Restaurants near Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome

As always, The Ivy @The Shore was very good. Love the ambience and food! One of my favorites for Many years.

The food was excellent, the view was great, and the service was good. When I made the reservation, I requested a sea-view table for our anniversary, and they prepared a wonderful seat and a small decoration for the celebration! It was an unforgettable experience and absolutely wonderful!

After exploring Venice Beach and Santa Monica, my boyfriend Jonathan and I wanted an exceptional seafood dinner away from the crowds on the Santa Monica Pier. Water Grill was perfect. The inviting outdoor patio, umbrellas, flame heaters, and large open windows created a relaxed coastal atmosphere that felt more local than touristy. Our table overlooked the patio and Ocean Avenue, with a distant view of the pier. I began with a Roku Japanese gin martini, served ice-cold with a long lemon twist. We shared the charcoal-grilled Spanish octopus with fingerling potatoes, tomatoes, Niçoise olives, pine nuts, and herbs. The octopus was incredibly tender with a delicious smoky char. My wild Mexican swordfish à la plancha, served over spaghetti squash with olive tapenade, was without question the best swordfish I’ve ever eaten—perfectly seared, moist, and flavorful. Jonathan enjoyed the yellowfin tuna sushi with crispy yucca chips, almonds, and wasabi vinaigrette. We also shared a crisp, refreshing La Caña Albariño from Rías Baixas, which paired beautifully with the seafood. The restaurant surprised me with a birthday dessert, a thoughtful touch that made our California vacation even more special. Every dish was beautifully presented, and the service and setting made the entire evening feel genuinely memorable. Water Grill was one of the highlights of our time in Santa Monica, and I would absolutely return. For outstanding seafood, excellent wine, and a relaxed yet sophisticated coastal dining experience, I highly recommend it!

WOW! This is the best brunch in LA. Ocean views, stunning scene, all the vibes and the most incredible buffet including a carving station, omelet station, crepe station, chocolate fountain and more. Not to mention the incredible cocktails! A DJ keeps the energy up and everyone was having a blast. I will definitely be back!

🫶I had another amazing dining experience at North Italia. The food is absolutely divine! A special thanks to our server, Daniel S., who was outstanding. He has taken care of us multiple times, and his exceptional service truly makes our visits even more enjoyable. Whenever you're unsure where to go for a great meal, this is the perfect spot where the ambiance, service, and food are all absolutely superb!👍👍👍