{"id":96554,"date":"2025-07-03T06:02:32","date_gmt":"2025-07-03T06:02:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/neclink.com\/index.php\/2025\/07\/03\/15-fabulous-places-to-drink-dine-in-santa-monica\/"},"modified":"2025-07-03T06:02:32","modified_gmt":"2025-07-03T06:02:32","slug":"15-fabulous-places-to-drink-dine-in-santa-monica","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/neclink.com\/index.php\/2025\/07\/03\/15-fabulous-places-to-drink-dine-in-santa-monica\/","title":{"rendered":"15 fabulous places to drink & dine in Santa Monica!"},"content":{"rendered":"


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If you\u2019re looking for a rooftop cocktail, a cool beach bar with just right vibe, or a posh breakfast with a view, here are my top picks for the best places to eat in Santa Monica<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The Santa Monica nightlife scene<\/a> offers everything from pool patios overlooking the beach to dive bars to live music venues and loads of happy hours to make you, well, happy!<\/p>\n

They all have a relaxed vibe, are mostly outdoors or have outdoor areas (because you can do that in the great weather here!) and are places you can definitely take your friends on a Saturday night, for a special occasion or just for an after-work drink. <\/p>\n

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\"Santa\"Santa
Walk, run or cycle on this path stretching along the beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Spoiler \u2013 in no particular order, here are my picks for the best places for eating and drinking in Santa Monica!
<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

1. <\/strong>Elephant\u00e9<\/h3>\n

This restaurant is about the hottest property in Santa Monica right now. It doesn\u2019t have the best views, set back from Ocean Drive, but you can see the sea. <\/p>\n

What is does have though is a menu that draws the fabulous to sit with a cocktail and a plate of their legendary whipped eggplant with puff bread.<\/p>\n

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I loved the eggplant (aubergine, we call it) so much, I asked the waitress if chef would give me the recipe, and she told me what was in it. I\u2019ve now made it at home, and nailed it \u2013 if I do say so myself. <\/p>\n

Here\u2019s my copycat recipe of Elephant\u00e9s whipped eggplant<\/a>. It\u2019s super easy!<\/p>\n

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2.<\/strong> The Bungalow<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Bungalow<\/a> at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel had been waiting to burst onto the scene forever and is now my top pick for a laid back beachy vibe with a twist of class. <\/p>\n

I remember staying in the hotel years ago and the space that is now the Bungalow, to the right of the entrance, was just meeting rooms!<\/p>\n

Today this cute outdoor cocktail lounge is nearly beachside (well \u2013 it is across the road from the beach) but finally its location and charm were recognised and it was out with the suits and in with the cocktails!<\/p>\n

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\"Bungalow\"Bungalow
I love this bar with ocean views across the road!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Now at The Bungalow you\u2019ll find an eclectic mix of mismatched furniture under trees festooned with lights and the outdoor furniture dotted with fire pits. It\u2019s a laid back vibe inside and out. <\/p>\n

Cosy up by the fireplace indoors and sink into one of the leather suites, play a game of pool or hide away in a little nook for a quiet te ta te, or sit outside under the trees and soak up the night with a couple of delicious cocktails.<\/p>\n

3. Viceroy<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This is a hotel bar with a difference. The Viceroy<\/a> is probably the most unassuming Santa Monica hotel (don\u2019t blink, you\u2019ll miss it). <\/p>\n

It was an office block in the 60s that now hides a jaw-droppingly chic lobby (with an indoor bar) and an even cooler pool area surrounded by cabanas and high wing-backed chairs. <\/p>\n

The Viceroy (and the Tides in Miami<\/a> which we\u2019ve also stayed in) is designed by my girl-crush Kelly Wearstler. I just love what she\u2019s done with a very plain office canvas, transforming this place into my pick for the chicest restaurant and bar in Santa Monica. <\/p>\n

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\"pool\"pool
Book a pool cabana at the Viceroy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

For a great time book one of the poolside cabanas for your group, but when I was last there they were empty so we just plonked ourselves in one and chose the charcuterie platter with cocktails. The perfect spot.<\/p>\n

This is a great hotel to come for dinner or to start (or end) your evening here in the great ambience.<\/p>\n

4. <\/strong>Regent Santa Monica Beach<\/h3>\n

The Regent Santa Monica Beach Hotel<\/strong> (formerly Loews) underwent a $4 million renovation and has some lovely dining spaces for those of us not staying in house. <\/p>\n

However if you are a hotel guest, you can also sit poolside and in the cabanas with front row, beach views of Santa Monica Pier and Muscle Beach.<\/p>\n

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Regent Santa Monica, about a block south of the Pier<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

I came here for breakfast with a view on my last visit. Salmon and lox on a bagel and a latte. It beat me, but was worth it for the whole posh ambience! Then I walked to an elevator at the beach end and wandered down to the Pier.<\/p>\n

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One of the dining nooks at the Regent<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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\"Regent\"Regent
Regent dining room spaces facing the beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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\"Regent\"Regent
Regent Santa Monica pool and cabanas<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

5. The Georgian Hotel<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This iconic lady of Santa Monica\u2019s main Ocean Drive has been overseeing the happenings in this city since 1933. <\/p>\n

I stayed at The Georgian<\/a><\/strong> for a couple of nights on our honeymoon back in 2010, so since it had been such a long time between drinks, I popped back for a cocktail in the magic hour sun. <\/p>\n

They\u2019ve added some street-side seating on the pavement, then there is the main lobby restaurant and bar. But I fancied sitting in the last of the afternoon sun sipping my blue gin sour.<\/p>\n

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\"The\"The
The Georgian on Ocean Drive<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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\"Blue\"Blue
My gin and curacao sour cocktail at the Georgian matches the hotel theming!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

6. Eden Rooftop<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This styly art deco hotel (formerly Sonder and Shangri La), has now become Eden. <\/p>\n

When I popped in recently they told me their rooftop is undergoing a huge refurbishment and won\u2019t be open until after the summer. But with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean it\u2019ll be worth putting on your list<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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\"Views\"Views
Views from (previous) Onyx, rooftop bar at the Sonder<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

7. Penthouse at Huntley Hotel<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Don\u2019t you just love a bar with a Mixologist on the payroll? Ask for a specialty drink at the Huntley Hotel<\/a> (that\u2019s why they\u2019re there!) while you enjoy your 18-storey 360\u00b0 views from to Malibu Beach<\/a><\/strong> and over to Hollywood. <\/p>\n

This is what you call an Ultra Lounge \u2013 a signature LA experience. Great for an occasion. It\u2019s also where you want to come to meet a rich suit, so I\u2019m told\u2026<\/p>\n

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\"Huntley\"Huntley
The Huntley penthouse bar and restaurant<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

8. Casa del Mar<\/h3>\n

Terrazza Lounge is the beach front patio bar and al fresco restaurant at Casa del Mar<\/a>, one of the very best beach front hotels in Santa Monica. This is your perfect sunset spot, dinner or even breakfast from 7am.<\/p>\n

They also have an indoor cabana lounge for a more intimate setting. This would be ideal for a catch up with the girls in this grand old hotel that opened in 1926 and was the premier playground for Hollywood A-listers. And now us!<\/p>\n

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\"Terrazza\"Terrazza
Terrazza Restaurant with sublime views at Casa del Mar<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

9. The Lobster<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Located at the start of Santa Monica Pier<\/strong>, The Lobster<\/a> is a delicious seafood restaurant, established in 1923,\u00a0is one of our favourite places to dine in Santa Monica. <\/p>\n

We bring our friends here for amazing lobster, crab legs and everything in between! They also serve steaks, so you meatatarians will be fine too \ud83d\ude00<\/p>\n

It brazenly lauds itself as being a great location for film shoots with its iconic view of the Pier. <\/p>\n

While it\u2019s most well known for the good food, they have a teeny little bar on an outdoor patio, which really serves as a place for waiting for a table, but the views are exceptional so it made this Best Bars in Santa Monica list!<\/p>\n

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\"Lobster\"Lobster
Get a window seat at the Lobster if you can!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

The Lobster is famous for its truffle fries (I was reliably told they are best on earth \u2013 even described as crack!) The patio overlooks the 100-year old Santa Monica pier with its gigantic ferris wheel. <\/p>\n

This place is also cool with local celebs dropping a few bucks on whole Maine lobsters.<\/p>\n

10. Seaside on the Pier<\/h3>\n

As the name says, Seaside on the Pier<\/a> restaurant is ON the famous Santa Monica Pier meaning there is no better ocean or sunset view than here!<\/p>\n

You can dine in (their soft serve ice cream push pops are renowned).<\/p>\n

But Seaside on the Pier is famous for the best fish and chips in Santa Monica! The menu is casual and affordable. Check out the lobster rolls, crab cakes, poboys and burgers too.<\/p>\n

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\"Seaside\"Seaside
The best rooftop for views!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

11. Pierside Hotel<\/strong><\/h3>\n

I\u2019d been on my feet all day, and as I was staying at the Pierside, located opposite the entrance to Santa Monica Pier, I decided the lobster roll and a glass of wine at The Surfing Fox, on the ground floor.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a super handy location, just behind the shops at Santa Monica Place<\/a>, for a pit stop.<\/p>\n

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\"Super\"Super
Super delicious lobster roll at Pierside<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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\"Pierside's\"Pierside's
Pierside\u2019s amazing mural can be seen from the fara end of Santa Monica Pier<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

12. MariaSol<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Right on the very end of Santa Monica Pier<\/strong>, where Route 66 officially ends, sits the best spot for sunset views: MariaSol. It\u2019s a simple Mexican restaurant with indoor and outdoor tables and epic horizon views.<\/p>\n

On a windy day you certainly won\u2019t be having a great hair day, but for lunch or dinner, or a margarita in between, this is cheap and cheerful option and a nice reward for wandering down the pier.<\/p>\n

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13. Din Tai Fung<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One of the newest dining options in Santa Monica is Din Tai Fung<\/a>. If you\u2019re in the mood for dumplings, or just great Chinese food, then head to the fourth floor rooftop of Santa Monica Place, yes \u2013 at the shop. <\/p>\n

This hidden gem is spread over a big space, so get a table towards the afternoon sun and a peep of the ocean, order the Xiao Long Bao \u2013 and don\u2019t squirt the soup up your nose!<\/p>\n

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The sea view part of Din Tai Fung<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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Din Tai Fung, Santa Monica. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

14. Loulou<\/strong> Santa Monica<\/h3>\n

Loulou<\/a> is a French\/Californian restaurant is also on the rooftop of Santa Monica Place, opposite Din Tai Fung. It has a European menu with pasta, pizza, French dishes and a cool Californian vibe. <\/p>\n

Great for brunch with views to the sea, or meet the girls for a drink and bite. Or go all out and get the 20oz prime rib flambe for $119!<\/p>\n

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LouLou Santa Monica entrance<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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\"LouLou\"LouLou
LouLou interior for a rooftop lounge vibe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

15. High at Hotel Erwin\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Actually located down at Venice Beach, the rooftop of the Hotel Erwin<\/a>, is aptly called High and makes this list for amazing uninterupted sunset views. It is located right where medical marijuana is sold from the \u201cdoctors clinics\u201d below \u2013 and you will smell the medication. \u00a0<\/p>\n

The hotel is about 200m from the sand and two miles from Santa Monica. It has been voted in the Top 20 rooftop bars in America. We\u2019ve stayed at the Erwin<\/a> and really enjoyed its casual chic vibe with a great location.<\/p>\n

Sit in front of the flaming gas heater and watch the sun set. Sublime.<\/p>\n

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\"High\"High
Party on the roof at the Erwin!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

What else shall I read?<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re planning to stay in Santa Monica, here are 7 really great Santa Monica hotels that I can totally recommend<\/a><\/strong> (some are in the list above \u2013 and some aren\u2019t!)<\/p>\n

You might also like my post on 12 marvelous day trips from LA!<\/a><\/strong> It covers beaches, the desert, small towns and yes \u2013 a certain theme park \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n

Or further inland, I love these cool rooftop bars in West Hollywood<\/a><\/strong> for a sunset drink and these fun rooftop bars in downtown LA<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Santa Catalina Island for a great day trip from LA!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

I was asked to write about one of my favourite LA beaches, so where did I choose? Of course, Santa Monica! Here\u2019s that story on why I like it so much and other bloggers picks for 4 more. Read it here >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for some cool East Coast vibes, you\u2019ll love this post: The best dreamy rooftop restaurants in NYC<\/a><\/strong>. This list features outdoor open-air terrace bars, floor to ceiling window views over Manhattan, neighborhood beer gardens in Brooklyn and even a rooftop winery!<\/p>\n

\"Rooftop\"Rooftop
Rooftop Reds \u2013 a rooftop winery in Brooklyn!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n


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