About
Welcome to Michael's Santa Monica, a vibrant New American eatery and bar nestled in the heart of Santa Monica at 1147 3rd St. This restaurant isn’t just a place to dine; it’s an experience that embodies the spirit of Californian cuisine in a stylish setting.
As you step into Michael's, you are enveloped in a warm and inviting ambiance. The decor strikes a perfect balance between contemporary and cozy, offering various seating options that cater to both intimate gatherings and lively outings with friends. Guests rave about the attentive service, ensuring that every moment spent here is enjoyable and memorable.
The menu is a culinary journey worth exploring. Start with their highly-praised fish and chips and lobster roll, celebrated for their freshness and flavor—truly a 10/10 experience according to patrons. For those craving a quick bite, the oysters and wings make for fantastic happy hour picks, showing the kitchen's dedication to quality and creativity.
Drinks are equally impressive at Michael's. Their selection includes a variety of craft beers and signature cocktails designed to tantalize your palate. The Barrel Aged Black Manhattan and Garden Margarita are must-try options that beautifully complement the menu, offering a refreshing escape in every sip. For wine lovers, Michael's has a diverse list, featuring options like crisp Pinot Grigio and lush Chardonnay by the glass, perfect for pairing with your meal.
Evenings at Michael's can be magical, especially when sitting outdoors under the warm glow of heaters, making it a wonderful choice for celebrations or casual dinners alike. Whether you’re indulging in the Wagyu Bolognese or sharing delectable sides like truffle fries, the collective rave reviews speak to the kitchen's ability to create comfort food elevated to an art form.
Michael's Santa Monica also stands out for its convenient location just steps from the Promenade, making it an ideal stop after a day of shopping or beach strolls. It’s no surprise that both locals and visitors alike keep returning to savor the uplifting atmosphere and deliciously crafted dishes.
So, whether you're a Santa Monica resident or just visiting, make sure to mark your calendar for a visit to Michael's Santa Monica. You won't just be enjoying a meal—you'll be partaking in a lively culinary experience that captures the essence of California dining.
“ A classic Californian staple restaurant. Love the art and menu here. Wish they would switch out the tables and chairs (loungers are ok) ”
“ Wow--Michael's truly delivered! I recently moved to Santa Monica, and my boyfriend insisted we check out Michael's--and I'm so glad we did. We stopped by during happy hour and ordered the fish and chips, oysters, wings, and the lobster roll. Everything was a 10/10. The service was fantastic--our waiter was attentive and checked in on us regularly. The ambiance is warm and inviting, making it the perfect place for Happy hour or dinner. Another bonus: it's just a short walk from the Promenade, which makes it super convenient. I've been dreaming about those fish and chips ever since. Can't wait for my next visit! ”
“ Excellent Service from the time in set foot in the restaurant. Several different designed interiors to choose from to sit. HH Lobster Roll oh so good. The waiter and Manager attentive and wonderful highly recommended! ”
“ The food at Michael's is extraordinary and the service is equally extraordinary. I highly recommend the cocktails and I can't wait to try their happy hour. It's a beautiful setting and I imagine in the summer it's wonderful but it's very comfortable in the evening even in the fall with a layer. ”
“ Excellent dinner celebrating my mom's birthday! It was lovely sitting outside protected by a tall awning. They gave heaters spread throughout so we never felt cold. We had syrah and a bottle of champagne that was amazing. We startes with the bread, fig salad and sausage pizza and incredible. We all loved what we ordered from the delicious branzino, wagu Bolognese, chicken and hamburger. We shared sides of cauliflower and truffle fries. For dessert we had pretty much everything on the list and are it up until we were all stuffed. I hope to return soon! ”
“ If you're on the hunt for a great spot in Santa Monica, look no further than Michael's--it's a hidden gem that even your GPS might not find. The ambiance is the perfect blend of upscale and relaxed, making you feel fancy without the pressure to wear pants that actually button. I simply adore their rotating curated art collection!!! The service here is fantastic. From the moment you walk in, the staff makes you feel right at home. The owner even stops by to greet guests, which gives the place a personal feel that's hard to find these days. The food? Consistently good. Shoutout to their truffle parmesan fries that have cured my 6pm post-work blues more times than I can count. My favorite happy hour spot currently (: ”
“ Went to Michael's with a few friends and we all really enjoyed it. I was concerned about parking and found that there was a public parking structure with inexpensive parking. We were seated on the back patio which had a lot of shade. The space had a good vibe to it. Our server never rushed us, she took the time to answer questions about the menu and made recommendations. So many times, you feel as if a server is there to do a job, our server was very personable. We shared a couple of Wild Mushroom tarts and for my entree, I had the Prime Short Rib. All of us enjoyed the food. At one point, Michael stopped by the table to greet us. I knew that the restaurant opened up in 1979 and a lot of chefs who went on to become legends started their career at Michael's. I found myself amazed that the restaurant had been open for 45 years which says something and that Michael was still greeting guests. ”
“ We stopped by for their happy hour. They have a cozy patio and outdoor garden with heat lamps. The front was also dog friendly. The food was delicious. The oysters came with fun sauces. The fries from the fish and chips were so crunchy. The tuna tacos were fresh with great flavors. And the duck wings were amazing (although a bit challenging to eat without making a mess). It wasn't busy for a sat night and the tables were not all filled, but it did feel like we were being rushed out towards the end as we were trying to finish our drinks, as we were asked 3 times if we were ready to pay, which was the only downside. Otherwise the food was fantastic and would love to come back to try more happy hour dishes ”