Best Restaurants for a Quick Bite in Santa Monica

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodFrenchMexicanJapanese

Regions

Beach CitiesWest Hollywood / Beverly Hills / Mid-WilshireWestside

Neighbourhoods

Beverly / Fairfax / La Brea / Third St.Beverly HillsBrentwoodCentral Los AngelesCulver CityEl Segundo

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

Accessibility

Gender-neutral washroomWheelchair access

19 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Wally's Santa Monica restaurant

1. Wally's Santa Monica

4.8

Exceptional(124)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 26 times today

Experience Santa Monica’s favorite location for fine food and wine. Wally’s Santa Monica is a hybrid concept that encapsulates the finest food, beverages, and gourmet foods to provide a one-stop shop for everything delicious. From chill afternoon apps and cocktails, to decadent caviar service—whether you’re in a tuxedo, or just coming from the office—our vibe is ideal for any occasion that calls for enjoying great food and drinks. You can explore our peerless selection of rare spirits, extraordinary seasonal menu, over 100 wines available by-the-glass, and shop the gourmet counter for specialty meats, cheeses, and artisanal chocolates.

2. Bar Toscana

4.5

Awesome(213)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Italian • Brentwood

Booked 10 times today

Located in Brentwood, next door to sister restaurant, Toscana, Bar Toscana is a stylish cocktail bar and restaurant offering a sophisticated, chic dining experience. The menu, crafted by Executive Chef Justino Quirino, features Italian-inspired dishes like Polpette al Sugo (meatballs), Bruschetta, Italian cheese and charcuterie plates, as well as the popular Piselli Salad, Tuna Tartare, Wagyu Truffle Sliders, and wood-fired Pizzas. Some signature Toscana dishes, such as Ravioli Pomodoro, Pappardelle Funghi, Branzino, and Veal Milanese, among others can also be enjoyed at Bar Toscana. The bar showcases classic cocktails, including the Negroni, Martini, and Margarita, alongside scratch-made craft cocktails. A Wine Spectator award-winning wine list features Italian varietals and offerings from California and France. Perfect for intimate dinners, vibrant gatherings, or private events, Bar Toscana is available for buyouts. Open nightly from 5:00 PM, with takeout & delivery via Uber Eats,

3. La Vecchia Cucina

4.9

Exceptional(2116)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Santa Monica

Booked 18 times today

La Vecchia Cucina has been Santa Monica, California's finest neighborhood Italian restaurant since 1990, located by the blue Pacific on historic Main Street. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite, a full course dinner, an evening snack, or something in between, La Vecchia Cucina offers outstanding Italian cuisine, a great wine list, a luxurious selection of desserts, a full bar, great service and a relaxed atmosphere.

4. Casa Sanchez

4.8

Exceptional(944)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • West Los Angeles

Booked 3 times today

At Los Angeles’ Casa Sanchez Mexican Restaurant patrons will enjoy delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine, amazing cocktails as well as a live mariachi band. At this LA Mexican restaurant you can sit back on Tuesdayy- Sunday and listen to the live music or enjoy dinner and drinks under the stars on the outdoor patio. Whether you are looking for a romantic evening, out with a group, or just grabbing a quick bite you will enjoy the very diverse Mexican menu. The friendly and knowledgeable wait staff at Casa Sanchez Mexican Restaurant will assist you with anything you may need.

A photo of Barbianca Local Kitchen restaurant

5. Barbianca Local Kitchen

4.2

Awesome(95)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Marina del Rey

Mix a spoonful of northern Italian fare with a dash of California sensibilities and you get Barbianca Local Kitchen – an eatery located inside Hotel MdR. Live the So Cal lifestyle firsthand with our open floor plan that features indoor and outdoor dining resulting in an ever-changing restaurant experience. Of course, the real reason to visit Barbianca is the food, which is quite simply, “delizioso!”Barbianca also has live music on select nights and a painting class led by a local artist. Please inquire for details

A photo of Wally's Beverly Hills restaurant

6. Wally's Beverly Hills

4.7

Exceptional(94)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Beverly Hills

Booked 29 times today

Wally's continues to trailblaze the beverage and culinary scene with the opening of Wally's Beverly Hills encompassing a cheese, wine and spirits retail store: a world-class concept encompassing a cheese shop and a wine and spirits retail store within an elegant yet casual restaurant setting. Wally's Beverly Hills is designed to be a one-stop shop for everything delicious – including cheese, specialty meats, caviar, and artisanal chocolates. With our peerless selection of rare spirits, extraordinary gourmet fare, and a list of over 100 wines by-the-glass to explore, each trip to Wally's is a journey to the world's finest vineyards.

A photo of Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill - At The Grove restaurant

7. Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill - At The Grove

4.5

Awesome(477)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Sushi • Beverly / Fairfax / La Brea / Third St.

Booked 15 times today

Brothers Bruce and Eric Bromberg, creators of Blue Ribbon Restaurants in New York, Las Vegas and London, have arrived on the West Coast with the opening of Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar and Grill at The Grove in Los Angeles. The restaurant offers diners award-winning sushi offerings by Master Sushi Chef Toshi Ueki, Japanese steakhouse fare and Blue Ribbon classics in a warm, yet vibrant setting. Available for dinner and late-night dining, Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar and Grill’s expansive menu presents quality sushi and sashimi selections, including Toshi’s Choice Omakase and Blue Ribbon Maki with ½ lobster, shiso and black caviar. For options beyond the sea, Blue Ribbon’s signature dishes include Oxtail Fried Rice with daikon, shiitake and bone marrow; 30 oz. Bone-In Rib Steak with onion tempura and bok choy; and Blue Ribbon’s famous Fried Chicken with wasabi and honey.

A photo of Flora Rooftop Bar & Lounge restaurant

8. Flora Rooftop Bar & Lounge

4.4

Awesome(153)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • El Segundo

Booked 3 times today

At Flora you will take in spectacular views of the surrounding city, while sipping one of our unique signature cocktails. Enjoy a cozy romantic night out, with a fantastic bottle of wine, next to one of South Bays longest fire pits. With a focus on fresh and locally sourced ingredients, Flora Rooftop combines a modern and chic atmosphere with a diverse menu that caters to various culinary preferences. Indulge in a colorful fresh cuisine, with many of the robust flavors grown in the very garden you are dining in. We have options for everyone; Gluten-Free, Vegan, Non-Alcoholic Mocktails, and more! Connect with friends, celebrate your birthday, or host the best corporate happy hour imaginable!Located where the 405 & 105 freeways meet. Very short Uber/Lyft ride from LAX, Sofi Stadium, the Forum, and all the beach cities. AC Hotel offers airport and local event parking at very competitive rates. Private events & banquets

A photo of Public School - Culver City restaurant

9. Public School - Culver City

4.5

Awesome(416)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Culver City

Booked 3 times today

Located in the heart of Downtown Culver City, Public School is a fun, school-themed gastropub that features a wide selection of local craft beers, classic drafts and craft cocktails. PS delivers "An Education in the Art of Food & Beer." We offer a chef-driven menu that is made from scratch using only the freshest quality ingredients. "Recess" (aka Happy Hour) is held Monday through Friday from 3pm-6pm.

A photo of Neighbors Playa Vista restaurant

10. Neighbors Playa Vista

4.0

Excellent(105)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Playa Vista

Booked 1 time today

Located inside the beautiful Runway complex. Neighbors is a restaurant offering a beautiful place for the playa vista community to call home. From our famous neighbors burger, to our amazing brunch menu selections. We have something to cover everyone’s appetite.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

OT
OpenTable DinerVIP
Los Angeles •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
This is one of our favorite restaurants and a best kept secret on Main Street in Santa Monica. They also have the best happy hour in LA with actual pastas and salads on the happy hour menu and not "bar food". Also, they're happy hour wines and drinks are great.
More info
La Vecchia CucinaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Santa Monica
•
4.9
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined on Feb 26, 2025
Really love the food that they have an also the service, can’t say nothing bad. I love the mariachi show that they have as well. Always a good spot to return.
More info
Casa SanchezPrice: Moderate• Mexican• West Los Angeles
•
4.8
J
janVIP
Philadelphia County •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 14, 2025
Wally’s is EPIC. Dining in a world class wine store adds incredible theater to your experience. The food, bread, cheese, and menu mix is inspired. A must stop when in LA. The truffle fries and exceptional. Try Wally’s HERO.
More info
Wally's Santa MonicaPrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Monica
•
4.8
A
AJ
San Diego •2 reviews
4.0
Dined on Oct 29, 2024
If you are staying at the hotel, it would be very convenient to dine there. Decent food, good service.
More info
Barbianca Local KitchenPrice: Moderate• Italian• Marina del Rey
•
4.2
R
Richard
Los Angeles •37 reviews
5.0
Dined on Oct 12, 2024
Our Brentwood favorite (over the siblings Toscana next door) for quality Italian food and crowd energy. Super friendly service. Great place to hang at the bar, watch a Dodgers game (no sound), and enjoy a quality cocktail.
More info
Bar ToscanaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Brentwood
•
4.5

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