Patti's Guidebook
Food Scene Brentwood/Santa Monica
Nice casual restaurant with nice sharing menu. Cool atmosphere in the back patio. Can get crowded.
Jonah's Kitchen + Bar
2518 Wilshire BoulevardNice casual restaurant with nice sharing menu. Cool atmosphere in the back patio. Can get crowded.
We love almost everything here! The location is great, the decor is very old school and lovely, and the food is yummy and the prices are pretty fair. Sometimes the servers seem to forget about you for very long times. That could just be a product of the times-not the restaurant.
199 locals recommend
The Misfit Restaurant + Bar
225 Santa Monica BlvdWe love almost everything here! The location is great, the decor is very old school and lovely, and the food is yummy and the prices are pretty fair. Sometimes the servers seem to forget about you for very long times. That could just be a product of the times-not the restaurant.
You’ll need reservations for this trendy rooftop, ocean view restaurant. It’s nice but not stuffy and you’re likely to see someone of celebrity status on almost any given day. The food is kind of family/sharing style and good. The eggplant dip with pita is incredible. Drinks are pricey but consistent with LA around $18.
63 locals recommend
Elephante
1332 2nd StYou’ll need reservations for this trendy rooftop, ocean view restaurant. It’s nice but not stuffy and you’re likely to see someone of celebrity status on almost any given day. The food is kind of family/sharing style and good. The eggplant dip with pita is incredible. Drinks are pricey but consistent with LA around $18.
El Cholo
1025 Wilshire BlvdGood classic old school LA Mexican Restaurant.
Amici Brentwood
2538 San Vicente BlvdDecent atmosphere. Decent food.
Love this extremely authentic Italian restaurant! Currently happy hour is Tuesday-Sunday 1pm-5pm ( call to confirm ). Make sure to ask what is on “happy hour@ specials before ordering. If you don’t sometimes they’ll charge full price. Also, expect to be there a while-they are in no hurry as it is truly authentic.
LA Puglia
Love this extremely authentic Italian restaurant! Currently happy hour is Tuesday-Sunday 1pm-5pm ( call to confirm ). Make sure to ask what is on “happy hour@ specials before ordering. If you don’t sometimes they’ll charge full price. Also, expect to be there a while-they are in no hurry as it is truly authentic.
Very popular and very good. They can have an attitude though because it’s very popular. Might not take reservations though.
9 locals recommend
Jon & Vinny's Brentwood
11938 San Vicente BlvdVery popular and very good. They can have an attitude though because it’s very popular. Might not take reservations though.
This is great outdoor area on the 3rd street promenade. Good for hanging of out and people watching. I think it may only be open for dinner. Sometimes they have live music.
1212 Santa Monica
1212 3rd Street PromenadeThis is great outdoor area on the 3rd street promenade. Good for hanging of out and people watching. I think it may only be open for dinner. Sometimes they have live music.
Really good food and bakery. They don’t take reservations and it gets crowded. Try to go on off times.
130 locals recommend
Milo & Olive
2723 Wilshire BlvdReally good food and bakery. They don’t take reservations and it gets crowded. Try to go on off times.
Farmshop
225 26th StStar sightings at this overpriced but good upscale establishment
Really nice restaurant with 50% off food/drinks happy hour from 5-6. Attached to Bungalow bar inside the Fairmont Hotel. Please cal to confirm Happy Hour details.
37 locals recommend
FIG
101 Wilshire BlvdReally nice restaurant with 50% off food/drinks happy hour from 5-6. Attached to Bungalow bar inside the Fairmont Hotel. Please cal to confirm Happy Hour details.
Small casual place with good food and decent prices for LA seafood. Check if they currently have a happy hour. They also have a great fish market if you want to purchase to bbq back at the house.
53 locals recommend
Santa Monica Seafood Co
1000 Wilshire BlvdSmall casual place with good food and decent prices for LA seafood. Check if they currently have a happy hour. They also have a great fish market if you want to purchase to bbq back at the house.
Not fine dining by any means, but decent food, and they have specials-so it’s sometimes the best option.
Wood Ranch
11700 Wilshire BoulevardNot fine dining by any means, but decent food, and they have specials-so it’s sometimes the best option.
We love this place. Our food and service has always been excellent!
31 locals recommend
Forma Restaurant & Cheese Bar
1610 Montana AveWe love this place. Our food and service has always been excellent!
Very good good, drinks, and prices but we often end up with very long waits for a table, and the bar is too crowded to enjoy.
152 locals recommend
R+D Kitchen
1323 Montana AveVery good good, drinks, and prices but we often end up with very long waits for a table, and the bar is too crowded to enjoy.
This newer restaurant is still finding its footing but we have had some nice meals here and the atmosphere is good. It’s not “Elephante”, but that means it’s similar without the crowds so it’s much easier to get a table.
LouLou Rooftop-Restaurant-Lounge
395 Santa Monica PlaceThis newer restaurant is still finding its footing but we have had some nice meals here and the atmosphere is good. It’s not “Elephante”, but that means it’s similar without the crowds so it’s much easier to get a table.
Kind of dated and expensive but good sushi and good sides if you don’t eat fish. Brussel sprouts and rice are great!
69 locals recommend
Katsuya Brentwood
11777 San Vicente BlvdKind of dated and expensive but good sushi and good sides if you don’t eat fish. Brussel sprouts and rice are great!
Great food and drinks. Beautiful restaurant inside and outdoors. Great for big groups at happy hour.
Please call to confirm happy hour 3-6.
Osteria del Fornaio
401 Wilshire BoulevardGreat food and drinks. Beautiful restaurant inside and outdoors. Great for big groups at happy hour.
Please call to confirm happy hour 3-6.
KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar
120 BroadwaySUGARFISH by sushi nozawa
Orto Santa Monica
502 Santa Monica BlvdUOVO
1320 2nd StGreat good with really good. Egan & vegetarian options. Good happy hour M-F 4-6. The impossible slider is so good!!! And the pizza is great. Please call to confirm happy hour.
12 locals recommend
Margo's
1534 Montana AveGreat good with really good. Egan & vegetarian options. Good happy hour M-F 4-6. The impossible slider is so good!!! And the pizza is great. Please call to confirm happy hour.
Ingo's Tasty Diner
1213 Wilshire BlvdTemporarily closed
Lobster & Beer Santa Monica
cinque terre west osteria
West Restaurant & Lounge
170 N Church LnAbsolutely beautiful sunset views!
Great place to go for food & drinks after golf at Ranch Park
7 locals recommend
The Stalking Horse Brewery & Freehouse
10543 W Pico BlvdGreat place to go for food & drinks after golf at Ranch Park
Taiko Restaurant
11677 San Vicente Blvd
Noma
2031 Wilshire BlvdThe Lobster
1602 Ocean AveLove this very old school saw dust on the floor bar and steakhouse. It has been the same for 50+ years. Now post Covid they have a great outdoor patio dining/drinks/happy hour with live music some nights.
46 locals recommend
Chez Jay
1657 Ocean AveLove this very old school saw dust on the floor bar and steakhouse. It has been the same for 50+ years. Now post Covid they have a great outdoor patio dining/drinks/happy hour with live music some nights.
Good Thai food. Not mind blowing or exotic, but good food, good prices and very fresh. Very nice staff and service as well, and it’s easy to get take-away. We love the egg rolls, (best we’ve ever had) shrimp pad thai, and thai fried rice. Portions are large. For 2 of us an egg roll and fried rice is plenty for dinner.
Original Thai Dishes Wilshire
2628 Wilshire BlvdGood Thai food. Not mind blowing or exotic, but good food, good prices and very fresh. Very nice staff and service as well, and it’s easy to get take-away. We love the egg rolls, (best we’ve ever had) shrimp pad thai, and thai fried rice. Portions are large. For 2 of us an egg roll and fried rice is plenty for dinner.
Great diner. Pricey but generous portions. They have a really good breakfast, burgers, fries, shakes. Also impossible meat burrito that is usually plenty food for two people. They usually have a good mimosa deal.
Mel's Drive-in
1670 Lincoln BlvdGreat diner. Pricey but generous portions. They have a really good breakfast, burgers, fries, shakes. Also impossible meat burrito that is usually plenty food for two people. They usually have a good mimosa deal.
Casual or take away
Holy Cow BBQ
264 26th St
Soom Soom Fresh Mediterranean - Brentwood
11704 Barrington Court
Pizzana Brentwood
11712 San Vicente BlvdThis food is not great, by any means but it is so cheap and easy to pick up we get it often. Pizza and salads are pretty good. Desserts are actually really good. Pasta dishes are awful 😂
Santa Monica Pizza Kitchen
1318 Wilshire BlvdThis food is not great, by any means but it is so cheap and easy to pick up we get it often. Pizza and salads are pretty good. Desserts are actually really good. Pasta dishes are awful 😂
In the Brentwood Country Mart this is one of the closest places to get food. The food is takeaway, (there are outdoor tables and chairs) cheap, and good! It’s worth it to hang out in the swankest shopping in Brentwood (think Christian Louboutin) and get street tacos 🌮 or an $8 burrito.
Frida Tacos - Brentwood
225 26th StIn the Brentwood Country Mart this is one of the closest places to get food. The food is takeaway, (there are outdoor tables and chairs) cheap, and good! It’s worth it to hang out in the swankest shopping in Brentwood (think Christian Louboutin) and get street tacos 🌮 or an $8 burrito.
This is in an old mortuary. It is really pretty. There are lovely places to sit and enjoy coffees and baked goods. It’s a little pricey but worth it for the quality and atmosphere. They have a good $10 cheese omelette with fresh baked bread.
12 locals recommend
Tartine Santa Monica
1925 Arizona AveThis is in an old mortuary. It is really pretty. There are lovely places to sit and enjoy coffees and baked goods. It’s a little pricey but worth it for the quality and atmosphere. They have a good $10 cheese omelette with fresh baked bread.
Coral Tree Cafe
11645 San Vicente BlvdBru's Wiffle
2408 Wilshire BlvdGreat breakfast. Small place so it gets crowded.
Nice large place good for a sandwich, soup, salad, coffees, or a cocktail.
67 locals recommend
Literati Cafe
12081 Wilshire BlvdNice large place good for a sandwich, soup, salad, coffees, or a cocktail.
Coffee & Sweets
Great coffee and sandwiches. I think we like “Clarke Street”. (which is across the street) a little more, but sometimes Belwood has shorter lines. Both are good.
8 locals recommend
Belwood Bakery
11625 Barrington CtGreat coffee and sandwiches. I think we like “Clarke Street”. (which is across the street) a little more, but sometimes Belwood has shorter lines. Both are good.
Very expensive but great ice cream. I think it’s like $5 a scoop but your paying for the location and the celebs
71 locals recommend
Sweet Rose Creamery
225 26th StVery expensive but great ice cream. I think it’s like $5 a scoop but your paying for the location and the celebs
Sweet Lady Jane Bakery
1631 Montana Ave
Erin McKenna’s Bakery
1415 Montana AvenueAll Vegan and gluten free
Trendy and pricey but they have interesting donut flavor profiles that you won’t see elsewhere. Donuts come in a lovely box.
40 locals recommend
Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee
631 Wilshire BlvdTrendy and pricey but they have interesting donut flavor profiles that you won’t see elsewhere. Donuts come in a lovely box.
We love Clark St! Really good breakfast sandwich and burrito! Wonderful fresh baked bread and sandwiches. Gets crowded (parking & Clark St) on the weekends but worth the wait! You can pre-order and pick up. They will usually run your order to the car.
Clark Street Brentwood
We love Clark St! Really good breakfast sandwich and burrito! Wonderful fresh baked bread and sandwiches. Gets crowded (parking & Clark St) on the weekends but worth the wait! You can pre-order and pick up. They will usually run your order to the car.
SusieCakes
11708 San Vicente Blvd
Dunkin'
1132 Wilshire BlvdDunkin’ Donuts…
Bars
Old fashioned Irish pub! Across the street from another old fashioned Irish pub!
15 locals recommend
Sonny McLean's Irish Pub
2615 Wilshire BlvdOld fashioned Irish pub! Across the street from another old fashioned Irish pub!
Old fashioned Irish pub! Across the street from another old fashioned Irish pub!
18 locals recommend
O'Brien's Irish Pub & Restaurant
2226 Wilshire BlvdOld fashioned Irish pub! Across the street from another old fashioned Irish pub!
The Misfit Restaurant + Bar
225 Santa Monica Blvd
Harvelle's Blues Club
1432 4th StThunderbird Bar
12217 Wilshire BoulevardThe Victorian
2640 Main St
Fairmont Miramar - Hotel & Bungalows
101 Wilshire BlvdThe Bungalow
101 Wilshire BlvdJameson’s Pub
Santa Monica Whaler
Busby's West Fans
3110 Santa Monica BlvdThis place can be fun atmosphere BUT service is lacking, and the prices are nuts ($17 house wine) considering there is nothing special- however if you happen to be right near it it can be a great place to pop in for a burger and beer.
344 locals recommend
Father's Office
1018 Montana AveThis place can be fun atmosphere BUT service is lacking, and the prices are nuts ($17 house wine) considering there is nothing special- however if you happen to be right near it it can be a great place to pop in for a burger and beer.
Love this very old school saw dust on the floor bar and steakhouse. It has been the same for 50+ years. Now post Covid they have a great outdoor patio dining/drinks/happy hour with live music some nights.
46 locals recommend
Chez Jay
1657 Ocean AveLove this very old school saw dust on the floor bar and steakhouse. It has been the same for 50+ years. Now post Covid they have a great outdoor patio dining/drinks/happy hour with live music some nights.
Food Scene Malibu
Nobu Malibu
22706 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu Farm Pier Cafe
23000 Pacific Coast HwyThis place is great for super casual (order at the window) seafood. Definitely worth going if you are anywhere near it. You can get a huge variety of fresh seafood and sides for around $22 bucks for a salmon plate. Serves wine and beer. Fish and chips are good too.
90 locals recommend
Reel Inn Malibu
18661 Pacific Coast HwyThis place is great for super casual (order at the window) seafood. Definitely worth going if you are anywhere near it. You can get a huge variety of fresh seafood and sides for around $22 bucks for a salmon plate. Serves wine and beer. Fish and chips are good too.
Restaurants in Venice and Marina del Rey
The Butcher's Daughter
1205 Abbot Kinney BoulevardBaja Cantina
311 Washington Blvd
Killer Shrimp
4211 Admiralty Way
Mercede's Grille
14 W Washington Blvd
Gjelina
1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd
C&O Trattoria
3016 Washington BoulevardForma Venice Restaurant & Cheese Bar
110 Navy StreetZinqué
1440 Lincoln Blvd
Hinano Cafe
15 Washington BlvdOld school dive bar. Best burger and beer 🍺 by the beach-hands down!
Sightseeing
TCL Chinese Theatres
6925 Hollywood Blvd
Malibu Pier
23000 CA-1Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica Pier
Griffith Observatory
2800 E Observatory Rd
Hollywood Wax Museum
6767 Hollywood BlvdWalk Of Fame
6901 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood Sign
Universal CityWalk Hollywood
100 Universal City PlazaThe Queen Mary
1126 Queens HwyThe Original Farmers Market
6333 W 3rd StVenice Canals Beach Access Path
2480 Pacific Ave
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
3400 Warner Blvd
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way
Venice Beach
1900 Ocean Front WalkBeautiful place to walk around. They have lake in the middle with swans; Crowded on the weekend so hard to park. If you can go at off hours it is worth it.
132 locals recommend
Self Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine Temple
17190 Sunset BlvdBeautiful place to walk around. They have lake in the middle with swans; Crowded on the weekend so hard to park. If you can go at off hours it is worth it.
Will Rogers State Historic Park
1501 Will Rogers State Park RdThe Riviera Country Club
1250 Capri Drive