Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Pacific Palisades

41 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Penthouse Restaurant restaurant

1. The Penthouse Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(4300)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Santa Monica

Booked 13 times today

The Penthouse Restaurant in Santa Monica is a crown jewel of Mediterranean cuisine with a Californian twist, offering a dining experience that is as spectacular as the panoramic ocean views it provides. Nestled on the 18th floor, this rooftop culinary paradise boasts dishes that are both "spectacular" and "delicious," according to glowing reviews. The fresh oysters, buttery lobster agnolotti, and divine rib eye showcase the authenticity and quality of the Mediterranean flavors, expertly blended with local ingredients. As guests rave about the "incredible environment" and "amazing staff," it's clear that The Penthouse isn't just a meal; it's a Mediterranean feast for the senses. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this Santa Monica gem promises a memorable dining experience with every visit.

2. Citrin

4.6

Exceptional(187)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Santa Monica

Booked 9 times today

Citrin, nestled in the heart of Santa Monica, stands as a beacon of American culinary excellence, under the masterful guidance of Chef Josiah Citrin. Celebrated as a Michelin 2023 awardee, Citrin offers a modern Californian twist to American cuisine, delivering dishes that are both innovative and deeply satisfying. Diners rave about the "phenomenal egg caviar" and proclaim it a place where "every dish was perfect." The restaurant's commitment to quality and service shines, with reviewers noting the "superb" service and memorable experiences like the "best chicken I’ve ever eaten." Citrin is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that continues to evolve and impress, making every visit uniquely delightful.

A photo of Edgemar Restaurant + Lounge restaurant

3. Edgemar Restaurant + Lounge

4.6

Exceptional(73)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Santa Monica

Booked 24 times today

Now Open! Edgemar is a Modern American neighborhood restaurant located in a historic Frank Gehry-designed building on Main Street in Santa Monica. We offer a unique dining experience that blends global and local influences across our menu, service, and design, all crafted to celebrate the spirit of our community and welcome visitors. Join us for a memorable meal in a one-of-a-kind setting that embodies the true essence of Santa Monica.

A photo of The Courtyard Kitchen restaurant

4. The Courtyard Kitchen

4.7

Exceptional(114)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary american • Santa Monica

Booked 29 times today

The Courtyard Kitchen in Santa Monica has firmly established itself as a premier destination for breakfast enthusiasts seeking a blend of classic charm and contemporary flavors. Praised as the "best breakfast spot in Santa Monica ALL day long," this restaurant offers a delightful culinary experience in its picturesque setting. Diners rave about the "consistently delicious" food, which includes a variety of breakfast favorites crafted from fresh, high-quality ingredients. The ambiance, reminiscent of a cozy Parisian café, along with "attentive and friendly" service, enhances the dining experience, making every breakfast here not just a meal, but a memorable event. Whether it's for the classic omelets or the innovative Day In Cuba cocktail, The Courtyard Kitchen is a true gem that promises a breakfast worth savoring.

5. Melisse

4.9

Exceptional(1998)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Santa Monica

Booked 5 times today

Melisse in Santa Monica is a shining beacon of Californian cuisine, where Chef Josiah Citrin’s magic has earned it two Michelin stars. This intimate 14-seat venue offers a unique 2.5-hour culinary journey through an 8-course tasting menu that highlights the freshest ingredients sourced from California farms "from San Diego to Napa Valley." Reviewers have lauded the experience, with one guest sharing, "This dining experience ranks among the top three I have ever had," while another says, "Each dish was delightful both in flavor and presentation." At Melisse, the blend of sophisticated service, exquisite local ingredients, and innovative Californian dishes promises an unforgettable dining adventure.

6. Ivy at the Shore

4.7

Exceptional(3524)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Santa Monica

Booked 18 times today

Ivy at the Shore in Santa Monica stands out as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, offering a delightful dining experience that consistently impresses. Nestled near the iconic Santa Monica Pier, the restaurant garners praise for its "excellent food" and "fantastic atmosphere," making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists. With dishes that blend creativity with comfort, diners rave about the "lobster scramble and eggs benedict" and the "grilled vegetable salad," each dish showcasing the fresh, vibrant flavors that define great American cooking. The service is repeatedly noted as "professional and friendly," ensuring a memorable culinary journey. Ivy at the Shore embodies the spirit of Southern California dining with its beautiful setting and high-quality fare, making every meal a special occasion.

7. Wolfsglen

4.2

Awesome(395)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Westwood

Booked 14 times today

Wolfsglen in Westwood, Los Angeles, offers a spectacular take on Contemporary American cuisine, blending familiar flavors with a unique Los Angeles twist, celebrated as "Los Angeles comfort food." Chef Fidel Guzman masterfully crafts dishes that resonate with diners, offering a menu that's both innovative and deeply satisfying. Reviewers rave about the "exceptional service" and "amazing food," with favorites like the ribeye and burgers receiving high praise. The ambiance, enhanced by live jazz and classic films, adds to the dining experience, making it a go-to spot in Westwood. As one diner put it, the food and cocktails are "phenomenal," ensuring that Wolfsglen is a destination for those seeking top-quality, inventive American fare.

A photo of West Restaurant at Hotel Angeleno restaurant

8. West Restaurant at Hotel Angeleno

4.2

Awesome(930)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Brentwood

Booked 6 times today

Nestled atop Hotel Angeleno in the vibrant Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, West Restaurant offers an exceptional Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service experience that's as enchanting as its sweeping city views. Patrons rave about the "stunning" ambiance and "spectacular" panoramic sights from downtown L.A. to the Pacific Ocean, making it the perfect backdrop for enjoying masterfully mixed cocktails and a curated selection of wines. Reviewers consistently praise the "amazing" service and the "fantastic recommendations for cocktails" provided by skilled bartenders like Nicholas. The atmosphere at West is described as ideal for both social gatherings and intimate moments, with a menu featuring delicious small plates that complement any drink selection. This spot is not just a place to dine; it's a destination where every visit promises a memorable evening of luxury and relaxation.

9. Buffalo Club

4.9

Exceptional(398)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary american • Santa Monica

Come join us and dine under the stars in our beautiful, lush, English Garden Courtyard. One of the largest outdoor dining spaces in Los Angeles! Visit www.buffaloclub.com for more information and to view all of our covid-19 guidelines.Established in 1994 by Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning writer Anthony Yerkovich, and featuring the internationally-renowned new American cuisine of Executive Chef Patrick Healy. The Buffalo Club boasts one indoor and two outdoor unique, charming and elegant dining spaces. Visit www.buffaloclub.com for more information.

A photo of Opaque - Dining in the Dark, LA restaurant

10. Opaque - Dining in the Dark, LA

4.1

Excellent(418)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary american • Santa Monica

Coming Soon! Please check back for updates or sign up for email notifications through our website!Opaque - Dining In The Dark Imagine that you are recognizing friends by their voice, sounds tell a story, aromas come alive and elegance is felt. In this era of information overload, visual stimulation has reached an all time pinnacle. But imagine, just for an hour or two that you cannot see, that you are abandoning vision in exchange for a new, more stimulating dining experience – this is “Dining in the Dark." Opaque - Dining in the Dark – will seat you in a literally pitch-black dining room where you will be guided and served by blind or visually impaired individuals that have been specially trained to serve meals in the dark, casually and comfortably offering guidance and reassurance for sighted guests.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

T
Tina
Los Angeles •22 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The service was good. The pizza and papparadelle were both delicious. The new space is gorgeous, a bit loud
More info
The Courtyard KitchenPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Santa Monica
•
4.7
L
Lorenzovip
Los Angeles •34 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
What is so great about the food is that it is orepared meticulously with lush combos of taste. Duck ragout is always great and had the pumpkin soup which was off the charts. The beef is exceptional and cooked to perfection. And you better not leave before you have the souffles - perfectly cooked, just the right amount of sweet and the texture is not too liquid.
More info
CitrinPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Santa Monica
•
4.6
S
Suzette
Los Angeles •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Every time I go here we have the best experience. Bring my family, my friends, tell my neighbors. We have been going here forever, and never disappoints. Do yourself a favor and try it, you will love it.
More info
Ivy at the ShorePrice: Expensive• Californian• Santa Monica
•
4.7
N
Naomivip
Los Angeles •79 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We ate lunch at the Penthouse on Thanksgiving day. The restaurant was fully staffed and the service was very attentive. The prix fixe meal was delightful from starters, to entrees, and to desserts, with a platter of traditional side dishes as well. There were excellent choices for the vegetarians, and a spectacular view of the coast from the 16th floor. Of special note were the butternut squash soup, the pumpkin ravioli, the maitaki mushrooms, and the salted caramel cheesecake, each adorned with creative and scrumptious embellishments. We were grateful for this beautiful meal.
More info
The Penthouse RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Monica
•
4.6
R
Rexvip
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Beautiful ambiance and great service . The beet salad is phenomenal
More info
Edgemar Restaurant + LoungePrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary American• Santa Monica
•
4.6

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Pacific Palisades

Contemporary american

Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Pacific Palisades

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41 restaurants available nearby

1. The Penthouse Restaurant

2. Citrin

3. Edgemar Restaurant + Lounge

4. The Courtyard Kitchen

5. Melisse

6. Ivy at the Shore

7. Wolfsglen

8. West Restaurant at Hotel Angeleno

9. Buffalo Club

10. Opaque - Dining in the Dark, LA

See what locals rave about

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