Best Special Occasion Restaurants in Santa Monica
When the occasion calls for something extra in Santa Monica, these restaurants deliver. Think elevated service, standout menus, and an atmosphere that matches the moment.
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Tar & Roses
Special occasion worthy — upscale & lively dining with $$ menu
Buzzy Santa Monica dining room for upscale, shareable seasonal plates.
Fishing With Dynamite
Special occasion worthy — upscale & trendy dining with $$ menu
Upscale beach-town seafood spot for a splurge night on Manhattan Ave.
Shunji Japanese Cuisine
Special occasion worthy — upscale & intimate dining with $$ menu
High-end Japanese dining in Santa Monica for a polished, special-occasion night out.
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa
Special occasion worthy — upscale & classic dining with $$ menu
Santa Monica sushi favorite for pristine nigiri in a clean, minimalist setting.
Bavel
Special occasion worthy — upscale & lively dining with $$ menu
Buzzy, upscale Middle Eastern share-plate destination in LA’s Arts District.
Hotel Casa del Mar
Special occasion worthy — upscale & classic dining with $$ menu
Luxury hotel lounge in Santa Monica—plush seating, polished service, and a true nightcap vibe.
SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa
Special occasion worthy — upscale & trendy dining with $$ menu
Polished Westside sushi for high-quality nigiri in a clean, modern setting.
71Above
Special occasion worthy — upscale & romantic dining with $$ menu
Sky-high fine dining with sweeping Los Angeles views from the 71st floor.
Water Grill
Special occasion worthy — upscale & classic dining with $$ menu
Polished downtown seafood dining for splurge nights and power lunches.
Huntley Hotel Santa Monica Beach
Special occasion worthy — upscale & trendy dining with $ menu
Sleek Santa Monica rooftop at the Huntley Hotel for sunset drinks and city lights.
The Little Door
Special occasion worthy — romantic & upscale dining with $$ menu
A candlelit courtyard hideaway built for anniversaries and unhurried, romantic dinners.
The Rooftop Beverly Hills
Special occasion worthy — trendy & upscale dining with $ menu
Trendy Beverly Hills rooftop for open-air drinks and golden-hour vibes.
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