This place is now one of my favorites in Santa Monica. It's important to know that they are only open for dinner. Booking an online reservation was very easy since I didn't realize they're closed for most of the day. Atmosphere is delightful, service and staff was fantastic (Stephanie went above and beyond for us), and the food was DELICIOUS. I ordered the branzino with the Big Sur salad as my side and it was super tasty and fresh. Give this place a try, you won't regret it! :) read more

My second time here and I can confirm that this is the best neighborhood gem in the Santa Monica area. They have done everything right... expertly prepared fresh food, attentive staff, an owner who is present and super welcoming. The ambiance is relaxing with beautiful lighting and music that is not too loud. What more could you ask for? Also, it's a non tipping establishment, so if you want to slip your server a little extra, be sure to bring cash. read more

What a wonderful surprise! This restaurant has been open only about three months, and we took a chance without a reservation. Joey, the owner, warmly welcomed us and immediately made us feel at home. The space is beautiful and inviting, with neutral tones and a relaxed coastal vibe. We enjoyed dinner at the bar with our friendly bartender Danny friendly and helpful. The Mediterranean Sampler was perfect for sharing among 2 , with fresh flavors red pepper, hummus and babaganouch generous portions. We also shared a perfectly cooked New York steak and a creamy, flavorful vegetable risotto. Prices are comparable to Westside restaurants, and gratuity was already included. Great food, a beautiful atmosphere, and genuine hospitality made for a memorable evening. We look forward to returning the next time we're in Big Sur. read more

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Yum! Visiting my son in Santa Monica! Definitely recommend! Very good service! And personally to ask how I liked it' read more

Big Sur Grill - Buratta salad! - American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I can't remember the last time that I have loved a restaurant so much. From the moment we walked in and met Joey, the owner of Big Sur, I knew we were in for a special night. There were four of us and we were immediately seated in the gorgeous, elegant dining room. And I mean gorgeous and elegant with out the LA pretentiousness. Our server, Stephanie was also outstanding. The customer service at Big Sur Grill is phenomenal. I also want to mention one other thing that really caught my attention: Big Sur adds 18% on to your bill but has a "no tipping" policy. Why? Because Joey runs a peaceful, upscale restaurant where employee are happy to be there and he pays them what they are worth. Other restaurants could take a few "tips" from Joey. (No pun intended!) We started off with sparkling water because all of us were having a "dry" Saturday. We ordered the Haloumi with Dates and honey as a starter and it was amazing! The dates put it over the top! We also had the Crispy Potato Wedges with aioli dipping sauce. The potatoes were a definite hit for all of us! For our mains, that each come with a side, we had: Shortribs which only required a fork-that is how tender they were, Roasted Chicken in a garlic sauce, and the perfectly cooked, juicy, tender Lambchops. For sides, we enjoyed the mashed potatoes with spinach and mushrooms and the very flavorful Risotto. I coulkd have eaten the Risotto for a main course-it was that good-creamy and delicious. But did we stop there? No, of course not because we had to try the Cookies and Milk-homemade chcoolate chip cookie served in a skillet with four scoops of excellent vanilla ice cresm, drizzeled with honey and almonds. The Lemon Poppy Seed cake with lemon curd and whipped cream stole my heart. Food comes fresh from the Farmer's Markets in Santa Monica and Mar Vista and you can tell. There is also a gorgeous back room where a party for 40-50 people was taking place. Honestly, Big Sur Grill checked all of the boxes (and then some) for us. Thank you for such a great time! read more

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California comfort with a live-fire spark; Snapper, Coke, and kindness left a lasting mark. read more

Amazing food! The meal we had was good from start to finish. For a starter we shared the Creamy Burrata Fruit Salad and Halloumi Cheese and found ourselves nodding with delight and approval. The burrata was so soft and delicate it melted in the mouth. Just fantastic! The Whole Branzino with a side of Roasted Root Vegetables was a perfect match. Surprisingly everyone in our group had the Whole Branzino. The fish was fresh with a touch of lemon sauce. The Mashed Potato with Spinach and Mushrooms was also a good choice for a side dish. For dessert we decided on two yummy ones: the Cookie and Milk and Lemon Poppy Seed Cake. Memorable dinner! The restaurant is beautifully decorated and the kitchen uses firewood for grilling. Cool! Service was superb! Definitely a delicious meal experience! read more

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The atmosphere when you first come in is really friendly and inviting. All of the staff were so nice and really informative about the restaurant and the menu. It's beautiful inside and very comfortable. The food was delicious we had the mussels and carrot soup to start. The mussels were really fresh. I had the steak and mashed potatoes and both were so good. Really great flavor of the grill and seasoning. I loved this restaurant read more

Got reservation through rest for 6:30. Owner was the one to greet us and seat us at our table. Our waiter was Glenn- he was great! Everyone was really kind and attentive. Drinks were good. My "the selfie" was on the sweeter side but very delicious strawberry flavor. It took us awhile to get our drinks but we understand they're still getting into the rhythm of things as a new business. We started with the muhammara dip with flatbread and the Big Sur salad (forgot to take a photo of salad). Both were delicious. Salad tasted very fresh and refreshing - loved that it was lightly dressed. The lamb chops were also exceptional - great flavor from the wood burning grill. Loved the creaminess of the risotto and the freshness of the vegetables inside. The lemon poppyseed cake was also really good - especially the curd and meringue that came with it. Our meal came out to around $170 with 18% gratuity included. Can't wait to return and try more from their menu. read more

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The food and the flavor here is very good. I really enjoyed our meal. The only thing I would've preferred is if the Bronzino fish was a little bit bigger and had more meat on it. Other than that, it was a great experience and I highly recommend this place. read more

Big Sur Grill - American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

My wife and I were up in LA and meeting with a friend when we accidentally stumbled on this restaurant and we decided to give it a try. Wow! We're glad we did! From the moment we stepped into the restaurant, things went right. The owner was super friendly and welcoming and that's a nice feeling to have. The decor is very California: long sofa-like bench seats with white fabric facing chairs with semi-circular armrests. One wall was covered with plants in what looked like copper planters. The vibe was like an outdoor patio in a home with really well-appointed decor. The three of us shared two starters: gently grilled Haloumi cheese topped with dates and the burrata salad topped with toasted bread, arugula and watermelon radish and slices of charred fruit. Both dishes were so sensational it's hard to pick a favorite so I'm not going to try. For our mains, all three of us selected the branzino. My friend and I had the mashed potatoes with spinach and mushrooms and my wife had the root vegetables. The branzino was prepared perfectly with crispy skin and the mashed potatoes were creamy and complemented perfectly by the mushrooms and spinach. My wife's root vegetables were equally excellent. I generally only have dessert when the food is so good I want to keep going. All three of us wanted to keep going. We shared two desserts: cookie and milk with vanilla ice cream and lemon poppy seed cake. The cookie and milk dessert sounded boring and was anything but. Just amazing. Four scoops of ice cream on a giant chocolate chip cookie on a skillet. The lemon poppy seed cake on lemon curd with fresh cream was equally amazing. Our waitress was wonderful --- friendly and helpful. This is a no-tip restaurant. The service charge is added to the bill. What a great experience! read more

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I've been to this location a few times when it was Jonah's, RIP. Was excited to check out Big Sur. I found everything to be very mid, and the prices just don't justify it. Being amongst so many other great establishments in the West side, nothing really stood out here. What they've done with the interior space is nice, but that's really all there is. read more

Big Sur Grill has what we all want in a dining experience- excellent foods made with fresh ingredients, beautiful vibe and atmosphere and warm, attentive staff. Everyone acts like they're your family member - you feel taken care of. Grazie mille, Joey, Amin, Stephanie for making us feel at home and making that delicious, homemade food! Nancy from Avellino. read more

We celebrated my mom's birthday here because it's conveniently close by, offers something new in the neighborhood to try, and has a great modern, clean vibe. I made a reservation for seven people at 6:30 PM on a Tuesday night. The restaurant was relatively busy when we walked in, but the service was quick and attentive. Parking was easy, we parked right in front of the restaurant, and it's free street parking after 6 PM. We ordered the mezze plate with pita bread. The pita bread was fresh, and the texture was just right, and all three dips were delicious. For appetizers, we ordered grilled quail, fried quail, falafel, and a burrata fruit salad. It was great to share these dishes with family. For the main course, we ordered New York steak, branzino, half a chicken, and rack of lamb, along with many side dishes that are farm-to-table. I loved the grilled turnip and long beans. The prices are very reasonable for fresh, farm-to-table food. The service was great, and the decor of the restaurant was excellent. We will definitely come back to try different seasonal vegetables and menu items, hopefully they will have more new dishes coming out soon. For that incredible warm and genuine service, they only charge an 18% gratuity and do not accept additional tips. Kudos to the service team! read more

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Joey , the owner, is super cool and friendly. He gave me a free drink, and TV-Trey always appreciates that! Great super classy place, fair prices! read more

I love this place. Fun and delicious and it's filled with beautiful people. Management is on the ball, a perfect dining experience.

Big Sur Grill was such a wonderful experience! The owner is incredibly welcoming, and the entire staff is so friendly. The ambiance is peaceful and Zen-like, making you feel right at home ,almost like you're part of the family. The food was delicious, and we never felt rushed, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable. Even the bathrooms are cool! I would definitely return and highly recommend Big Sur Grill! read more

10/10 meal. Steak seasoned to perfection. I'm not usually an octopus person but it was fantastic. As was the crudo. Mediterranean dips and pita fantastic. Wine incredible. Servers attentive and kind. And owners couldn't be nicer. Oh and don't sleep on the desserts. The milk and cookie was beyond, and the lemon cake was amazing too. We were visiting from New York and would happily come back. Might move to LA. Who knows. read more

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We were a group of six celebrating a birthday. The host who was the owner was warm and friendly as can be. The atmosphere was very cozy. The menu was great with lots to choose from. The food was delicious, all six of us had something different. I had the short ribs , absolutely delicious. We had salad, dessert and simply put a great time. I highly recommend this wonderful restaurant. read more

Ambiance ... warm atmosphere ... amazing mood, food is something special . All of it. Literally, not a boring item on the menu 10/10 read more

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The food was outstanding -- truly exceeded all expectations. I left feeling energized and refreshed afterward. Everything is farm-to-table, organic, and made without seed oils, which made such a difference. The dill on the octopus enhanced the flavor perfectly. The sand dollar plate melted in your mouth, and the capers added the perfect touch. The branzino was prepared perfectly with amazing flavors throughout, and the short rib completely fell apart and was incredibly rich in flavor. Highly recommend this spot. The owner also makes the entire place feel incredibly warm and welcoming. read more

Big Sur Grill - Octopus , Sand Dollar, & Flatbread. - American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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I was looking for a place to eat with my mom. Saw the high reviews, decided to check it out. So glad we did, everything is SO delicious. Beautiful place, great food! Everything is delicious. Wow! Will be coming back :) great service too! read more

Big Sur Grill - Pea soup, falafel, and Muhammara spread - American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Great ambiance and delicious food! Decent size portions and service was great. Very kind host and amazing staff! Highly recommend for lunch or dinner. read more

BEST experience! Food: 11/10 do not miss the halloumi, salmon and especially the POTATO WEDGES!! Ambiance: it's the perfect balance of modern, natural, upscale, but also cozy. Service: everyone was so nice and accommodating. They explained all questions and effortlessly handled a large group. Wine: exceptional Health: they don't use seed oils 10/10 The owner came by to check on us. He really seems to care about guest experience which is so refreshing. Definitely give this place a try! read more

Big Sur Grill - Mezze platter and MUST TRY POTATO WEDGES - American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

This is a MUST for anyone who loves genuinely good food. Not only are the dishes made without seed oils, they are also farmers market fresh and grass fed, wood fire grilled so you get that delicious wood fired flavor. We used to frequent the previous restaurant Jonah's and that was also a testament to the incredible ownership. Service was quick, friendly and attentive, additionally, the ambiance is romantic, dreamy and upscale. We can't wait to return! Shout out Joseph for the hospitality. read more

Big Sur Grill - Back enclosed patio - American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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I loved the service, the atmosphere and especially the food it was delicious. I had the carrot soup, short ribs and risotto. Everything was beautiful and very good. read more

What a lovely place! From the outside, it looks like nothing and then you open the door and you enter this beautiful oasis. The service was lovely and the food was delicious. We will be coming back. read more

Ambiance and service was great! Food was okay. Food wasn't the most flavorful, fresh or presentable. It wasn't bad but it wasn't the experience I was expecting. Super friendly staff and really loved the atmosphere! read more

Gorgeous restaurant such a beautiful ambiance we got a few drinks and tried an array of appetizers before we had our main dishes. Service was excellent the waiter was very attentive and recommended the best dishes. I will be back for the cookies and milk read more

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We enjoyed a large group dinner for 10 people at Big Sur Grill. We were very happy with the excellent service, warm and elegant vibe, and good food. The restaurant was not loud, but felt lively. The manager was very welcoming and accommodating. We are very glad to have this new neighborhood gem. read more

This was our first visit to Big Sur Grill. Wow! We were impressed! The service, food and cocktails were all on point. We can't wait to visit again and try more on the menu. read more

Dined this evening at Big Sur Restaurant on Wilshire, and it was a wonderful experience showcasing thoughtful California Cuisine. Started with the grilled Spanish Octopus, which was grilled to perfection - tender with just the right char - and the Chicken Kofta, both flavourful and satisfying. The filet mignon was truly magnificent, expertly prepared and deeply satisfying. Also had the pleasure of meeting the owner, Joe, which added a personal touch to the evening. With its focus unseasonal ingredients and wood-fired preparation, this was a truly memorable dining experience. read more

Big Sur Grill is a great restaurant. The food was amazing! Crafted, fresh, delicious. The felafel were absolutely spot on, as were the roasted potatoes, summer salad and my favorite- the split pea soup. The staff are professional and poised. This place is a great vibe. A gem in the heart of Santa Monica. read more

Everything was delicious - im so excited to go back! Highly recommend the short rib, halloumi and the bread! Paired well with the chilled red. The owners are so kind and said hello to my friend and I. They made us feel so welcome. read more

We have been fans of Big Sur Bakery for many years since it opened up North. Having now opened their new restaurant in Santa Monica we were very excited to experience their new creation. The food, service and atmosphere he and his team created were exceptional. Chef Phillip is immensely talented creating dishes that are locally sourced and cooked perfectly. His cooking technique is a reflection of years of experience and care. His team welcome you into their home and it feels warm, inviting and comfortable, the same as it did at his place in Big Sur up North. This magic had us returning to his Big Sur Restaurant for well over a decade while visiting Big Sur. It will now have us returning to his new restaurant just a few minutes from our home in Venice. We had an incredible dinner, cocktails and desserts and will be back again soon. Incredible meal. We are thrilled he and his team have brought their passion to share with our community. Definitely a must to experience and an incredible addition to the neighborhood. read more

Big Sur Grill - Beautiful salad - American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

This is my first time giving a Yelp review. Big Sur Grill's food and service was exceptional. I have eaten at just about every steakhouse in LA and I would have to rate Big Sur's filet mignon as the best I've had in the city. read more

Place is amazing all organic Santa Monica produce . Absolutely no seed oil everything gets cooked with avocado oil, and extra-virgin oil from farmers market. place has no freezer. Everything gets delivered daily fresh. my favorite is short ribs, chicken, and all the Mediterranean appetizers luke mazza plate with home made pita . read more

Beautiful ambiance. Staff was all friendly & acvomodating. Food yummy. Prices reasonable. Will definitely be returning.

Service & Food were both excellent! We tried the steak, red snapper, branzino- all were excellent ! I also loved the split pea soup! Service was 10/10! read more

Perfect place for a casual but elevated meal with the family. The food was on point- excellent ingredients and well executed. We will definitely come back! read more