Santa Monica and Venice Beach California Visitor's Guide

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Santa Monica Restaurants on the Pier

Santa Monica Restaurants on the Promenade

More Santa Monica Restaurants

Santa Monica Restaurants on Main Street

My personal Santa Monica restaurant picks. I've eaten in all of these restaurants and confidently recommend them.

Enterprise Fish Co.

174 Kinney St
Santa Monica
Phone:310.392.8366
Enterprise Fish Co. Menu

Mesquite grilled seafood at Enterprise Fish is a great choice. The Sampler Kabobs are a wonderful way to get your seafood fix. I also like to take advantage of the Wednesday night special of King Crab legs with side dishes for $22.00. Highly recommended. Enterprise Fish Co. is just off Main Street and 4 blocks off the beach.

Via Veneto

3009 Main Street
Santa Monica
Phone: 310.399.1843
Authentic Italian cooked and served by authentic Italians wiith Italian accents in a romantic, candle lit atmosphere. I had been passing by Via Venito for years before before trying it. Bluntly, I was blown away, it's excellent. Reservations are a must since others long ago figured out how good it is, way before I did. One warning; the waiter's wine recommedations are EXPENSIVE! Return trips have always been memorable. Things to remember; Pay attention to the specials, they are always the freshest and tasty.

Chaya Venice

110 Navy Street
Santa Monica
Phone:310.396.1179
Chaya Venice Menu

OK! it's on the border of Santa Monica but it's too good to not include here.! Chaya Venice is a long time gathering spot for local artists, musicians, and movie industry moguls who hang out on Main Street. Chaya Venice calls it's fare La Nouvelle Cuisine Franco-Japanese so when you hit the appetizer menu be ready for some surprises. The tuna carpaccio is usually the hit of the meal, and a reliabley awesome, served up in heaping piles on chips with avocado.

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The Galley

2442 Main Street
Santa Monica
310.452.1934
The Galley Menu

A Main Street landmark from the 1930's The story I heard was that this was Robert Mitchum's favorite bar back in the day. Today it's still steak and seafood with a nautical decor, nothings changed. My wife thinks the Shrimp Scampi is the best around. They get their seafood from Santa Monica Seafood, the best source in L.A. Fun atmosphere and patio in the back with Christmas lights year round.

[Santa Monica restaurant on Main Street]

Rick's Tavern On Main

2907 Main Street
Santa Monica
Phone: (310) 392-2772
Classic American comfort food like burgers and beer done right. Great people watching seats out front.

Chinois on Main

2709 Main Street
Phone: (310) 392-3038
Founded in 1983 by Wolfgang Puck , Exotic Cuisine & Design. Reservations recommended. Don't bring too big an appitite, as the portions aren't exactly awe inspiring.

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Wildflour Pizza

2807 Main Street
Highly recommended for it's thin crispy crust and speedy delivery service. Patio Dining and Take Out also available. Both Regular & Gourmet Pizza available

Finn McCool's

2702 Main Street
Santa Monica
(310) 452-1734
Dublin style pub that began life as Merlin's Magic Club, and it certainly wasn't shpped over from Ireland. Fish and chips or bangers and mash, sarcastic Irish bartenders, half-priced appetizers after 1pm, live Irish music every Sunday, Football and Rugby, intoxication.....the Finn Mccool experience.

Creative Sushi

2518 Main Street
Santa Monica
Phone: (310) 581-9753
If you're going to be creative at Creative Sushi you have to try the monk fish liver.

Library Alehouse

2911 Main Street
Santa Monica
Phone: (310) 314-4855
Recommended for it's wide selection of beers, beautiful sandwiches, and a great ahi tuna salad.

Yose

2435 Main Street
Santa Monica
Phone: (310) 255-0680
"Nomadic" Asian fusion and sushi with a Korean twist in Santa Monica's chic Frank Gehry-designed Edgemar Mall.

Santa Monica Restaurants on the Promenade

Santa Monica Restaurants on Main Street

More Santa Monica Restaurants

Santa Monica Restaurants on Santa Monica Pier

[lobster restaurant on santa monica pier]

The Lobster

1602 Ocean Ave
Santa Monica
Phone 310.458.9294
An interesting story, The original Lobster, was founded at the entrance to the Santa Monica Pier in 1925, from that simple shack the owners served 60 fresh seafood choices to only 30 seats.The original shack finally closed in 1985. Epic struggles with the city delayed remodeling and reopening until 1999. Today I would rate the lobster here as the best I've ever had. Great little outdoor patio witrh a view also.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

301 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica
Phone 310.393.0458 This is a new arrival on the Santa Monica Pier. The city of Santa Monica deemd this a more reliable income generator then the family owned business that proceeded Bubbas. RIP. . A very efficient corporate enviorment with a great view if you're looking for some Creloe food in California.

[Mariasol restaurant on santa monica pier]

Mariasol
End of the Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica
Mexican food and Margaritas with a beautiful view from Malibu to Palos Verdes. But it's always crowded and there are so many crummy tables to get stuck at without a view that I usually don't risk it. The food is average and the drinks aren't a deal either. Sorry.

Hot Dog On A Stick

Just south of the Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica

This location was the original outlet for "Hot Dog on a Stick", the corn batter dipped hot dog. that expanded from here to county fairs all over the country. I call it Classic Boardwalk food.

Santa Monica Restaurants on the Pier

Santa Monica Restaurants on Main Street

More Santa Monica Restaurants

Santa Monica Restaurants on 3d Street Promenade

Cafe Monsieur Marcel

Center of the Promenade by Arizona
1260 3rd St. Promenade Santa Monica, CA 90401 Phone; 310-587-1166
Located right in the middle of the promenade, this little gem is fast becoming one of my favorite stops. For lunch when the weather is nice you would be hard pressed to find a more pleasant location. To top it off the French bistro food served is fresh, authentic, and delicious. On my first lunch at Marcel I enjoyed a ham and cheese sandwich in the French manner with the cheese melted on the outside of the bread. I also want to mention the thin cut fries because they are seasoned just so with herbs and aren't too greasy or soggy, just delicious.
Recently for dinner I had the Steak with Fries while my wife had the Mussels. The Mussels were briny and sweet at the same time, with just a hint of cream in the broth. She loved them and was profuse in her praise of the proprietor, Patricia. Cafe Marcel has an extensive menu and a good affordable wine list. We had a South African red that was only $36 for the bottle.
Things to remember: The taster sampler is huge and delicious; there are heaters at every table so everyone is warm on a cool evening, and they let you taste the wine before you order.

Belagio Caffe

Center of the Promenade
Santa Monica

I got hooked on Belagio last summer. All it took was an Affagato, a roasted almond gelato with a shot of espresso poured over it. They also serve Piadine and Panini Sandwiches and the usual beverages and sides. But I go straight for the Affogato

Monsoon Cafe

1212 3rd Street Promenade
Santa Monica
Phone: (310) 576-9996
Great Thai fustion and sushi. A large dining room and a small bar downstairs but there is also a bar upstairs if you want to stretch out and party down with some Pan-Asian and Sushi in a relaxed, fun environment. Entertainment is usually R&B on the weekends. Make a reservaiton.

[Santa Monica restaurant on santa monica pier]

Johnnie Rockets

1322 3rd Street Promenade
Santa Monica
(310) 394-6362
A classic 50's Stainless and Formica Diner with counter service that includes wiatress in 50's uniforms as well as the malt glass with the metal holder. Go for the burgers, especially the Bacon Cheddar Double. It's $7.70 but worth it. Fries are also good. But don't expect much variety beyond chicken and burgers.

Sushi Shogun

1315 3rd Street Promenade
Santa Monica
Phone (310) 395-6420

Saw the Sign out front for half price Sushi. Thought to myself, that's like a half priced parachute, when you figure out it was a bad deal, it's too late!

Cafe Crepes

3rd Street Promenade
Santa Monica

Outdoor and indoor seating for real traditional crepes made with all that Nutta stuff and fresh fruit and whipped cream and they do it all go so good with that little cup of super strong illy coffee. It's hard to find a good Crepe with great coffee this side of the old Farmer's Market on Fairfax.So give the Cafe Crepe a try!!

Starbucks

1356 3rd Street Promenade
Santa Monica
Phone (310) 458-0266
Just had to mention Starbucks since there is one every block on the Promenade. I know everyone on the planet has probably already has experienced a Starbucks moment. So, heads up, if you hate Starbucks you have been warned - Stay Away. If you love Starbucks - come on down, you'll feel nice and secure. Several others around also.

Border Grill

1445 4th Street
Santa Monica
Phone: 310.451.1655
Award winning restaurant just around the corner from the Promenade featuring Mexican cusine like you've never had before unless you've been at least 500 miles south of the border. Communal dining tables if you wish. One of my favorite restaurants in the area But a little far. 4 blocks from the Santa Monica Pier. Can get a little loud and it's always busy.

Broadway Deli

1457 3rd Street Promenade
Santa Monica
Phone: (310) 451-0904
A classic deli that's outlasted many others including the infamous Carnagie Deli out of New York. A great dining room that's bustling and loud as it should be. A traditional deli with a winning design by Bruce Marder features a sit down wine bar, and to go counter to make service a snap. I recommend the Prime Rib Dip Sandwich or the Ahi Tuna salad.

Trastevere

1360 3rd Street Promenade
Santa Monica
Phone: (310) 319-1985
I've seen a couple of great World Series games at the Trastevere Bar, but everytime I go there seems to be new staff, and they always seem stretched to the limit. HOWEVER, the patio is a great spot for people watching, and the bar does have an authentic Italian bartender/barrista named Giuseppe who is accomodating, creative and a font of information if you ever plan on visiting Rome. He also makes the BEST corrected coffees!!

La Salsa

1401 3rd Street Promenade
Santa Monica
Phone: (310) 587-0755
A good affordable source of huge burritos and all that other muy bueno stuff. Quick service and good fresh meat are what I like about La Salsa. I've been eating there for years and still love it.

Fast Food

1315 3rd Street Promenade
Like most malls The Third Street Promenade has a food court. Here you can get a quick, cheap bite. Choices include MacDonalds, Baja Buds, Wolfgang Puck Express, Falafel King and Chinese gourmet Express.

Santa Monica Restaurants on Main Street

Santa Monica Restaurants on the Pier

Santa Monica Restaurants on the Promenade

Other Santa Monica Restaurants

Ye Old King Head

116 Santa Monica Blvd
Santa Monica
Phone: 310.451.1402
World famous pub that's been visited by every Brit from the Queen on down. A real fun place with better than normal Pub fare. Just a few blocks east of the Santa Monica Pier. I personally rely on Regan in the Bulldog room for outstanding service.

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Chez Jay

1657 Ocean Ave
Santa Monica
Phone: 310.395.1741
I wouldn't call Chez Jay fine dining but it's certainly a landmark. A likely place to stumble across a celeb. or two. But be careful, the owner doesn't like his customers bothered. Timothy Leary and Daniel Ellsber of Pentagon Papers fame were former regulars. Better for drinks than food usually.

Britannia Pub

318 Santa Monica Blvd. Santa Monica,

While many people rave about the King's Head I personally favor the Brittania. A little more laid back and quite a bit smaller. Plus there's a modeling agency across the street so there is a steady stream of actors and actresses parading by.

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