Ivy at the Shore is all the Hollywood rave for its fine dining food and celebrity guests. The style here is tropical and retro with wicker chairs and floral prints on the walls and tablecloths. The wait staff here is excellent and truly has taken a page from the best book in dining service. The food is famously delicious with menu items like cajun soft shell crab, prime rib, lobster enchiladas and oyster dinners. The portions are typically large and may be shared by two. Ivy at the Shore is filled everyday and there will more than likely be a wait if guests do not make reservations.
Urth Caffe opened up its Santa Monica location on Main Street and Hollister in 2005. Originally founded as an organic coffee house working only with sustainable coffee growers, the company has grown to include organic teas, fresh farm salads made only with locally grown produce, gluten-free and vegan/vegetarian friendly pastries and desserts. Its menu also offers signature panini sandwiches, turkey burgers, quesadillas, lasagna and much more. There is no table service offered, instead, patrons order their food at the counter and it is then delivered to their table. In addition to eat-in and take-out, this location also provides catering as well as delivery services daily, from 11:00am – 2:30pm and 5:30pm – 9:00pm.
Bangkok West, close to the promenade, is known for its nice atmosphere and contemporary, upscale Asian cuisine. Using the freshest ingredients, the food is delightful and addictive. Its specialities include Pad Thai, Bangkok Rolls, scallops stir-fried with basil and the signature Thai Red Curry. Takeout, delivery and catering is available. On-site parking is located behind the building.
La Monarca offers a wide range of breads, coffee, cakes, sandwiches and more. Everything is made from scratch and uses all-natural ingredients and does not include preservatives, trans fats, lard or ready-made mixes. La Monarca also offering catering services for special events.
Since 1974, Patrick's Roadhouse, which is currently owned and managed by Silvio Moreira, has been a popular brunch destination with a clear view of Will Rogers State Beach and the Pacific Ocean. Located in Santa Monica Canyon, Patrick's stands on the southern edge of Pacific Palisades, at the intersection of Entrada and Pacific Coast Highway, near the bottom of Chautauqua.
The Sonoma Wine Garden is an elegant, lavish indoor/outdoor restaurant located atop the roof of the Santa Monica Place mall. It features a wide array of foods, from pizza and burgers to fish and pasta, but the real draw is the massive amount of fine wine kept on stock at all times. Though options often change, diners can find wines such as the Veuve Clicquot Yellow Labels Reims Brut MV and the '05 Cabernet Sauvignon Jordan Alexander Valley on hand. Guests can eat in the covered patio or at the open patio area of the restaurant, both of which display dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean. The service is friendly and outgoing, even to those not familiar with wines or wine tasting, and valet parking is available in the mall's parking lot.
Holy Guacamole has been offering its authentic Mexican fare to the locals for more than four years. There is seating available, but most just order their food to go and wait outside on the sidewalk for it to be handed to them through the convenient pick-up window. When asked what dishes they serve, manager Carlos Morales answers, "We keep it simple. We have tacos and burritos." Tacos and burritos, indeed! Holy Guacamole offers beef, chicken, roasted pork, barbecue pork, breaded perch and veggie options. Staff is fast, yet friendly. It is the perfect place to grab a quick lunch on your way to the beach.
Groundwork Coffee is a conscious-minded business that prides itself on supporting the community and using products that are 100 percent certified organic as well as fairly traded. It has been a part of the Santa Monica community for six years. Located across from Main Street Bagels near Ashland, the shop offers brewed coffee and tea, coffee beans by the pound, ranging in price from $11.25 to $13.25, as well as granola and locally baked pastry.
For an authentic fine dining Italian meal, locals flock to La Vecchia Cucina located on Main Street near Ocean Park Boulevard. It offers pasta, pizza, panini and salads. Entrees include Filet Mignon, Salmon and Roasted Chicken all prepared with the finest Italian spices and freshest ingredients. This is a great spot for a family meal or a romantic first date. The atmosphere is classy yet warm and welcoming, and the staff offers first class service.
