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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Santa Monica

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46 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Shoreside restaurant
1. Shoreside
(0)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Santa Monica
Coming Soon this Fall! Welcome to Shoreside Santa Monica, where we offer the quintessential indoor-outdoor coastal dining experience, seamlessly capturing the relaxed ambiance and sun-soaked charm of Southern California. Indulge in the flavors of Southern California with our locally inspired menu crafted with the freshest ingredients. This coastal haven effortlessly blends timeless charm with contemporary California cool. A destination to savor cocktails poolside, gather with friends for a delicious meal, or socialize into the evening hours in our cozy lobby lounge. Join us to experience the locally inspired menu of SoCal rich flavors and premium drink selections against the backdrop of Santa Monica's coastal scene.
A photo of The Penthouse Restaurant restaurant
2. The Penthouse Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4312)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Santa Monica
Booked 25 times today
The Penthouse Restaurant in Santa Monica is a crown jewel of Mediterranean cuisine with a Californian twist, offering a dining experience that is as spectacular as the panoramic ocean views it provides. Nestled on the 18th floor, this rooftop culinary paradise boasts dishes that are both "spectacular" and "delicious," according to glowing reviews. The fresh oysters, buttery lobster agnolotti, and divine rib eye showcase the authenticity and quality of the Mediterranean flavors, expertly blended with local ingredients. As guests rave about the "incredible environment" and "amazing staff," it's clear that The Penthouse isn't just a meal; it's a Mediterranean feast for the senses. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this Santa Monica gem promises a memorable dining experience with every visit.
A photo of Citrin restaurant
3. Citrin
4.6
Exceptional(198)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Santa Monica
Booked 17 times today
Citrin, nestled in the heart of Santa Monica, stands as a beacon of American culinary excellence, under the masterful guidance of Chef Josiah Citrin. Celebrated as a Michelin 2023 awardee, Citrin offers a modern Californian twist to American cuisine, delivering dishes that are both innovative and deeply satisfying. Diners rave about the "phenomenal egg caviar" and proclaim it a place where "every dish was perfect." The restaurant's commitment to quality and service shines, with reviewers noting the "superb" service and memorable experiences like the "best chicken I’ve ever eaten." Citrin is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that continues to evolve and impress, making every visit uniquely delightful.
A photo of Edgemar Restaurant + Lounge restaurant
4. Edgemar Restaurant + Lounge
4.6
Exceptional(84)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Santa Monica
Booked 10 times today
Now Open! Edgemar is a Modern American neighborhood restaurant located in a historic Frank Gehry-designed building on Main Street in Santa Monica. We offer a unique dining experience that blends global and local influences across our menu, service, and design, all crafted to celebrate the spirit of our community and welcome visitors. Join us for a memorable meal in a one-of-a-kind setting that embodies the true essence of Santa Monica.
A photo of Melisse restaurant
5. Melisse
4.9
Exceptional(2001)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Santa Monica
Booked 4 times today
Melisse in Santa Monica is a shining beacon of Californian cuisine, where Chef Josiah Citrin’s magic has earned it two Michelin stars. This intimate 14-seat venue offers a unique 2.5-hour culinary journey through an 8-course tasting menu that highlights the freshest ingredients sourced from California farms "from San Diego to Napa Valley." Reviewers have lauded the experience, with one guest sharing, "This dining experience ranks among the top three I have ever had," while another says, "Each dish was delightful both in flavor and presentation." At Melisse, the blend of sophisticated service, exquisite local ingredients, and innovative Californian dishes promises an unforgettable dining adventure.
A photo of Ivy at the Shore restaurant
6. Ivy at the Shore
4.7
Exceptional(3536)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Santa Monica
Booked 29 times today
Ivy at the Shore in Santa Monica stands out as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, offering a delightful dining experience that consistently impresses. Nestled near the iconic Santa Monica Pier, the restaurant garners praise for its "excellent food" and "fantastic atmosphere," making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists. With dishes that blend creativity with comfort, diners rave about the "lobster scramble and eggs benedict" and the "grilled vegetable salad," each dish showcasing the fresh, vibrant flavors that define great American cooking. The service is repeatedly noted as "professional and friendly," ensuring a memorable culinary journey. Ivy at the Shore embodies the spirit of Southern California dining with its beautiful setting and high-quality fare, making every meal a special occasion.
A photo of The Courtyard Kitchen restaurant
7. The Courtyard Kitchen
4.7
Exceptional(122)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Santa Monica
Booked 24 times today
The Courtyard Kitchen in Santa Monica has firmly established itself as a premier destination for breakfast enthusiasts seeking a blend of classic charm and contemporary flavors. Praised as the "best breakfast spot in Santa Monica ALL day long," this restaurant offers a delightful culinary experience in its picturesque setting. Diners rave about the "consistently delicious" food, which includes a variety of breakfast favorites crafted from fresh, high-quality ingredients. The ambiance, reminiscent of a cozy Parisian café, along with "attentive and friendly" service, enhances the dining experience, making every breakfast here not just a meal, but a memorable event. Whether it's for the classic omelets or the innovative Day In Cuba cocktail, The Courtyard Kitchen is a true gem that promises a breakfast worth savoring.
A photo of Buffalo Club restaurant
8. Buffalo Club
4.3
Awesome(400)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Santa Monica
Booked 1 time today
Come join us and dine under the stars in our beautiful, lush, English Garden Courtyard. One of the largest outdoor dining spaces in Los Angeles! Visit www.buffaloclub.com for more information and to view all of our covid-19 guidelines.Established in 1994 by Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning writer Anthony Yerkovich, and featuring the internationally-renowned new American cuisine of Executive Chef Patrick Healy. The Buffalo Club boasts one indoor and two outdoor unique, charming and elegant dining spaces. Visit www.buffaloclub.com for more information.
A photo of Charcoal Venice restaurant
9. Charcoal Venice
4.7
Exceptional(546)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Venice
Booked 14 times today
Charcoal Venice stands out as a premier destination for Steakhouse cuisine, nestled in the vibrant Venice neighborhood of Marina Del Rey. Michelin-starred Chef Josiah Citrin brings his culinary expertise to every dish, particularly the 48 oz. dry-aged Porterhouse, which has become a favorite among patrons. Guests rave about the "best aged steaks" and commend the "terrific & even healthy sides & salads." The live fire cooking technique used at Charcoal Venice adds a unique, smoky flavor that enhances the authenticity and quality of their steaks, making each bite memorable. Diners consistently praise the atmosphere and service, noting it as a perfect spot for a delightful dinner, with one guest mentioning it's "quietly one of the best restaurants in Venice." Charcoal Venice is truly a gem for steak lovers seeking top-notch, beautifully prepared meals in a welcoming setting.
A photo of Wolfsglen restaurant
10. Wolfsglen
4.2
Awesome(406)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Westwood
Booked 4 times today
Wolfsglen in Westwood, Los Angeles, offers a spectacular take on Contemporary American cuisine, blending familiar flavors with a unique Los Angeles twist, celebrated as "Los Angeles comfort food." Chef Fidel Guzman masterfully crafts dishes that resonate with diners, offering a menu that's both innovative and deeply satisfying. Reviewers rave about the "exceptional service" and "amazing food," with favorites like the ribeye and burgers receiving high praise. The ambiance, enhanced by live jazz and classic films, adds to the dining experience, making it a go-to spot in Westwood. As one diner put it, the food and cocktails are "phenomenal," ensuring that Wolfsglen is a destination for those seeking top-quality, inventive American fare.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • EnolaVIP
    Los Angeles •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    EDGEMAR has become one of our favorite restaurants in Southern California. The food is consistently prepared with exceptional flavor profiles and authentic spices and the servers and entire team care deeply about creating & delivering best in class service and a welcoming environment!
    More info
    Edgemar Restaurant + LoungePrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Monica
    •
    4.6
  • Steve
    Los Angeles •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I haven’t been to the IVY at either location in many years, but the ambience was more romantic than I remember and the food was great and frankly it seemed like the prices had been reduced, though it’s still pretty expensive. My wife had guacamole and chips as an appetizer, excellent, and the chopped grilled veggies salad, which we have been replicating at home for years also excellent. I had the corn chowder, delicious and lobster tagliatelle. The food was all great. We had a bottle of Pellegrino and two coffees and it was a little over 200 bucks with the tip.  our reservation was for 6 PM and it was fairly empty when we got there and the food rolled out fast. Great service. 
    More info
    Ivy at the ShorePrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Monica
    •
    4.7
  • JeffreyVIP
    Los Angeles •128 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The soup was not what I ordered but they were nice about it the baguette with butter was fabulous a must buy , the lobster ravioli was homemade and solid the steak was done well and the napoleon type desert was very good
    More info
    The Penthouse RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Monica
    •
    4.6
  • ArtVIP
    Los Angeles •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    great ambiance, staff, food and wine. perfect evening
    More info
    CitrinPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Santa Monica
    •
    4.6

Discover best Contemporary American restaurants in Santa Monica

Discover the vibrant dining scene in Santa Monica, a hub for Contemporary American cuisine that catifies both locals and visitors alike. Santa Monica offers an eclectic array of restaurants that masterfully blend modern culinary techniques with traditional American flavors, ensuring a delightful dining experience in picturesque settings. Whether you're seeking a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere or a more unique dining concept like dining in total darkness, Santa Monica's Westside has it all. These restaurants, renowned for their commitment to quality and innovation, offer diverse menus that feature everything from fresh, market-driven ingredients to creative seasonal dishes. Each establishment provides exceptional service and a welcoming ambiance, making them perfect for any occasion from a casual lunch to a special celebration. Experience the best of contemporary American cuisine in Santa with a reservation at one of these top-rated venues.

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