Where to eat in Santa Monica
 

We are looking for a good place to eat in Santa Monica for dinner any suggestions? Are there any places that are famous for star sightings?

When we stayed at Shutters on the Beach, One Pico was full of celebrities and there was a Studio party at the pool...

I can tell you some places that we like (and have gone to many times, so I know that quality is consistent) on Main Street in SM--- but not for star sightings.

Lula Mexican Cocina ---a fun place that has really good Mexican food.
http://www.lulacocinamexicana.com/

Library Alehouse---very casual, good food and a huge selection of brews on tap.
http://www.libraryalehouse.com/

PS if you want a super-splurge dinner at a place where DS and DDIL saw George Clooney on the Saturday night before the Oscars, here is a really good French restaurant. However, no stars guaranteed, except for the cuisine.

http://melisse.com/

If you'll have a car, one of the most memorable places for dinner on a Saturday night is the Restaurant at the Getty Center. (most days they're only open for lunch or brunch).

We like the informal restaurant at Shutters on the Beach. It is called Coast. It has a great patio with ocean views for lunch, and also good for dinners.

We have also liked Lobster, a restaurant in SM. And a nice Italian restaurant we found on Third Avenue, on a corner. But I forget its name.

Sorry-somehow it posted before I was ready-here is the complete post:

One of the best restaurants in LA is in Santa Monica which is Melisse. http://melisse.com/

Be aware it is VERY pricy-2 star Michelin and does not have a view, but you definitely will see celebs there :)


Fig in the Fairmount Mira Mar also gets rave reviews: http://www.figsantamonica.com/


Other restaurants that generally are pretty renowned are JiRaffe: http://www.jirafferestaurant.com/

The Lobster has an amazing view and good seafood: http://www.thelobster.com/

Rustic Canyon has great tapas and seasonal menu: www.rusticcanyonwinebar.com/

Manchego-great Spanish food (tiny so reservations for sure)

http://manchegoonmain.com/

Wolfgang Puck's CHinois on Main is great for celebs:

http://www.wolfgangpuck.com/restaura...ne-dining/3654

At a more reasonable price point is La Vecchia: http://www.lavecchia.com/
( we have friends who come to visit us in LA and now will only go there!!)

For breakfast Urth Cafe is widely popular: http://www.urthcaffe.com/

and we also love Novel cafe for huevos rancheros:

http://www.novelcafe.com/locations/

and last but not least the Huckleberry Cafe has amazing pastries: http://www.huckleberrycafe.com/

California Pizza Kitchen quintessential California for me

Thai pizza salads pastas homemade delicious great price points

Good starsighting there also the Pier...

www.lasightseeing.net

My cousin said there are always like 5 celebrity sightings at Cafe Gratitude.

We like BOA - excellent wine by the glass menu.

I have to have a different opinion about CPK - it is a chain place - in many states.

Wow thanks for all your suggestions!! I am going to check out those websites.

California Pizza Kitchen is good enough, but it's more like a Cheesecake Factory chain than a special place.

If you're looking for an interesting and unique experience, check out Opaque, who hosts Dining in the Dark, at VLounge in Santa Monica. www.darkdining.com

"California Pizza Kitchen quintessential California for me"
hardly -- it's a chain that has average food and nothing particularly Californian about it.