1. Capo Restaurant
8.1
1810 Ocean Ave (Vicente Terrace), Santa Monica, CA
Italian Restaurant · Downtown Santa Monica · 30 tips and reviews
The Feast: Best for prime cuts of steak, pizza from a woodburning oven and lobster risotto. They also house one of the most impressive new world wine lists in town.
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
2. Via Veneto
8.8
3009 Main St (marine), Santa Monica, CA
Italian Restaurant · Ocean Park · 26 tips and reviews
Kate H.: Truffle-lovers paradise. Get the risotto or carpaccio, but not both - that's just greedy. Classic fettuccine bolognese is delicious. Love the atmosphere here, especially the dramatic Italian accents.
Sandro Meyer: Lobster Ravioli, Mushroom Felet, Quail Parpadelle and ZD Pino Noir and you are good to go.
Jamie F: Beyond amazing and what a beautiful adorably venue. Order the ravioli tasting app. Pumpkin one is ah-am-zing
3. One Pico
7.6
1 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
American Restaurant · Downtown Santa Monica · 12 tips and reviews
Reed James: Try the White Truffle Risotto - One of the best risottos I've ever had.
Sharmagne John-Sylbert: Excellent menu, impeccable service, views of the ocean and pier, cocktails before or after in the sumptuous hotel lobby make you feel like visiting royalty. On my list of favourites.
Andy Kimmelman: I've never been to a restaurant where the server seemed scared to come to the table. Then I had lunch here.
5. Rosti Tuscan Kitchen
7.4
931 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA
Italian Restaurant · North of Montana · 36 tips and reviews
Kristin Reichardt Rummell: I could eat the garlic, chicken and broccoli risotto for dinner at least twice a week. Quickly becoming a favorite Friday night date spot! Read more.
Michael Dossett: Check out to Southwest BBQ Chicken pizza and the Linguini w/ Spicy Pink Sauce & Blackened Chicken! Great fresh ingredients in every dish. Don't miss the lemon or carrot dessert cakes! Great take out.
Michael C: Get the penne with asparagus and hazelnut
9. Tar & Roses
8.8
602 Santa Monica Blvd (at 6th St.), Santa Monica, CA
American Restaurant · 82 tips and reviews
Travel + Leisure: A boisterous gastropub in Santa Monica that focuses on farm-to-table vegetable dishes. Try the wood roasted peas with mint, charcuterie, and plates of rib-sticking braised lamb belly.
Michael Kane: Has some decent appetizer veggie options but lacks entrees for vegetarians. They were out of the only two they offer tonight
Christopher Auyeung: You're not doing it right if you don't end your meal with the Strawberry Ricotta Crostata. It's served with honeycomb ice cream and sprinkled with thyme and black pepper.
10. Water Grill
8.4
1401 Ocean Ave (Santa Monica Blvd), Santa Monica, CA
Seafood Restaurant · Downtown Santa Monica · 103 tips and reviews
Meg Farmer: Great for an oyster happy hour and wine with friends. Some celeb spotting here too.
Los Angeles: The new location offers an iced shellfish platter that serves five called “The King”: whole Channel Island sea urchin, whole lobster, whole crab, and a gathering of shrimp, oysters and clams.
Les Gee: Appetizer shellfish sampler! Crab, oyster, mussel, prawn, clam, scallop, lobster, snail! Outstanding!
12. Hotel Shangri La
7.6
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.