Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in Pacific Palisades

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

Beach CitiesSan Fernando Valley / ValenciaWest Hollywood / Beverly Hills / Mid-WilshireWestside

Neighbourhoods

Beverly / Fairfax / La Brea / Third St.Beverly HillsBrentwoodCulver CityEncinoLAX / Westchester

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral washroomWheelchair access

67 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Penthouse Restaurant restaurant

1. The Penthouse Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(4327)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Monica

Booked 26 times today

The Penthouse Restaurant in Santa Monica is known for its lively and vibrant bar scene. Customers rave about its 'fun, chic' ambiance and 'fabulous' food. One reviewer mentions the 'great fun' they had at the restaurant, while others highlight the 'good vibes' from the DJ. The restaurant also offers signature craft cocktails that contribute to the vibrant atmosphere. The stunning ocean views and beach cabanas add to the overall vibrant experience.

A photo of Katsuya & SBar – Brentwood – SBE restaurant

2. Katsuya & SBar – Brentwood – SBE

4.6

Exceptional(2162)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Brentwood

Booked 51 times today

Katsuya Brentwood was named one of Travel + Leisure's "Best New Restaurants," and continues to garner acclaim as one of OpenTable's "50 Hottest Restaurants in the U.S." and the Los Angeles Times Readers' Choice "Best Sushi Restaurant" in Southern California. Featuring the dynamic pairing of Master Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi and design impresario Philippe Starck, Katsuya is a feast for the senses. With specialty cocktails, unique rolls, spectacular sushi & sashimi platters, Chef Katsuya skillfully translates Japanese flavors to the American palate. Join us at S Bar, our connected sister lounge, for weekend DJ, craft cocktails & ice cold sake before or after dinner. Walk ins only. (Call Katsuya for current hours) Large groups (9-12) are subject to an $100 food and beverage min spend per adult guest, previous to tax & gratuity. Cakes permitted for celebratory desserts, at per person cake fee$5/guest. Email KatsuyaBrentwood@sbe.com for inquiries.

3. Lunetta

4.7

Exceptional(2200)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 12 times today

Chef Raphael Lunetta and Emilio Cuyuch chef driven neighborhood diner with rustic California dining room and bar. Lunetta serves great food paired with locally roasted coffee options, classic cocktails, large selection of craft beer and delicious wines that we enjoy drinking with our family & friends.We buy the freshest ingredients we can find. We cook seasonally because that’s what is fresh and best. We support local farmers and businesses whenever we can, because the best flavor naturally follows. Menus for Lunetta are locally sourced and responsibly grown, using seasonal ingredients based on the abundant product available on the California Coast. Our full bar features classic as well as craft cocktails using the finest in artisan spirits, mixers and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Our comprehensive wine list highlights small California producers and artisan winemakers from around the world.

4. Tar & Roses

4.9

Exceptional(4256)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Santa Monica

Booked 22 times today

Tar & Roses has a vibrant bar scene, as described in the reviews. Customers mention a 'relaxed vibe' and 'lively crowd', while the ambiance is consistently rated highly. One review notes 'Didn’t want to leave so we moved to the bar for more drinks after dinner', indicating a lively atmosphere that encourages patrons to stay and enjoy the bar scene. The food and wine are also praised, contributing to the overall vibrant atmosphere.

5. Meat On Ocean

4.7

Exceptional(3458)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Santa Monica

Booked 41 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.

6. AOC - Brentwood

4.6

Exceptional(3356)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Brentwood

Booked 17 times today

A.O.C is a small plates restaurant driven by seasonal ingredients, locally sourced. Our California French cuisine was developed by Chef Suzanne Goin, and has some Mediterranean influences as well. We have a large selection of wines by the glass and over 150 bottles chose from, curated by Caroline Styne, all of witch are either organic, biodynamic or sustainable. Featuring a full bar with premium spirits and specialty cocktails.

7. 1212 Santa Monica

4.5

Awesome(1794)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 26 times today

1212 Santa Monica is a unique New American Cuisine restaurant located in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica on the Third Street Promenade. Our menu highlights the palette and diversity of the SoCal landscape. Complimenting the food, our beverage program includes select wines and creative cocktails to enhance your dining experience.Join us for All Night Happy Hour starting daily at 5pm & Bottomless Brunch every Friday, Saturday and Sunday with bottomless mimosas for only $28. On specific Saturdays & Sunday brunches we charge a $10 Entertainment Fee for those enjoying drag shows in our Main Dining Area.Enjoy the beautiful beach weather on the patio, or indoors in our massive dining room. Plan a private event or meeting on our Balcony, Private Dining Room or Patio.

8. STK - Los Angeles

4.3

Awesome(2618)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steak • Westwood

Booked 55 times today

STK - Los Angeles is a vibrant bar scene, offering a high-energy dining experience with a Vibe Dining atmosphere. The restaurant's in-house DJ and chic décor add to its lively ambiance. Many reviewers noted the great ambiance and fun atmosphere, with one stating, 'Felt like it was a dinner and a party. They make it so fun to be there.' The upscale cocktails, Happy Hour, and live music all contribute to its lively bar scene.

A photo of Benihana - Santa Monica, CA restaurant

9. Benihana - Santa Monica, CA

3.9

Excellent(4123)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Santa Monica

Booked 94 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 The Butcher's Daughter restaurant

10. The Butcher's Daughter

4.7

Exceptional(179)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Venice

Booked 75 times today

The Butcher’s Daughter Venice is a plant-forward restaurant, bar, juicery, and “vegetable slaughterhouse.” Located in the vibrant Venice neighborhood, we treat fruits and vegetables with the same care a butcher would meat: chopping, filleting, and carving fresh produce into healthy vegetarian dishes and pressing them into vibrant juices. Under the guidance of our Culinary Director Richard Rea, our menu changes every season, offering 100% vegetarian dishes with many vegan and gluten-free options. We take pride in our great selection of wines, craft cocktails, and mocktails, ensuring there’s something for every taste. We also offer take-out and delivery for those who prefer to enjoy our meals at home. Named one of the best supper spots in Venice by the LA Times, we serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, creating a celebrated dining experience with in-season ingredients that nourish both body and soul.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
James
Los Angeles •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Had a great Saturday night here , got the prime ribeye chef choice on cook , came out great! Side of asparagus so fresh and juicy also got a side of mac and cheese which had the best cheesy profile. I also got the choice of 3 sauces which weren’t needed because the steak was perfectly cooked but for added experience it was well worth it. 10/10 would recommend!
More info
Meat On OceanPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Santa Monica
•
4.7
S
sina
Los Angeles •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great food and service. It's a comforting place. They validate vallet parking
More info
The Penthouse RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Monica
•
4.6
G
Germyna
Los Angeles •8 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Hostess was very nice, food good. My steak was okay, the eggs good. Hamburger good.
More info
LunettaPrice: Moderate• Californian• Santa Monica
•
4.7
A
AlanVIP
Detroit / Eastern Michigan •82 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Food and service very good. One issue is the food comes out too fast despite request to serve a bit more slow
More info
Tar & RosesPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Monica
•
4.9
M
Manny
Los Angeles •4 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Overall, the experience was positive. Although we experienced a 30-minute wait for the appetizer, the service provided by the waitress was attentive and pleasant. Additionally, the quality of the food was excellent.
More info
Katsuya & SBar – Brentwood – SBEPrice: Very Expensive• Japanese• Brentwood
•
4.6

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