Fresh openings and immersive experiences lead the season in Santa Monica
As summer begins in Santa Monica, the city welcomes the season with iconic celebrations, anticipated openings, beachfront experiences, and global sporting moments energising our vibrant coastal destination. Proving that hospitality remains a key focus in the city, visitors and locals have many exciting new hotels, restaurants and retail destinations to explore all summer long.
Food & Beverage
SELINE Awarded One MICHELIN Star (Main Street)
Santa Monica restaurant SELINE has been awarded One MICHELIN Star at the 2026 MICHELIN Guide California awards ceremony, becoming Santa Monica’s third MICHELIN Star restaurant. SELINE is an elevated concept by Chef Dave Beran focused on encouraging a relationship between diners and the kitchen by removing barriers and implementing a service style that encourages conversation. SELINE’s 14-18 course tasting menu is crafted with both familiar and unique flavours for a thoughtful culinary journey showcasing creative concepts inspired by Southern California.
santamonica.com/restaurants/seline
Brand-New Dining Destinations in Pacific Park (Pier/Ocean Ave.)
The West Coast’s only amusement park on a pier welcomes two new locations for sweet treats and hearty eats this summer. Now parkgoers can enjoy a slice of pizza and a refreshing beverage surrounded by ocean views and the bustling energy of the Pier at La Monica Pizza & Bar, before heading over to Sweet Rose Creamery’s newest outpost for a delectable scoop of handcrafted, organic ice cream.
santamonica.com/things-to-do/pacific-park
West Side Oyster Club (Pier/Ocean Ave.)
From the family behind beloved Santa Monica Pier restaurant The Albright comes a new dining destination, West Side Oyster Club. The Ocean Avenue restaurant serves a menu of coastal classics including fish & chips, lobster rolls, seafood platters and more, with elevated offerings including an exciting beverage program, caviar and oysters on the half shell. The casual concept offers diners both counter service and to-go friendly options perfect for picking up fresh seafood to enjoy in Palisades Park or even on the beach just steps away.
santamonica.com/restaurants/westside-oyster-club
Downtown Santa Monica Farmers Market Celebrates 45 Years (Downtown)
Open to shoppers since July 1981, the Wednesday edition of the Downtown Santa Monica Farmers Market celebrates 45 years offering a vast selection of the freshest organic produce from the region’s top growers. A weekly stop for residents and celebrated chefs in search of the highest quality ingredients, this essential local tradition is located between Arizona Ave. and 2nd St. every Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
santamonica.com/things-to-do/downtown-farmers-market
Raising Cane’s (Downtown)
Marking an exciting milestone for the ongoing revitalisation of Third Street Promenade, this beloved chicken strip chain has opened its first Westside location. Named after founder Todd Graves’ beloved Labrador Retriever Raising Cane, the popular restaurant serves a straightforward menu of chicken finger combos, sides like coleslaw and Texas toast and refreshing drinks including sweet tea and lemonade. Here, visitors and locals alike will experience a vibrant atmosphere where the brand’s signature energy meets local beach culture. The highly localised interior sports a customised surf-and-skate theme with a stunning custom Pacific Wheel mural. It stands as a perfect, buzzy new summer anchor for hungry beachgoers looking for a fast, satisfying bite in the heart of the city.
santamonica.com/restaurants/raising-canes
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pizzeria (Downtown)
For the first time, the beloved franchise heroes’ famously favourite food moves from the screen to a brick-and-mortar space in Santa Monica. The themed dining space on Third Street Promenade welcomes fans of both TMNT and lovers of pizza to enjoy New York slices, exclusive merch and even a bar on weekends.
santamonica.com/restaurants/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-pizzeria
Dragon Alley Coffee (Downtown)
A whimsical new coffee shop has landed on Third Street Promenade, where patrons will enjoy handcrafted beverages and bites ranging from simple favourites to specialty items like Butter Beer, a Blueberry Muffin Latte, Dragon Cream Bread and more. Hosting open mic Thursdays and latte-art Sundays, this unique café promises a magical place to slow down and savour.
santamonica.com/restaurants/dragon-alley-coffee-shop
The Win~Dow (Montana Ave.)
Venice’s cult-favourite smashburger has taken over the former Go Get Em Tiger space, bringing its highly sought after, crave-worthy menu directly to Santa Monica. Complete with an inviting 50-seat patio and vibrant local murals, the new hotspot serves as the perfect casual summer hangout. Foodies can look forward to soaking up the California sun while enjoying high-quality, ultra-affordable smashburgers, classic milkshakes and crispy fried chicken sandwiches in the heart of the neighbourhood.
santamonica.com/restaurants/the-window
Pop’s Bagels (Montana Ave.)
Westside-favourite bagel shop Pop’s Bagels now has its latest outpost in Santa Monica. A perfect fit for the Montana Avenue neighbourhood, Pop’s Bagels serves an extensive menu of bagel creations from BLT and egg and cheese sandwiches to bagels with schmear and breakfast burritos.
santamonica.com/restaurants/pops-bagels
Circle Bar (Main Street)
First opening its doors in 1949, Circle Bar is an iconic nightlife staple that hosted decades of dance floor memories, buzzing crowds and vibrant nights. The updated Main Street favourite has returned to welcome back revellers for DJ sets and dancing.
santamonica.com/restaurants/circle-bar
Pontu Chicken (Ocean Park)
This casual new eatery specialises in Peruvian-style pollo a la brasa. Known for its perfectly seasoned, slow-roasted rotisserie chicken and laid-back atmosphere, this new spot brings bold, comforting flavours and an inviting neighbourhood feel to the area. Complete with a cozy patio ideal for sunny lunches and relaxed dinners, Pontu Chicken is poised to become a go-to destination for comfort food with a vibrant Peruvian twist.
santamonica.com/restaurants/pontu
DOL Coffee House (Wilshire Blvd.)
Santa Monica’s coffee scene continues to elevate with the arrival of DOL Coffee House on Wilshire Boulevard, bringing a fresh wave of Vietnamese-inspired coffee culture to the Westside. Taking over the former Krispy Kreme space, the buzzworthy new café is celebrated for its signature Vietnamese coffees, specialty teas, boba drinks and decadent desserts, including fan-favourite egg coffee and rich condensed milk creations. With its modern aesthetic, trendy menu and cozy all-day atmosphere, DOL Coffee House is quickly becoming the newest go-to for caffeine lovers, catch-up sessions and sweet afternoon escapes in Santa Monica.
santamonica.com/restaurants/dol-coffee-house
Big Sur Grill (Wilshire Blvd.)
Another exciting addition to Santa Monica’s Wilshire Boulevard, Big Sur Grill is an elevated live-fire dining destination inspired by the raw beauty and spirit of California’s Central Coast. Led by Executive Chef Philip Wojtowicz, the celebrated culinary force behind Big Sur Bakery and co-author of The Big Sur Bakery Cookbook, the restaurant brings more than two decades of wood-fire expertise to the table, transforming peak seasonal California ingredients through smoke, flame and bold simplicity.
santamonica.com/restaurants/big-sur-grill
