Location: Santa Monica
Top Restaurants in Santa Monica
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Most Popular Latin food in Santa Monica, California, United States
Find out what Latin restaurants to try in Santa Monica. The beaches of Santa Monica attract all sorts of visitors-- don't be surprised to see families playing on the sand next to a boot-camp fitness class with a barking instructor. Visit the Santa Monica Pier, a haven of shops, restaurants, and carnival attractions (including a Ferris wheel) atop a wooden wharf. By night, the Third Street Promenade is the place to be, bustling with activity from moviegoers, party animals, and talented street performers.
Things to do in Santa Monica
9. Lula
Overall Ratings
4 based on 141 reviews
From the moment you walk into Lula, you are greeted with festive artwork from such respected chicano artists as Eloy Torrez, George Yepes, Carlos Almaras & Frank Romero. The cuisine is truly traditional Mexican with recipes from every corner of Mexico. Ta
Reviewed By JohnAnnColumbia_MD
We had supper with friends at Lulas Mexican Restaurant on Thurs., 21 Sept., 2017. The chips and salsa were OK. The menu is quite extensive and includes several seafood offerings. We split the house specialty Plato de Botano appetizer platter and ordered Margaritas which were high octane! The main dishes came in very large servings. The food seemed average but the check for four people with appetizer and drinks came to only $100 before tip!Did this review earn a âhelpfulâ vote?
8. Mariasol Cocina Mexicana
Overall Ratings
3 based on 673 reviews
Located at the very end of the picturesque Santa Monica Pier, Mariasol serves mouthwatering Mexican fare reminiscent of that found in the Mexican beach towns of Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. Visitors enjoy the vivacious colors of the patios and the
Reviewed By zapprint
After walking the pier and neighborhood we were looking for something to drink with a snack. We were not expecting much but were surprised with the quality of the chips/salsa and then the taquitos arrived. Super fresh & crunchy. Not over priced, friendly staff and amazing location.
Top 3 Mediterranean food in Santa Monica, California, United States
7. Gilbert's El Indio
Overall Ratings
4 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By Reviewee
The restaurant has a traditional, old-time decor and ambiance with lots of framed photos and visual stimuli. The food was delicious, from chips to main dish. The portion size was smaller than I expected, as compared to other Mexican restaurants, which I frequent in my travels. Specifically, the enchilada/chile relleno entree with rice and beans. I was still a little hungry after completion of dish. Remember to bring cash, as credit cards are not accepted.
6. Lares
Overall Ratings
4 based on 169 reviews
Reviewed By evdepaz
Wonderful place and wonderful service. It's a bit tight but worth the wait. The server staff is great and wear some traditional outfits - makes the place stand out.But the food is what people come for - ceviche, salads, enchiladas, menudo, tacos, and so much more. My wife loves the margaritas.My wife and I love this place and only wish it was closer for us.It's street parking from what I know. We've only been for lunch - never disappoints!
5. El Cholo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 244 reviews
Reviewed By navins888
Returning to this restaurant in Santa Monica after a two-year hiatus reminded us how consistently good the food is and that the margaritas were just about the best we've had anywhere! Our party's palate spanned from vegetarian enchiladas to filet mignon tacos. The homemade guac was wonderful and the tortilla chips and salsa were especially exceptional! Our one complaint remained that the vegetarian choices were sparse and we had to request modifications to a couple of meat-based dishes for the vegetarians in our party. As mentioned - you'll probably not need a second margarita, especially if you're driving (they were superbly crafted and served with flair and confidence!)
Where to eat American food in Santa Monica: The Best Restaurants and Bars
4. Malbec Argentinean Cuisine
Overall Ratings
4 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By 571jaym
This was my first visit to Malbec but it came highly recommended by a few locals who dine there often. I should have known that it would be good, especially the warm and friendly way we were greeted as soon as we walked in. (It's always good to have a business dinner with locals who are well-known at their local restaurants.) When I asked the hostess what I should eat, she immediately encouraged me to try their Paella. However, before my Paella arrived we were treated to a number of very tasty appetizers and a nice bottle of Argentinean Malbec (of course). While my Paella was an 8 on a scale of 1 to 10, the rest of the meal was a 10 and the service was perfect! I'm looking forward to going back there sometime soon.
Where to eat Contemporary food in Santa Monica: The Best Restaurants and Bars
3. Casa Martin
Overall Ratings
4 based on 362 reviews
Reviewed By Deank06
Went to Casa Martin for dinner and drinks and had an excellent experience. The food was to die for and it was probably one of my favourite meals ever. I had a Burrito and it was 10/10. The service was excellent as the staff were very friendly and overall it was good value. Would highly recommend!
Most Popular Cafe food in Santa Monica, California, United States
2. Mercado
Overall Ratings
4 based on 302 reviews
Reviewed By Mmoo73
Mercado came highly recommended and didn't disappoint.Couldn't resist trying a few things on the menu.Started with the Choriqueso with included the house chorizo which was amazing.Also enjoyed the Dos Gringas and loved the natural pork, cheese, onion and salsa on the tortillas. Finished with the Jicama Shrimp tacos all washed down with the special margarita (passionfruit!)Friendly service and a lovely night when I was in SM for work.
Best Southwestern food near Santa Monica, California, United States
1. Blue Plate Taco
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1186 reviews
We will be closing for renovations from Monday April 23rd - April 26th. We do apologize for the inconvenience. We will reopen doors on Friday April 27th.
Reviewed By georgiap306
This is a wonderful place for dinner. Was near our hotel and it had a perfect organization. We booked and they sent our a message when the table was ready.The dishes and the cocktail are great and also service are pleasant. A dish of faitas is perfect for 2. Wonderful place!
