Calabra

"In Rome, you might take a tour of the Vatican City, climb the steps of the Sistine Chapel, and look out on the Piazza San Pietro. In Santa Monica, you take the elevator up to the roof of the Proper Hotel and look out at 7-11, CVS, and the Pacific Ocean. Calabra is no Rome, but the crowd is happy to have a reason to be dressed in this part of town surrounded by rattan furniture, palm fronds, and a swimming pool. Though these design elements are evocative of Tulum, it doesn’t feel gimmicky. Plus, the cocktails and Mediterranean food here are really, really good, from the kebabs and dips to hefty burgers and gyros." - arden shore, brant cox, nikko duren, sylvio martins

"Find Calabra perched on the rooftop of the Santa Monica Proper hotel. The brunch menu is served Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and includes familiar favorites like challah french toast with cinnamon coconut cream; a Mediterranean breakfast with smoked salmon, hummus, labneh, and garlic naan; and coconut chia seed pudding." - Eater Staff

"A lush rooftop patio overlooking the ocean, tasty kabobs and dips, and floral spritzes that go down alarmingly smooth. Hot people are everywhere. No, we’re not describing the latest Mykonos beach club, we’re talking about Calabra, the all-day restaurant at the Proper Hotel in Santa Monica. Things definitely get busy on Saturday and Sundays, but drop-in midweek, and you’ll get right in. " - brant cox

"Calabra, the rooftop restaurant at the Santa Monica Proper, now offers weekend brunch from Friday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Menu highlights include challah French toast, coconut chia seed pudding, and a Mediterranean-style breakfast spread with smoked salmon, hummus, labneh, and garlic naan." - Rebecca Roland

"Calabra reaches its full potential in the summer.. Perched above the Santa Monica Proper Hotel, this splashy spot has a palm tree-lined patio with views of the coastline. The music is loud, and people are definitely dressed up, but it’s the Mediterranean-leaning food that really makes this place stand out. The menu is full of grilled meats, fish, and vegetables, plus there’s a massive mezze sampler lined with enough spicy muhammara, whipped hummus, and creamy baba ganoush to keep you grazing for a full afternoon. Come wearing linen and enjoy some juicy steak kebabs and a baklava sundae as you look out at the sunset. " - sylvio martins, brant cox, nikko duren