Best Contemporary European Restaurants in Santa Monica

Joliet is, without a doubt, the best spot in LA for whatever it is you're looking for. My boyfriend and I are absolutely obsessed with it - when a group of our friends decided to have a night out the 6 of us, we came to Joliet and there is something perfect for everyone. By day, it is the cutest spot for coffee, tea, a dirty chai, a pastry, and/or a sandwich. I recommend bringing your laptop or a book and staying a while, striking up a conversation with Alejandro or Olivia at the bar, and trying one or several of their fantastic options. You TRULY cannot go wrong. I had a pistachio croissant that absolutely changed my life. The egg sandwich made my jaw drop. Come nighttime, Joliet is a sexy speakeasy that boasts outstanding cocktails, great music, date-night ambience, and a whole different menu of mouthwatering options. My boyfriend loves the lobster roll, and I am obsessed with the mezze platter. The espresso martini is elevated and vibrant, and the spicy marg was better than imagined. Alejandro's attention to detail is incredibly extraordinary - he adds a special touch to everything he does, whether it's shaving an extra layer of cheese on your sandwich, or adding a cute little flower to your cocktail, or just taking the time to get to know you, it's really such a special experience.

Been going here since I was a child and it has never disappointed. My favorite table side caesar salad. Get the osso buco if its on the specials that night.

Excellent restaurant with contemporary dishes, I can certainly recommend the lamb - it was delicious and prepared to perfection

This was, without a doubt, one of the top 5 dining experiences of my life; I told the waiter it was the USA's answer to Noma. Unbelievably creative, visually stunning, absolutely delicious food with exquisite service; it should be on everyone's bucket list.