AD| 5 Scrumptious Dinner Spaces in Santa Monica
Nestled on the coast of Southern California, Santa Monica is full of rich ocean-inspired flavors originating from both America’s West Coast and various foods from cultures worldwide. Visit these restaurants below for a taste of everything this great city has to offer.

Herringbone Santa Monica
The Herringbone operates according to the motto, “Fish Meats Field,” representing the primary motivation behind the curation of their menu. This restaurant offers fresh, line-caught seafood along with choice meats, ensuring optimal variety for your palate.
Herringbone encompasses the dream of California living, from each bite of their offered dishes to the relaxed atmosphere. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can enjoy your meal while feeling the ocean breeze on your skin if you wish.
Take a seat at the lively bar or relax in the lounge with your party during Happy Hour (3 pm to 5 pm daily). If you want a private space for yourself and your loved ones, you can also reserve a spot ahead of time.
Those interested in this option should consider seating on the Garden Patio, a lush, green space that seats 42 to 50 guests.
No matter where you sit or who you visit with, Herringbone is bound to impress with its mouthwatering menu and relaxing West Coast atmosphere.
The Misfit Restaurant & Bar
The Misfit is nothing short of a celebration of California’s history, which permeates every one of its features, down to its very location. It’s situated on the ground floor of Santa Monica’s most treasured architectural landmarks, the art deco Clock Tower Building, erected in 1929.
When you eat dinner at The Misfit, you’ll enjoy incomparable views of the Santa Monica coastline, juxtaposed by lively scenes at the nearby Third Stree Promenade.
No matter where in the restaurant you decide to sit on either of the two floors — on the rich, red stools in front of the bar during Happy Hour (open to 6 pm) or near the patio entrance — your taste buds will feel more alive than ever.
The restaurant provides only the freshest, most authentic flavor profiles. They make every meal with only the freshest ingredients, sourced from the nation’s top farmer’s markets and California’s most reputable growers and producers.
Plus, their options aren’t restricted to the American West Coast. Expect The Misfit to keep their patrons guessing with their ever-changing dishes inspired by global cultures.

Upper West Restaurant
Since its opening in 2010, the Upper West has rapidly made its way into the locals’ hearts as one of the best dining locations in Santa Monica.
Despite its beachside Southern California location, its menu is influenced by cultures from around the world, so your palate will never be bored.
Alongside your dishes, you can enjoy many different refreshments throughout the day or during their Happy Hour (5 pm to 7 pm). Their options include craft cocktails and handcrafted beer to accompany rich appetizers like braised pork belly lettuce wraps and lamb “nachitos.”
Upper West is unique in how it encourages its community’s social connections. They accomplish this by featuring one local artist’s work on the wall décor each season, presented at each quarterly opening.
By eating here, you also help them support the following local charities:
- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)
- Breast Cancer Awareness
- Venice Family Clinic
- Planned Parenthood
- Local schools
Stop by any time or reserve a table for up to 20 guests for a yummy night out together.
Flower Child
What comes to your mind when you think of “healthy food?” If you’re like most people, the thought of bland, dry chicken and flavorless white rice comes up before anything else.
Luckily, if you’re looking to clean up your diet a bit but you still want to eat out, you don’t have to settle for such disappointing foods. Flower Child has got you covered with tasty dishes that are excellent for maintaining your health.
Everything from their fresh greens to their organic kombucha is perfect for keeping your palate and your body happy. Each meal component is made from scratch from farm-fresh, local ingredients.
No matter what dietary lifestyle you lead, Flower Child can whip up a dish for you. Their menu options include:
- Sugar- or gluten-free
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Paleo
Kids and adults will be delighted at all the delicious meal options available at the Flower Child, free of worry about calories and other health drawbacks.
1212 Santa Monica
The 1212 is a sort of open-air dining location featuring two stories to maximize the available floor space for hungry guests. It balances a combination of modern and traditional design features to create a vibrant dinner experience for visitors of all backgrounds.
On the first floor, you’re welcome to enjoy the restaurant’s main bar and dining space. Like the second floor, it’s free of obstructions, providing you a full, uninterrupted view of the beautiful Santa Monica environment.
Ascend the stairs to walk onto the wrap-around balcony, where a second bar and lounge area await. (This upstairs space is available for private dining events.) In the evenings, you and your guests can enjoy the warm glow of the copper drop lights dangling from the bow-truss ceiling.
Wherever you sit, the 1212’s decadent menu options, including fresh lobster tail salad and risotto saffron with slow-braised veal osso buco (yum!), are sure to exceed expectations.
Dine on the Southern California coastline at these Santa Monica restaurants
Santa Monica is full of incredible dining spots that are sure to knock your socks off with their explosive flavors and inviting atmospheres.
Reserve your spot at these must-visit restaurants today, or stop by another Santa Monica dinner space for an incomparable dining experience.
References
Herringbone, https://hakkasangroup.com/herringbone/santa-monica/
The Misfit, https://themisfitbar.com/our-story/
The Upper West, https://theupperwest.com/our-story/
Flower Child, https://www.iamaflowerchild.com/locations/santa-monica-ca/