✦ Local Guide · Santa Monica

🍔 Casual Dining Restaurants in Santa Monica

The best laid-back spots for an easy, no-fuss meal in Santa Monica — curated from over 200 LA restaurants.

3 picks

The best casual restaurants in Santa Monica are the ones that don't ask you to dress up or plan ahead — just show up hungry. These 3 picks are neighborhood spots worth knowing: consistently good food, fair prices, and the kind of atmosphere where you can stay for another round without feeling rushed. TikTok previews included so you can find your vibe. Standouts: Bay Cities Italian Deli, Milo & Olive, Tar & Roses.

Santa Monica's dining scene combines ocean-view settings with serious culinary credentials — walkable, diverse, and well worth the westside traffic.

Bay Cities Italian Deli Watch

Bay Cities Italian Deli

Italian Deli · Sandwiches  ·  Santa Monica  ·  $

★★★★½ 4.6

The Godmother — Santa Monica's legendary Italian sub that has been LA's sandwich benchmark for over fifty years

Must-try: The Godmother sub, Focaccia, Imported cheese and charcuterie

📍 1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Full Details View on Maps
Milo & Olive Watch

Milo & Olive

Italian · Pizza · Bakery  ·  Santa Monica  ·  $$

★★★★☆ 4.4

Beloved neighborhood wood-fired pizzeria and bakery on Wilshire — always worth the wait

Must-try: Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza, Soft-Boiled Egg Toast with Burrata, Seasonal Galette

📍 2723 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403

Full Details Reserve on OpenTable
Tar & Roses Watch

Tar & Roses

American · Wood-Fired  ·  Santa Monica  ·  $$

★★★★☆ 4.2

Wood-fired small plates, bone marrow, and a buzzy cocktail bar on the east end of Santa Monica

Must-try: Wood-Roasted Bone Marrow, Tagliatelle with Braised Rabbit, Crispy Pork Belly

📍 602 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Full Details Reserve on OpenTable

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best casual restaurant in Santa Monica?

Bay Cities Italian Deli is the neighborhood go-to — the kind of place you'd go on a random Tuesday and leave completely satisfied. No reservations required, no dress code, just good food.

Where can I eat cheaply in Santa Monica?

Milo & Olive is one of the better value options on this list — the portions are generous, the quality is solid, and you won't need to budget the way you would for a special occasion spot.

Do these casual spots take reservations?

Most casual spots on this list are walk-in friendly, though a few popular ones take reservations for weekends. If you're going with a group, calling ahead is always a smart move.

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