Top 12 Budget-Friendly Restaurants Near You in in Santa Monica, CA

Kama K You can’t not love this place. Instant favourite! And truly upset at myself I didn’t make time to return or visit when I was in the Bay Area The fig salad was hands down one of the best salads Ive had in ages! And the pastries speak for themselves.

Juan Alvarado Lunetta has a very cute and quaint vibe, with the indoor and outdoor seating both having their own lovely aesthetic. The ingredients used to make all meals feel very fresh and sourced from organic sources(confirmed by our server). The green eye matcha was fantastic, while not sweet it was perfectly tart and had a great dash of matcha taste. The 12. Oz steak and eggs were very delightful with the side of vegetable crouton mix serving almost as a gremolata or a chinichurri. It was perfect for brunch and the flavors were just so rich and enlightening. The pancakes and eggs were very nicely done and pair beautifully with the maple syrup. The maple syrup itself was such an amazing experience, it was delicate , light and not too sticky, indicating a homemade saucy syrup which was a great experience! If you are searching for a cute brunch experience with light vibes and great service then this spot is definitely a must!

Michael Preiss A Hidden Gem with a Breathtaking View This restaurant is an absolute must-visit — not only for the food, but especially for the stunning rooftop-like setting. The view is nothing short of spectacular, offering a grand and unforgettable panorama that alone makes the visit worthwhile. The food is outstanding, clearly crafted with care and high-quality ingredients. While the prices are on the higher side, the culinary experience more than justifies the cost. The staff are incredibly friendly and attentive, adding to the overall warm and welcoming atmosphere. The interior design is beautiful, stylish, and perfectly complements the elevated dining experience. Highly recommended for a special evening or anyone looking to enjoy excellent food in an extraordinary setting.

Local Love My wife were in Santa Monica visiting our son and he suggested that we check this place out. Well we did and the food was fantastic as well as the service. We were in town for 7 days and we actually came here twice! The first time was for launch which we enjoyed a nice salad with a small appetizer and a cocktail. The second time we came in for dinner and had an amazing hamburger that was thick and prepared exactly how I like it (medium) . This is definitely one of our favorites now on Montana Ave. we will definitely be back we come come out and visit next.

Susanne Verch Was in the LA area for business and decided to go to Santa Monica for a morning walk and breakfast. Sugar Palm did not disappoint. It is inside a hotel right across from the beach- near the pier. Service was excellent- very attentive staff and you cannot go wrong with a “Dutch Baby” I was pleasantly surprised to see this gem on the menu and it’s a five star for sure. The outside patio looks very inviting, it was a cool over-cast morning, so we dined inside. Parking on premises is available or grab a spot on the street behind the hotel, if the beach spots are taken.

James Olschlager This place is amazing!!! By far the best burger I ever had! I got the Californiacation burger. Very flavorful and everything was fresh!!! I like the atmosphere, felt like you were at a backyard bbq! Staff were very friendly and quick! Definitely a hidden gem in Santa Monica! Will visit again next time we are there!!

Tiffany Sum First time stay here at the Proper. Atmosphere was great. Loved the convenience of having breakfast at the Palma. Shoutout to our server, German. He was so sweet and his service was excellent. I left my sunglasses and he saved it for me. He actually tried to run out to find me… food quality was great too. I would consider coming back!

Nisha Nisha LouLou restaurant is such a vibe! I went for brunch Saturday to celebrate my cousins birthday. We really enjoyed ourselves. The food and drinks were delicious! Great ambiance, loved every bit of music the DJ was playing. I highly recommend. Im not sure how much self parking cost but if you prefer valet its $25.

Ryan Gaynor Love this place, we will definitely come back! The rack of lamb, the mushroom pasta, and the french fries were excellent, so delicious! I’m sure there are many other delicious items that I will be trying next time. It’s a beautiful place with really awesome music, we really dig the vibe! Thank you for the wonderful service from our waiter Jonathan and anyone else who helped out, everyone was really nice! See you next time!

Yigal Zibari I had an absolutely unforgettable experience at Upper West! I visited last week to celebrate a friends birthday, and we came as a large group—about 15 of us. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere felt warm and welcoming. The staff were not only incredibly friendly but also impressively knowledgeable, accommodating and flexible. . Its clear they take pride in what they serve. I ordered the Veggie Burger and it was hands down the best veggie burger I’ve ever had. It even came with house-made ketchup that took it to another level. Every bite was pure satisfaction. chef’s kiss To complement it, I had the Strawberry Fields cocktail. Refreshing, just the right amount of sweet, and tasted just as amazing as it looked. One of the highlights? Our server surprised us with a generous tray featuring every dessert on the menu— ON THE HOUSE!!! Talk about next-level hospitality! I’ll definitely be coming back. Highly, highly recommend!

Kristin Arnoldi Wandered in from the pier after looking at close restaurants with great Google reviews. Oscar made my meal really enjoyable. He made a delicious Oaxacan Old Fashioned (hint: ask for a Tajin rim) and the tacos were delicious. Highly recommend for friendly staff, delicious tacos (although this is NOT a taco place), and yummy drinks!

Aitana Blose A petite-rustic-Spain restaurant. Manchego is a cozy gem in Santa Monica that blends Spanish charm with a welcoming, neighborhood vibe. From the moment you step in, the ambiance strikes a perfect balance between intimate and lively — ideal for a date night or a small gathering of friend. The tapas menu is the star here, featuring a rotating selection of classic and inventive small plates. The bacon-wrapped dates and patatas bravas are consistent favorites, while the imported manchego cheese (of course) adds a rich, authentic flavor to multiple dishes. The wine list leans heavily toward Spanish and Californian varieties, with helpful staff who are more than happy to recommend pairings. What sets Manchego apart is the attention to detail — not just in the food, but in the service. The staff are attentive without hovering, and genuinely seem to enjoy helping guests explore the menu. Pricing is reasonable given the quality and location, especially during happy hour from 5:00pm to 6:30pm. Highly recommended for lovers of tapas, wine, and relaxed sophistication. I am just not sure of the live music time, but it was offered here too.