Best Authentic Restaurants in Santa Monica
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- OTOpenTable DinerLos Angeles •1 review5.0Dined 3 days agoLunch special quality was wonderfully! Everything was delicious and fresh sushiMore infoKappo Miyabi Santa MonicaPrice: Very Expensive• Japanese• Santa Monica•4.6
- FFelixLos Angeles •2 reviews5.0Dined 6 days agoWent here for brunch with my guy friends and had an absolute great time. We went for the Saturday brunch experience and had a reservation for 11:30am. The hostess was a little late opening up; but got us checked in and seated promptly when they did arrive. Our server was Victoria and her partner in crime Johnny. She set us up and gave us the full rundown of how everything works: from the omelette, crepe stations, to the buffet room and the way she could split the check at the end. She was amazing and kept our drinks flowing. The drinks can be a little pricy (I had the ooh LaLa (a watermelon margarita with a tajin rim) for about $18 per but it was pretty and delicious)They had a live DJ who was setting the vibe and and great taste and transitions. We had a congo line with some of the other patrons in the building. There was 8 of us and it didn’t feel like we were ever in limbo or waiting. It all flowed well and we could all split the check evenly and it was about $135 pp. I will definitely be back!More infoLoulou Rooftop Restaurant and LoungePrice: Expensive• French• Santa Monica•4.6
- SShannonNew York City •1 review4.0Dined 6 days agoOverall, I’d recommend Xuntos because the food was delicious. My partner & I ordered the tasting menu and enjoyed each dish that came out. I will say we were both starving and ready to eat when we arrived, but the tasting menu ended up being a little too much - they could have taken one or two tapas out and it would have been enough food for two people. That being said. We enjoyed not having to think about what to order, and the experience of being surprised by an assortment of dishes was fun! I also think it was a very reasonably priced tasting menu. Service was definitely lacking though… First, I booked a standard table online for a date night, and they tried to sit us at a high top in a busy section of the restaurant where a party was taking place instead of a perfectly good corner table upstairs and away from the ruckus. It took a long time to order our drinks, and even longer to receive them - true on the second round too. Maybe they were low staffed at the bar or the large party downstairs was adding too much to the service load? The staff were very pleasant and we ultimately had a nice evening (plus the food was worth it), but I definitely think the service could be a little bit faster and more attentive.More infoXuntosPrice: Expensive• Tapas / Small Plates• Santa Monica•4.7
- LLeslyVIPLos Angeles •1 review5.0Dined on Feb 23, 2025Chips + guacamole, Red snapper tacos + watermelon margarita- 10/10More infoBlue Plate TacoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Santa Monica•4.6
- AAntoinetteLos Angeles •1 review5.0Dined on Jan 19, 2025LOVED ORTA and staff!!! Amazing dining experience! A MUST!!!More infoOrto Santa MonicaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Santa Monica•4.3
Discover best authentic restaurants in Santa Monica
Discover a treasure trove of authentic dining experiences in Westside, Santa Monica, where the quest for genuine flavors and unique culinary traditions is met with enthusiasm. From Italian hideaways that transport you straight to Puglia to British pubs that feel like stepping into a cozy corner of England, Santa Monica serves up an eclectic mix of authentically inspired eateries. Each restaurant prides itself on delivering not only traditional dishes but also an immersive atmosphere that complements their culinary offerings. Patrons frequently praise these establishments for their commitment to authenticity, highlighting fresh, quality ingredients, and recipes passed down through generations. The dining scene in Santa Monica is vibrant and diverse, offering a variety of settings from beachfront views to intimate, rustic interiors. Whether it’s the fresh, organic produce used in Californian kitchens or the meticulously crafted Italian pastas, the attention to detail is evident in every dish served. Experience dining where the authenticity of the cuisine merges seamlessly with the charm and character of Santa Monica, making every meal a memorable one. This array of authentic restaurants ensures that every visitor can find something that satisfies their taste for adventure and genuine culinary delight.