15 Santa Monica Eats That Will Totally Steal Your Appetite

Santa Monica isn’t just famous for sunny beaches and the iconic pier. This coastal California gem also boasts a dining scene as vibrant as the ocean breeze.

Fresh poke bowls, flaky pastries, juicy Wagyu burgers, and artisanal ice creams make every meal a celebration of flavors and California creativity. Explore 15 must-try eats in Santa Monica: taste the sunshine, savor the flavors, and experience why food here is as unforgettable as the coastline itself.

1. Samosa House Indian Eats

Sticky fingers and golden, crispy samosas go hand in hand at this beloved Main Street spot in Santa Monica.

Samosa House serves fresh vegetarian and vegan Indian food that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.

Thankfully, dishes like Aloo Gobi and savory chaats are affordable, landing between $10 and $20, so your wallet stays just as happy as your stomach.

2. The Misfit Restaurant Truffle Fries

Golden edges and a cloud of crispy perfection, the truffle fries at The Misfit are basically a love language.

This Santa Monica Blvd gem blends laid-back California vibes with a menu that swings from midday bites to late-night cravings without missing a beat.

Honestly, once you try their fried chicken sandwich alongside those fries, every other combo feels like a rough draft.

3. Huckleberry Cafe Flaky Croissants

The crust shatters in the best possible way when you bite into a Huckleberry croissant on a slow Santa Monica morning.

Naturally, this cozy Wilshire Blvd cafe earns its loyal following with fresh-baked pastries, hearty breakfasts, and seasonal salads that feel genuinely homemade.

Rainy afternoons or bright sunny ones, a flaky croissant here paired with their avocado toast is the kind of meal you plan your whole day around.

4. Sweetfin Poke Bowls

A shared glance between two friends hovering over a build-your-own poke bowl is basically the Santa Monica dining experience in one snapshot.

Sweetfin Poke on Broadway offers a modern Hawaiian-inspired menu where fresh proteins, bold sauces, and colorful toppings let you play chef without touching a stove.

Surprisingly, every bowl feels custom-made for you, because it actually is.

5. HiHo Cheeseburger Wagyu Burger

Melted cheese dripping over a premium Wagyu beef patty is basically the opening scene of every great food story.

HiHo Cheeseburger on 2nd Street keeps things beautifully simple, letting the quality of the beef do all the talking.

Their signature Big Matty burger with house-made Thousand Island dressing is the kind of bite that makes you forget you ever had a burger before this one.

6. Santa Monica Farmers Market Finds

Countertop chaos begins the moment you come home from the Santa Monica Farmers Market with more produce than your kitchen can handle.

Held weekly near City Hall, this legendary market draws chefs and food lovers alike with fresh seasonal fruits, heirloom vegetables, and local artisan goods.

Perhaps the best part is wandering through stalls with zero plan and somehow leaving with the ingredients for the most memorable meal of your week.

7. Avocado Toast on the Westside

Pure comfort on a plate, avocado toast in Santa Monica has been elevated far beyond its humble origins.

Local cafes across the Westside layer creamy smashed avocado onto thick sourdough slices, then pile on microgreens, chili flakes, or a perfectly poached egg.

While it might seem like a simple dish, each version tells a slightly different story about the chef behind it, making every bite a little discovery.

8. Fresh Seafood Near the Pier

That first crackle of a perfectly grilled fish taco shell near Santa Monica Pier is the sound of a great afternoon beginning.

Seafood spots close to the waterfront serve incredibly fresh catches, from shrimp tacos to grilled halibut, all made better by the salty ocean air drifting in.

Usually, the closer you sit to the water, the harder it becomes to eat just one taco.

9. Grain Bowls at Local Health Cafes

Nostalgia for a clean, satisfying lunch hits differently when you find your go-to grain bowl spot in Santa Monica.

Health-focused cafes throughout the city craft bowls loaded with quinoa, roasted veggies, and house-made dressings that somehow manage to taste indulgent while being genuinely good for you.

Ideally, you find one of these spots within walking distance of the beach so lunch doubles as a warm-up for an afternoon stroll.

10. Artisan Tacos at Santa Monica Taquerias

Savory confetti of cilantro and diced onion landing on a carne asada taco is a moment that needs no filter.

Santa Monica taquerias bring bold, authentic flavors to every bite, stacking handmade tortillas with slow-cooked meats, fresh salsas, and toppings that hit every note at once.

Midnight hunger? These spots have you covered, because great tacos should be available at every hour of the day.

11. Wood-Fired Pizza Spots

A cloud of steam rising from a wood-fired Margherita pizza fresh out of the oven is basically a dinner invitation you cannot refuse.

Several Santa Monica pizzerias use traditional stone ovens to create pies with that signature charred crust and perfectly melted cheese that chains simply cannot replicate.

Essentially, sharing one of these pizzas with someone you like is the fastest way to make a great evening even better.

12. Breakfast Burritos at Morning Spots

Sizzle therapy starts early in Santa Monica, where breakfast burritos stuffed with fluffy eggs, melted cheese, and spicy salsa fuel entire mornings.

Local morning spots have mastered the art of wrapping a whole meal into one glorious tortilla that barely stays together but always delivers.

If you have never eaten a breakfast burrito while watching the sun rise over the Pacific, you are genuinely missing out on one of life’s best combinations.

13. Acai Bowls by the Beach

Crystalized honey drizzled over a thick acai bowl while seagulls circle overhead is peak Santa Monica energy.

Beach-adjacent cafes here serve acai bowls loaded with fresh fruit, crunchy granola, and superfood toppings that make you feel like you are basically thriving.

Actually, the hardest part of ordering one is deciding whether to eat it on the patio or carry it down to the sand for the full experience.

14. Gourmet Sandwiches at Westside Delis

Warm porcelain holding a cup of soup next to a towering gourmet sandwich is the kind of lunch that resets your entire afternoon.

Westside delis in Santa Monica pile artisan breads high with quality meats, house-made spreads, and fresh vegetables that make every bite feel intentional.

While fast food might be quicker, nothing beats sitting down with a proper deli sandwich that was clearly made with someone who actually cares about your lunch.

15. Sweet Treats and Bakery Desserts

The last spoonful of a chocolate tart from a Santa Monica boutique bakery hits with the kind of satisfaction that makes you reconsider every dessert that came before it.

Local pastry chefs across the city craft treats ranging from delicate macarons to rich seasonal tarts using fresh, quality ingredients.

Fortunately, with so many talented bakers setting up shop near the beach, finding your new favorite sweet spot is basically a delicious afternoon adventure waiting to happen.