04
Guest scores & sentiment
From — guest reviews · multi-source
Dimension scores · cross-source
Cleanliness7.7
Service7.6
Rooms7.3
Location7.3
Facilities7.3
Value7.2
No checkout or paid ranking here — commission never drives content.
Book on FlyerTrip →N
Nearby & map
DiningSights
1
n/naka
japanese, kaiseki · ★ Michelin
$$$$
Securing a reservation is no easy task, but once inside this intimate, wonderfully stylish room, you’ll find a warm and graceful dining experience. The finely suited and hospitable team are an extension of Chef Niki Nakayama, who presents her interpretation of kaiseki by drawing upon seafood, meat, and produce sourced mostly across Japan and California. Ever changing, the coursed tasting weaves together delicate, aromatic broths with heartier fare like grilled Miyazaki wagyu and scallops all seasoned with a generally light touch. The only dish to never leave the menu is an artful twirl of al d
3.0km
2
Vespertine
Contemporary · ★★ Michelin
$$$$
Chef Jordan Kahn's singular operation is tucked inside a strikingly futuristic edifice of red steel aptly named “The Waffle.” The bold, stark setting is a proper stage for this highly creative restaurant where diners enjoy a tasting menu that is equally out of the ordinary. Each dish is visually stunning, with cuisine that is not only daringly inventive (at times downright whimsical), but also marshals finely honed technique and impeccably balanced flavors, as in an artful dish of scallop with passionfruit, ají amarillo and petals of horseradish tuile, or a bowl studded with countless edible f
4.4km
3
Mori Nozomi
Japanese, Sushi · ★ Michelin
$$$$
A note of elegant simplicity pervades the experience at this minimalist eight-seat counter, overseen by Chef Nozomi Mori and her streamlined, adroitly hospitable team. The unassuming space and soft-spoken service serve as a backdrop for an artfully prepared omakase that highlights purity and refinement. The lack of superfluous embellishment puts the spotlight on exceptional seafood (flown in several times a week from Japan) accented by seasonal produce from the Santa Monica farmer’s market. Beginning with a perfectly silky chawanmushi with gingko nut, attention to detail sets the meal apart, s
4.4km
4
Hatchet Hall
American, Contemporary
$$$
This lively Culver West spot is always in full swing, starting with the sprawling, pergola-shaded patio that rallies groups when the weather is right. Beyond lies an equally ample dining room with vintage accents like tufted leather banquettes and an L-shaped bar. The lengthy menu highlights a broad range of classics from across the South and, rightly so, biscuits, seasonal vegetables and plenty of pork are given due billing. Deviled eggs, pimento cheese and fried green tomatoes channel all the comfort of an old-fashioned picnic. Entrees, which are often easy to share, cover land and sea, thou
1.2km
5
Electric Bleu
French Contemporary, Californian
$$$
Chef/owner Craig Hopson's Electric Bleu is indeed buzzy; this California-meets-French bistro in Mar Vista draws a crowd for its likeable plates. Seating at the bar, counter and tables is tight and a hot ticket, so make reservations (especially on weekends) to savor starters like sauteed, foraged chanterelles with parmesan, parsnips and Treviso tardivo, or entrees such as duck breast with dates, saffron and green olives. Pick and choose from the à la carte offerings or go for the prix fixe with plates prepped in the open kitchen for all to see. Desserts, like their local lime tart with whipped
2.2km
6
Kusano
Japanese, Sushi
$$$$
It's truly a one-man show at this restaurant named for the chef who takes on everything from drink orders and clearing plates to preparing and serving the food. Thankfully for him there are only a handful of seats at his counter, and just two seatings nightly. Reservations are a must, not only because of the limited seating, but because this well-priced omakase has seats going quickly. The menu is nigiri forward, and while most will arrive simply dressed with just a stroke of nikiri and wasabi, some items, like the Hokkaido uni draped with a thin slice of squid and cooked seaweed have a bit mo
2.4km
7
Dear Jane's
American, Seafood
$$$$
In case this Marina del Rey restaurant's glass wall with views of the boats outside didn't give it away, Dear Jane's celebrates the life aquatic with its focus on old school seafood and Continental cuisine. This spot pours it on with large portions and over-the-top flourishes (caviar makes a regular appearance) while keeping things grounded with strong cooking. Shrimp Louie, done tableside, is sized to share, as is the wedge, which brilliantly subs in vinaigrette in place of creamy dressing. Blackened salmon with a rich parsley and caper sauce is perfectly cooked, and lemony potatoes are a nic
3.9km
8
Shunji.
Japanese, Sushi
$$$$
Chef Shunji Nakao boasts a long history in Los Angeles, and his counter in Santa Monica is one of the most beloved spots for sushi enthusiasts. Minimalist in décor with beige walls and a dark brown ceiling, the setting strikes a calm and collected tone. All eyes are on Chef Nakao, who takes his time crafting this special, albeit pricey, experience. Past highlights include the signature tomato tofu, as well as seasonal specialties like hairy crab or matsutake mushrooms that celebrate seafood and vegetables alike. Nigiri, prepared with precision and served with care, forms the heart of the tasti
4.0km
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Click a row to locate it · distances are approximate. Data from Overture / Michelin / Wikidata.