Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Santa Monica

92 restaurants available nearby

1. The Surfing Fox

4.2

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 5 times today

The Surfing Fox is a chilled-out gathering spot serving up coastal California cuisine on a plate (or in a glass!) with a generous side of good times and vibes. Whether you're spending the day hanging ten or hanging out, come take it easy with us from dawn to dusk.

2. Melisse

4.9

Exceptional(2006)

Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 1 time today

Chef & Owner Josiah Citrin has revived his Michelin 2-Star institution with an intimate, 14-seat restaurant with Chef/Partner Ken Takayama. In a setting that blurs the line between kitchen and dining room, Chefs and service staff guide guests through a 2.5-hour culinary experience.Collaborating with California farmers from San Diego to Napa Valley, Chef Josiah sources the most unique and exclusive ingredients available. An 8-course tasting menu is bookended by canapés, amuse-bouches and mignardise, all of which showcase global flavors using both modern and classic techniques.

3. SELINE

4.9

Exceptional(23)

Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 2 times today

Join James Beard award-winning Chef Dave Beran at his 38-seat fine dining restaurant in Santa Monica, where the kitchen is seamlessly integrated with the dining room. The menu, comprising 15-18 courses, showcases Chef Dave's deeply thoughtful approach to storytelling, inviting guests to embrace the experience & embark on a memorable culinary journey featuring the many inspirations of Southern California.At SELINE, the focus is on connection, with every aspect of the restaurant— from the design to the custom plateware—built on fostering meaningful relationships. Wine Director Matthew Brodbine presents two beverage pairing options to complement your menu. The wine pairing showcases selections from innovative, forward-thinking winemakers across various regions worldwide. The non-alcoholic pairing features a unique collection of house-made and curated beverages designed to align with the menu's progression. A carefully curated wine list is also available.

4. Fia

4.6

Exceptional(2523)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Santa Monica

Booked 14 times today

Hidden inside a lush, secret garden in the coastal enclave of Santa Monica, Fia is the first collaboration between hospitality trailblazer Michael Greco and celebrated Chef Brendan Collins. A venue designed by acclaimed designer Matt Winter ~ Fia is an urban oasis, where Greco's service mantra is rooted in a dedication to hospitality... Service, Service, Service. Collins' craveable menu delivers on flavor & execution, highlighting the freshest seasonal ingredients, inspired by California & Italian Coastal Cuisine, that will satisfy all. Add to the equation, carefully crafted cocktails, and old & new world wine list. Maximum reservable table size is for eight persons, see Fia website for event/catering inquiries. Weekend Brunch with Bottomless Mimosas & Margaritas (2 hour time limit per booking)We do not allow dogs (excepting certified service animals)We allow one special bottle for a $45 corkage as long as we do not carry that same bottle in our award winning wine cellar.

5. Citrin

4.6

Exceptional(210)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Santa Monica

Booked 7 times today

Citrin is a modern Californian cuisine restaurant by Chef Josiah Citrin. The attention to detail and pursuit of excellence that defined Josiah’s landmark Mélisse restaurant for 20 years thrives in this new space. Citrin is a fun, welcoming, and approachable experience. A large bar and a la Carte menu brings a fresh take on our love of hospitality and passion to deliver exciting and delicious food.

6. Lunetta

4.7

Exceptional(2188)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 25 times today

Chef Raphael Lunetta and Emilio Cuyuch chef driven neighborhood diner with rustic California dining room and bar. Lunetta serves great food paired with locally roasted coffee options, classic cocktails, large selection of craft beer and delicious wines that we enjoy drinking with our family & friends.We buy the freshest ingredients we can find. We cook seasonally because that’s what is fresh and best. We support local farmers and businesses whenever we can, because the best flavor naturally follows. Menus for Lunetta are locally sourced and responsibly grown, using seasonal ingredients based on the abundant product available on the California Coast. Our full bar features classic as well as craft cocktails using the finest in artisan spirits, mixers and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Our comprehensive wine list highlights small California producers and artisan winemakers from around the world.

7. pasjoli

4.6

Exceptional(662)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Santa Monica

Booked 3 times today

Pasjoli is an elevated French bistro from James Beard award-winning chef Dave Beran. The restaurant pays homage to French cuisine utilizing the bounty of produce available in Southern California. Rooted in classic French cooking and inspired by Parisian markets, pasjoli reflects Chef Dave’s thoughtful cooking style, showcasing his creative touches on bistro fare.We serve a five-course prix fixe menu in our dining room and our secret garden. You'll be able to select your seating preference when you confirm your reservation. Please visit our website to see the most current menu.Each evening, we have limited availability of pressed duck dinners. If you are interested in enjoying a pressed duck, please email info@pasjoli.com, and we will do our best to accommodate your request. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate vegan diets.

A photo of Manpuku Japanese BBQ Dining Los Angeles/Sawtelle restaurant

8. Manpuku Japanese BBQ Dining Los Angeles/Sawtelle

4.8

Exceptional(255)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • West Los Angeles

Booked 10 times today

Traditional Japanese style BBQ Dining from Tokyo Japan.Manpuku, which means “to be happy with a full stomach” in Japanese, opened its doors to hungry customers in Tokyo more than 60 years ago.Reservation policy*We will hold your reservation for 15 min. Your reservation will be automatically canceled if you do not arrive in the time allotted.

9. Paloma Venice

4.5

Awesome(381)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Venice

Booked 16 times today

Paloma is a Mediterranean inspired oasis at the iconic corner of Abbot Kinney and Venice Blvds. With three distinct dining areas - indoors with velveteen banquettes and comfortable bar seating; a bougainvillea framed patio with a retractable roof; and an al fresco deck shaded with large, breezy umbrellas and lush greenery, complete with a fire pit tucked away in a corner alcove, guests will feel transported and enjoy a market-fresh menu with something for everyone.

10. Barrique Venice

4.8

Exceptional(1351)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Venice

Booked 21 times today

Indulge in the exquisite world of Italian cuisine curated by Chef Antonio Murè at the enchanting Little Yellow House in the heart of Venice. Driven by his Italian heritage and a deep passion for fresh, flavorful ingredients, Chef Antonio has crafted a unique style of Italian cuisine that promises a delightful experience, featuring handmade pastas, a selection of meats, traditional desserts and an extensive wine list.Join us for a candlelit dinner, perfect for your date night, special occasion, or grand celebration. Gluten-free options are also available.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
Andrew
Austin •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Went here for a birthday celebration and the staff made the experience truly memorable. From personalized recommendations, attentive service, and thoughtful touches we felt well taken care of the moment we walked in to the moment we left.
More info
FiaPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Santa Monica
•
4.6
R
RIck
Los Angeles •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Excellent food. Presentation was very appealing. One of our favorite restaurants in Santa Monica/LA.
More info
CitrinPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Santa Monica
•
4.6
D
DuaneVIP
Los Angeles •5 reviews
4.0
Dined on 4 Jan 2025
Excellent, world class cuisine. Early days and polish/finesse needed for some service staff.
More info
SELINEPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• Santa Monica
•
4.9
J
Joris
Los Angeles •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 3 Jan 2025
I recently dined at Mélisse, and it was an incredible experience! The waitresses, Mia and Scarlet, were outstanding—so knowledgeable and attentive. The food was simply fantastic, especially the duck; it was cooked to perfection. I highly recommend Mélisse to anyone looking for a special dining experience! (Much love for the Cesar salad ❤️)
More info
MelissePrice: Very Expensive• Californian• Santa Monica
•
4.9
D
Dan
Orange County •1 review
5.0
Dined on 2 Jan 2025
Food was excellent. Bartender was fantastic (normally works Tuesdays).
More info
The Surfing FoxPrice: Moderate• Californian• Santa Monica
•
4.2

Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Santa Monica

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92 restaurants available nearby

1. The Surfing Fox

2. Melisse

3. SELINE

4. Fia

5. Citrin

6. Lunetta

7. pasjoli

8. Manpuku Japanese BBQ Dining Los Angeles/Sawtelle

9. Paloma Venice

10. Barrique Venice

See what locals rave about

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