There are so many ways to indulge in a laid back vacation here in Southern California. Santa Monica in particular has a number of options for relaxation that include the beach, choice accommodations, and the best spots to wine and dine in Los Angeles. Here are some examples of our favorite examples of the latter.
Art’s Table
Art’s Table is a critically-acclaimed New American restaurant with exceptional breakfast and brunch options, as well as a creative dinner menu that’s complemented by a stellar wine list. Come here and share small plates like pancetta mac and cheese with friends and a bottle of vino.
Art’s Table. 1002 Montana Ave. Santa Monica, CA
Bento Moderno
Bento Moderno has an interesting variety of Asian cuisine dishes, sushi options, and bubble teas. Treat yourself to a special lunch or snack here with options like the tuna tartare nachos, or one of the many sushi burritos on hand.
Bento Moderno. 3101 Ocean Park Blvd. Santa Monica, CA
Osteria Bigoli
This Italian restaurant and wine bar has classic and progressive dishes, as well as a wine list that represents top options from renowned regions of California and around the world. We recommend the stellar seafood, like the grilled octopus, or the fritto misto di calamari e gamberi, a mixed plate of fried calamari and shrimp.
Osteria Bigoli. 714 Montana Ave. Santa Monica, CA
Pblc Trde
One of the best-reviewed beer and wine bars in Santa Monica, Pblc Trde is also home to an enticing selection of fresh pizza pies. Locals love the traditional margherita and the spicy capicola.
Pblc Trde. 2917 Main St. Santa Monica, CA
Sonoma Wine Garden
The atmosphere at this beautiful wine and beer garden in Santa Monica has a truly elegant, yet relaxed feel. Indulge in worldly varietals with the many delicious Mediterranean dishes available on the menu. Earlier in the day, the brunch is another option for treating yourself.
Sonoma Wine Garden. 395 Santa Monica Pl. Santa Monica, CA
Obica Mozzarella Bar e Pizza Cucina
Obica Mozzarella Bar e Pizza Cucina is an outpost of Rome’s popular and critically-acclaimed wine bar and restaurant here in Santa Monica. The restaurant’s signature mozzarella di bufala is made only from the milk of water buffalo, and comes from selected farms and dairies in Campania.
Obica Mozzarella Bar. 606 Broadway. Santa Monica, CA
The Place To Be
The Place To Be is an upscale French bakery and restaurant in town that has delightful wining and dining options throughout the day. Grab any of the vast selection of breads here for an early-in-the-day treat, or come at night for a glass of vino accompanied by some charcuterie.
The Place To Be. 2510 Main St. Santa Monica, CA
La Vecchia Cucina
La Vecchia Cucina is one of our favorite places to wine and dine in Santa Monica, with its contemporary Italian menu, vast wine selection, and craft cocktail bar. Here you can enjoy oceanside staples like a plate of oysters, and creative dishes like a pesto shrimp pasta that’s to die for.
La Vecchia Cucina. 2654 Main St. Santa Monica, CA
Tar & Roses
Tar & Roses is a New American restaurant on Santa Monica Boulevard serving up an artful menu accompanied by a long menu of craft beer and wine options. The options are endless and creative, and our favorites include the Singaporean chili crab cake, and the lemon ricotta gnocchi.
Tar & Roses. 602 Santa Monica Blvd. Santa Monica, CA
Malbec Argentinean Cuisine
You can always trust a proper wine and dine experience when visiting an acclaimed and celebrated restaurant simply named Malbec Argentinean Cuisine. Indulge in some reds or whites from South America alongside world-famous Argentinian steak.
Malbec Argentinean Cuisine. 2628 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA
Discover More of Santa Monica
Experience the best of Santa Monica. Check out The Ambrose blog for our insider guide to the SoCal getaway.
