Best Restaurants for People Watching in Marina del Rey

55 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Élephante Santa Monica restaurant

1. Élephante Santa Monica

4.5

Awesome(1393)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Santa Monica

Booked 211 times today

Chic destination for elevated Italian cuisine in breezy, loungelike dining areas with ocean views.

A photo of Calabra at Santa Monica Proper restaurant

2. Calabra at Santa Monica Proper

4.8

Exceptional(1576)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Santa Monica

Booked 38 times today

Calabra at Santa Monica Proper Hotel (One MICHELIN Key 2024) is located on the hotel's rooftop. The elevated garden terrace provides an inspiring atmosphere, with the ocean as a backdrop. Whether from the pool sundeck or circular bar, the views are best enjoyed with dinner, boutique wines, seasonal cocktails, and small-batch spirits. Serving Mediterranean & Californian cuisine with a view. Seating arrangements for all reservations at Calabra may include outdoor dining, bar area, as well as our indoor/ outdoor covered lounge space. Be sure to dress warmly.**Dinner reservations are for dining only. Drinks will be accommodated upon first come first serve at the bar area. Private Couch Alcoves are available with a rental and minimum spend**

3. Wabi on Rose

4.5

Awesome(1317)

Price: Expensive

• Sushi • Venice

Booked 11 times today

This local hot spot suffered a fire in 2018 and triumphantly returned in 2020. With Chef Rain's innovative cuisine and vibrant bar scene, Wabi on Rose embodies the Rose Avenue lifestyle. Sexy, contemporary design, frames this hip spot with a chic outdoor seating area. Neighborhood regulars enjoy the fresh-caught, Pacific Rim, sushi inspired menu,and live fire grill. Swimsuit to business suit, all are welcome.

4. Meat On Ocean

4.7

Exceptional(3426)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Santa Monica

Booked 57 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 Waterfront Venice restaurant

5. The Waterfront Venice

4.3

Awesome(192)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Venice

Booked 2 times today

The Waterfront Venice is a California Beer Garden with views of the Pacific Ocean. Situated between Rose and Navy on the famous Venice beach Boardwalk, our food & beverage menus celebrate California with carefully selected seasonal produce from local farms.

6. Manchego

4.8

Exceptional(1122)

Price: Moderate

• Tapas / Small Plates • Santa Monica

Booked 4 times today

Manchego also offers walk-ins!Manchego is a Spanish Tapas restaurant in Santa Monica that focuses on delicious small plates and a cozy atmosphere. We recently relocated a few doors down, to a larger space with a romantic patio in the back.Manchego has always been one of the best kept secrets in Santa Monica, and now locals can enjoy our bigger, more accommodating space that offers outside dining on our beautiful patio. Always a great spot for romantic dates or meeting up with friends and family.We also added a specially curated Spanish wine list that offers mainly small-production, unique wines. Our Spanish wine distributor spends his time traveling the Spanish countryside, sourcing hard to find wines from small, mom-and-pop wineries. The wine list also includes a few South American selections and a great local, organic wine.Follow us on instagram at instagram.com/manchegorestaurant

A photo of Lillie's at The Culver Hotel restaurant

7. Lillie's at The Culver Hotel

4.3

Awesome(426)

Price: Expensive

• French American • Culver City

Booked 14 times today

Lillie's offers a refined dining experience inspired by European cafe culture. With elegant interiors, a relaxed patio, and a signature live music lineup. Proper attire and good manners required. Open Monday for hotel guests/events only.Join us forBreakfast served 7am-11am. (Tue - Fri)Breakfast served 7am-10am. (Sat, Sun)Lunch served - 12pm-4pm. (Tue - Fri )Garden Hour - 3pm-5pm. (Tue - Fri)Dinner served - 5pm -10pm. (Last seating 9:30pm).Afternoon Tea Sat and Sun - 10am-2:30pm.Bar service until late - Sun, Tue & Wed 11:00pm close.Thur, Fri & Sat - Midnight close.Live Music:Tuesday & Wednesday - 7 pm to 10 pm.Thursday, Friday & Saturday - 8 pm to 11 pm.To note: A 5% wellness fee is added to all checks to support our staff's health. A 20% gratuity will be included for parties of 6+. A fee of $5 per person is charged for any dessert brought from outside of the restaurant.Parking: Self Park Ince Parking Garage or The Culver Steps- Parking Garage Rates- Non Validation

8. 1212 Santa Monica

4.5

Awesome(1782)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 18 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.

9. Farmshop LA

4.8

Exceptional(569)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Brentwood

Booked 45 times today

In 2010, chef Jeff Cerciello opened Farmshop in a space that denotes rustic elegance. Located in the beautiful Brentwood Country Mart, bordering Santa Monica, the restaurant has become a dining destination featuring the very best local ingredients, simply prepared, served in casual fine dining style.

A photo of Wally's Santa Monica restaurant

10. Wally's Santa Monica

4.8

Exceptional(112)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 13 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

T
Teresa
Los Angeles •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great experience. The restaurant was a 5 minute walk from the Santa Monica Pier where we attended the Cirque du soleil show. We had reservations and we were seated promptly. The steaks were delicious and cooked to perfection. The service and food were great. Definitely will be back.
More info
Meat On OceanPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Santa Monica
•
4.7
R
Ryan
Los Angeles •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Shrimp was obliterated don’t recommend it but the rest of the food was amazing. Diver scallops were very good. The pasta and salads are great, arancini was on point, spinach was bland but cooked very well. Chocolate Torta is to die for
More info
Élephante Santa MonicaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Santa Monica
•
4.5
B
BarbaraVIP
Dallas - Fort Worth •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Stunning setting. Knowledgeable and attentive staff. Excellent food. Will definitely go back to try other dishes.
More info
Calabra at Santa Monica ProperPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Santa Monica
•
4.8
G
Guy
Los Angeles •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 15, 2024
Sydney was a terrific server. We tried Davy Jones which was delicious and also had moonlight rain.
More info
Wabi on RosePrice: Expensive• Sushi• Venice
•
4.5
J
Jordan
Milan •1 review
4.0
Dined on Dec 8, 2024
The food buffet was good and had lots of option. The bottomless drinks were not very nice. The espresso martini was not nice at all!
More info
The Waterfront VenicePrice: Expensive• Californian• Venice
•
4.3

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Marina del Rey

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Accessibility

55 restaurants available nearby

1. Élephante Santa Monica

2. Calabra at Santa Monica Proper

3. Wabi on Rose

4. Meat On Ocean

5. The Waterfront Venice

6. Manchego

7. Lillie's at The Culver Hotel

8. 1212 Santa Monica

9. Farmshop LA

10. Wally's Santa Monica

See what locals rave about

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