Santa Monica has always had a ton of alfresco, outdoor, and patio dining, but the past two years have led to an explosion of outdoor options. Now tables and chairs have expanded from cramped sidewalks into gorgeous outdoor dining rooms in parking lots and parking spaces. These changes have added to the Santa Monica streetscape, made the dining and drinking scene more vibrant, and have helped our local small businesses stay open (in some cases, some eateries have doubled the amount of customers they can serve).
Taking advantage of the new permits and the safety of fresh air and more space, eateries and bars have upgraded and expanded their outdoor seats into fabulous outdoor gathering places.
NORTHEAST SANTA MONICA including WILMONT
Fia
Jonah's
Socalo
Tartine
Bluey's Cafe
Birdie G's
Tiato
MONTANA AVENUE
Margo's
Forma
Art's Table
Kreation Kafe
Spumoni
DOWNTOWN SANTA MONICA (including the Promenade)
Michael's
1212
Casa Martin
Gyukaku
King & Queen Cantina
Cassia
Calabra on the roof of the Proper Hotel
Elephante, Solidarity, and Massilia had gorgeous outdoor dining pre-pandemic so they are not "new," but they are worth a nod.
OCEAN BOULEVARD-ish
Blue Plate Oysterette
The Veranda at the Georgian Hotel
Blue Plate Taco
Chez Jay
Ivy at the Shore
In this area, the eateries that may not have expanded or upgraded their outdoor dining during this time but that have always been great include The Fig and The Bungalow at The Fairmount, the roof of the Shangri-La Hotel, the restaurants at Shutters on the Beach, and the Pier alfresco dining at The Albright and the Beer Garden at al.
MAIN STREET
Stella Barra
Cobi's
The Victorian
Ashland Hill
Crudo e Nudo
Rick's Tavern on Main
Edobox
SUNSET PARK
Ghisallo
Local Kitchen
Society Kitchen
Lunetta All Day
The Cloverfield