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Best Fun Restaurants in Santa Monica

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350 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Loulou Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge restaurant
1. Loulou Rooftop Restaurant and Lounge
4.3
Awesome(832)
Price: Expensive
• French • Santa Monica
Booked 36 times today
Experience the "Joie de Vivre"At LouLou, food, entertainment, fashion, and art converge into a unique, one-of-a-kind destination.LouLou’s carefully crafted menus showcase French Mediterranean flavors with a classic California twist, while honoring the generosity of artisanal and homemade ingredients, as well as local organic produce.A carefully selected wine list offers a tasteful array of wines from both France and CaliforniaNever bowing to the ordinary, whether it’s a legendary brunch, after work cocktails, elegant dinner, or corporate event, LouLou will always deliver an experience to remember.Ample parking is available in the building. We are located on the rooftop level. Suite 300
A photo of Xuntos restaurant
2. Xuntos
4.7
Exceptional(138)
Price: Expensive
• Tapas / Small Plates • Santa Monica
Booked 13 times today
XUNTOS, "together" in Gallego, is a Tapas Bar from Chef Sandra Cordero in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica, serving small plates of things we want you to try: from the farmer's market around the corner to traditional dishes of Galicia, Asturias, Catalunya & the Basque Country, as they're eaten in Spain.The wines follow the food: natural, fun & unrefined–joined at the bar with Spanish twists on classic cocktails, plus vermouths, sherries & cold cervezas.Walk in to the bar for Xuntanza from 5-7pm, Tuesday-Saturday!Please email us for large parties & private dining: hola@barxuntos.comValidated parking is available across the street at 501 Santa Monica Blvd (Enter on 5th St.): $7 for 3 hours.
A photo of Benihana - Santa Monica, CA restaurant
3. Benihana - Santa Monica, CA
4.1
Excellent(4071)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Santa Monica
Booked 62 times today
Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.
A photo of Tar & Roses restaurant
4. Tar & Roses
4.8
Exceptional(4204)
Price: Expensive
• American • Santa Monica
Booked 48 times today
Tar & Roses is a globally inspired culinary experience. Chef Andrew Kirschner has transformed his kitchen into a local and welcoming home, focused on the element of the wood fired oven to bring out the best flavor in our dishes. Coming straight from the visionary mind of our award winning chef, our menu is created with only the highest quality ingredients and fresh, local products. This attention to detail helps makes our food a perfected craft which will inspire you to be adventurous, in the most approachable and delicious way possible. When you step into Tar & Roses, you'll feel like you are coming home. Our entire staff awaits your arrival with warm smiles and thoughtful service ~ please, come share a meal with us!
A photo of Water Grill - Santa Monica restaurant
5. Water Grill - Santa Monica
4.6
Exceptional(5969)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Santa Monica
Booked 82 times today
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Water Grill Santa Monica is an iconic seafood destination to enjoy the first catch of the season and a deep variety of fish, lobsters, crabs, oysters and shellfish on a robust menu that changes daily. Located on Ocean Ave. across from the Pacific Ocean and steps away from the Santa Monica Pier, Water Grill Santa Monica is the perfect place to dine, celebrate and host an event for business or pleasure. New product arrives from boat-to-table in a matter of hours from our exclusive seafood distribution company and our chef’s preparations allow the high-quality product to shine. Consistently rated as one of Santa Monica’s top seafood restaurants, Water Grill Santa Monica also offers customizable private dining options for business meetings and special events.
A photo of Meat On Ocean restaurant
6. Meat On Ocean
4.7
Exceptional(3398)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Santa Monica
Booked 60 times today
Meat On Ocean is a meat-centric, modern steakhouse in Santa Monica that offers both a sense of adventure and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Beyond the offerings of a world-class steakhouse, Meat On Ocean features an artisanal charcuterie bar, an exhibition dry-aging room and a variety of prime beef – from dry-aged domestic cuts to Japanese A-5. Integral to the operation is a highly trained crew of servers and butchers, who communicate directly with Guests about the beef, organically farmed chickens, house made sausages, choice seafood and more.Located on the corner of Ocean and Broadway, Meat On Ocean is steps from the action - including the Santa Monica Pier, shopping and hotels.Starting May 2024, Meat On Ocean is also your headquarters for private dining and events, with customizable spaces that are perfect for social events, corporate meetings, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, wedding receptions and ceremonies, with full audio/visual connectivity.
A photo of The Surfing Fox restaurant
7. The Surfing Fox
4.3
Awesome(100)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Santa Monica
Booked 11 times today
The Surfing Fox is a chilled-out gathering spot serving up coastal California cuisine on a plate (or in a glass!) with a generous side of good times and vibes. Whether you're spending the day hanging ten or hanging out, come take it easy with us from dawn to dusk.
A photo of Orto Santa Monica restaurant
8. Orto Santa Monica
4.8
Exceptional(1086)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Santa Monica
Booked 13 times today
Orto Santa Monica is a fun restaurant with an extraordinary Italian culinary experience. As one reviewer says, the food is 'imaginative, artistically presented and delicious'. Another praises the 'excellent food and service'. The cocktails are also highly acclaimed, made from fresh herbs and premium spirits. The ambience is described as 'cozy' and 'lovely', with 'good vibes'. It's a place where you're treated like family and can enjoy a delightful evening with great food and service.
A photo of Blue Plate Taco restaurant
9. Blue Plate Taco
4.5
Awesome(971)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Santa Monica
Booked 16 times today
Blue Plate Taco is a vibrant, coastal Baja-meets-Santa Monica destination that serves fresh, light Mexican food. Customers rave about the excellent food, friendly service, and the fun, festive atmosphere. It's a perfect spot to people watch and enjoy the Pacific view. As one reviewer said, 'Such a fun place. Really good food and great service.'
A photo of Massilia restaurant
10. Massilia
4.5
Awesome(812)
Price: Expensive
• French • Santa Monica
Booked 18 times today
Massilia is a Marseille-inspired brasserie with culinary influences from the South of France, Italy, Spain & North Africa. SUN – THURS Bar open til 11pm / Kitchen open til 10pm | FRI + SAT Bar open til 12am / Kitchen open til 11pm | MON – FRI Enjoy 50% off all craft cocktails & wines by the glass from 11am – 6pm

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Jasmine
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Food was Great! customer service awesome will go back any day. I will be in town for a few days big possiblity of going back .
    More info
    Loulou Rooftop Restaurant and LoungePrice: Expensive• French• Santa Monica
    •
    4.3
  • Lynvip
    Los Angeles •36 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Water Grill Santa Monica is the go-to for my friend Nancy and I. We had lots of delicious fresh oysters, piping hot french fries and a wonderful server named James....James was helpful, friendly and really cared that we had a perfect experience, and we did.... We will definitely be back! The gorgeous sunny day, comfy booth for two, and inspiring view of the Pacific was the icing on the cake....Thank you Water Grill!
    More info
    Water Grill - Santa MonicaPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Santa Monica
    •
    4.6
  • Daniel
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Tyler served us at the Santa Monica location he was an outstanding server, will def be back to this location and ask for him!
    More info
    Benihana - Santa Monica, CAPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Santa Monica
    •
    4.1
  • Hannah
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 15, 2024
    We had a delicious dinner at the nicest table by the windows. The menu is very well done with the small to large portions which was perfect as my guests were very full from a large lunch. We enjoyed a nice bottle of wine and my guests visiting from the UK were so impressed with the delicious items we ordered. The crab cake, oxtail dumplings, cauliflower and ricotta gnocchi were all very good. Definitely recommend this spot and will be back again.
    More info
    Tar & RosesPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Monica
    •
    4.8
  • John
    Los Angeles •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 15, 2024
    We enjoyed an evening where the head chef had brought in additional colleagues to give us a unique, gustatorially wonderful, and fun dining experience. The synergy amongst the chefs created a balance of cocktails, wine pairings, hors d'oeuvres, and tapas that kept us impressed and happy the whole evening.
    More info
    XuntosPrice: Expensive• Tapas / Small Plates• Santa Monica
    •
    4.7

Discover best fun restaurants in Santa Monica

Discover the playful and diverse dining scene in Santa Monica, a vibrant part of Los Angeles' Westside known for its eclectic eateries and breathtaking ocean views. If you're searching for a "fun" dining experience in this area, you're in luck! Santa Monica boasts an array of restaurants that offer not just a meal, but a delightful experience, whether you're sitting with your feet in the sand, enjoying a poolside Mediterranean feast, or basking in the ambiance of a cozy, candle-lit Italian bistro. From the beachfront vibes of coastal cafes to the authentic, hearty flavors of international cuisines, each restaurant captures the essence of fun with great food, lively atmospheres, and stunning settings. Perfect for both a casual outing or a special occasion, these establishments ensure every meal is memorable. Embrace the chance to dine in settings that range from elegant to laid-back, where every restaurant strives to offer not just a dish, but a delightful dining adventure. Santa Monica's restaurant scene truly offers a slice of culinary delight for anyone looking for a fun and fulfilling dining experience.

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