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Best Restaurants for Creative Cuisine in Santa Monica

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8 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Melisse restaurant
1. Melisse
4.9
Exceptional(1997)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Santa Monica
Booked 4 times today
Chef & Owner Josiah Citrin has revived his Michelin 2-Star institution with an intimate, 14-seat restaurant with Chef/Partner Ken Takayama. In a setting that blurs the line between kitchen and dining room, Chefs and service staff guide guests through a 2.5-hour culinary experience.Collaborating with California farmers from San Diego to Napa Valley, Chef Josiah sources the most unique and exclusive ingredients available. An 8-course tasting menu is bookended by canapés, amuse-bouches and mignardise, all of which showcase global flavors using both modern and classic techniques.
A photo of Gjelina restaurant
2. Gjelina
4.6
Exceptional(2248)
Price: Expensive
• American • Venice
Booked 197 times today
Gjelina is a restaurant specializing in New American cuisine. Open every day from 8 a.m. until 11pm, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. For breakfast, try 9 grain pancakes with butter and maple syrup or warm banana buckwheat loaf with butter and jam of the day. Brunch options include Moroccan baked eggs and 7 grain porridge. Gjelina offers a variety of oysters, crudo, charcuterie and salad options to start at lunch and dinner. Main courses include pizzas from our wood fired oven and entrees like duck confit, house made pastas and roasted organic half chicken.*Only ADA certified animals are allowed in Gjelina*A 20% Mandatory Service Charge is added to your check. Our belief is that every hourly Gjelina employee contributes to your service and 100% of the MSC will be distributed amongst them.
A photo of Asuka restaurant
3. Asuka
4.8
Exceptional(220)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Westwood
We adhere to the craftsmanship of traditional Japanese cuisine. Chef Kenkichi Yamamoto handpicks the freshest ingredients of the season, using them to inspire the creation of all his dishes. Our kaiseki prix fixe menu has traditional Japanese flavors mixed with french elements featuring shun (seasonal) ingredients. The 9 courses range from the chef's interpretation of sashimi to unique steamed, boiled and grilled dishes. We have seasonal fish and fish offerings traditionally found in Japanese cuisine as well as other dishes to order a la carte. The menu is set for you to experience a dinning experience like no other. Feast with your eyes and stomach! Enjoy!
A photo of Planta Cocina - Marina del Rey restaurant
4. Planta Cocina - Marina del Rey
4.8
Exceptional(106)
Price: Moderate
• Vegetarian / Vegan • Marina del Rey
Booked 3 times today
Coming Soon!
A photo of Osteria Mozza restaurant
5. Osteria Mozza
4.7
Exceptional(7351)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Hollywood
Booked 79 times today
Presided over by James Beard Award-winning Chef Nancy Silverton, Michelin-starred Osteria Mozza celebrates traditional Italian cuisine and seasonality. From our iconic Mozzarella Bar to exquisite handmade pasta to Grilled Beef Tagliata or our signature Rosemary Olive Oil Cakes, Osteria Mozza has revolutionized Italian cuisine in Los Angeles. Our all-Italian wine list continues this sensibility by offering bottlings from the country's finest producers, with a focus on Piedmont, Friuli and Tuscany. We kindly request you alert your server of any dietary restrictions upon seating or when making your reservation. For parties of 8, we offer a preselected family-style menu and accept bookings directly through our Reservations line at (323) 297-0100. Additions welcomed, no substitutions. This menu is priced at $100 per guest, not including tax, tip or beverage upon consumption. For bookings larger than 8 guests, please email our Events Team at events@mozza-la.com for more information.
A photo of Meteora restaurant
6. Meteora
4.7
Exceptional(1073)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Hollywood
Booked 18 times today
Meteora's gastronomy is a 1-star Michelin contemporary and creative showcase of exceptional California ingredients. Chef Jordan Kahn (Vespertine, Destroyer) and the team work exclusively with aligned farmers, foragers, fishermen, and ranchers to bring guests the ultimate dining experience. Fire cooking, innovation, and seasonality blend for an elegant tasting menu or indulgent small plates in the bar. The holistic approach extends to every facet of the restaurant including beverage, hospitality, and design.Groups of 6-12 are welcome to book one of our private dining areas for a food and beverage minimum. See individual experiences for applicable pricing for our selenite Chef's Table and Private Dining Room. Service fees and taxes not included.
A photo of Amour restaurant
7. Amour
4.5
Awesome(62)
Price: Moderate
• French • Hollywood
Booked 10 times today
Amour Weho - A charming fusion of LA and Paris, this French brasserie is where love and passion come to life through cuisine. Born from a serendipitous discovery, it has evolved into a delightful culinary adventure. More than just a restaurant, Amour celebrates life's joys, with each detail crafted as a token of love. Our diverse à la carte menu offers an exquisite array of dishes, and our Lounge & Bar provides a perfect spot to unwind. Join us for happy hours every day, where you can enjoy signature drinks and light bites in a relaxed atmosphere.
A photo of Little Sister - El Segundo restaurant
8. Little Sister - El Segundo
4.7
Exceptional(622)
Price: Moderate
• Vietnamese • El Segundo
Booked 19 times today
East-Meets-West dishes that inspire and evoke a feeling of being welcomed into Chef Vuong's home. Little Sister's menu showcases Chef Tin's take on one of the more interesting and rich collisions of food and culture that was borne out of the European colonization of Southeast Asia. Dishes blend and balance the spices and flavors of Southeast Asia with French techniques and Dutch and British colonial influences. The menu is continually and progressively evolving, reflecting inspiration and the seasons. Chef Tin curates the restaurant's wine and beverage program with a focus on intriguing labels, both domestically and from around the world.

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Discover best creative cuisine restaurants in Santa Monica

Explore the vibrant dining scene in Santa Monica, where creative cuisine takes center stage, offering a unique culinary experience on Los Angeles's Westside. Renowned for its innovative and artistic approaches to food, the restaurants in this area showcase a blend of fresh, high-quality ingredients and imaginative culinary techniques. Each establishment in the region prides itself on delivering not only aesthetically pleasing dishes but also flavors that push the boundaries of traditional cooking. Diners can expect a variety of menus filled with inventive dishes that reflect the diverse culinary landscape of Santa Monica. From Mediterranean-inspired offerings to modern twists on classic Italian fare, the emphasis on creativity is evident in every bite. This locale is perfect for food enthusiasts looking to indulge in distinctive and thoughtfully prepared meals that are as exciting to the palate as they are to the eye. Explore Santa Monica for an unforgettable dining experience where each restaurant strives to impress with its unique interpretation of creative cuisine.

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