The 18 Best Santa Monica Restaurants

"Bryant Ng and Kim Luu-Ng's Cassia has been heralded by critics and diners alike for its elevated Vietnamese, Chinese, and Singaporean fare with French bistro accents. The bustling dining room and high ceilings give Cassia a unique energy for Santa Monica, giving it something of a hip edge that would be typical of places in Venice or Silver Lake. The drinks flow at the bar while the hearth gives off more than enough smoke and heat to remind you that all the dishes carry a strong whiff of smoky flavor. Many of Cassia’s greatest hits include the kaya toast, spicy chile crab, beef rendang, laksa, and chickpea curry." - Eater Staff, Matthew Kang