5 Best Restaurants in Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, and Brentwood, Los Angeles
In these neighborhoods, choose from a diverse collection of eateries—from sandwich shops to upscale seafood houses—that cater to the healthy and active lifestyle of locals. But beware of overpriced eateries betting that an ocean view will help you forget about substandard value and quality. Fortunately, they're easy to avoid by sticking to our list here. As for budget eats, there are plenty of cafés, burger shacks, and casual chains that won't raise an eyebrow when you walk in with your sandy flip-flops.
Father's Office
Distinguished by its vintage neon sign, this gastropub is famous for handcrafted beers and a brilliant signature burger (along with a substantial and excellent menu). Topped with Gruyère and Maytag blue cheeses, arugula, caramelized onions, and applewood-smoked bacon compote, the Office Burger is a guilty pleasure worth waiting in line for, which is usually required. Get a side order of the addictive sweet-potato fries served in a miniature fryer basket with aioli. Don't even think of asking for ketchup—FO enforces a strict no-substitutions policy.
Huckleberry Bakery and Cafe
Founded by Santa Monica natives, Huckleberry brings together the best ingredients from local farmers and growers to craft diner-style comfort food with a chic twist. Nearly everything is made on-site, even the hot sauce and almond milk. The light, bright space is perfect for a quick brunch. Choose from savories like huevos rancheros with black bean puree or a Niman Ranch ham and Gruyère sandwich. Breakfast is served all day. Baked goods rotate frequently according to the seasonal whims of the pastry chef; the kouign amann is always a standout. Bonito Coffee Roasters coffee tempts from the extensive drink menu.
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Patrick's Roadhouse
As the rooftop dinosaur and Lady Liberty statues suggest, this leprechaun-green roadhouse, tucked into the hillside of Pacific Palisades, is a maximalist ode to the past crammed with memorabilia ranging from British railway signs to cheeky bronze statuettes. An Old World portrait of a young Arnold Schwarzenegger in epaulets lords over the proceedings, along with Arnold's throne, which you can request to be seated in. Solid breakfast options include the chilaquiles with a generous topping of sliced avocado or the beyond-immense breakfast burrito. For lunch or dinner, come for the just-right fish and chips or the Pot of Gold burger, and try to resist adding the house-made potato chips and banana cream pie. Waitstaff are brisk and friendly and big band and Great American Songbook tunes keep the atmosphere lively.
Sweet Rose Creamery
Sweet Rose Creamery is the next-best thing you'll find to homemade ice cream—only with a much posher atmosphere in the Brentwood Country Mart. From-scratch offerings feature local farmers' fare and are all-natural. Come for the salted caramel and stay for seasonal specialties like the Santa Teresa lemon buttermilk sherbet. There are even heavenly options for the lactose-intolerant.
