Five Santa Monica restaurants are among the LA Times’ 101 Best Restaurants in LA

The list showcases the city’s culinary diversity and excellence

Five standout Santa Monica restaurants earned spots on the list Los Angeles Times’ annual list of the 101 best restaurants in Los Angeles, showcasing the city’s culinary diversity and excellence.

CassiaLed by Bryant Ng, it combines the influences of a French brasserie with Chinese-Singaporean and Vietnamese traditions. Signature dishes include chickpea curry with naan-like flatbread, Hainanese chicken with duck fat rice, and dan dan noodles with tahini leek sauce. Located at 1314 7th St., Cassia reflects Ng’s personal culinary journey, including nods to his family’s Chinese-American heritage and his wife’s Vietnamese roots.

Birdie G’sLed by Jeremy Fox, it offers playful takes on American comfort food. Highlights include Hungarian-inspired ricotta dumplings in Sungold tomato sauce, matzo ball soup with lots of dill, and sweet yam casserole with candy-like persimmons. Known for its creative yet nostalgic dishes, Birdie G’s is located at 2421 Michigan Ave.

Rustic Canyonat 1119 Wilshire Blvd., adapts its menu to California’s seasonal harvests. Now run by chef Elijah DeLeon, the restaurant features dishes such as herbed pork chops with poached quince, curried roast chicken with plums and bay scallops paired with fried bread and tomatoes. Rustic Canyon continues to evolve under the leadership of Jeremy Fox and the Rustic Canyon Family restaurant group.

Melissalocated at 1104 Wilshire Blvd., offers an intimate, premium dining experience with just 14 seats. Chef Josiah Citrin and his team create innovative dishes such as lamb, served as both herb-crusted chops and spring rolls. Mélisse celebrates its 25th anniversary and continues to redefine fine dining.

Pasjolia French bistro at 2732 Main St., showcases chef Dave Beran’s flair for theatrical presentation and classic technique. Known for its pressed duck and a reimagined prix fixe menu, Pasjoli strikes a balance between culinary specialties and neighborhood charm. The menu also includes standout dishes like foie brioche and a burger with marrow aioli.