Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in Santa Monica

74 restaurants available nearby

1. Tar & Roses

4.9

Exceptional(4233)

Price: Expensive

• American • Santa Monica

Booked 46 times today

Tar & Roses has a vibrant bar scene, as described in the reviews. Customers mention a 'relaxed vibe' and 'lively crowd', while the ambiance is consistently rated highly. One review notes 'Didn’t want to leave so we moved to the bar for more drinks after dinner', indicating a lively atmosphere that encourages patrons to stay and enjoy the bar scene. The food and wine are also praised, contributing to the overall vibrant atmosphere.

2. Meat On Ocean

4.7

Exceptional(3429)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Santa Monica

Booked 46 times today

Meat On Ocean is a meat-centric, modern steakhouse in Santa Monica that offers both a sense of adventure and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Beyond the offerings of a world-class steakhouse, Meat On Ocean features an artisanal charcuterie bar, an exhibition dry-aging room and a variety of prime beef – from dry-aged domestic cuts to Japanese A-5. Integral to the operation is a highly trained crew of servers and butchers, who communicate directly with Guests about the beef, organically farmed chickens, house made sausages, choice seafood and more.Located on the corner of Ocean and Broadway, Meat On Ocean is steps from the action - including the Santa Monica Pier, shopping and hotels.Starting May 2024, Meat On Ocean is also your headquarters for private dining and events, with customizable spaces that are perfect for social events, corporate meetings, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, wedding receptions and ceremonies, with full audio/visual connectivity.

A photo of Benihana - Santa Monica, CA restaurant

3. Benihana - Santa Monica, CA

4.0

Excellent(4094)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Santa Monica

Booked 117 times today

Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.

A photo of North Italia - Santa Monica restaurant

4. North Italia - Santa Monica

4.5

Awesome(1493)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Santa Monica

Booked 27 times today

Everyone has a favorite dish at North. Every day, our Chefs start from scratch to create handmade pizza and pasta using only the best ingredients to craft inspired dishes from the garden, farm, and sea. North defines the standards for handcrafted Italian. Our menu offers a great selection of antipasti (daily soup, charcuterie, bruschetta), salads full of seasonal ingredients, and a main entrée menu driven by both traditional Italian cuisine and lighter fresh fish dishes. North is a great neighborhood spot for family and friends to meet and share a handcrafted experience. From the food to the service, at North every detail matters. Due to recent current events, we will be only open for to go sales only at this point in time. Thank you for your understanding

A photo of True Food Kitchen - Santa Monica restaurant

5. True Food Kitchen - Santa Monica

4.4

Awesome(1534)

Price: Moderate

• American • Santa Monica

Booked 31 times today

True Food Kitchen is a chef-driven restaurant and scratch bar that was founded by Dr. Andrew Weil, the pioneer of integrative medicine, to provide food that tastes great and is good for you. At our table, delicious dining and conscious nutrition go hand in hand, without sacrificing flavor, creativity or indulgence. Our expertly trained chefs craft flavor-forward dishes, handcrafted cocktails and freshly pressed refreshers so you can enjoy epic food experiences that aren’t just good for you, but good to you. Join us in Santa Monica for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch. New flavors, new combinations, new obsessions. Come see us for something completely new and delicious.

A photo of The Penthouse Restaurant restaurant

6. The Penthouse Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(4315)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Monica

Booked 38 times today

The Penthouse Restaurant in Santa Monica is known for its lively and vibrant bar scene. Customers rave about its 'fun, chic' ambiance and 'fabulous' food. One reviewer mentions the 'great fun' they had at the restaurant, while others highlight the 'good vibes' from the DJ. The restaurant also offers signature craft cocktails that contribute to the vibrant atmosphere. The stunning ocean views and beach cabanas add to the overall vibrant experience.

7. Gjelina

4.7

Exceptional(2304)

Price: Expensive

• American • Venice

Booked 178 times today

Gjelina is a restaurant specializing in New American cuisine. Open every day from 8 a.m. until 11pm, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. For breakfast, try 9 grain pancakes with butter and maple syrup or warm banana buckwheat loaf with butter and jam of the day. Brunch options include Moroccan baked eggs and 7 grain porridge. Gjelina offers a variety of oysters, crudo, charcuterie and salad options to start at lunch and dinner. Main courses include pizzas from our wood fired oven and entrees like duck confit, house made pastas and roasted organic half chicken.*Only ADA certified animals are allowed in Gjelina*A 20% Mandatory Service Charge is added to your check. Our belief is that every hourly Gjelina employee contributes to your service and 100% of the MSC will be distributed amongst them.

8. 1212 Santa Monica

4.6

Exceptional(1783)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 37 times today

1212 Santa Monica is a unique New American Cuisine restaurant located in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica on the Third Street Promenade. Our menu highlights the palette and diversity of the SoCal landscape. Complimenting the food, our beverage program includes select wines and creative cocktails to enhance your dining experience.Join us for All Night Happy Hour starting daily at 5pm & Bottomless Brunch every Friday, Saturday and Sunday with bottomless mimosas for only $28. On specific Saturdays & Sunday brunches we charge a $10 Entertainment Fee for those enjoying drag shows in our Main Dining Area.Enjoy the beautiful beach weather on the patio, or indoors in our massive dining room. Plan a private event or meeting on our Balcony, Private Dining Room or Patio.

9. Lunetta

4.7

Exceptional(2177)

Price: Moderate

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 22 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.

10. Capo

4.8

Exceptional(1314)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Santa Monica

Booked 14 times today

Capo is a vibrant bar scene with an extensive wine list and a classic cocktail bar. Reviewers rave about the engaging conversations at the bar, the romantic ambiance, and the amazing food and wine selection. It's a place where you can enjoy great Italian cuisine alongside the warmth of a Tuscan-style fireplace. It's perfect for special occasions or a memorable evening.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

I
Iris
Los Angeles •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We were there around 3 pm on Christmas day and the young lady at the front desk was warm, welcoming, and efficient. After checking in early, we only waited a short time for our table. Our server was Joseph and he was also very welcoming and efficient. He made us feel like our business was valuable. He asked numerous times if we needed anything and was prompt to bring whatever was requested. Our chef was Nmemon (spelling??) and he did an excellent job in preparing our food. We come to Benihana's frequently and will continue to do so with employees like Joseph and the front desk hostess. Thanks for an outstanding Christmas dinner.
More info
Benihana - Santa Monica, CAPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Santa Monica
•
4
S
Shalimar
Los Angeles •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Sofia, our server, was friendly and helped make our dinner experience lovely.
More info
North Italia - Santa MonicaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Santa Monica
•
4.5
T
Todd
Los Angeles •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Fourth consecutive Christmas Eve dinner with family. Warm ambiance, staff, and overall great experience. Food is consistently good with outstanding service.
More info
Meat On OceanPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Santa Monica
•
4.7
R
Rachel
California Central Coast •1 review
5.0
Dined on 19 Dec 2024
This is consistently a good dining experience. Will return again.
More info
True Food Kitchen - Santa MonicaPrice: Moderate• American• Santa Monica
•
4.4
E
ErikaVIP
Chicago / Illinois •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on 18 Dec 2024
Tar & Roses provides an exceptional dining experience. The beet and yogurt dip, along with the octopus skewers were divine. The fried red snapper is a MUST. Also, the service is top notch. When we wanted to switch tables, the staff immediately accommodated us. Then, to receive an email and text from management thanking us for dining in the restaurant was a nice touch. This restaurant does everything right!
More info
Tar & RosesPrice: Expensive• American• Santa Monica
•
4.9

Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in Santa Monica

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Areas

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating options

Award-winning

Accessibility

74 restaurants available nearby

1. Tar & Roses

2. Meat On Ocean

3. Benihana - Santa Monica, CA

4. North Italia - Santa Monica

5. True Food Kitchen - Santa Monica

6. The Penthouse Restaurant

7. Gjelina

8. 1212 Santa Monica

9. Lunetta

10. Capo

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable