10 Best Rooftop Restaurants In Santa Monica, California

rooftop restaurants in santa monica
Sin Yee
Sin Yee 
Updated
| 5 min read

Santa Monica is one of the most well-known beach cities within the greater Los Angeles area and it is definitely thriving for a reason. Aside from the beautiful Venice Beach and a diverse mix of cultures, another reason that attracts visitors from all over the world has got to be the unique neighborhoods. There are definitely some magical vibes in the city because everything seems to look extra gorgeous there. If you fancy a stay here, take a look at the top beachfront hotels and the best budget hotels in the area.

The rich modern culture in Santa Monica also contributes to its bustling food scene! There are lots of restaurants offering special fusion cuisines inspired by the modern vibes of the city. If you are planning a trip to Santa Monica and you’re looking for some of the best food within the city, check this article out for some of the best rooftop restaurants in Santa Monica, California.

1. Palma

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Grab a drink with us. Palma is open daily until 11pm. #ProperHotels (: @carleyscamera)⁠

Posted by Santa Monica Proper Hotel on Monday, January 13, 2020

For an upscale dining experience around the area, try visiting Palma at Santa Monica Proper Hotel. This chic and elegant rooftop restaurant features California-inspired Italian dishes, with offerings like antipasti & market crudite, cheese & charcuterie for the savory options. Some of their bestsellers include ora king salmon, agnolotti pasta, and Australian wagyu. To top off your meal, try their rosé selection, as well as the sparkling wine and other specialty cocktails and spirits. The intimate space is open for all-day dining and has a monolithic bar with a mural.

Palma

Address: 700 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States

Website: Palma

Opening hours: Thu: 4pm - 9:30pm; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 11pm (closed on Sun - Wed)

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2. Seaside on the Pier

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

We are ready to Welcome you back! Our dining room and rooftop are Now Open!

Posted by Seaside on the Pier on Monday, June 29, 2020

If Santa Monica can be famous for one thing only, let it be the abundance of really good seafood! One such place that offers the best dishes to guests is Seaside on the Pier. This fish shack boasts a navy and white motif and offers appetizers like coconut shrimp, crab cakes, and fried calamari. For sumptuous sandwiches, you must try the lobster roll and the shrimp po’ boy. Of course, indulge in even more hearty dishes when you order their seafood pasta (mix of lobster, cod, shrimp, and scallops), fish tacos, and fish & chips.

Seaside on the Pier

Address: 250 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States

Website: Seaside on the Pier

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 8:30pm

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3. ONYX Rooftop Bar


ONYX Rooftop Bar is perched atop Hotel Shangri-La Santa Monica. If you are looking for a rooftop bar within the downtown area, ONYX is definitely a must-visit. Aside from being Santa Monica’s only indoor-outdoor rooftop bar and lounge, the space is impressively furnished with a timeless interior. With an intensively curated selection of food and cocktails, guests will also get an exclusive view of the stunning Santa Monica beach right from the very top. Remember to try the specialty cocktails curated by this rooftop bar in Santa Monica, like Tami Tini and London Calling. We promise that you are not going to get them anywhere else.

ONYX Rooftop Bar

Address: 1301 Ocean Ave #1019, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States

Website: ONYX Rooftop Bar

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 12am; Fri - Sat: 3pm - 2am; Sun: 3pm - 12am

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4. Sonoma Wine Garden

Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed

Sonoma Wine Garden is a rooftop restaurant specializing in some very exceptional weekend rooftop brunch menu with that classic Californian touch. This restaurant puts a heavy focus on their unique Mediterranean cuisines, highlighting various artisanal ingredients that are handcrafted in-house, using fresh, local produce. The outdoor patio contains a luxe atmosphere that guests are definitely going to enjoy. They have an intricate wine menu along with a classic cheese selection as well.

Sonoma Wine Garden

Address: 395 Santa Monica Place #300, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States

Website: Sonoma Wine Garden

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 10pm; Fri: 11:30am - 11pm; Sat: 11am - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 10pm

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5. The Penthouse

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Drinks with a view, anyone? Join us for Sunset Hour Monday - Friday from 4:00pm - 7:00pm @thepenthouse located on our rooftop. #HuntleyMoments #Insidethepenthouse

Posted by The Huntley Hotel on Wednesday, December 19, 2018

The Penthouse is definitely one of the best restaurants to enjoy an exclusive meal in Santa Monica. Seated on the 18th-floor, this restaurant provides guests with a scenic view of the ocean, beach and beautiful surroundings. Sip on their specially curated craft cocktails and enjoy them with their specialty Californian cuisines. The interior is furnished with grand, elaborate fixtures and that alone is definitely going to provide their guests with a fancy, wonderful experience.

The Penthouse

Address: 1111 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90403, United States

Website: The Penthouse

Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 7am - 11pm; Thu: 7am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 7am - 2am

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6. Cast Restaurant & Lounge

Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed

Cast Restaurant & Lounge, located in The Viceroy Santa Monica, is a modern bar and restaurant offering some of the best Californian cuisines in town. The gleaming space is furnished with luxe sliding walls and communal tables, giving the whole interior a luxurious look. The lounge area is also beautifully adorned with plush couches and a VIP area. If you are looking to enjoy a relaxing al-fresco dining experience, you can request to be seated outside, right beside the stunning pool. Give their specially curated modern fusion cuisine a try. The decadent Lamb Kefta Meatballs and Chili Fried Chicken definitely top the list!

Cast Restaurant & Lounge

Address: 1819 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States

Website: Cast Restaurant & Lounge

Opening hours: Sun - Mon: 7am - 11pm; Tue - Thu: 7am - 11:30pm; Fri - Sat: 7am - 1:30am

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7. THE Curious PALATE

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by The Curious Palate on Thursday, April 19, 2018

THE Curious PALATE situated in downtown Santa Monica is famed for their farm-to-table offerings. One of their founders had an interesting working experience in agricultural engineering while the other founder used to be the boss of an Italian restaurant in Taiwan. These two like-minded people then founded THE Curious PALATE with the hopes of fulfilling their dream of serving the best food to others in the form of creatively prepared, delicious meals. They are also working with local farmers to source the freshest ingredients that play really important roles in their enticing dishes. From the basic turkey sandwiches to the unique Spicy Seafood Red Coconut Curry, THE Curious PALATE has it all!

THE Curious PALATE

Address: 395 Santa Monica Pl, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States

Website: THE Curious PALATE

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm

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8. The Lobster

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Lobster is an internationally acclaimed seafood rooftop restaurant in Santa Monica Pier. Founded by Mateo Castillo in the 1950s. After shutting down its doors in the 80s, the restaurant was given a fresh new look in 1999 by its new investors. The current restaurant menu was designed by Govind Armstrong - one of the best celebrity chefs around. Known for their sustainably sourced ingredients and artisanal menu, The Lobster places a heavy focus on the flavors of their food and delivering the finest gastronomic experience to their customers. It’s a great place to recharge after exploring the best things to do and places to visit in the city.

The Lobster

Address: 1602 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States

Website: The Lobster

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11:30am - 10pm; Mon - Wed: 11:30am - 11pm

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9. Elephante

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

View from the top

Posted by Élephante on Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Elephante is a Southern Mediterranean rooftop bar and restaurant designed by restaurateur Nicholas Mathers. He had the aspiration to transport his guests from the city of Los Angeles to the Southern Mediterranean, right in the restaurant itself. With that purpose set in mind, he designed a stunning menu full of light, coastal Italian cuisines alongside some artisanal cocktails. The gorgeous restaurant is furnished with a variety of eclectic touches with natural wood, stone and copper finishes. There are also decorations specially brought in from exotic countries from Northern Africa. With exclusive DJ line-ups on Wednesday through Saturday, you’ll definitely be in for some fun!

Elephante

Address: 1332 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States

Website: Elephante

Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 12pm - 12am; Thu - Fri: 12pm - 1am; Sat: 10am - 1am; Sun: 10am - 12am

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10. Calabra

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Calabra Restaurant is situated atop Proper Hotel in Santa Monica, and it is definitely one of the best restaurants and bars within the city. Executive Chef Kaleo Adams is the person behind this gorgeous restaurant. With a uniquely designed menu of Mediterranean and Californian cuisine, you’ll get to enjoy these specially curated dishes with the stunning ocean views as your backdrop. There is an extensive alcohol menu consisting of boutique wines and cocktails as well! Give their Soft Shell Crab Sandwich a try. This delightful sandwich is filled with a crispy soft shell crab with dill aioli, cabbage slaw and mint lime yogurt. What a delicious combination!

Calabra

Address: 700 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States

Website: Calabra

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 12am

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Pleasant food with a wonderful view

Santa Monica Pier
Source: Photo by Flickr user Thank You (22.5 M... used under CC BY 2.0

Santa Monica offers a number of excellent dining options, including cafes and sushi restaurants. Having a delicious meal in luxe restaurants with a gorgeous view of the city is definitely a bonus experience you can get during your travels. The classic Californian cuisine is famed for its unique mix of flavors from different cuisines around the world, giving your tastebuds a pleasant surprise. Visit these restaurants now to enjoy delicious food, cocktails and get a different perspective of Santa Monica from these rooftop dining spots!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Sin Yee is a small-business owner, freelance writer, and content creator. At Basic Theory, she specializes in crafting all-natural, synthetic-free skin and body care products. Beyond her business,...Read more

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