahi taco appetizer, duck meatballs, & Giselle crab cake are yummy! Also the watermelon mojito is delish if you like sweeter tropical drinks.
Gail H: Cucumber martini, lamb & apple Vietnamese meatballs - perfect meal
5. Wally’s
8.4
214 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
Wine Bar · Downtown Santa Monica · 12 tips and reviews
Chelsea Lamberth: By far one of the Becker charcuterie boards I’ve ever had. The smoked duck is a must try! And a phenomenal wine list, with vibes to match.
Brett Berson: Great wine list and cool retail format.
T Man: The Bloody Mary cart is fun on Sunday’s. It perfect for a rainy afternoon. Sipping great wine choosing from a nice selection of cheeses.
7. Solidarity
8.4
1414 Lincoln Blvd (at Santa Monica Blvd.), Santa Monica, CA
Polish Restaurant · 26 tips and reviews
OLGA LAZIN: The new York duck, is better than the turkey, with compote
Lydia Ammosova: An EXCEPTIONAL place to get your Eastern European groove on! Favorites include mushroom pierogis, the Hunter's Stew "Bigos", stuffed cabbage rolls & a cold beet borscht that is an instant aura fluff!
Eliot ♥ Phillips: You can eat on the couches now!
8. Capo Restaurant
8.2
1810 Ocean Ave (Vicente Terrace), Santa Monica, CA
Italian Restaurant · Downtown Santa Monica · 30 tips and reviews
Steph: Stand out dish from the tasting menu: white corn ravioli with shaved truffles. I'd also recommend the Maryland crab torta, duck slider foie gras, heirloom tomato salad and flourless chocolate soufflé.
Brittany Leighton: The closest thing I can find to Colombe D'Or in Provence. Amazing food amongst amazing art and a great waitstaff.
Brittany Letto: Highly recommend Veal Scallopini (served original way), the Branzino was so amazing & flaky/crispy, the White corn ravioli w/ black truffles was so rich & delicious! Choc soufflé & volcano for dessert
10. Naresh's
7.2
2420 Main St, Santa Monica, CA
Tapas Restaurant · Ocean Park · 15 tips and reviews
Charles Edge: Duck roll-ups and Chicken Tikka FTW!
Andrew McCluskey: Try the Belhaven (Scottish Beer) - the corn is super sweet and spicy - get s side order - baby back ribs, grilled vegetables, crab cakes and prosciutto pizza were other big winners.
Mark Garza: This place has way cool music and an awesome pizza oven. A must to check out.
12. Rustic Canyon
8.0
1119 Wilshire Blvd (at 11th Ct.), Santa Monica, CA
Wine Bar · Wilshire-Montana · 86 tips and reviews
Annie W.: Lovely duck confit
BordeauxWines: This wine bar has an ever-evolving menu of the best of the best in food and wine. One thing remains consistent, their selection of Bordeaux, whether by the glass or bottle, is a must try.
Meg L.: Niman Ranch Burger. Dish out the extra $3 (used to be $2, le sigh) for the fried egg. You're already going big by eating an $18 burger so why not get the works? Enjoy.
14. Hotel Shangri La
7.3
1301 Ocean Ave (Arizona), Santa Monica, CA
Hotel · Downtown Santa Monica · 37 tips and reviews
Debbie Spence: Ask for an ocean view and make sure you head up to the rooftop bar at sunset - stunning
Sarah Bird: Suite is large and stylish, although not a good layout for kids because the bathroom and bedroom are joined. We're enjoying the service, but shocked that they don't provide coffee or tea in your room.
Jenn: Awesome boutique hotel on Ocean Drive in Santa Monica. A great place to relax. Recommend the RNR suite on the 7th floor - an amazing view of the ocean and Santa Monica pier. Awesome service, too.