The Curious Palate
395 Santa Monica Pl, Santa Monica CA 90401
$
California
Ingredients are fresh, natural and all is house made. No artificial ingredients or preservatives used in our kitchen.
Reservations
Booking Notes:
For parties larger than 12 please call us.
You must cancel your reservation if you are not coming.
Business Info
- Address: 395 Santa Monica Pl, Santa Monica CA 90401
- Cross Street: 4th street and Broadway
- Location: Beverly Hills & Westside | Santa Monica
- Cuisine: California | Fusion | Hamburger | International | New American | Pasta | Seafood | Southwest | Vegan | Vegetarian |
- Cost: | Very Inexpensive
- Category: Upscale Casual
- Star Rating:
- Reservations: Recommended
- Dress Code: Casual
- Meals Served: Lunch | Dinner |
- Parking: Parking Garage |
- Payment Options: VISA | Amex | MasterCard | Discover | Diners Club | Cash | Apple Pay |
- Corkage Fee: 12.00 | per bottle
- Website: www.thecuriouspalate.com
- Phone: 3103952901
- Features: Outdoor Seating, Takeout Available, Healthy Options, Free Wi-Fi, Farm-to-table,
- Occasion: Child Friendly, Romantic Dining, Dining Alone, Business Dining, Meet for a Drink, People Watching, Quiet Conversation, Special Occasion, Vegetarian, Dog Friendly, Quick Bite, Trendy / Hip, Celebrity Spotting, Date Night,
Photos
Events & Special Hours
- 4th of July close early
- July 4, 2026 Lunch 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Business Hours
Reservations Available
- Monday
- Hours of Business 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM
- Tuesday
- Tuesday Hours 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM
- Wednesday
- Wednesday Hours 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM
- Thursday
- Thursday Hours 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM
- Friday
- Friday Hours 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM
- Saturday
- Saturday Hours 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Sunday
- Sunday Hours 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Customer Reviews & Ratings
4.73 out of 5 stars based on 227 votes
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
May 18, 2026
Robert C.
This eatery, remotely located in the east end of the rooftop at Santa Monica Place, is truly unique. It is family run and is the only surviving restaurant of the original ones on the top floor. The menu offers great variety and every dish is served lovingly. The service accommodated my ordering error generously, and our salads were inventive and delicious. Elliot, the owner, checked in with us several times to talk about their food and his pleasure in inventing and serving it. Prices are very reasonable and the atmosphere is casual, whether seated indoors or on the patio.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 25, 2025
Grace L.
Excellent!!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Aug 01, 2025
Bob F.
One of those rare finds that leaves you pleasantly surprised and satisfied. If you are in Santa Monica and are looking for a great culinary experience, this is your place!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 30, 2025
Brian L.
Outstanding food and service. Strongly recommend you going here, often. Talk with the owner too, super interesting and personable.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 13, 2025
Susan W.
Really wonderful food and friendly, efficient service. Appealing menu too. And good music.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 05, 2025
Marnee H.
All excellent and delicious. Very generous portions, great prices, casual atmosphere. Fresh ingredients guaranteed by owner himself! Highly recommend for an easy, casual lunch/dinner!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 26, 2024
Jeanne C.
Great food, beer selection & service! Thoroughly enjoyed our meal!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 21, 2024
Robert M.
Amazing food using fresh local produce. The staff couldn't be nicer, we had a great time.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Apr 13, 2024
Stella E.
We were surprised at the location but the food and service was excellent
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Mar 12, 2024
Anna G.
The best lunch on our trip in LA.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jan 13, 2024
Daniela T.
We loved it! Went 3 times in 2 days. Thank you
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Dec 07, 2023
Liz G.
Always excellent food and friendly staff. One of our favorite places.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 9/10
- Value: 9/10
Nov 25, 2023
Chris M.
New American food at its finest. Totally worth choosing this restaurant over the food court.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 06, 2023
Jan R.
Excellent food and service
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 12, 2023
Robyn S.
We loved the fresh ingredients, the ability to personalize our choices, the shaded outdoor area so close to things we wanted to do in Santa Monica, the laid back opportunity to catch up with an old friend. Parking was easy, finding the place not so much but it will be now when we return.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Feb 24, 2023
Marie Kathleen S.
Loved it!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 8/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 9/10
Jan 20, 2023
Monette V.
great patio space and loved the vibe. I liked the quietness. perfect for our group to talk
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Dec 18, 2022
Tristan C.
Food was amazing!
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Oct 11, 2022
Susan L.
We go to Curious Palate with friends as often as we can and really enjoy the overall experience. I so appreciate owner/operator businesses and want to support them in every way possible
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 10/10
Sep 08, 2022
Dianne W.
I only have GREAT things to say about this place!!! The service was awesome and all of the dishes we ordered were DELICIOUS!!!! I will be back and send everyone I know there as well :-D
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 28, 2022
melody f.
We had a wonderful meal at the Curious Palate; great service, delicious food and a very welcoming and friendly owner. We’ll be back, the next time we are in Santa Monica.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 10/10
Jun 08, 2022
John T.
SoCal residents, We were in LA for business, liked the menu and selection for lunch, not much of a crowd for lunch, however given the rough ride for last 2 yrs, still in the recovery mode. Bottom line, excellent service, simply outstanding food preparation, good value, it would be nice to have a location outside of the mall, but nonetheless we would definitely return.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
May 21, 2022
Jasmine T.
Really great food and fast service !
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 10/10
May 03, 2022
Susan L.
We go to Curious Palate as often as we can. The food is fabulous and the owner is on hand to offer his caring support and guidance to patrons and staff.
- Overall: 10/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 10/10
- Value: 7/10
Feb 12, 2022
Molly G.
Great food and service. A little pricey, but that’s Santa Monica, I guess.
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 9/10
Oct 10, 2025
Dolores W.
Great find! Farm to table food was delicious and service was delightful. I chose it because my son is vegetarian, but there were numerous options for all. Loved it and will visit again when in Santa Monica!
- Overall: 9/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 8/10
Mar 23, 2022
Chad N.
Enjoyed the evening and the young man who waited on us did a great job!
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 10/10
- Service: 10/10
- Ambience: 8/10
- Value: 8/10
Feb 03, 2022
Susie R.
Food was incredible, really good. Service was great. The only thing I would say is the seating could be a little more comfortable. Also, the area around where was seated didn't seem real clean. It hadn't been swept or wiped down. Would recommend this place and hope to come back, if I ever want to deal with the homeless up there again.
- Overall: 8/10
- Food: 9/10
- Service: 9/10
- Ambience: 7/10
- Value: 7/10
Oct 16, 2021
Michael H.
Good food with lots options and a nice staff. Very clean and relaxing vibe. Could increase the wine selection though.