Culinary Tours

A culinary tour is a truly unique dining experience. In Santa Monica, it can take the form of a special dinner in the kitchen with a world-renowned chef, a progressive dinner that brings an eclectic array of cooking styles together in one evening for an unforgettable meal, or a culinary circuit that introduces your clients to a new superb restaurant.

Santa Monica’s restaurant choices are varied. Here’s a sample of what to expect while in Santa Monica:

310 Bistro & Lounge—Sophisticated and modern, the surf-and-turf cuisine combined with a swanky nightclub atmosphere make this a trendy place to be. Dance the night away in late evening hours to music like Brazilian-infused hip hop.

Bizou Garden Bistro at the Water Garden— Known for dishes that delight the senses. Try the rack of lamb with minted lamb sauce, the monk fish with lobster sauce, or the exceptional braised short ribs.

BOA—A contemporary twist to the quintessential steakhouse in an ultra-modern setting. The steaks are tender and the menu has delectable nouveau additions.

Bubba Gump Fish Co.—This southern-styled seafood restaurant was, ironically, conceptualized in Hollywood. Feast on Bubba’s Far-Out Dip or snack on the shrimp and mahi-mahi Hush Pups. And, there’s always Forrest Gump’s favorites— crispy Southern Fried Chicken or the Dixie-style baby back ribs.

Chinois On Main—A delightful blending of Asian, California, and French cuisine, Chinois on Main was founded by Spago’s Wolfgang Puck. It was the birthplace of the culinary fusion movement and now has a room for special events.

Border Grill—You don’t need to go South of the Border to get hot tamales. Spicy renditions of South American and Mexican foods whet the appetites of vegetarian and vegan lovers as well.

Ivy at the Shore—Nautical and Hawaiian-themed, chic suntanned people with resort attitudes praise the corn chowder, pizzas, grilled vegetable salad, and fried chicken.

Juliano’s Raw—As California as it gets, Juliano’s Raw is one of the international pioneers of “living” food: pizzas, sandwiches, sushi, burritos, sangria, shakes, cookies, puddings, pies, and more—all prepared with completely raw ingredients.

The Lobster—This romantic restaurant serves up top-notch seafood and a 180° panoramic view of the Pacific and Palisades Park.

Michael’s—This made Zagat’s survey as one of the top trendsetters with its creative menu and “drop-dead gorgeous patio.” This escape from the real world was founded by owner Michael McCarty, pioneer of California cuisine.

Ocean Avenue Seafood—This English colonial style in Indonesia restaurant offers deep Hawaiian koa woods and a delicious array of colors that complement the perfectly-appointed cuisine. A raw food bar, fish tanks, and Oyster Hour have proven the restaurant’s success.

Rusty’s Surf Ranch—Located on the Santa Monica Pier, the freshest of seaside menus to Baja Beach Cuisine is served at this local institution. Karaoke and billiards are evening delights and groups can arrange special evenings with views of the Pacific.

Yu—Golden Buddhas shine on asian-inspired dishes like Asian tapas, Vietnamese lemongrasscrusted spare ribs, and wasabi panko-crusted skate wings. For a taste of the East, Yu can’t be beat.

A TASTY SAMPLING OF OPTIONS ARE LISTED BELOW:

BREAKFAST

• People watching and eggy delectables at The Omelette Parlor


• American and Southwestern breakfasts and lunches at cozy Jinky’s Café


• Bustling New York-style atmosphere at Broadway Deli


• 1950’s diner with hearty breakfast choices at Rae’s Diner


• Great morning standards at local-favorite Joe’s Diner


• The world’s finest doughnuts at Krispy Kreme on Wilshire

HEALTHY/ORGANIC

• Vegan cuisine melded with organic food at Real Food Daily


• Nouveau and pioneering uncooked dishes at Juliano’s Raw


• Sugar-free but sweet confections at Mäni’s Bakery


• The co-operative natural grocer at Co-Opportunity


• Straight-from-the-fields produce at one of Santa Monica’s four renowned Farmers’ Markets

COFFEE BREAKS/TREATS/APPETIZERS

• High tea at the Oceanfront Restaurant at Hotel Casa del Mar


• Sticky buns, to-die-for croissants, and blueberry pastries are just a sampling of Urth Caffe’s delectable treats


• Sinfully-decadent Leonidas Chocolate Cafe serves up mouth-watering chocolates with tasty mocha drinks.

APPETIZERS

• Sushi atop the Santa Monica Airport at The Hump—the name WWII pilots gave the Himalayas


• Crispy Thai shrimp at L.A. Farm


• Award-winning Pan Asian delicacies at atmospheric Monsoon


• Foie gras or ahi tuna rolls in the poolside cabana at Viceroy’s Whist
  
• Extensive variety of fresh oysters from the raw bar at Ocean Avenue Seafood


• A sampling of decadent small plate dining at Violet


• Sushi hand rolls, fried calamari, and oyster on the half shell at Ma’Kai

ENTREES

• Contemporary four-star rated French-American fare at Mélisse, #1 rating by Zagat


• Crab cakes, prime rib, and grilled vegetable salad at the entertainment-industry hangout Ivy at the Shore


• Delicious seafood, cantilevered deck with 180° view of the ocean, sunset, and the last great municipal fun pier at The Lobster


• Superb pan-Asian dishes at Typhoon located at the Santa Monica Airport
  
• State-of-the-art California and nouvelle cuisine at JiRaffe


• High creativity, with a specialization in game, at Josie Restaurant


• Your choice of Italian specialization from Locanda del Lago (Northern Italy’s lake region), i. Cugini (seafood and authentic Italian), Il Fornaio (Sicilian and across the beach), or Il Forno (Northern Italian)


• Culinary showmanship and Japanese specialties including a sushi loft and a sake lounge at Benihana


• Mouthwatering steaks at BOA


• Evening dancing preceded by poached salmon and braised artchichokes at 310 Bistro & Lounge


• Daily menu changes according to seasonal and organic offerings at the deliciously delightful Wilshire


• Enjoy a classic steak with a contemporary twist at Lincoln Steakhouse Americana


• Satiate yearnings for pomegranate tamarindglazed quail and Vietnamese lemongrasscrusted spare ribs at Yu

DESSERTS

• Mixed berry crumble and chocolate banana cream pie at the Caribbean-styled Babalu


• Something sinfully delectable from Celestino Drago’s namesake Drago


• Chocolate truffle cake or créme brulée along with the spectacular Pacific view at Oceanfront Restaurant at Hotel Casa del Mar


• Gelato or sorbetto Italian-style from Angelato Café


• Banana crème pie or souffléed key lime cheesecake at Border Grill

AFTER HOURS

• Sunset cocktails at Mariasol, at the end of the city’s historic Pier


• Sophisticated Hollywood atmosphere and poolside cabanas at the Cameo Bar at Viceroy


• The combination of elegance, Hollywood suits, and ocean views at The Veranda at Hotel Casa Del Mar


• Eclectic dance club in the darkly atmospheric barcopa


• Anglophile’s dream—Guinness and darts at the traditional English pub Ye Olde King’s Head


• Rocks, blues, and folk in a ’60s-themed Rusty’s Surf Ranch


• Eastern meets urban at the live entertainment and dancing Temple Bar


• DJs and African/Indian influence at Zanzibar


• Great microbrews topped with great conversation at the Library Alehouse


• Fusion cuisine of Japanese and French and a tres-elegant supper club/night spot Cinch


• Over 80 varieties of vodka and plenty of Beluga caviar at post-Cold War cool “hidden-door” Voda


• Atmosphere, atmosphere, atmosphere and billiards, live music, dancing, and food at Gotham Hall—a favorite venue for moviewrap and other entertainment industry parties


• Friendly and accessible Chez Jay has been serving and entertaining locals and celebrities for over 45 years


• Ma’Kai offers late night dining, drinks, and live music around the patio fire pit in rattan-and-surf Polynesian style

Let our sales team help you put together the ultimate dining experience for your client group.