Top restaurants near Santa Monica College

Santa Monica boasts an array of excellent restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets, making it an ideal destination for both students and residents. From quick bites to lavish dinners, the top restaurants near Santa Monica College provide delicious food for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Santa Monica can be intimidating for visitors from outside West LA, but we believe the effort is well worth your while if you're planning to dine at one of its top restaurants - Italian to sushi spots are plentiful when dining here, offering something to suit every palette! So here are our recommendations on where you should dine.

We will explore an assortment of cuisines and atmospheres that meet everyone's preferences in this article, from classic American diners to exotic Asian eateries or vegan-friendly cafes - everything is covered. Let's dive into Santa Monica's best restaurants today.

American Diners

Santa Monica is home to some incredible diners that offer delicious classic American fare such as burgers, fries and shakes - here are a few of them:

The OP Cafe

At The OP Cafe, their cozy cafe offers all-day breakfast and lunch dishes like pancakes, omelets, sandwiches, salads and their popular French toast along with bottomless coffee! Don't miss out!

Rooftop Vibes at Élephante

Élephante in Santa Monica offers an ideal spot for meeting up with friends. The restaurant resembles a luxury vacation resort, making for the ideal setting to unwind after a day at the beach. Plus, their ocean view will transport you right back onto the Mediterranean! Their coastal Italian menu boasts Margherita pizza, whipped eggplant, fried calamari, spaghetti, branzino, and much more - you won't want to leave hungry!

As for desserts, choosing can be equally hard. Choose between tiramisu, chocolate torta, pavlova (white chocolate mousse with passionfruit compote and vanilla ice cream), mango & pineapple sorbet or an affogato (vanilla ice cream with espresso and caramel drizzle) from among the selection of tasty offerings on our dessert menu.

Swingers Diner  

Swingers Diner offers an impressive menu of classic American dishes, from burgers and fries to mac and cheese and meatloaf. There are even vegan and gluten-free options available!

Kings and Queens Cantina

Kings and Queens Cantina in Santa Monica, CA offers authentic Mexican fare with an edge. Try starting your experience here with chicken tinga taquitos or their signature Hot Cheetos Roll featuring shrimp tempura, avocado, cucumber, crab meat and Flamin' Hot Cheetos - two delicious items worth trying first.

Tacos from this restaurant are its signature dish, including birria, Korean, Surf n Turf, bone marrow and Crispy Avocado tacos from Tacos De La Sierra - perfect for vegetarians too!

Bar menu items feature margarita flights and their signature drink Inferno, ideal for spicy drink enthusiasts. Packed full of tequila, serrano pepper, agave nectar and lime this spicy drink won't disappoint.

Kings and Queens Cantina offers many popular drinks such as the Paloma, made of grapefruit soda and tequila served with a salted rim. Furthermore, Kings and Queens Cantina has an impressive selection of Mexican beers such as Corona and Pacifico that you may enjoy while here.

Make sure to leave room for dessert! A Churro sundae is a popular treat, featuring vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce and whipped cream topped with colorful sprinkles. Tres leches cake offers another tantalizing option with three types of milk combined into an exquisite cake topped with whipped cream and fresh berries - it makes an irresistibly satisfying finish!

Kings and Queens Cantina offers the ideal atmosphere for casual nights out with friends or romantic date nights alike, boasting delicious food and beverage offerings as well as vegan-friendly options that everyone will find enjoyable.

Be sure to make a reservation, as this popular Santa Monica eatery can fill up quickly.

Asian Eateries

Are You an Asian Food Fan in Santa Monica? Showcasing Some of the Best Asian Eateries near Santa Monica College:

The Misfit Restaurant + Bar 

This stylish restaurant serves Asian-inspired small plates and entrees made with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients - don't miss their crispy brussels sprouts and spicy tuna tartare!

KazuNori 

KazuNori offers hand rolls made with freshly harvested seaweed and sushi rice, filled with options like salmon, crab meat and toro.

Vegan and Vegetarian Options

Santa Monica offers many delicious vegan- and vegetarian-friendly restaurants offering delicious yet healthful fare, making Santa Monica an ideal location for plant-based enthusiasts. Here are a few of Santa Monica's finest vegan/vegetarian restaurants:

Cafe Gratitude

Cafe Gratitude, an organic vegan cafe located in Sacramento, serves up organic plant-based dishes like salads, bowls and sandwiches as well as delicious desserts such as their key lime pie and chocolate mousse. Don't miss it!

The Vegan Joint 

This casual eatery, The Vegan Joint, provides vegan-based burgers, sandwiches, and wraps made with soy protein as well as gluten-free options. And don't forget their popular shakes and smoothies!

Seafood Restaurants

Santa Monica boasts many fine seafood restaurants offering fresh, delectable seafood dishes. Here are a few of Santa Monica's finest establishments:

Crudo e Nudo 

Crudo e Nudo in Santa Monica serves seafood from both sustainable and local sources, so seafood lovers will want to visit here.

Fun fact, this Santa Monica restaurant began as a pop-up during the height of the pandemic. You can expect all sorts of seafood delights at this eatery, from oysters and uni taco bites to caviar nachos, halibut and prawns!

There are also some delicious vegetarian-friendly offerings such as the vegan caesar salad, chickpea toast and chopped radicchio salad. For something truly indulgent and exclusive try Neptune's Flight; an exquisite five-course tasting menu designed by their chef!

The Lobster  

This upscale restaurant provides breathtaking ocean views while serving seafood dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, like their lobster bisque and grilled octopus! Don't miss it out - stop in today to experience The Lobster!

Blue Plate Oysterette 

Blue Plate Oysterette, an informal seafood spot, features fresh oysters, clam chowder, lobster rolls, fish tacos and an extensive wine and cocktail selection that complements their menu items perfectly.

Fusion Restaurants

Can't decide what your palate craves? Fusion cuisine may just be what's missing from your life! Here are some of the top fusion-style restaurants near you: 

Massilia

Massilia offers French, Spanish, Italian & Moroccan Fusion Cuisine in Downtown Santa Monica.

The restaurant is perfect for lunch, dinner and late-night dining experiences alike; their iron-fence patio filled with lush plants provides the ideal setting for brunch photographs. During the day they serve pastries, egg sandwiches, coffee, croissant sandwiches and steak-frites while at night the atmosphere gets lively with tapas, homemade pasta dishes braised lamb dishes as well as Moroccan tagine platters!

Not to be missed is their full bar offering unique cocktails created using spirits from Southern France and Italy, an expansive Negroni menu, as well as French and Amari brandies. Happy Hour runs Monday-Friday between 4:30 pm and 6 pm - visit their website to view their full menu and reserve a table!

Tar & Roses

Tar & Roses in Santa Monica, CA offers delicious wood-fired grill food that adds an irresistibly smoky flair to their cuisine. Enjoy everything from corn in a pool of goat cheese to cantaloupe wrapped in prosciutto as you dine on everything cooked within their wood-burning oven or grill.

Start your meal right and try the oxtail dumplings and brown sugar popcorn - two excellent appetizers at this restaurant! Although perfect for dates, we suggest coming together as a group and sharing one or more family-style platters like whole roasted goat, rib roast, or paella for an unforgettable dining experience!

Their extensive wine selection features both reds and whites from Italy and Spain, and their delectable grilled strawberry tart is not to be missed as a dessert option. Don't forget to make reservations in advance.

Conclusion

Santa Monica is a culinary haven, providing dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. From classic American fare, exotic Asian fare, vegan cuisine or fresh seafood - Santa Monica College restaurants near the college have something delicious waiting for you. So the next time you find yourself hungry and in search of a satisfying meal - visit one of these establishments and indulge in their culinary treats for an experience that will leave you satisfied and craving more!

FAQs:

Q: Where can I find the ideal place for a romantic dinner near Santa Monica College? 

A: Lobster makes for an exquisite romantic dinner experience, offering both taste and visual pleasure. An exquisite dining experience and stunning ocean views await.

Q: Can anyone recommend any nearby restaurants offering gluten-free options? 

A: Swingers Diner and The Vegan Joint are two restaurants that provide gluten-free options on their menus.

Q: Can you give an indication of prices at restaurants near Santa Monica College?

A: Price ranges vary depending on the restaurant and type of cuisine served, with American diners and vegan cafes being more cost-effective options, while seafood restaurants and upscale eateries may incur higher costs.