12 Best Santa Monica Restaurants on the Beach
Santa Monica is a vibrant paradise located in California packed full of activities and restaurants on every corner even on the beach.
The best area to visit is Santa Monica State Beach North which is home to the famous Santa Monica Pier. At the pier, there are several amusement park rides and delicious food both during the day and at night.
I personally prefer to go to the pier at sunset when the colors are painted across the sky with the view of the ocean.
Is Santa Monica Worth the Visit?
Back in 2022, I traveled to Santa Monica from Las Vegas and really enjoyed the slower pace of life compared to the busy nightlife of Vegas.
If you love the beach and enjoy carnival rides, I would definitely stop in this beautiful beach town.
Even if you don’t love playing arcade games or riding thrill rides, there are several parks, restaurants, and shops that you can’t find anywhere else.
Santa Monica is a great place for a day trip or even to spend a couple of nights in but make sure to check out Palisades Park, downtown Santa Monica, the Museum of Flying, and the Santa Monica Pier.
While the view of the Pacific Ocean is quite magical from Santa Monica Beach, there are a few restaurants that offer amazing dishes with beautiful ocean views.
Best Restaurants in Santa Monica on the Beach
1. Big Dean’s Ocean Front Cafe
If you’ve ever found yourself traveling to California, you know that most hotels and restaurants cater to guests who have a little more money to spend.
However, it’s not impossible to find inexpensive hole in the wall places that keeps visitors coming back. One such restaurant is Big Dean’s Ocean Front Cafe with a stunning view of Santa Monica Beach.
This lively beach bar and grille is the best place to spend the afternoon watching sports or hanging out with friends with its extensive draft beer selection and outdoor patios.
The highlighted menu items include Big Dean’s Cheeseburger, Buffalo Wings, and Fish & Chips.
Address: 1615 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA
2. Rusty’s Surf Ranch
A popular surf-style seafood restaurant on the Santa Monica Pier, Rusty’s Surf Ranch is a great place to relax after spending the day testing your bravery on the few thrill rides at the pier.
This restaurant draws nearby crowds with live music on the weekends and refreshing cocktail drinks. While the restaurant is open during the day, the vibrant ambiance doesn’t fully awaken till the sun goes down.
Try your tastebuds on local swordfish, coconut crusted shrimp, and fish tacos!
Address: 256 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA
3. Seaside on the Pier
Many people flock to this beautiful shack on the beach not only for the authentic fish but also for the undeniably stunning views of the Santa Monica Pier and the ocean.
Seaside on the Pier welcomes guests with a bright airy space matched with a coastal design to mirror the ocean views just outside the windows.
If you only decide to visit one restaurant on Santa Monica Beach, Seaside on the Pier is the perfect place for a fair share of fish tacos, lobster rolls, and a refreshing beer or two.
Address: 250 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA
4. Back on the Beach Cafe
Choose to sit indoors or outdoors at this Californian Santa Monica restaurant on the beach! With mostly breakfast items, Back on the Beach Cafe is a great place to stop by for a filling meal before exploring sites in Santa Monica.
Compared to the common coastal exterior of many restaurants on the Santa Monica Pier, this cafe combines an aesthetically pleasing color palette with pastel blue and flamingo pink.
Not only is this a great location to grab that perfect Instagram photo, but the food and service are often praised as well.
Make sure to indulge in their fish & chips, mimosas, and Ocean House Scramble.
Address: 445 CA-1, Santa Monica, CA
5. The Albright
Geared towards the traditional California vibes, The Albright is another affordable Santa Monica restaurant on the pier with ocean views.
The flawless blend of tropical colors and rustic chic design places visitors directly in the California food scene.
The great thing about this restaurant is the mix of 1-2 person tables as well as communal tables for groups or families. Since The Albright restaurant revamp, this fish house continues to draw in more visitors and has made the critic’s list.
After spending a day laying on the beach or exploring what Santa Monica has to offer, try the spicy seafood soup, grilled oysters, poke bowl, or the classic fish & chips.
Address: 258 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA
6. Coast
Splurge inside the Coast restaurant with several menu items blending seafood and Mexican with a coastal backdrop. This ocean-view restaurant is laid back with indoor and outdoor seating.
Although this luxurious restaurant gives all the romantic vibes with the dimly lit dining spaces, you are welcome to wear casual clothes and dine in large groups.
Savor the French toast with berries, lemon ricotta pancakes, and, avocado toast located in Shutters on the Beach.
Address: 1 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
7. Water Grill
Overlooking Santa Monica Beach, the Water Grill provides a colorful and cozy dining atmosphere filled with delicious seafood dishes.
Water Grill has everything that a great restaurant offers and so much more with a menu updated daily with healthy options to choose from.
When visiting this romantic restaurant on the beach, make sure to try the oyster sampler platter, lemon drop, and the whole Maine lobster.
Address: 1401 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA
8. The Lobster
This beautiful restaurant on Santa Monica Beach is the way to go if you love seafood with an upscale taste and appearance. The main dining space can accommodate groups with a breathtaking view of the ocean.
Try the grilled lobster tail, steamed black mussels, and charred octopus.
Address: 1602 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA
9. 1 Pico
This bright, airy restaurant not only gives off the coastal California style but is packed with mouthwatering dishes placed perfectly on each plate.
1 Pico is inside Shutters on the Beach but provides satisfying service and cocktails.
Try some of their popular dishes including Bucatini, Pan Roasted Alaskan Halibut, and lobster spaghetti.
Address: 1 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
10. Maria Sol
Known for the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, Maria Sol is a Mexican restaurant located on the Santa Monica Pier.
Even though they have standard Mexican dishes, their big margaritas and colorful interior makes Maria Sol a place visitors cannot pass up.
When visiting this budget-friendly restaurant, try their seafood enchiladas, guacamole dipped tacos, and shrimp taquitos.
Address: 401 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA
11. Perry’s Cafe & Beach Rentals
Situated right on the beach, this small cafe provides a refreshing break from the sun with an assortment of umbrellas as you enjoy a blend of seafood and American fare.
What makes Perry’s Cafe & Rentals stand out is not only can you dine here but you can rent bikes for a day of exploring Santa Monica. The cafe is also Veteran and woman-owned with great coffee.
Try the iced caramel latte, mahi beach bowl, and grilled salmon with a house salad.
Address: 2400 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA
12. Pier Burger
Take a break from the upscale restaurants with Pier Burger. Although this laid back place has limited seating, you can still take your food to go and picnic on the beach.
Try their milkshakes, burgers, and frozen yogurt as you marvel at the stunning sunset.
Address: 330 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA
Restaurants to Try in Santa Monica
When exploring Santa Monica Beach and nearby areas, you will be surprised by the number of diverse restaurants either on the beach or having a view of the beach.
Do keep in mind that Santa Monica is really expensive so expect to pay premium prices for just about everything.
But it’s not impossible to find a great place to eat for a decent price. Check to make sure you do not need reservations for some of the expensive Santa Monica restaurants on the beach.
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