3. 104 by the Ocean
7.8
(Santa Monica Blvd), Santa Monica, CA
Wine Bar · Downtown Santa Monica · 5 tips and reviews
Clinton Ibarra: First time going wine tasting and it was a fantastic experience. Great vibe, good selection, and helpful, friendly staff.
Desirae Vivian: This place is amazing, they are so welcoming and make you feel right at home! We went for a light dinner and drinks and you honestly cannot beat the location!
Miguel Segura: Simone and Lenka will make you feel right at home
5. The Library Alehouse
8.5
2911 Main St (btwn Kinney St & Ashland Ave), Santa Monica, CA
Gastropub · Ocean Park · 137 tips and reviews
Joanna Peters: Have a Franziskaner Hefeweizen. Yum
Mike Penhall: The frickles (fried pickles), and oxtail poutine are just incredible. Pairs well with their great wine selection.
ZAGAT: Vegetarians can find a fair amount of selections on the menu, and the back patio is great during warm weather (it’s also often quieter than the main room).
6. Tar & Roses
8.8
602 Santa Monica Blvd (at 6th St.), Santa Monica, CA
American Restaurant · 82 tips and reviews
Rem Koning: Nice bar and solid food, excellent addition to Santa Monica food scene.
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. Stella Barra
8.6
2000 Main St (btw Bay St & Bicknell Ave), Santa Monica, CA
Pizzeria · Ocean Park · 108 tips and reviews
Felix Ortiz: The pizza was wonderful! They used a variety of Italian cheeses, which made each pizza special. It tastes authentic as we enjoyed in Italy. We also loved the Tiramisu.
DailyCandy: The bustling, sceney atmosphere has small but mighty wine list, and best spinach and kale salad west of the Mississippi.
Danielle Stolz: The spinach and crispy purple kale salad is not only healthy, but also delicious. The same goes for the oven roasted tomato pizza. Highly recommend both if you ever stop by!
11. Water Grill
8.4
1401 Ocean Ave (Santa Monica Blvd), Santa Monica, CA
Seafood Restaurant · Downtown Santa Monica · 103 tips and reviews
Edward Forte: Fabulous seafood (lobster roll and cheesecake), great ambiance, great cocktails
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. Blue Plate Oysterette
8.9
1355 Ocean Ave (btwn Santa Monica Blvd & Arizona Ave), Santa Monica, CA
Seafood Restaurant · Downtown Santa Monica · 149 tips and reviews
Bridget Karp: Happy Hour rocks here! M-T 2-6. Try the oysters 🦪 calamari 🦑 artichoke and fries 🍟 great variety of cocktails! 🍹
Bon Appetit Magazine: The LA area has arguably the most diverse food scene in the country. Exemplary lobster roll - served on top a split brioche roll with a side of house-made sweet potato chips. Read more.
Sabina B.: Sit outside and ask your waiter to put together a sampler of oysters to amuse your bouche. Don't fill up on appeteasers though - save room for the lobster roll, your taste buds will heart you for it.
13. Rustic Canyon
8.0
1119 Wilshire Blvd (at 11th Ct.), Santa Monica, CA
Wine Bar · Wilshire-Montana · 86 tips and reviews
Maya: Crispy polenta cake with fried egg and mushrooms. Do it.
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.
Eater: Moderately priced super seasonal eats straight from SM farmers markets served in a pleasant, tasteful space. Seasonal desserts come from neighbor bakery Huckleberry. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.