So you’re bronzing on the beautiful beaches of LA.  Dancing in the twilight of its shimmering lights.  Or perhaps soaking in some of its sultry sounds.  Your stomach is pleading for some grub and it’s time to eat.  But where to go?  It’s no secret that the City of Angels has restaurants and cafés a plenty, in fact they have so many it can be overwhelming.  So which to choose?  Let Santa Monica whet your appetite.

THE LOBSTER
Located at 1602 Ocean Avenue off Santa Monica Boulevard, The Lobster, nestled between bikers, beach goers, and tourists alike, is the place to be.  Originally a tiny seafood shack in 1925, it was reopened in 1998 under new ownership as a beautiful and elegant building encased in glass and ivy that gives its customers a spectacular near-360˚ view of the ocean and Santa Monica Pier.  Inside, the décor is casual elegance, with large open spaces, wicker chairs, white tablecloths, and a comfortable atmosphere.  Perfect for a romantic evening, a casual lunch, or small family outing.  The Lobster is known for its seafood, including the popular Thai Red Curry Lobster, Yellow Fin Tuna, and Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes.  If you’re not a big fan of Poseidon’s pals, splurge on some succulent Kobe, New York Strip Steak or Marinated Half Chicken instead.  This place is almost always busy, so making reservations is recommended.  Plus, pier parking can get expensive, so save yourself a bundle and a hassle and do the valet thing (the restaurant validates).

BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP CO.
If your group is a bit rowdier and maybe searching for a fun place to eat without worrying about noise levels or prices, walk past The Lobster and down the pier until you hit, yes like the movie, the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.  The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is a two-story restaurant practically floating on the water with an amazing view of the ocean and pier, and great for families with kids or large groups.  The environment is festive with buckets for sauces and napkins, iridescent light-encrusted glasses, signs that say “Run Forrest Run” if you want something from you’re waiter or “Stop Forrest Stop” when you don’t.  It’s generally just a fun time.  The menu ranges from seafood to burgers, margaritas to martinis, and should have a taste everyone can enjoy.

Want to know more?  Click here for a sneak peek in happy hour festivities with The Newbie.  And click here to read about Cali-Mama's fun-filled dining experiment with a Forrest Gump twist.  Let them be your local tour guides.

THE WORLD CAFE
If neither of the others suits your fancy, try The World Café, located at 2820 Main Street, Santa Monica in a quaint neighborhood of homes, cafés and boutiques.  This restaurant has a charming outdoor patio to enjoy a beautiful day, but the inside is just as mesmerizing, with a diverse and fantastical artistic interior that spans from the exotic to the Art Deco.  A full service bar and lounge with TVs, The World Café is also great for casual dining or more romantic experiences.  The menu is as eclectic as the restaurant with some delicious favorites such as the Pork Chops, Spicy Bowtie Pasta, and various salmons and steaks. 

All of these places are local hot spots with great atmospheres and delicious food. And they are definitely all worth checking out.