Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Santa Monica

90 restaurants available nearby

1. The Surfing Fox

4.3

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 14 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.

2. Melisse

4.9

Exceptional(1997)

Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 2 times today

Chef & Owner Josiah Citrin has revived his Michelin 2-Star institution with an intimate, 14-seat restaurant with Chef/Partner Ken Takayama. In a setting that blurs the line between kitchen and dining room, Chefs and service staff guide guests through a 2.5-hour culinary experience.Collaborating with California farmers from San Diego to Napa Valley, Chef Josiah sources the most unique and exclusive ingredients available. An 8-course tasting menu is bookended by canapés, amuse-bouches and mignardise, all of which showcase global flavors using both modern and classic techniques.

3. SELINE

(0)

Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 1 time today

*OPENING DECEMBER 3, 2024*Join James Beard award-winning Chef Dave Beran at his 38-seat fine dining restaurant in Santa Monica, where the kitchen is seamlessly integrated with the dining room. The menu, comprising 15-18 courses, showcases Chef Dave's deeply thoughtful approach to storytelling, inviting guests to embrace the experience & embark on a memorable culinary journey featuring the many inspirations of Southern California.At Seline, the focus is on connection, with every aspect of the restaurant— from the design to the custom plateware—built on fostering meaningful relationships. Wine Director Matthew Brodbine presents two beverage pairing options to complement your menu. The wine pairing showcases selections from innovative, forward-thinking winemakers across various regions worldwide. The non-alcoholic pairing features a unique collection of house-made and curated beverages designed to align with the menu's progression. A carefully curated wine list is also available.

4. Fia

4.6

Exceptional(2501)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Santa Monica

Booked 36 times today

Hidden inside a lush, secret garden in the coastal enclave of Santa Monica, Fia is the first collaboration between hospitality trailblazer Michael Greco and celebrated Chef Brendan Collins. A venue designed by acclaimed designer Matt Winter ~ Fia is an urban oasis, where Greco's service mantra is rooted in a dedication to hospitality... Service, Service, Service. Collins' craveable menu delivers on flavor & execution, highlighting the freshest seasonal ingredients, inspired by California & Italian Coastal Cuisine, that will satisfy all. Add to the equation, carefully crafted cocktails, and old & new world wine list. Maximum reservable table size is for eight persons, see Fia website for event/catering inquiries. Weekend Brunch with Bottomless Mimosas & Margaritas (2 hour time limit per booking)We do not allow dogs (excepting certified service animals)We allow one special bottle for a $45 corkage as long as we do not carry that same bottle in our award winning wine cellar.

5. Citrin

4.6

Exceptional(183)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Santa Monica

Booked 13 times today

Citrin is a modern Californian cuisine restaurant by Chef Josiah Citrin. The attention to detail and pursuit of excellence that defined Josiah’s landmark Mélisse restaurant for 20 years thrives in this new space. Citrin is a fun, welcoming, and approachable experience. A large bar and a la Carte menu brings a fresh take on our love of hospitality and passion to deliver exciting and delicious food.

6. Lunetta

4.7

Exceptional(2160)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 46 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.

7. pasjoli

4.6

Exceptional(640)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Santa Monica

Booked 14 times today

Pasjoli is an elevated French bistro from James Beard award-winning chef Dave Beran. The restaurant pays homage to French cuisine utilizing the bounty of produce available in Southern California. Rooted in classic French cooking and inspired by Parisian markets, pasjoli reflects Chef Dave’s thoughtful cooking style, showcasing his creative touches on bistro fare.We serve a five-course prix fixe menu in our dining room and our secret garden. You'll be able to select your seating preference when you confirm your reservation. Please visit our website to see the most current menu.Each evening, we have limited availability of pressed duck dinners. If you are interested in enjoying a pressed duck, please email info@pasjoli.com, and we will do our best to accommodate your request. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate vegan diets.

A photo of Manpuku Japanese BBQ Dining Los Angeles/Sawtelle restaurant

8. Manpuku Japanese BBQ Dining Los Angeles/Sawtelle

4.8

Exceptional(254)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • West Los Angeles

Booked 34 times today

Traditional Japanese style BBQ Dining from Tokyo Japan.Manpuku, which means “to be happy with a full stomach” in Japanese, opened its doors to hungry customers in Tokyo more than 60 years ago.Reservation policy*We will hold your reservation for 15 min. Your reservation will be automatically canceled if you do not arrive in the time allotted.

9. Paloma Venice

4.4

Awesome(366)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Venice

Booked 23 times today

Paloma is a Mediterranean inspired oasis at the iconic corner of Abbot Kinney and Venice Blvds. With three distinct dining areas - indoors with velveteen banquettes and comfortable bar seating; a bougainvillea framed patio with a retractable roof; and an al fresco deck shaded with large, breezy umbrellas and lush greenery, complete with a fire pit tucked away in a corner alcove, guests will feel transported and enjoy a market-fresh menu with something for everyone.

10. Capo

4.8

Exceptional(1308)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Santa Monica

Booked 12 times today

Capo, with its modern Italian cuisine, offers a rustic yet elegant dining room with high-beamed ceilings, flickering candles, museum quality art collection, and a large Tuscan-style fireplace where the chefs prepare much of our menu. Capo has an extensive wine list, earning Wine Spectator's top award, and a classic cocktail bar where our guests can enjoy our full menu alongside the warmth of the fireplace.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

N
Nicolavip
Los Angeles •51 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Server was remarkably knowledgeable about the food, where it comes from, ingredients, how prepared, etc. very interesting cocktails. Great ambiance and setting. Was very impressed as I generally don’t like hotel restaurants.
More info
The Surfing FoxPrice: Moderate• Californian• Santa Monica
•
4.3
L
leonardvip
Los Angeles •31 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Exceptional tasty with great variety and creativity. This is THE best special occasion restaurant in Los Angeles. I have gone to Melisse for years and it never disappoints.
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MelissePrice: Very Expensive• Californian• Santa Monica
•
4.9
GG
GabrielleG
Los Angeles •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 16, 2024
My daughter took me to dinner tonight to celebrate my birthday. The service is excellent, and the staff are very thoughtful, when they took us to the table they had a happy birthday card for me. The plates are very creative and the food is delectable and perfectly executed. I highly recommend the lobster bolognese and the veal. It has a refined and inviting atmosphere. It is a bit pricey; nevertheless, I enjoyed my birthday dinner at Citrin. Thank you Kaelan.
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CitrinPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Santa Monica
•
4.6
O
Oliviavip
Alabama •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 14, 2024
Took clients out here and it was great! Food, drinks, ambience and service were wonderful. Will definitely be coming back!
More info
FiaPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Santa Monica
•
4.6

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Santa Monica

Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Santa Monica

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90 restaurants available nearby

1. The Surfing Fox

2. Melisse

3. SELINE

4. Fia

5. Citrin

6. Lunetta

7. pasjoli

8. Manpuku Japanese BBQ Dining Los Angeles/Sawtelle

9. Paloma Venice

10. Capo

See what locals rave about

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