Looking for some of the best restaurants, cafés, wine bars, and neighborhood gems in Santa Monica? These are the places I find myself returning to again and again.
I've realized my favorite places all have one thing in common.
They make you want to linger.
Whether it's over an espresso that turns into breakfast, a bottle of wine that somehow becomes dinner, or one more round because no one is quite ready to leave, these are the places that remind me why I love Santa Monica.
Some are hidden gems. Others have become neighborhood institutions. But each has a personality all its own and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel like you've discovered somewhere special.
If you're looking for some of the best restaurants, cafés, wine bars, and local favorites in Santa Monica, here's what's been in heavy rotation lately.
Bread + Butter
The closest thing I've found to a truly exceptional French bakery in Los Angeles. Their croissants are beautifully laminated, impossibly flaky, and worth every bit of the inevitable wait. They usually sell out before noon, so early mornings are rewarded here. The espresso drinks are just as thoughtfully crafted, and the daily sandwiches and pan pizzas somehow make it even harder to leave without ordering more than you planned. Weekend lines are part of the experience, but honestly, they almost add to the charm.
Crudo e Nudo
If there's fresh raw fish on a menu, chances are I'm ordering it. Crudo e Nudo consistently serves some of the highest quality seafood you'll find anywhere in Los Angeles. The menu changes daily depending on what's freshest, which is exactly how it should be. My favorite time to go is mid-afternoon, around three or four, when the patio feels especially peaceful. Order a bottle of natural wine, let the team guide you through the menu, and don't overlook the bread and olive oil. Even the simplest things here are exceptional.
Muse
One of my favorite restaurant stories in Los Angeles. What began as a pop-up in a college dorm room has evolved into one of the most intimate and thoughtfully executed dining experiences on the Westside. Chef-owner Tony Esnault still greets nearly every table, creating a warmth that's increasingly rare in fine dining. The space is understated, elegant, and filled with beautiful Art Deco touches, while the French-inspired menu reflects genuine passion and precision. And whatever you do, start with the Brioche Feuilletée. Trust me.
Pasjoli
There's a sophistication here that never feels intimidating. Their philosophy, "French is Fun," comes through in every detail, from the warm hospitality to the beautifully executed classics coming out of the kitchen. While many come for the iconic tableside pressed duck experience, I'm perfectly happy with steak tartare, onion soup, and what may be one of my favorite chocolate soufflés in the city. It also happens to be where I celebrated passing my real estate exam, which means it'll always hold a special place in my heart.
Le Great Outdoor
Quite possibly the most unique dining experience in Los Angeles. Farm-to-table cooking meets backyard barbecue, where the kitchen consists of a few grills and nearly every guest gathers around communal picnic tables beneath the trees. The atmosphere feels wonderfully unpretentious, but the food is anything but simple. Incredible produce, beautifully grilled meats, thoughtful natural wines, and the kind of relaxed energy that makes you lose track of time. The lamb chops are always my first order, though the vegetables somehow steal the spotlight every single time.
Sogno Toscano
There's something about Sogno Toscano that immediately transports you. Tucked along Montana Avenue, it feels like you've wandered into a neighborhood café somewhere in Tuscany. Espresso in the morning, spritzes in the afternoon, beautiful Italian wines in the evening, alongside fresh focaccia, handmade pasta, and shelves lined with Italian specialties. When live music fills the patio, the entire space takes on that effortless European energy I love so much. It's the kind of place where one glass of wine somehow turns into hours of conversation. Or, in my case, a few competitive rounds of backgammon.
Ghisallo
Ghisallo somehow manages to feel both effortlessly cool and completely approachable. Great pizza, great wine, and one of my favorite hidden patios on the Westside. Tucked behind the restaurant, it feels like you've stumbled into a neighborhood garden party. The wood-fired pizzas are outstanding, but honestly, everything is consistently good. It's equally perfect for a casual Tuesday night as it is for lingering over several bottles of wine with friends.
Cobi's
One of the most transportive restaurants in Santa Monica. The moment you step inside, it feels as though you've left Los Angeles entirely. Floral wallpaper, candlelight, reggae drifting through the room, natural wine, and vibrant Southeast Asian flavors all come together to create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else on the Westside. The menu is built for sharing, with rich curries, satays, roti, and beautifully prepared seafood. My non-negotiables are the curry puffs, the roti, and whatever fish they're featuring that evening. Dinner here has a way of stretching pleasantly into the night.
The Georgian Room
Hidden beneath the historic Georgian Hotel, The Georgian Room feels like stepping into another era. Moody lighting, velvet booths, live music, expertly made martinis, and an atmosphere that feels both glamorous and relaxed. It captures that old Hollywood elegance without ever feeling forced. One of my favorite places when the occasion calls for dressing up just a little, settling into a booth, and staying awhile.
Canyon Square
One of Santa Monica Canyon's best-kept secrets. Equal parts café, neighborhood market, boutique, art gallery, and gathering place, Canyon Square embodies everything I love about local neighborhoods. Grab a coffee, browse beautifully curated home goods, pick up something fresh for lunch, or simply spend an afternoon wandering. It's the perfect stop before or after a canyon hike, but honestly, it's just as enjoyable with no agenda at all.
The Art of Lingering
One of my favorite things about Santa Monica isn't just the beach or the walkability.
It's the way everyday places quietly become part of your life.
The café where they remember your order. The restaurant where you celebrate milestones. The wine bar where one quick drink turns into an entire evening. Over time, those routines become relationships, and those relationships become part of what makes a neighborhood feel like home.
Because a neighborhood is so much more than the homes that line its streets.
It's the places that invite you to slow down, the people you meet along the way, and the moments that make you want to stay just a little longer.
And these are a few of the places I've been loving lately.
