Santa Monica is quickly becoming southern California's culinary capital. Purported to be the birthplace of “California” and “fusion” cuisine, Santa Monica boasts of famous chefs and restaurants including Wolfgang Puck's Chinois on Mainstreet. Travel to Santa Monica and experience the finest cuisine in Southern California. Check out the Santa Monica travel guide below to help you locate some of the best local favorites in the metro.
Monsoon Cafe
Located in the Third Street Promenade, Monsoon Cafe offers superb Pan-Asian cuisine and Sushi at an affordable price. Try their California roll and Spicy yellowtail. The Monsoon Cafe also has a wide selection of well drinks.
Buca di Beppo
Another local favorite Third Street Promenade restaurant is Buca di Beppo. Buca offers hearty Italian fare in a cozy, friendly setting. You'd definitely love their Prosciutto Basil Garlic Pizza. Their family-sized portions are perfect for sharing – making dining there a lot less expensive.
Hidden Restaurant & Garden Lounge
Tucked away in Mains Street is the Hidden Restaurant & Garden Lodge. The restaurant is one of Santa Monica's newest hotspots. The Main Street & Garden Lodge offers scrumptious Italian, Spanish, Japanese and Vietnamese foods. Each type of cuisine is prepared by a different chef. You'll definitely love dining on tapas and Mini Brasato in the palm tree garden terrace while soft contemporary music plays in the background.
World Cafe
Also located along Mains Street, World Cafe is one of the best places for drinks. World Cafe has a really cool bar lounge area where you can enjoy great deals on beer and wine and fresh $5 mojitos. You'd also enjoy Pancetta-wrapped shrimp, Sesame-crusted Ahi tuna, and the wood-fired pizzas.
Patrick's Roadhouse
Located in Santa Monica Canyon, Patrick's Roadhouse is the best place for hearty breakfasts and lunches. Even celebrities flock to this little green shack to enjoy the flavorful fare. Satisfy your huge appetite with the Governator Special, named after California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who's a frequent visitor. For a light meal, go for the Lox and Bagel Plate. For chocoholics, opt for their heavenly Chocolate Chip Pancakes.
