310-315-1555 Santa Monica is well known for its iconic Pier, popular beaches, and stunning weather, but it has also become quite the hotspot for foodie-minded visitors. From local breweries to idyllic cafés, get a true taste of our city, just steps from The Ambrose.
Sample Santa Monica’s only locally brewed beer at Santa Monica Brew Works in the brewery’s new tasting room. Names like Surf Ninja Imperial Stout and 310 California Blonde Ale embody the city’s laid-back spirit. Santa Monica Brew Works: 1920 Colorado Ave; 310-828-7629
VisitA lively farm-to-table restaurant and bar, The Misfit serves a bang-up menu in a historic setting, the 1929 clock tower in downtown Santa Monica. Order the signature Misfit cocktail with gin, carpano, and orange bitters. The Misfit Restaurant + Bar: 225 Santa Monica Blvd; 310-655-9800
Read MoreSanta Monica sweethearts Josh Loeb and Zoe Nathan have been selling artisanal pastries since 2009. Everything here is handmade, including the almond milk in your morning latte and the preserves spread on your housemade English muffin. Huckleberry Cafe: 1014 Wilshire Blvd; 310-451-2311
VisitMorning buns you’ll dream about, bread that is flavorful enough to be considered a meal. This bakery is an enduring craze for all the right reasons. Get your slice of the deliciousness at Tartine: 1925 Arizona St.
VisitThe Santa Monica outpost of this popular restaurant chain is a modern, light-filled space with a hearty, no-fuss menu. Whether you’re here for lunch or for dinner, you want the crispy chicken sandwich with vinaigrette slaw. R+D Kitchen: 1323 Montana Ave; 310-395-3314
VisitFor an upscale dinner, book a table at Rustic Canyon Wine Bar, where a daily menu offers thoughtful, seasonal plates. We love the polenta with fresh ricotta and strawberry-pine nut sofrito, as well as the local, grass-fed hanger steak with green garlic and marrow butter. Rustic Canyon Wine Bar: 1119 Wilshire Blvd; 310-393-7050
VisitEnjoy creative takes on Cal-Mex for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Start with chilaquiles in the morning before exploring Santa Monica during the afternoon. Finally, come back for a platter of grilled arrachera —the perfect way to bookend your day. Socalo: 1920 Santa Monica Blvd; 310.451.1655
VisitChef Sang Yoon’s gastropub is best known for the so-called Office Burger: a dry-aged beef burger with arugula, blue cheese, onion compote, and sweet bacon. NOTE: Father’s Office is strictly for patrons 21 and up. Father’s Office: 1018 Montana Ave; 310-736-2224
VisitEnjoy baked goods in the morning and wood-fired pizzas in the afternoon at Milo & Olive restaurant. We love the roasted potato pizza with caramelized onion, parmesan, and rosemary cream. Milo & Olive: 2723 Wilshire Blvd; 310-453-6776
VisitSplit small sharing plates (black truffle risotto arancini, Monterey-style calamari, prosciutto-wrapped asparagus) while lingering over a bottle of wine. Local Kitchen and Wine Bar: 1736 Ocean Park Blvd; 310-397-9007
VisitOwned by Chef Maire Byrne—the woman behind Local Kitchen and Wine Bar—Thyme Café & Market is an approachable neighborhood spot that serves everything from pre-made, to-go dishes (like kale and sweet potato enchiladas or asparagus with lemon parsley gremolata) to full-service dinners. Thyme Cafe & Market: 1630 Ocean Park Blvd; 310-399-8800
VisitLooking for a sweet treat? Stop by Sidecar for Santa Monica’s favorite scratch-made doughnuts, which range from traditional buttermilk cakes with a vanilla bean glaze to unusual confections like huckleberry, country ham and egg with a basil hollandaise sauce, and gluten-free Saigon cinnamon crumb. Get yours with a cup of coffee, fresh-squeezed orange juice, house-made soda pop or sweet Vietnamese iced coffee. Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee: 631 Wilshire Blvd; 310-587-0022
VisitA local haunt that serves south-of-the-border dishes in an informal atmosphere, Gilbert’s is the place to come for pitchers of frozen margaritas, chile rellenos, salsa-topped carne asada—and did we mention the margaritas? Gilbert’s El Indio: 2526 Pico Blvd; 310-450-8057
VisitWatch the game (NBA playoffs, NHL, MLB) or play Monday night trivia at this classic Irish pub. If you’re a New York Giants fan, consider this your home turf. O’Brien’s Irish Pub: 2226 Wilshire Blvd; 310-829-5303
VisitAt the intersection of Pico Boulevard and 23rd Street is The Daily Pint, which claims to have the largest collection of single malts on the West Coast. Come here for a stiff pour, a whiskey tasting, and classic bar games like foosball and pool. The Daily Pint: 2310 Pico Boulevard; 310-450-7631
VisitBe transported across the country to Buffalo in this classic restaurant and bar, which nods to Prohibition-era New York state. Hudson River School landscapes, a lush garden courtyard, and hand-crafted cocktail classics (Corpse Revivers, Sazeracs, Hemingway-style daiquiris) are highlights of a night at The Buffalo Club. The Buffalo Club: 1520 Olympic Blvd; 310-450-8600
VisitFor a truly special night out, book at table at Fia. Set in a sparkling indoor-outdoor dining room, this collaboration between two renowned chefs produces cuisine inspired by the coastal flavors of California and Italy. Fia: 2454 Wilshire Blvd, 424-280-4196
VisitEmbark on the ultimate road trip with California’s Highway to Summer, our exciting road trip experience.
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