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jgottsman11 · 9 June 2021, 12:16 AM

I'll be taking a quick trip to Santa Monica next weekend. Anyone have any spots I should hit for lunch or dinner? I'm definitely going to Boa Steakhouse one night because that's my favorite. Any other recommendations on things to do would be great!

Pw92676 · 9 June 2021, 12:29 AM

Only been once and was for a wedding so limited time exploring but had a great time. Went to Herringbones near the Pier for drinks and apps. It was a cool atmosphere and we really enjoyed. Kevin Hart was at the table next to us and I didn’t realize until we left….wish I had the chance to talk watches with him lol.

Laszlo · 9 June 2021, 02:43 AM

Eating near the Pier even at the chill places is the most fun.

JParm · 9 June 2021, 02:45 AM

Melisse or Tar and Roses for a nice dinner.

The Bungalow if you want the hip Instagram crowd.

The Penthouse for amazing views / decent drinks.

7sins · 9 June 2021, 03:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpeezy14@hotmail.com

Melisse or Tar and Roses for a nice dinner.

The Bungalow if you want the hip Instagram crowd.

The Penthouse for amazing views / decent drinks.

Bungalow is a bunch of frat bros or people who still think they are in a frat, you will spend most of the day having people spill their drink on you and not be able to move on the weekend. Better off at Elephante for drinks with a nice view and decent crowd.

Melisse and Tar and Roses are both great restaurants.

Few other options from someone who lives in LA:

Rustic Canyon
Scopa
Barrique - nice hidden gem
Felix Trattoria
The Rose

sickened1 · 9 June 2021, 04:06 AM

Herringbones is nice. We've been there a few times before the COVID. Now I just ride my bike past the place on the weekends!

JParm · 9 June 2021, 04:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7sins

Bungalow is a bunch of frat bros or people who still think they are in a frat, you will spend most of the day having people spill their drink on you and not be able to move on the weekend. Better off at Elephante for drinks with a nice view and decent crowd.

Melisse and Tar and Roses are both great restaurants.

Few other options from someone who lives in LA:

Rustic Canyon
Scopa
Barrique - nice hidden gem
Felix Trattoria
The Rose

Yeah..."the hip Instagram crowd" was not a complement to that group.

Another recommendation for drinks / views would be the High Rooftop at Hotel Erwin in Venice.

7sins · 9 June 2021, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpeezy14@hotmail.com

Yeah..."the hip Instagram crowd" was not a complement to that group.

jgottsman11 · 9 June 2021, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpeezy14@hotmail.com

Melisse or Tar and Roses for a nice dinner.

The Bungalow if you want the hip Instagram crowd.

The Penthouse for amazing views / decent drinks.

Great I think the Penthouse is at the Huntley where I'm staying.

JParm · 9 June 2021, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgottsman11

Great I think the Penthouse is at the Huntley where I'm staying.

It is; great spot.

We lived on 6th Street, right near the Promenade, so would frequent it regularly.

The Misfit is great for HH as well.

SWS65SM · 9 June 2021, 05:00 AM

If you can get res/tix at Melisse, highly recommend it like several have suggested above.

Another place I've always enjoyed dining at is Water Grill, just solid seafood offering in general and great service.

jgottsman11 · 9 June 2021, 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SWS65SM

If you can get res/tix at Melisse, highly recommend it like several have suggested above.

Another place I've always enjoyed dining at is Water Grill, just solid seafood offering in general and great service.

Looked up Melisse. I'm not one for a 2.5 hour luxury meal unfortunately. I'm more of a Filet Mignon and Mac and cheese kinda guy lol

chappuy1750 · 9 June 2021, 05:47 AM

For a really casual, really good Italian meal, I recommend Fritto Misto. It's been a few years, but the current reviews are in line with what I remember.

SWS65SM · 9 June 2021, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgottsman11

Looked up Melisse. I'm not one for a 2.5 hour luxury meal unfortunately. I'm more of a Filet Mignon and Mac and cheese kinda guy lol

That style isn't for everyone, for sure. If you're into meats you could consider Meat on Ocean as well; it's operated by the same ownership that runs Water Grill. I'm not crazy about beef, but thought some of the dry aged steaks I've had there were great.

It sounded this is a quick trip for you. Mastro's up in Malibu is also a great place for consideration should you have the time/be willing to take a drive up PCH

Ferdelious · 9 June 2021, 05:55 AM

I've heard KazuNori handroll is a must try.

austinp · 9 June 2021, 06:24 AM

Be sure to hit a taco truck. Best tacos in the country are in LA.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

7sins · 9 June 2021, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgottsman11

Looked up Melisse. I'm not one for a 2.5 hour luxury meal unfortunately. I'm more of a Filet Mignon and Mac and cheese kinda guy lol

If you are a steak guy, take a short drive north to Malibu for Mastro's Ocean Club. That is hands down my favorite steakhouse in LA, IMO much better than Boa which is also great.

Danny83 · 9 June 2021, 01:47 PM

Forma!!

BNA/LION · 9 June 2021, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danny83

Forma!!

I was just going to say, "Ask Danny83"!

Cazador60 · 9 June 2021, 02:00 PM

I don't frequent the west side anymore because of traffic but I highly recommend Angelini Osteria at 7313 Beverly Blvd. LA, its not in Santa Monica but it's east of Santa Monica and worth it.

towernick2 · 9 June 2021, 04:36 PM

Cassia, Tar & Roses, and Birdie G's would be my top recommendations. A lot of the other spots mentioned are great too, but I disagree with the Mastros recommendation. The quality of the food isn't what it used to be, save the trip and go to Baltaire in Brentwood instead. I agree with the Water Grill recommendation, Fig inside the Fairmont is decent and across the street from the Huntley.

AzPaul · 9 June 2021, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by austinp

Be sure to hit a taco truck. Best tacos in the country are in LA.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No, there is another.

stratguy · 10 June 2021, 12:40 AM

For breakfast, try Urth Cafe:

https://www.urthcaffe.com

Atone · 10 June 2021, 02:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SWS65SM

If you can get res/tix at Melisse, highly recommend it like several have suggested above.

Another place I've always enjoyed dining at is Water Grill, just solid seafood offering in general and great service.

I second both of these. Dining at water grille tonight. It’s a wonderful spot. Melisse is amazing but a tad overpriced IMO. 2 of us spent $975 for dinner there. It was an epic dinner but not $1k epic.

austinp · 10 June 2021, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AzPaul

No, there is another.

That’s true. I forgot about San Diego!

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JParm · 10 June 2021, 02:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by austinp

That’s true. I forgot about San Diego!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yeah but that one isn't as good.

jgottsman11 · 10 June 2021, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atone

I second both of these. Dining at water grille tonight. It’s a wonderful spot. Melisse is amazing but a tad overpriced IMO. 2 of us spent $975 for dinner there. It was an epic dinner but not $1k epic.

Might try Water Grill for lunch on Sunday. Think that's a good lunch spot too?

Atone · 10 June 2021, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgottsman11

Might try Water Grill for lunch on Sunday. Think that's a good lunch spot too?

Yes and it’s a super people watching spot too. You will enjoy a great meal and a great view. Highly recommend it.

SWS65SM · 10 June 2021, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgottsman11

Might try Water Grill for lunch on Sunday. Think that's a good lunch spot too?

Ya, if weather cooperates (sunny without the June gloom overcast), it's great to seat by the balcony booth and just chill. Lunch was what I had in mind when I originally suggested WG, but forgot to write it down

Just stay away from most restaurants on the 3rd Street Promenade/mall you'd be just fine; all tourist trap IMO

djnick · 10 June 2021, 07:21 AM

Fia - cool vibes

Giorgio Baldi - Italian

Wallys - Trendy

9 June 2021, 12:16 AM	#1
jgottsman11 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Real Name: JG Location: San Antonio, TX Watch: President Posts: 1,281	Best restaurants in Santa Monica? I'll be taking a quick trip to Santa Monica next weekend. Anyone have any spots I should hit for lunch or dinner? I'm definitely going to Boa Steakhouse one night because that's my favorite. Any other recommendations on things to do would be great! __________________ 5164R Aquanaut 228235 Olive Day Date 18238 Champagne Day Date

9 June 2021, 02:43 AM	#3
Laszlo 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: San Francisco, CA Watch: Date & No Date Posts: 10,857	Eating near the Pier even at the chill places is the most fun. __________________ "You might as well question why we breathe. If we stop breathing, we'll die. If we stop fighting our enemies, the world will die." Paul Henreid as Victor Laszlo in Casablanca

9 June 2021, 02:45 AM	#4
JParm 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: NorCal Watch: Yes! Posts: 6,556	Melisse or Tar and Roses for a nice dinner. The Bungalow if you want the hip Instagram crowd. The Penthouse for amazing views / decent drinks. __________________

9 June 2021, 05:55 AM	#15
Ferdelious 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2013 Real Name: Matt Location: Tampa, FL Watch: Hulk/SD4K/SeaQ/P39 Posts: 3,178	I've heard KazuNori handroll is a must try. __________________ Why is it, "A penny for your thoughts," but, "you have to put your two cents in?" Somebody's making a penny.

9 June 2021, 12:29 AM	#2
Pw92676 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Georgia Posts: 6,134	Only been once and was for a wedding so limited time exploring but had a great time. Went to Herringbones near the Pier for drinks and apps. It was a cool atmosphere and we really enjoyed. Kevin Hart was at the table next to us and I didn’t realize until we left….wish I had the chance to talk watches with him lol.

9 June 2021, 04:06 AM	#6
sickened1 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Real Name: Ed Location: SoCal Watch: ugiveiswatchuget Posts: 8,963	Herringbones is nice. We've been there a few times before the COVID. Now I just ride my bike past the place on the weekends!

9 June 2021, 05:00 AM	#11
SWS65SM 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: EAST Watch: Rainbow....CasiOak Posts: 508	If you can get res/tix at Melisse, highly recommend it like several have suggested above. Another place I've always enjoyed dining at is Water Grill, just solid seafood offering in general and great service.

9 June 2021, 05:47 AM	#13
chappuy1750 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2016 Real Name: Kevin Location: Philly Watch: JLC Posts: 629	For a really casual, really good Italian meal, I recommend Fritto Misto. It's been a few years, but the current reviews are in line with what I remember.

9 June 2021, 06:24 AM	#16
austinp "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: us Posts: 3,267	Be sure to hit a taco truck. Best tacos in the country are in LA. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

9 June 2021, 01:47 PM	#18
Danny83 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Real Name: Danny Location: Bay Area CA Watch: Yellow Gold Posts: 20,166	Forma!!

9 June 2021, 02:00 PM	#20
Cazador60 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: California Watch: Submariner 5513 Posts: 1,627	I don't frequent the west side anymore because of traffic but I highly recommend Angelini Osteria at 7313 Beverly Blvd. LA, its not in Santa Monica but it's east of Santa Monica and worth it.

9 June 2021, 04:36 PM	#21
towernick2 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 31	Cassia, Tar & Roses, and Birdie G's would be my top recommendations. A lot of the other spots mentioned are great too, but I disagree with the Mastros recommendation. The quality of the food isn't what it used to be, save the trip and go to Baltaire in Brentwood instead. I agree with the Water Grill recommendation, Fig inside the Fairmont is decent and across the street from the Huntley.

10 June 2021, 12:40 AM	#23
stratguy "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: USA Watch: Speedmaster Pro Posts: 670	For breakfast, try Urth Cafe: https://www.urthcaffe.com

10 June 2021, 07:21 AM	#30
djnick "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 165	Fia - cool vibes Giorgio Baldi - Italian Wallys - Trendy

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