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Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in Santa Monica

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47 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Tar & Roses restaurant
1. Tar & Roses
4.8
Exceptional(4262)
Price: Expensive
• American • Santa Monica
Booked 52 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.
A photo of Meat On Ocean restaurant
2. Meat On Ocean
4.7
Exceptional(3466)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Santa Monica
Booked 46 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 Benihana - Santa Monica, CA restaurant
3. Benihana - Santa Monica, CA
3.8
Excellent(4127)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Santa Monica
Booked 75 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 Orto Santa Monica restaurant
4. Orto Santa Monica
4.3
Awesome(1108)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Santa Monica
Booked 8 times today
Orto Santa Monica is a vibrant bar scene with rave reviews on its cocktails and wine list. The place is often described as having an excellent ambiance and being a great spot for celebrations. The Italian staff adds to the warm and lively atmosphere. The restaurant is also commended for its food and service.
A photo of North Italia - Santa Monica restaurant
5. North Italia - Santa Monica
4.3
Awesome(1512)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Santa Monica
Booked 35 times today
Everyone has a favorite dish at North. Every day, our Chefs start from scratch to create handmade pizza and pasta using only the best ingredients to craft inspired dishes from the garden, farm, and sea. North defines the standards for handcrafted Italian. Our menu offers a great selection of antipasti (daily soup, charcuterie, bruschetta), salads full of seasonal ingredients, and a main entrée menu driven by both traditional Italian cuisine and lighter fresh fish dishes. North is a great neighborhood spot for family and friends to meet and share a handcrafted experience. From the food to the service, at North every detail matters. Due to recent current events, we will be only open for to go sales only at this point in time. Thank you for your understanding
A photo of Gjelina restaurant
6. Gjelina
4.7
Exceptional(2382)
Price: Expensive
• American • Venice
Booked 220 times today
Gjelina is a restaurant specializing in New American cuisine. Open every day from 8 a.m. until 11pm, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. For breakfast, try 9 grain pancakes with butter and maple syrup or warm banana buckwheat loaf with butter and jam of the day. Brunch options include Moroccan baked eggs and 7 grain porridge. Gjelina offers a variety of oysters, crudo, charcuterie and salad options to start at lunch and dinner. Main courses include pizzas from our wood fired oven and entrees like duck confit, house made pastas and roasted organic half chicken.*Only ADA certified animals are allowed in Gjelina*A 20% Mandatory Service Charge is added to your check. Our belief is that every hourly Gjelina employee contributes to your service and 100% of the MSC will be distributed amongst them.
A photo of Lunetta restaurant
7. Lunetta
4.7
Exceptional(2205)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Santa Monica
Booked 60 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.
A photo of Beachside Restaurant & Bar restaurant
8. Beachside Restaurant & Bar
4.7
Exceptional(1744)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Marina del Rey
Booked 12 times today
Overlooking Mother’s Beach, Beachside Restaurant & Bar is the destination for waterfront dining in Marina del Rey. Enjoy Californian cuisine with a Latin twist in a lively setting featuring a full bar, indoor dining room, and an oceanfront patio just steps from the sand for a truly unique al fresco experience. Open for brunch, dinner, and happy hour—plus, our dog-friendly patio welcomes your four-legged friends!
A photo of Wabi on Rose restaurant
9. Wabi on Rose
4.6
Exceptional(1326)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Venice
Booked 39 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.
A photo of AOC - Brentwood restaurant
10. AOC - Brentwood
4.6
Exceptional(3361)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Brentwood
Booked 41 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.
‘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.

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