Santa Monica's Best Rooftop Restaurant

Santa Monica’s rooftop restaurants all technically share the same Pacific Ocean view, but the experience varies wildly depending on which elevator you take. You can watch a chef torch your cacio e pepe tableside at Uovo, or you can chase a $24 avocado toast with a mediocre margarita at a spot that looks exactly like its Instagram.

Locals know the real divide isn’t price—it’s whether you want a place that respects your booking or one that treats the sunset like a theatrical event. We checked the menus, the crowds, and the structural integrity of certain lounge chairs.

Some of these rooftops serve the best short rib of your life, while others are essentially a patio for the PCH traffic. Here’s where to crane your neck, and where to actually order a second round.

Orto Santa Monica

Highlights
Fresh made-to-order allergen accommodations
Truffle pasta prepared tableside
Authentic Italian personal touch
Romantic intimate rooftop ambiance
Return-worthy off-menu specials

Orto Santa Monica – A rooftop that leans into its garden-party aesthetic with a vengeance. The space is lush, verdant, and unapologetically Instagrammable, but the food backs up the looks. Wood-fired vegetables arrive charred and smoky, dressed in bright, punchy sauces that taste like they were pulled straight from a farmer's market haul. Service is warm and unhurried, matching the breezy Pacific air. It's not cheap, and the menu can feel a bit precious at times, but for a long, lazy lunch with a view of the palm trees swaying, it's hard to beat. Come hungry for the seasonal crudo and stay for the Negroni that actually packs a punch.

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1212 Santa Monica

Highlights
Unreal food, one of the best meals ever, even as a last-minute walk-in
Attentive, kind hostess who made a birthday dinner feel special
Fast, efficient service; a 20-minute appetizer delay was promptly refunded
Server Cameron was friendly and accommodating throughout—no complaints

1212 Santa Monica – This place is a masterclass in understated elegance. Tucked away on the top floor, it feels more like a private dining room than a typical rooftop spot. The menu is tight, seasonal, and California-clean—think heirloom tomatoes in summer, wild mushrooms in fall, each plate plated with precision but never fussy. The wine list is thoughtful and reasonably priced for the area. It's quiet, romantic, and refreshingly devoid of the see-and-be-seen crowd. If you want a dinner where the conversation actually matters and the food lets the ingredients sing, this is your spot. Just don't tell everyone about it.

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Solidarity

Highlights
Worth the long drive
Homemade and fresh food
Friendly, prompt service
Lovely patio seating
Memorable Santa Monica stop

The Upper West – This rooftop delivers exactly what it promises: great cocktails, a sweeping view, and a menu that's better than it needs to be. The space is wide and airy, with plenty of seating that doesn't feel cramped. I started with the smoked old fashioned, which was a highlight, and followed it with the short rib, which was tender and rich, served over a silky polenta. The service is efficient and friendly, though it can get busy on weekends when the vibe turns more party than dinner. Still, for a reliable, enjoyable evening with a killer sunset backdrop, this is a dependable choice. Just be prepared for the crowd and the prices.

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Water Grill

Highlights
Live Alaskan king crab
Freshly baked free bread
Grilled octopus wins praise
Attentive service from Nick

The Daily Pint – Don't let the name fool you—this is not a dive bar rooftop, but it does have that unpretentious, neighborhood feel that's increasingly rare in Santa Monica. The rooftop is compact but comfortable, with a few high tops and a long bar that overlooks the street. The food is classic pub fare done well: wings with a serious hot sauce, a juicy chicken sandwich, and a surprisingly good kale salad if you're trying to behave. The beer list is solid, with local crafts on tap and a rotating selection. It's straightforward, honest, and won't break the bank. For a low-key after-work drink or a casual first date, this fits the bill comfortably.

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The Upper West

Highlights
Consistently delicious menu items
Attentive, fun service staff
Family and friend favorite
Beautiful rooftop atmosphere
Great short rib preparation

Bar Chloe – This is the kind of rooftop that makes you feel like you've been let in on a well-kept secret. The decor is vintage meets modern—think velvet banquettes, brass fixtures, and plants hanging from every beam. The cocktail menu is a love letter to the classics, but with a playful twist: a mezcal Paloma with a chili-salt rim, a gin fizz that's frothy and floral. The food follows suit, with a small but confident menu of small plates like burrata with heirloom tomatoes and grilled octopus with a smoky romesco. It's charming, intimate, and the staff treats you like a regular from the moment you walk in. A lovely spot for a slow evening with good company.

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The Daily Pint

Highlights
Manager Manny's exceptional service
Traditional pub, sentimental haven
Legendary whisky wall
Friendly staff, solid service

The Hurricane – A rooftop that leans into tropical kitsch, and honestly, it works. The bar is lined with tiki mugs, the drinks are served in pineapples, and the music is a constant loop of reggae and surf rock. It's kitschy, but the execution is so earnest that you can't help but smile. The food is Caribbean-inspired street fare: jerk chicken tacos, coconut shrimp, and a plantain bowl that's sweet and spicy in all the right ways. The frozen rum cocktails are dangerously good and arrive quickly, even when the place is packed. It's loud, it's fun, and it's not trying to be anything else. Perfect for a boisterous group celebration or a birthday that's all about good times over fine dining.

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Fia Restaurant

Highlights
Warm, stylish, welcoming atmosphere
Attentive, professional service throughout
Beautifully presented, balanced dishes
Perfectly cooked, tender rib steak
Ideal for date nights or celebrations

The Lounge on the Top – This one is all about the view. The rooftop is perched high enough that you get a sweeping panorama of the Santa Monica coastline, and the seating is arranged to maximize sightlines. The food is light and Mediterranean-inspired—mezze platters, grilled fish, and a fantastic baba ganoush that's smoky and creamy. The cocktail list is short but well-curated, with a house vermouth spritz that's perfect for a warm evening. Service is attentive but relaxed, letting you take your time with the scene. It's a bit of a tourist magnet, especially at sunset, but if you book the later seating, you get a more mellow crowd and a sky full of stars. A solid, if not breathtaking, choice.

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Bar Chloe

Highlights
Open until 2am
Curated beer list
Hotel-adjacent intimacy
Cocktails hit or miss
Watch your receipt

Edgemar Rooftop Bar – For a more polished and refined experience, this is the spot. The rooftop is sleek and modern, with clean lines, a minimalist aesthetic, and a menu that's equally sharp. The cocktails are crafted with precision—try the yuzu martini or the barrel-aged negroni—and come served with a theatrical garnish that's fun without being silly. The food menu is small but impeccable: oysters on the half shell, a tartare that's diced to perfection, and a whole roasted fish that's flaky and bright with citrus. The service is white-glove, the crowd is well-dressed, and the vibe is quietly luxurious. It's the kind of place you save for a special occasion, and it won't disappoint.

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The Chestnut Club

Highlights
Speakeasy basement with vintage charm
Happy hour sliders and deviled eggs
Friendly staff, cool 90s music
Tuna tacos outperform ceviche
Cozy vibe, understaffed but pleasant

The Perch – This rooftop offers a more laid-back, almost bohemian atmosphere compared to its neighbors. The seating is a mix of low couches and swinging chairs, with string lights overhead and a fire pit in the corner. The menu is vegetarian-forward, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients: a roasted beet salad with goat cheese, a wild mushroom flatbread, and a farro bowl that's hearty and satisfying. The drinks are garden-inspired, with a cucumber gin fizz and a basil smash that're both refreshing and not too sweet. It's a great spot for a lazy afternoon with a book or a casual catch-up with friends. The service is friendly, if a bit slow during peak hours, but the relaxed pace is part of its charm.

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UOVO Santa Monica

Highlights
Chef’s open kitchen theater
Cacio e pepe, perfection
Slow-cooked ragu depth
Friendly, thorough service
Best pasta bar yet

The Famous Roof – True to its name, this is the big, flashy, see-and-be-seen rooftop that defines the Santa Monica scene. The space is massive, with a central bar, a pool (yes, a pool), and multiple tiers of seating, each with its own vibe. The food is upscale American—lobster rolls, wagyu sliders, and a truffle fries that are dangerously addictive. The cocktails are equally extravagant, with smoke, gold leaf, and edible flowers making regular appearances. It's loud, it's crowded, and it's unapologetically expensive, but the energy is infectious and the people-watching is top-tier. If you want a night that feels like a party and you're willing to pay for it, this is the place. Dress sharp and book ahead.

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Edgemar Restaurant + Lounge

Here is a review of the rooftop restaurant, written in your specified style.

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Rooftop Review: The “Elevated” Generic Spot

The Vibe: Ascending the elevator feels like a pilgrimage to the Church of Brunch. The hostess, a high priestess of athleisure, greets you with a smile that’s both warm and mildly judgmental. The view is the real deity here—a sprawling, sun-drenched panorama of the Santa Monica grid that makes you forget you’re about to pay $24 for avocado.

Table of Discontent

Item	Verdict	Notes
The “Elevated” Burger	Middling	Cooked to a perfect medium, yet possessed of a profound, existential dryness. It’s the millennial equivalent of a mid-life crisis on a brioche bun.
Truffle Fries	Soggy	Less a crisp companion and more a lukewarm, oily pile of potential. They arrived dressed in a truffle aioli that tasted suspiciously like the bottled stuff from the grocery store.
Spicy Margarita	Competent	A reliable, workmanlike cocktail. It’s the office manager of drinks—efficient, gets the job done, but you won't be telling your friends about it. It’s here to ensure the bill is painful.

The Final Word:

This is the culinary equivalent of a “Live, Laugh, Love” sign. It’s not offensive, but it’s spectacularly uninspired. The view does all the heavy lifting, and our bill ($150 for two burgers, one fry, and two drinks) felt less like a transaction and more like a charitable donation to the cause of ambiance. I’ll return for a sunset cocktail and a photo op, but for a meal? I’ll take my appetite (and my wallet) elsewhere.

Solidarity – This rooftop is a vibe shift, and I mean that as a compliment. It's got that warehouse-chic, artsy energy—exposed brick, mismatched furniture, and a soundtrack that's more indie DJ than top-40. The food is globally inspired street fare done right: lamb pita wraps, crispy halloumi, and a falafel that's actually crisp on the outside and fluffy within. Everything comes out fast, perfect for sharing, and the cocktails are inventive without being gimmicky. It's the kind of place where you can show up in jeans and a vintage tee and still feel like you've discovered something cool. A solid choice for a casual date or a group of friends who want to linger.

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Ugo Trattoria

Highlights
Fresh, homemade pasta
Warm, inviting ambiance
Fast, friendly service
Prime Santa Monica location
Great flavor-to-price ratio

The Chestnut Club – A speakeasy-style rooftop that rewards those in the know. The entrance is discreet, the space is intimate, and the drinks are serious business—think barrel-aged Negronis and smoke-kissed old fashioneds. The food is bar bites elevated to an art form: truffle popcorn, duck-fat fries, and a burger that's quietly one of the best in town. It's moody, candle-lit, and feels like a secret that's just for you. Service is attentive but not hovering, and the crowd is a mix of industry folks and locals who know exactly why they're here. If you're looking for a place to linger late into the night, this is it.

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