Santa Monica's Hidden Gems: Top Local Recommendations
Los Angeles4 everybody
Jiro Style Ramen, right here in Los Angie. At Tsujita Annex in West LA, Jiro-style ramen is a specialty that aligns with the authentic features of this style. Tsujita Annex is known for its rich, flavorful ramen and adheres closely to the traditional Jiro-style with its robust broth, substantial portions of toppings, and emphasis on a hearty, satisfying meal. The restaurant’s approach to Jiro-style ramen aims to capture the essence of the original while catering to the local palate. — Jiro-style ramen is a distinct type of ramen that originates from Ramen Jiro, a famous ramen shop in Tokyo, Japan. It’s characterized by its hearty, rich, and indulgent style. The key features of Jiro-style ramen include a thick, flavorful broth, a heavy dose of garlic, a significant amount of bean sprouts, and a generous portion of fatty pork. The noodles are usually thick and chewy, and the dish is often topped with extra slices of pork and sometimes a raw egg.
Secret Los Angeles
The Stalking Horse Brewery & Freehouse This venue exudes the quintessential charm of a British-inspired sports bar. With its inviting atmosphere and a wide array of craft beers brewed on-site, it offers a delightful haven for sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to catch the latest game or simply unwind with friends over traditional British fare, such as fish and chips or meat pies, this establishment delivers on both fronts.
Hellocalifornia
GJUSTA Located just a stone’s throw away from the famed Hammer art museum, Gjusta is one of the best gluten-free bakeries in Los Angeles and is located in the heart of Venice, CA. Gjusta occupies an inconspicuous warehouse, but inside there is a long, narrow hallway with warm, savory pastries and glass cases of captivating sweets, and of course a huge line. The bakery has become locally famous for the high quality of its remarkable gluten-free products. Gjusta locally sources only the best fruit and farm-fresh ingredients to ensure everything they make is as tasty as it is healthy. Their menu consists of delightful sweets such as fruit slices rolled into a sugar-glazed dough for a morning delight, and wonderfully fluffy croissants dusted with pistachio crumbs.
Hellocalifornia
Huckleberry Café and Bakery is without a doubt on the list of best french bakeries in Los Angeles. Zoe Nathan, the head baker, has developed quite a reputation for her pastries, cakes, and quality bread. We recommend trying the beautiful, flaky croissants which come in a wide range of flavors like Prosciutto Gruyère and Valrhona Chocolate. The Huckleberry Cafe and Bakery also offers a variety of other pastries including bread pudding, scones, tarts, donuts, old-fashioned coffee cake, ciabattas, and maple bacon biscuits. The bakery was established in 2009 and recently published a book, "Huckleberry: Stories, Secrets, and Recipes from Our Kitchen," which includes 115 recipes straight from the bakery’s distinguished chefs. Along with the large selection of baked goods offered here, Huckleberry Cafe also offers comfort food such as brisket hash, and egg sandwiches on freshly made country toast. All of this scrumptious food, plus outside patio seating in sunny southern California, make this a perfect place for an outdoor brunch date.
The Restaurant Guide
Xuntos: Great tapas bar in Santa Monica with traditional bar bites from Asturias, Catalonia, the Basque region and Galicia. Cordero designed XUNTOS, “together” in Gallego, to be warm, fun, not too serious, with plenty to eat. Occupying two storefronts of a 1926 building at 516 Santa Monica Boulevard, the space includes two kitchens, two mezzanines, a dining room & a bar room. XUNTOS serves pintxos & tapas, unrefined: small plates from the farmer’s market around the corner to traditional dishes of Galicia, Asturias, Catalunya & the Basque Country, as they’re eaten in Spain. Natural Wines from these regions are the centerpiece of the ambitious beverage program curated by beverage director Scott Baker, with a full bar featuring cocktails by friend Kim Stodel, gin tonics, chupitos (Galician after-dinner drinks), brandies, vermuts & cold cervezas.
Secret Los Angeles
Take a bite out of the best sandwiches in Los Angeles! Italy’s most famous sandwich shop has been drawing crowds to its Florence location since 1991, and we were lucky enough to gain an outpost of All’Antico Vinaio here in L.A. just last year. These globally-famous creations are made with Tuscan schiacciata bread and stuffed with mouthwatering ingredients like prosciutto, truffle honey, stracchino, spicy eggplant, artichoke cream, pancetta, sun dried tomatoes, and so many more. If you’re on the hunt for the best Italian sandwiches in Los Angeles, we’re not sure you can better than this.
Hellocalifornia
Explore art and architecture at the Getty Center, a top Los Angeles cultural destination. The Getty Center, located in Los Angeles, California, is a world-renowned art museum that attracts visitors from all over the world. The museum is home to an extensive collection of art, ranging from ancient to modern, and features exhibits that showcase the work of some of the most famous artists in history. Visitors to the Getty Center can expect to see works by artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Pablo Picasso. To visit the Getty Center, visitors must obtain tickets in advance. The museum also offers a variety of tours, including self-guided tours and guided tours led by knowledgeable docents. If you are planning a visit to the Getty Center, here is some helpful information to make your trip as smooth as possible.
See also
Discover Mar Vista's Top Dining: Local Experiences & Foodie Favorites near LA
Hellocalifornia
Why not have a cinnamon roll for breakfast?! 😋 Do you like sweet or savory in the morning? Milo & Olive is open Every Day for Indoor & Outdoor Dining, Curbside Pickup, Takeout & Delivery 🥐 Breakfast 🥖 Lunch 🍕 Dinner 🍝
citygirlvibes
Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula Beverly Hills is such a treat! The perfect picturesque setting to enjoy girl time, celebrate birthdays or special occasions. Afternoon tea is offered with daily seatings at 11am, 1:30pm or 4pm. Packages start at $125pp. You can reserve on OpenTable at The Living Room 💗
Los Angeles4 everybody
Wanna a danish style cube bread from Kyoto? It’s in Santa Monica now! Mr. Teddy Baker makes the best katsu sandwiches with milk bread too! $10 for the cube to take home and have it as you please. The imported butter that’s mixed into all the fluffiness is so unique, sweet, light, airy and crispy/flaky. It’s great that the katsu sandwich, tenderloin, and they have other options too! You find it at a to-go style place where you walk up and order, get it as delivery or even eat there with the small dining section they have. So good!
Discover Hidden Gems in Santa Monica with Local Recommendations
Welcome to Santa Monica, a picturesque beachfront city near Los Angeles, bustling with life and bursting with hidden gems. Our platform, Kikihub, is here to guide you through local secrets, food recommendations, trending topics, and more, based on real opinions from locals. Dive into the local recommendations and uncover the best-kept secrets of Santa Monica, all curated just for you.
Must-Visit Eateries in Santa Monica
When it comes to food in Santa Monica, locals know best. If you’re looking to explore Santa Monica's culinary scene, start with Bay Cities Italian Deli, a staple for over 90 years known for its Godmother sandwich packed with Italian flavors. For those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss Sweet Rose Creamery, a local favorite for artisanal ice cream made from seasonal ingredients.
For an unforgettable brunch, locals highly recommend Huckleberry Bakery & Café. Known for its farm-to-table approach, you can savor everything from freshly baked pastries to delectable egg dishes. On the trendier side, try Élephante—a rooftop bar and restaurant offering breathtaking ocean views coupled with Mediterranean-inspired dishes. It’s an Instagram-worthy spot that’s often buzzing with the fashion-forward crowd.
Local Insights on Santa Monica's Best Spots
While the Santa Monica Pier is certainly iconic, locals have plenty more insights for you. Palisades Park offers stunning views from Malibu to Palos Verdes and presents a quieter, more scenic place to unwind. Don’t miss the lesser-known Annenberg Community Beach House—a multipurpose destination featuring a historic pool, gallery, and fantastic picnic spots.
If you're looking to immerse yourself in arts and culture, Bergamot Station Arts Center is an often-overlooked treasure trove of contemporary art galleries. For evening entertainment, catch live music or indie performances at McCabe’s Guitar Shop. It’s a unique venue that has hosted legendary artists for decades.
Trending Activities and Unique Experiences
Santa Monica is not just about beach fun; it's a hub for trending activities and experiences too. Yoga enthusiasts will love doing yoga on the beach at sunset, especially around the Santa Monica Fitpad. For a more adventurous outing, consider renting a bike and cruising down the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, which stretches for miles along the coastline.
If you prefer to explore the local neighborhoods, Montana Avenue offers a serene yet stylish shopping experience with boutique stores and charming cafes. On Sunday mornings, the Santa Monica Farmers Market on Main Street is a fest of fresh produce and local crafts, perfect for those who love to shop local.
Unique Food Experiences to Explore
Your culinary journey in Santa Monica isn't complete without diving into some unique food experiences. The Churro Borough in Downtown Santa Monica serves up an intriguing twist on a classic dessert with their Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches, blending crispy and creamy textures wonderfully. For the best fish tacos in town, locals will point you towards Tacos Por Favor, a humble establishment packing bold flavors.
Beer connoisseurs shouldn’t miss a visit to The Albright on the Pier for a selection of craft beers paired with some of the freshest seafood in the area. If you're vegan or simply health-conscious, Café Gratitude offers an entirely plant-based menu with dishes that are both nourishing and Instagrammable. Their 'I Am Grateful' bowl is often the talk of the town.
Engage with Local Chats on Kikihub
For the most accurate and up-to-date local recommendations, Kikihub’s anonymous chats are an invaluable resource. You can engage with locals to get real opinions on new restaurant openings, secret hiking trails, and trending topics around Santa Monica. Whether you’re a food lover looking to discover new eateries or a traveler wanting to explore less touristy attractions, local insights from Kikihub will ensure your experiences are genuine and memorable.
Use Kikihub's platform to ask locals about the best times to visit popular spots or insider tips on how to make the most of your time in Santa Monica. From the secret menu items at favorite diners to the best spots to watch the sunset, locals have you covered. So jump into the conversation and start uncovering Santa Monica's hidden gems today!
