Santa Monica is home to the iconic Pier, famous Third Street Promenade and some of the best restaurants in Los Angeles. It is also the perfect place for picnics in the Palisades Park or Santa Monica State Beach. Go outside with some takeout, enjoy the coastal breeze, late sunsets, and starry nights. Here are the 10 best takeout spots for dinner in Santa Monica.
1. Cassia
(Photo taken by Rick Poon)
Cassia celebrates the fresh and vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia while incorporating the best quality ingredients from local farmers. This Asian bistro features a fair mix of familiar Vietnamese and Chinese flavors, as well as side dishes with a bit more culinary flair. Expect dishes from shellfish platters to Charcuterie Fried Rice (Chinese bacon, lap cheong, salted fish) to Chickpea Curry.
Address: 1314 7th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
2. Fritto Misto
Grab some takeout from Fritto Misto before heading over to your beach picnic. Create your own pasta plate that hits the spot and your budget; choose from 12 fresh kinds of pasta and 18 different sauces. This neighborhood Italian eatery is perfect for those looking for authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of Santa Monica.
Address: 601 Colorado Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
3. RIZE Thai Sushi
RIZE Thai Sushi offers locals near the busy stretch of Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica a casual Asian fusion restaurant that offers both Thai and Japanese dishes. This hidden gem features unique flavor combinations, with a California flare — offering items such as Organic Kale Fried Rice and assorted vegan sushi rolls.
Address: 2906 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
4. Stella Barra Pizzeria
Stella Barra is an artisanal pizzeria with an eclectic menu focusing on sustainable farmed organic produce, meats, and cheeses. Pizza toppings range from prosciutto to shaved truffle to smoked bacon. The dough is double-proofed, which means it rises for at least 24 hours—resulting in a rustic sourdough-like center and a crispy rim.
Address: 2000 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
5. Belcampo Meat Co.
(Photo provided by Belcampo Meat Co.)
Belcampo Meat Co. is a local farm-to-table restaurant & butcher shop on Wilshire Blvd. in Santa Monica. They source all of its grass-fed organic beef from their very own sustainable farm—a 12,000-acre ranch near Mt. Shaster. Go for their famous cheeseburger which is sandwiched on a toasted brioche bun with a thick slice of cheddar, caramelized onions, and house sauce.
Address: 1026 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
6. Tallula’s
Tallula’s is a neighborhood Mexican restaurant driven by seasonal, local ingredients. Their menu features items like Squash Blossom Quesadillas, Nachos “Sencillo”, and Dry-Aged Beef Fajitas. This beachy cantina focuses on sustainable meats and seafood and sources ingredients from the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market.
Address: 118 Entrada Dr, Santa Monica, CA 90402
7. Crimson
(Photo taken by @stephanie.y.wang)
This rustic counter-service Mediterranean café on Ocean Park is known for their health-conscious and vegetarian menu. All their seasoned and marinated meats are cooked over an open flame and paired with their homemade sides and sauces. They even offer a full coffee bar with beans sourced from Intelligentsia, just in-case you need an evening pick-me-up!
Address: 2901 Ocean Park Blvd #127, Santa Monica, CA 90405
8. Plan Check Kitchen + Bar
(Photo provided by Plan Check Kitchen + Bar)
Satisfy your comfort food cravings with a stop at Plan Check Kitchen + Bar, where you can pair your gourmet burger alongside some decadent side dishes. Plan Check Kitchen + Bar is home to the famous Ketchup Leather™. This innovative square of deliciousness makes the Plan Check signature burger unique — not only does it add great flavor, it also prevents the burger buns from getting soggy.
Address: 1401 Ocean Ave #104, Santa Monica, CA 90401
9. Milo & Olive
Many would argue that Milo & Olive has some of the best wood-fired pizza on the West Side. The menu is entirely ingredient-driven—using only fresh cheeses and local produce. Make sure to order the Garlic Knot, which is stuffed with whole garlic cloves and olive oil. This bundle of heaven is tied with twine and baked in a wood-burning oven.
Address: 2723 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403
10. Art’s Table
Art’s Table is a neighborhood restaurant located on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. Their New-American cuisine highlights market-fresh ingredients and seasonal produce. They do a healthy twist on simple comfort food—crafting market-driven small plates and shareable entrees—perfect for a picnic outdoors.
Address: 1002 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403
Hungry for takeout in Santa Monica? Order Now! Baseball season is in full swing and we’re ready for some home runs & cheering fans—but most importantly game day eats. Read our post about 6 restaurants with delicious takeout to bring to Dodger Stadium.
