Must-Try Romantic Restaurants in Santa Monica, CA

Based in the Shutters on the Beach hotel overlooking the Pacific Ocean, 1 Pico is a breezy seaside restaurant with contemporary décor that serves a seasonal market menu of fresh Californian cuisine and craft cocktails. Boasting an elegant, but relaxed beach resort vibe, the open and airy restaurant has a blue and white color scheme, porthole mirrors, hanging lantern-style light fixtures, and a large fireplace topped with candles and seashells. The farm-to-table menu features simple seaside treats like ahi tuna, Maine lobster, and grilled octopus, as well as landlubber specialties such as heirloom tomato gazpacho, and braised beef short rib. Fine wines and handcrafted cocktails accompany the cuisine, and 1 Pico serves lunch on Monday through Saturday, dinner nightly and Sunday brunch.

1 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, Phone: 310-587-1717

Tucked away in the Santa Monica Canyon in a historic building dating back to 1932, Caffé Delfini is a family-owned and operated Italian restaurant on the West Side that has been serving authentic Italian fare to locals and visitors alike for more than 25 years. The cozy and romantic spot is ideal for dates and special occasions, the eatery serves an extensive pasta menu mostly contains classic, family style recipes sourced from all over Italy, as well as fresh seafood and prime free-range meats, and Italian specialties like extra virgin olive oil, Tuscan herbs, and home-cured prosciutto and cheeses. Caffé Delfini is open for dinner only, seven nights a week.

147 W Channel Rd, Santa Monica, CA 90402, Phone: 310-459-8823

Capo is an upscale Italian restaurant with a ‘wow’ factor when it comes to an intimate dining experience. Boasting a rustic, yet elegant, dining room complete with a log-burning fireplace, crisp cotton candlelit tables, black and white wicker bistro chairs, walls adorned with eclectic artworks, and a large wooden bar. Specializing in modern Italian fare, the romantic restaurant serves traditional Tuscan fare including fresh, house-made pasta, prime steaks, caviar, and expensive bottles of wine. Signature dishes include white corn ravioli with black truffles, Santa Barbara spot prawns and calamari, and a mouthwatering flourless chocolate soufflé. The hidden Italian gem exudes a warm and welcoming ambiance and is open for dinner only, Tuesday through Saturday.

1810 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA, Phone: 310-394-5550

Restaurants For a Date

Located in Shutters on the Beach hotel, Coast is the perfect spot to enjoy an unforgettable dining experience along the Pacific Ocean's coast. The casual beachfront cafe and bar serves a seasonal menu of fresh seafood, catch-of-the-day, and local shellfish along with fresh salads, serve sides, and decadent desserts. Classic cocktails like white peach bellinis and kir royals are the drink to sip as the sun goes down and the Vine-To-Table menu is a must for wine lovers, which consists of a three-course prix fixe menu with wine pairings. Coast is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week.

1 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, Phone: 310-587-1707

Located in the Fairmont Miramar - Hotel & Bungalows, FIG is a rustic-chic farm-to-table restaurant that is committed to serving fresh, seasonal cuisine in a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere. The friendly neighborhood bistro offers seasonal menus of diverse Southern California cuisine prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and regional produce from local farmers markets and specialty foragers. Signature dishes include Aspen Ridge Braised Short Rib Herb Gnocchi, Dungeness Crab Spaghetti Alla Chitarra Squid Ink, Alaskan Halibut, Maine Lobster Rigatoni, and Mary’s Chicken with Porcini Mushrooms. An extensive list of fine Californian wines are perfect partners for each dish, as well as classic cocktails, and FIG is available for private events and functions for groups of up to 20 people. FIG is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week.

101 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401, Phone: 310-319-3111

For Younger Couples

Occupying two levels of a local architect-designed building at Emeritus College, Hillstone Santa Monica is a sleek and stylish restaurant with art-adorned walls and a chic, airy ambiance. The elegant eatery serves a diverse menu of contemporary cuisine with fresh sushi, and creative entrées such as seared ahi tuna with shiitake ponzu and Hawaiian ribeye soaked in pineapple sesame ginger sauce. Open for lunch and dinner; the restaurant also has a full-service bar that offers a wide range of California wines, local craft beers, and handcrafted cocktails, as well as specialty coffees and dessert liqueurs.

202 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401, Phone: 310-576-7558

Located on Ocean Avenue next to the Santa Monica pier, the Ivy at the Shore is a charming, flower-adorned spot that is well-known for its creative Californian cuisine and inventive cocktails. The eatery serves classic American, Italian, and regional dishes that can be enjoyed on the lovely outdoor patio or in the elegant dining room which boasts an intimate, romantic atmosphere. Popular with celebrities, the restaurant is a good spot for people watching while sipping on cocktails, local craft beers, or a wide selection of fine Californian wines by the glass or the bottle. Ivy at the Shore is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Wednesday through Monday.

1535 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401, Phone: 310-393-3113

La Vecchia Cucina has been serving the community of Santa Monica classic Italian fare for the past 20 years and continues to do so with pride. The bustling, vibrant restaurant serves a menu of favorites like handmade pasta and sauces, wood-fired pizza with delicious toppings, prime meat and fresh seafood dishes, crisp salads, and decadent desserts. Dishes are prepared using fresh, locally sourced produce and imported ingredients such as extra virgin olive oil, Tuscan herbs, and Italian-made balsamic vinegar and age-old Sicilian recipes passed down through the generations. Boasting a warm and welcoming ambiance akin to that of any family-owned Italian restaurant, La Vecchia Cucina is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.

2654 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405, Phone: 310-399-7979