The Westside of Los Angeles has always operated at its own pace – slower, saltier, and more comfortable in itself than the city that surrounds it. Venice Beach and Santa Monica form a coastal corridor where the dining scene is genuinely world-class, the creative community is deeply rooted, and the Pacific Ocean functions as both backdrop and daily reality.
Venice Beach is the most layered of the two. The boardwalk brings the spectacle, but the real character of Venice lives a few blocks inland – on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, one of the most interesting restaurant streets in Los Angeles, where Japanese-California izakayas, Italian trattorias, Mediterranean kitchens, and modern steakhouses operate side by side with a confidence that reflects a neighborhood that has been building something serious for decades. The canals that give Venice its name run quietly through the residential streets nearby, lined with architect-designed homes and a stillness that feels miles away from the boardwalk energy.
Santa Monica brings a more polished version of the same coastal lifestyle. Main Street, Montana Avenue, and Ocean Park connect the city with independent restaurants, coffee houses, and the kind of neighborhood bistros that become institutions quietly and without fanfare. Bergamot Station adds a cultural layer – a former rail yard turned arts complex housing galleries and creative spaces that give Santa Monica a depth beyond its beach town reputation.
This guide covers where to eat and the special places that make this stretch of the Los Angeles coastline the most creatively alive and culinarily rewarding corridor on the Westside.
Experiences
Holey Moley Golf Club – Santa Monica Holey Moley Golf Club in Santa Monica, California, delivers a unique mini-golf experience with themed holes and a lively atmosphere ...
Indoor Snowboarding Lesson at Virtual Snow LA Virtual Ski in Santa Monica provides indoor snowboarding on state-of-the-art simulators, offering a unique way to practice or learn year-round ...Eat
All’Antico Vinaio I waited an hour in line, after biking 11 miles, for a sandwich at All’Antico Vinaio. Yes, it was worth it. ...
Blue Plate Oysterette Lunch at Blue Plate Oysterette was a seafood at the beach vibe in Santa Monica, California ...
Bodega Wine Bar Bodega Wine Bar in Santa Monica, CA, offers a relaxed atmosphere with an extensive wine, beer, and bite selection, attracting casual gatherings with a stylish and fun vibe. ...
Charcoal Venice Charcoal Venice is a modern steakhouse - focusing on dry aging meats - in Venice Beach, California ...
Chelsea Dinner at Chelsea was a delicious affair of well designed Californian cuisine in an alluring atmosphere - in Santa Monica, California ...
Citrin A group dinner at Citrin for DineLA Restaurant Week was a great backdrop for conversation and delicious bites in Santa Monica ...
Citrin x Mélisse Dinner at Citrin x Mélisse was a delicious experience of gastronomic pleasure, in Santa Monica, California ...
Felix Trattoria Felix Trattoria was a lovely introduction to Chef Evan Funke's view on Italian cuisine in Venice Beach, California ...
Fia Fia is a decadently delicious restaurant in Santa Monica, pairing exceptional drinks with stunning food combinations. ...
Fia Steak Fia Steak is a delicious revelation of what's possible in a modern Los Angeles steakhouse in Santa Monica. ...
Forma Restaurant & Cheese Bar Dinner at Forma Restaurant & Cheese Bar offered a delicious serving of Italian cuisine in Santa Monica, California ...
Great White – Venice Beach The Venice Beach location of Great White is a lovely vibe, located across from the Venice sign in Venice Beach. ...
Killer Noodle Tsujita Killer Noodle in Sawtelle, Los Angeles, serves bold, spicy ramen with a rich, flavorful twist that challenges even the most seasoned heat lovers ...
Lunetta Having dinner at Lunetta in Santa Monica was the perfect way start off my lightly scheduled DineLA week of dining ...
Milo and Olive “If I was in the area, there were no other reservations available, and I was starving – I might consider coming back”. ...
Nighthawk: Breakfast Bar Nighthawk: Breakfast Bar is an awesome spot to meet friends over breakfast and breakfast related cocktails in Venice ...
Paloma Venice Palmona in Venice Beach offers Mediterranean inspired dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients in a relaxed coastal setting ...
RVR RVR is a modern Japanese meets California izakaya on Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice Beach, California ...
Scopa Italian Roots With delicious food and a fun atmosphere, Scopa Italian Roots is one of my favorite Italian restaurants in Los Angeles ...
Tanner’s Coffee Co Tanner's Coffee Co in Playa Del Rey, CA, is a cozy neighborhood café known for its freshly roasted coffee, laid-back atmosphere, and local community vibe. ...
Tartine Santa Monica Tartine Santa Monica, located in a former church, is a scene - to be sure. But, come here for decent food and conversation with a friend - and you'll be happy ...
TC Oraganic TC Oraganic is the perfect spot for excellent brunch in Playa Del Rey, California. And a great spot to stop during a 15 mile long bike ride. ...
The Penthouse at the Huntley Hotel With sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, dinner at The Penthouse transports you into another world - above Santa Monica, California ...
Tidbits by Dialogue Dining at the temporary pop up, Tidbits by Dialogue, was a lovely introduction to the world of Chef Dave Beran ...
Unetto Tokyo Pasta Factory Unetto Tokyo Pasta Factory in Los Angeles specializes in handmade Japanese-Italian fusion pasta ...
Vamos Vamos Vamos Vamos is a lovely space in Santa Monica that showcases authentic New Mexican cuisine. ...Related Reviews
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