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
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)
2. Seaside on the Pier
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
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
5. The Penthouse
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
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
7. THE Curious PALATE
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
8. The Lobster
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
9. Elephante
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
10. Calabra
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
Pleasant food with a wonderful view
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!