01
Best overall pick
Pasjoli
Main Street • Upscale French Bistro • Refined Date-Night Choice
A polished French restaurant where rich, technique-driven dishes still feel warm and welcoming rather than stuffy.
Pasjoli delivers one of the most ambitious menus on the Westside, with classics like pâté en croûte and a famed pressed duck that’s worth planning ahead for. The room feels intimate without being overly formal, and the service team is dialed in but relaxed. It’s the kind of spot locals book for anniversaries, big promotions, or any night that calls for a long, indulgent dinner.
02
Seasonal chef’s choice
Rustic Canyon
Wilshire Boulevard • Seasonal California Restaurant • Farm-To-Table Standout
A rotating, market-driven menu showcases California produce in inventive small plates and shareable mains.
Rustic Canyon feels like a neighborhood spot that happens to cook at an extremely high level, with a menu that changes often based on what shows up from local farms. Expect bright vegetable dishes, excellent handmade pastas, and a wine list that leans natural without being dogmatic. It’s ideal for diners who like to share a spread of plates and discover a few new ingredients along the way.
03
Best for groups
Cassia
Downtown Santa Monica • Vibrant Southeast Asian Brasserie • Group-Friendly Hotspot
A lively, high-ceilinged space serving bold Southeast Asian flavors with a California accent.
Cassia is where you go when you want energy: the room buzzes, the bar stays busy, and platters of charred satay and seafood fly out of the open kitchen. The menu leans into rich broths, grilled meats, and bright, herb-packed salads that are perfect for sharing. It’s especially strong for groups who want to linger over cocktails, order family-style, and sample a wide swath of the menu.
04
Best ocean-view spot
The Lobster
Santa Monica Pier & Ocean Avenue • Classic Seafood House With Ocean Views • Iconic Pier-Side Experience
An old-school seafood restaurant perched by the pier, best enjoyed at sunset with a plate of shellfish and a glass of wine.
The Lobster is all about the setting: towering windows frame the Pacific, with the pier and coastline glowing at golden hour. The menu leans classic—think whole lobster, crab, oysters, and simply grilled fish—executed in a way that still feels special. It’s a natural choice when you want a “you’re really in Santa Monica” moment, whether for out-of-town visitors or a celebratory night out.
05
Casual favorite
Milo & Olive
Mid-City Santa Monica • Bakery-Driven Pizza And Small Plates Spot • Casual Anytime Favorite
A cozy, always-busy bakery and pizzeria known for long-fermented dough, wood-fired pies, and surprisingly serious small plates.
Milo & Olive is the kind of place locals happily wait for, especially at brunch or early dinner. The bread and pizza crust are the stars, but you’ll also find thoughtful vegetable dishes, pastas, and a few hearty mains that make the small space feel like a full-fledged restaurant rather than just a bakery. It works equally well for a quick counter meal, a relaxed date, or an easy meet-up with friends before a movie.