The best restaurants in Santa Monica

Relaxed Italian eatery for housemade pasta dishes, meatballs and other dishes.

4017 City Terrace Dr (Los Angeles)

Modest, popular place serving signature thin-crust pizzas, plus pastas & other Italian standards.

1650 Colorado Blvd (Los Angeles)

Omakase menu highlighting fresh, flown-in seafood from Japan & beyond served in a sleek restaurant.

334 Main St #1106 (Los Angeles)

Local pizzeria chain serving classic & creative pies, plus wings, in a low-key setting.

2060 S Euclid St (Anaheim)

Family-run pizzeria turns out Chicago-style, deep-dish pies with vegan options, plus bread pudding.

1800 Sunset Blvd (Los Angeles)

Family-owned Mexican eatery offering Oaxacan dishes, including namesake tlayudas, in cozy surrounds.

5450 Santa Monica Blvd (Los Angeles)

Casual, family-style, clean eatery serving burritos, tacos, enchiladas and other Mexican staples.

351 Pacific Ave (Long Beach)

Casual restaurant offering Mexican eats such as menudo and chilaquiles, plus dessert and coffee.

6562 E Olympic Blvd (Los Angeles)

Modest Mexican-American eatery with classic plates, breakfast, burgers & ribs in diner surrounds.

1201 W Lincoln Ave (Anaheim)

Classic Italian pizza or Brazilian-style pies in an informal shop with takeout & by-the-slice.

534 Washington Blvd (Marina Del Rey)

Casual eatery for sushi and hand rolls served one at a time, along with beer and wine.

14370 Culver Dr Ste 2G (Irvine)

Local pizzeria chain serving pies, plus wings & cheese bread, in a casual setting.

10255 Mission Blvd (Riverside)

Traditional Japanese eatery serving sushi & other specialties in a relaxed & intimate setting.

4371 Glencoe Ave Ste B4 (Marina Del Rey)

Casual setting for live rock music, with a lunch & dinner menu that includes pizzas & burgers.

5205 Pacific Coast Hwy (Long Beach)

Family-owned option for tacos and other classic Mexican eats, plus margaritas, beer, and wine.

3311 Michelson Dr (Irvine)

Stylish local Mexican chain serving mesquite-grilled steak & seafood dishes, plus margaritas.

1910 Main St (Irvine)

Trendy, warm bar/eatery offering seasonal Mexican fusion plates, top-shelf tequila & weekend brunch.

3937 E Broadway (Long Beach)

Laid-back outfit with a trendy vibe serving creative pizzas, pasta & panini, plus beer & wine.

12924 W Washington Blvd (Los Angeles)

Customizable Italian cuisine where diners choose a pasta & a sauce amid a cozy ambiance.

1802 Hillhurst Ave (Los Angeles)

Warm, bright eatery for classic Mexican cuisine such as homestyle fajitas, tacos & tequila drinks.

1842 1st St (Los Angeles)

Unpretentious taco spot known for its braised meat & veggie stews atop handmade tortillas.

BROADWAY ARCADE BUILDING, 541 S Spring St Unit 101 (Los Angeles)

Cheerful eatery specializing in custom poke bowls (Japanese-Hawaiian cuisine rolled in bamboo rice), plus sushi burritos.

11860 Magnolia Ave (Riverside)

Local Mexican chain serving classic dishes & margaritas in a traditional setting since the 1920s.

1037 Flower St (Los Angeles)

Trendy Italian eatery known for serving handcrafted wood-fired pizzas in rustic-chic quarters.

1320 E 7th St Ste 100 (Los Angeles)

Create-your-own pizzas come in several sizes at this basic take-out spot also dishing pasta & salad.

201 Sandpointe Ave Suite 150 (Santa Ana)

No-frills family-friendly eatery serving pizza, spaghetti & red-sauce Italian entrees since 1963.

5400 Wilshire Blvd (Los Angeles)

Tacos, burritos, and other traditional Mexican eats served in a casual, family-friendly restaurant.

2031 E 1st St # A5 (Santa Ana)

Casual, family-friendly Mexican eatery serving up specialties from the Oaxaca region.

10429 Venice Blvd. (Los Angeles)

Alta California menu of local, seasonal Mexican cuisine along with mezcal & tequila for sipping.

533 Rose Ave (Venice)

Cash-only Mexican eatery offers counter-serve Mexican fare & fountain sodas in a basic setting.

17951 Sky Park Cir Unit F (Irvine)

At this strip-mall spot, diners eat Japanese fare at wooden tables & chairs or at the sushi bar.

1900 Highland Ave #5 (Los Angeles)

Refined dining rooms serving Mexican fare & cocktails with harbor views & a waterfront deck.

407 Shoreline Village Dr (Long Beach)

Casual counter-serve known for New York and New Jersey-style pies and vodka slices.

3501 Monterey Rd (Los Angeles)

An array of sushi & other Japanese dishes drifts past diners on a conveyor belt at this simple spot.

333 E 2nd St (Los Angeles)

Cute cafe, bakery and shop featuring made-to-order pasta, sandwiches and baked goods.

2813, 2815 Sunset Blvd (Los Angeles)

Relaxed Italian chain eatery serving Tuscan-inspired grill fare, plus wine & cocktails.

774 Spectrum Center Dr (Irvine)

Celebrated local sushi chain serving traditional rolls & sake in a chic, intimate space.

600 W 7th St #150 (Los Angeles)

Pizzas with standard toppings, subs, salads & more are served in a casual space with booth seating.

1657 N La Brea Ave (Los Angeles)

Pizzas by the slice or pie are served in a basic space along with sandwiches, salads, wings & more.

1177 S State College Blvd (Anaheim)

Relaxed eatery featuring salads and wraps, plus gluten-free donuts.

5570 Melrose Ave (Los Angeles)

Plant-based sushi rolls, ramen, and salads are presented in a cute setting with some outdoor seating.

2400 Main St

Compact eatery with a bar offering sushi, ramen, poke and sake.

1511 N Cahuenga Blvd (Los Angeles)

Sushi restaurant specializing in hand rolls made with fresh fish and crispy seaweed.

4635 Admiralty Way #107 (Marina Del Rey)

Local fixture since 1962 serves classic Mexican fare in colorful space with indoor or patio seating.

1920 Hyperion Ave (Los Angeles)

No-frills counter serve dispensing pizza & basic Italian eats, plus burgers, tacos & burritos.

1809 N Cahuenga Blvd (Los Angeles)

Casual chicken specialists offering grilled poultry and sides for eating in or taking away.

6374 Sunset Blvd Ste D (Los Angeles)

Small, family-run spot featuring fresh, traditional sushi rolls and noodle bowls.

645 W 9th St Apt 107 (Los Angeles)

Light-filled spot for eclectic pizzas, handmade pasta & classic Italian fare, plus cocktails & wine.

2025 Pacific Ave (Venice)

Creative and traditional Mexican dishes, including vegan options, served in a casual spot with margaritas.

5923 Franklin Ave (Los Angeles)

New York-style thin-crust pizza made with artisanal toppings in an edgy, rehabbed old building.

2019 E 7th St (Los Angeles)

Casual Italian eatery specializing in fresh pasta and sauces.

6460 Pacific Coast Hwy Ste 130 (Long Beach)

Relaxed, clean eatery, specializing in pizza by the slice and featuring beer and wine.

444 N Lakeview Ave (Anaheim)

Chain dishing up modern Mexican bowls, burritos, salads and tacos served in a bright setting.

6550 Sunset Blvd (Los Angeles)

An array of sushi & other Japanese dishes drifts past diners on a conveyor belt at this simple spot.

2700 Alton Pkwy #133 (Irvine)

Roomy brick-walled gastropub dishing up hot & cold antipasti, pastas & other Italian specialties.

2905 Washington Blvd (Venice)

Kid-friendly Mexican restaurant featuring Oaxacan fare and colorful decor.

3014 W Olympic Blvd (Los Angeles)

A big menu of all the classics pairs with a limited bar in a simple space lined with paintings.

6210 Pacific Coast Hwy (Long Beach)

Sushi, sashimi & izakaya-style grilled snacks served with sake in a casual setting with a patio.

517 W Washington Blvd 2nd Floor (Marina Del Rey)

Cozy Japanese restaurant featuring a varied sushi menu alongside sashimi and salmon dishes.

3976 S Figueroa St (Los Angeles)

Casual, counter-service sushi restaurant in an airport business center supplying specialty rolls, sashimi, and entrees.

17951 Sky Park Cir Unit F (Irvine)

Easygoing outfit with traditional decor serving tacos, burritos & ceviche, plus other standards.

421 Venice Blvd. (Los Angeles)

Casual, no-frills Japanese bistro serving authentic fare such as sushi and sake.

6775 Santa Monica Blvd #3 (Los Angeles)

Local chain serving traditional Mexican dishes, beer & wine in a relaxed atmosphere.

2901 E 7th St (Long Beach)

Cozy, hip Japanese restaurant offering ramen, sushi, and small plates, plus happy hour specials.

6565 Sunset Blvd (Los Angeles)

Cafe offering Italian comfort food and catering, including popular gelato, arancini, and pastries.

1307 Ocean Front Walk (Venice)

Family-friendly Italian eatery serving staples including pizza, pasta & sandwiches.

2540 Main St (Irvine)

Casual sushi joint, also serving sake, that's popular for lunch specials, as well as for dinner.

232 E 2nd St E (Los Angeles)

Unfussy Mexican cantina selling tacos, moles & chile-heavy Oaxacan fare plus beer.

10426 National Blvd (Los Angeles)

Casual eatery for customized pizzas crafted with housemade dough and fresh toppings.

6705 Hollywood Blvd (Los Angeles)

Teriyaki plates & sushi rolls are the main attractions at this no-nonsense eatery.

6660 Sunset Blvd # M (Los Angeles)

Japanese fusion choice with a range of sushi rolls, teriyaki & drinks in vibrant surrounds.

6415 E Spring St (Long Beach)

Mexican fare made with farm-fresh produce & organic meats served in upbeat digs with a cool bar.

4140 Atlantic Ave (Long Beach)

Counter-service joint with an unfussy, old-school vibe offering a typical range of Mexican bites.

6517 Hollywood Blvd (Los Angeles)

Local chain of festive restaurants featuring an extended menu of south-of-the-border classics.

1144 Pine Ave (Long Beach)

Evan Funke’s take on traditional Italian cuisine, with pasta made on sight, right before your eyes.

1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd (Venice)

Casual restaurant serving tasting menus and housemade spaghetti dishes, plus a bar for Italian wine and beers.

4635 Admiralty Way #105 (Marina Del Rey)

Deep-fried pork and seafood cutlets, plus noodles and sushi rolls.

4790 Irvine Blvd #103 (Irvine)

Casual Japanese cafe & sushi bar offering a long menu of rolls, donburi & curries, plus combo deals.

4105 Atlantic Ave C (Long Beach)

High-end Italian spot plating housemade pastas, fish & game in a candlelit old house with a deck.

796 Main St (Venice)

Celebrated local sushi chain serving traditional rolls & sake in a chic, intimate space.

6115 Sunset Blvd #170 (Los Angeles)

Charming Italian eatery with a patio featuring a variety of traditional dishes in a relaxed setting.

209 Windward Ave (Venice)

This unassuming Japanese joint with a patio has been a destination for rolls & sashimi since 1979.

213 Windward Ave (Venice)

Authentic Mexican comfort food such as tacos, mulitas, and burritos served in a casual atmosphere.

10759 Magnolia Ave Ste p (Riverside)

Cafe/bakery chain preparing small-batch, New York-style bagels, plus breakfast & lunch sandwiches.

2262 17th St (Santa Ana)

Buzzy, casual bar & grill offering pizzas & rotating menu of craft beers, plus TVs & pool tables.

5638 E La Palma Ave (Anaheim)

Tiny strip-mall spot offering basic pizza, salad & sandwich options, plus daily happy-hour specials.

1785 Palo Verde Ave # J (Long Beach)

Steve Samson’s Bolognese-inspired menu, including handmade pastas and Italian wines.

1124 San Julian St (Los Angeles)

Tacos, margaritas & other Mexican specialties are served at this vibrant hub with outdoor seating.

311 Washington Blvd (Marina Del Rey)

Chef Nancy Silverton turns out acclaimed wood-burning-oven pizzas & antipasti in busy digs.

641 Highland Ave (Los Angeles)

Bright, casual Mexican cafe serving a lengthy menu including big burritos plus a salsa bar.

2940 Clark Ave (Long Beach)

Stylish restaurant offering classic & modern takes on Roman-inspired dishes, plus Italian wines.

1509 Echo Park Ave (Los Angeles)

Casual eatery specializing in pizza, pasta dishes and seafood entrees, plus beer and wine.

10971 Magnolia Ave (Riverside)

Simple counter-serve Japanese eatery with a variety of ramen & poke bowls, plus sushi rolls.

3900 Atlantic Ave Ste 101 (Long Beach)

Unpretentious taco spot known for its braised meat & veggie stews atop handmade tortillas.

1261 Sunset Blvd (Los Angeles)

Mexican, Oaxacan and Latin-food eatery featuring a selection of ceviches and mole dishes.

5224 2nd St (Long Beach)

Casual Mexican option for familiar dishes, cocktails, and margaritas, plus a churro cart.

1550 S Harbor Blvd (Anaheim)

Snug, simple joint turning out pizzas with a variety of toppings, plus slices, pastas & subs.

2825 Lincoln Ave (Anaheim)

Fiestalike, bright digs for homey, family-recipe Mexican chow (tacos, flautas) plus sangria & beer.

2030 E 4th St (Long Beach)

Informal, family-owned destination for traditional Mexican fare & American standards.

3721 E Anaheim St (Long Beach)

Beach-themed chain known for Baja-style fish tacos & Mexican-inspired seafood entrees.

2220 17th St (Santa Ana)

Relaxed eatery for pizzas (including classics) and salads.

2936 Clark Ave (Long Beach)

Family-owned local restaurant chain offering homestyle Mexican dishes & drinks in a casual setting.

2201 E 1st St (Santa Ana)

Uncompromising approach to homemade Italian dishes served in a casual, comfortable setting.

751 S Weir Canyon Rd #151 (Anaheim)

Sushi & Cal-Asian fare served amid gardens & a koi pond in the Hollywood Hills overlooking the city.

1999 N Sycamore Ave (Los Angeles)

Order-at-the-counter chain serving lots of specialty pies & other Italian basics.

1131 W Lincoln Ave Unit130 (Anaheim)

Chain teppanyaki grill serving steaks & seafood, plus sushi & a traditional Japanese menu.

4545 S Centinela Ave (Los Angeles)

Local chain of festive restaurants featuring an extended menu of south-of-the-border classics.

3229 E Anaheim St (Long Beach)

Casual Mexican eatery dishing up al pastor, burritos, and other traditional fare.

910 Lincoln Blvd (Venice)

Casual pizza chain with signature and create-your-own pies, plus wings, salads, and sides.

1923 N Bronson Ave (Los Angeles)

Casual pizzeria featuring Michigan-style pies with crispy edges and a hearty substance, plus chicken wings.

6219 Franklin Ave (Los Angeles)

Casual restaurant serving sushi rolls, sake, and wine, plus happy-hour specials.

1731 W Katella Ave suite f (Anaheim)

Posh sushi eatery (including sashimi) that offers an omakase menu, as well as an à la carte offering.

9844 Magnolia Ave (Riverside)

Cozy Italian eatery specializing in wood-fired pies and handmade pasta.

4621 2nd St (Long Beach)

Casual Mexican restaurant offering comfort food, late-night hours, and live music.

10277 Arlington Ave (Riverside)

Casual restaurant featuring traditional Mexican fare such as burritos and tacos, plus breakfast tacos.

2115 E Ball Rd (Anaheim)

Perennial place providing classic burgers & other American comfort foods in an easygoing atmosphere.

11603 Slater St (Los Angeles)

Local Mexican chain serving classic dishes and margaritas in a traditional setting since the 1920s.

1121 S Western Ave (Los Angeles)

Snug counter-serve bakery with sidewalk seats furnishing housemade bagels & sandwiches.

777 Virgil Ave (Los Angeles)

Classic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.

815 N Bristol St (Santa Ana)

Classic burger chain serving customizable burgers, hand-cut fries & shakes.

6634 Clay St (Riverside)