Santa Monica Travel Guide

"One of Wolfy's best" coo fans of this "pricey" "standout" in Santa Monica that's "still a serious foodie destination" thanks to Puck's "sublime" Asian-French fusion creations served by a "dedicated staff"; the "noisy", "dated" digs are less popular, but nevertheless, the "crowds" keep coming.

A "chain that doesn't feel like one", this "reliable" national franchise "clicks" thanks to a "pretty darn good" menu of "all-American comfort" items (including a notoriously "addicting spinach dip") and a "modern metropolitan" ambiance that brings in "mingling singles" after work; despite debate on the cost – "inexpensive" vs. "overpriced" – most report "solid quality" here.

The name translates as 'the baker', so naturally there's the "smell of fresh bread" in the air at this "higher end" Italian chain where the "authentic", "consistently tasty" offerings arrive in "elegantly casual" environs; "super weekly specials" and a "solid wine selection" add to its "reliable" reputation and help explain the somewhat "upscale" price point.

"Year after year" this Santa Monica bistro from chef-owner Raphael Lunetta continues to "surprise" and "delight" with "sensational" seasonal French–New American creations prepared with "flair" and served in a "stylish" space; "noisy" acoustics and "hefty bills" aside, it remains "one of LA's finest", the kind of place that "simply gets it"; P.S. Monday's prix fixe special "is a steal."

"It doesn't get any better than this" insist enthusiasts of "passionate" chef Josie Le Balch's "grown-up" Santa Monica New American where "delectable" meals are made from "market-fresh" ingredients and game lovers savor "superb" fowl, venison and buffalo in season; add "wonderful wines" and "attentive service" in the "elegant" dining room, and it's no wonder it's a "favorite" for "special occasions"; N.B. a three-course prix fixe menu is also offered Sundays–Thursdays.

"First-class from top to bottom", this "delight" from chef-owner Jean Francois Meteigner – now open in new Santa Monica digs – weaves together "divine" New French fare prepared with a "light" touch and near-"faultless service"; those who have found the bills a bit "over the top" in the past will be pleased to know that the new locale features scaled back prices along with a more casual atmosphere.

"Fabulous all the way around", Josiah Citrin's French–New American "masterpiece" in Santa Monica is "nothing short of stunning", providing "extravagant" tasting menus with each "intoxicating" course showcasing the "highest quality ingredients" and the chef's "trademark creativity"; "service is knowledgeable, friendly" and free of the "stuffiness that usually accompanies fine dining", while the "elegantly" remodeled dining room is "perfect for special occasions"; yes, it's oh-so-"expensive" but it's "worth every penny" to most.

Expect "major hustle-bustle" at this "noisy" Chinese chain where the "sanitized", "mass-produced" menus "aren't really authentic" yet do "appeal to most palates" (when in doubt, the "lettuce wraps rule"); no one minds the "spotty" service and "ersatz" Sino decor since they "have the formula down" – starting with "nothing-fancy" prices and an overall "fun" vibe.

"Still fabulous after all these years", this Santa Monica "classic" deserves "all superlatives" declare devotees of the "simply perfect" Italian cuisine served by an "impeccable, discreet" staff overseen by "consummate host" Piero Selvaggio; a "spectacular" 2,500-label wine list and "exquisite decor" featuring Murano chandeliers and imported fabrics make it "sublime" for "romantic dinners"– with "high-end" "prices to match"; N.B. the Vin Bar offers less-expensive menus.

"Rides, arcades, fast food" and a "parade of interesting passersby" create a "carnival atmosphere" at this "cheap, convenient" and historic – it opened to the public in 1909 – Santa Monica landmark; "the Ferris wheel is spectacular", the views of the Pacific Ocean are "beautiful" and the many "street performers add to the excitement", but cognoscenti caution that once "the sun sets", the scene can get a bit "seedy."

"Shared tables encourage conversation with strangers" just as "affordable" prices promote "palate-testing" at these "sleek" Pasadena and SaMo wine bars that also offer "dark", "private corners with couches" and "simple" noshes; oenophiles "question" a place where "everything is the same price" ($8 a glass, $21 a carafe, $32 a bottle), and while some end up saying "yay!", others conclude it's "not for the connoisseur."

The "cramped" SaMo patriarch of LA's Most Popular nightlife duo is a real "pain in the butt": you must wait on "long" "lines to get in", "wrangle a busy bartender to order", "pounce on" a "first-come, first-served" seat and eat while "hovering vultures" "wait for your table"; but it's "definitely worth" the "hassle" for its "cornucopia of specialty beers" and "out-of-this-world hamburgers"; P.S. the Culver City offspring is "more spacious", and therefore often "less stressful."