From The Fairmont Miramar Hotel Santa Monica Best Nearby Restaurants (10 Overall Closest) Metro: Los Angeles, CA Gate of India (Restaurants - Lunch) 117 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica  CA  90401 • 310-656-1664 Distance: ~0.27 mi         Description: SANTA MONICA. Tempting Indian dishes are the order of the day at this Santa Monica restaurant. Make sure you opt for a main course that comes with the chef's signature Indian-style mashed potatoes. Afterwards, reward yourself with gajar halvah, an uncannily delicious dessert choice crafted from carrots, ginger, and milk! Trendy folks happily engage with their meals in the quiet dining room, which is decorated in warm tones and with beautiful tapestries. Ocean Avenue Seafood (Restaurants - Lunch) 1401 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica  CA  90401 • 310-394-5669 Distance: ~0.27 mi         Description: SANTA MONICA. Once you know the name of this upscale restaurant, you know what it does best. The menu promises a variety of dishes, but seafood is the star. Try ahi tuna accompanied by steaming rice and fresh veggies, or take advantage of the place's great oysters – there's a terrific selection during happy hour too. The comfort level is heightened by wicker furniture and a friendly waitstaff who are always happy to help. La Serenata de Garibaldi – Santa Monica (Restaurants - Lunch) 1416 4th St, Santa Monica  CA  90401 • 310-656-7017 Distance: ~0.35 mi User Rating: 10 / 10         Description: SANTA MONICA. For seafood done Mexican style, try this Santa Monica favorite. Regulars attest to the fact that the consistent presentation of the expertly prepared seafood dishes have made them steadfastly loyal. Order the fish quesadilla, the shredded beef in red chile sauce, or the chicken enchiladas. Excellent margaritas round out the experience. The décor is done in warm tones and features carved stone pillars and a lovely fountain. An upscale casual atmosphere pervades. Border Grill (Restaurants - Lunch) 1445 4th St, Santa Monica  CA  90401 • 310-451-1655 Distance: ~0.38 mi User Rating: 8 / 10         Description: SANTA MONICA. You may be familiar with this restaurant's owners from their "Too Hot Tamales" cooking show. If not, then you're in for a treat. Border Grill's menu of lighter, authentic Mexican cuisine suits even the most finicky palates. The biggest surprise for some diners is that not all Mexican fare is super-spicy and loaded with cheese; this food is full of complex flavors and fresh vegetables and fruits. Alongside meaty tacos and burritos, you'll find an assortment of vegetarian and seafood options. Exceptional dishes include achiote-marinated pork and seasoned carnitas on corn tortillas. Mojitos and margaritas made with premium tequilas pack a powerful punch – bring a designated driver! JiRaffe (Restaurants - American) 502 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica  CA  90401 • 310-917-6671 Distance: ~0.39 mi         Description: SANTA MONICA. JiRaffe specializes in Californian-French cuisine as interpreted by chef-owner Raphael Lunetta. The two-level dining room is elegant yet comfortable, perfect for feasting on a seasonal menu that may include starters like roasted tomato tart with caramelized onion confit or roasted rabbit with herbed polenta. Entrees often include several seafood selections: pepper-crusted ahi with soba noodles or crispy salmon with parsnip puree, for example. For dessert, try Meyer lemon soufflé with blackberries. Knowledgeable, courteous service is a plus. The Lobster (Restaurants - Lunch) 1602 Ocean Ave at Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica  CA  90401 • 310-458-9294 Distance: ~0.60 mi User Rating: 6.5 / 10         Description: SANTA MONICA. This long-standing seafood restaurant – first opened in 1925 and now reborn in an impressive new structure – specializes in fresh-from-the-sea catches and affords a prime location for observing the pier and marveling at the sunset. Try anything offered, from lobster to crab Louis or white sea bass. The menu changes daily, so the variety of finfish and shellfish is always in delicious flux. A perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or to meet after work for drinks and appetizers. Mélisse (Restaurants - French) 1104 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica  CA  90401 • 310-395-0881 Distance: ~0.75 mi         Description: SANTA MONICA. Traditional French decor and high-end tableware complement the cuisine at Mélisse and foster elegant, memorable dining. The menu changes frequently to take advantage of seasonal produce, and entrées may include dry-aged cote de boeuf roti for two with potato-leek torte or roasted squab with seared foie gras and citrus jus. For dessert, try a chocolate soufflé or crème brulee. The wine list is exceptional, and several selections are available by the glass. Dinner tasting menu $95 with no wine pairings; carte blanche menu $145 without wine pairings. Cora's Coffee Shoppe (Restaurants - Lunch) 1802 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica  CA  90401 • 310-451-9562 Distance: ~0.81 mi         Description: SANTA MONICA. This reinvigorated 1920s coffee shop is a frequent morning hangout for area tourists, as well as for locals who know to snag a seat on the patio. A major draw is Cora's superb, if expensive, coffee – Illy is the brand of choice. If you're in the market for sustenance too, wonderful morning eats include extremely popular orange and blueberry pancakes, omelets, frittatas, and oatmeal. Lunch brings chicken arugula salad, polenta, and a Kobe beef burger. Great for a drink and snack or for something more substantial. Coast (Restaurants - Lunch) 1 Pico Blvd Shutters on the Beach Hotel, Santa Monica  CA  90405 • 310-587-1707 Distance: ~0.90 mi         Description: SANTA MONICA. Located directly off the beach, this lovely hotel restaurant draws folks with its stellar location and a striking decor that features abundant light and windows, not to mention a fresh, white-painted interior. Blue accents, framed black-and-white photos, and a relaxing patio also help set the scene. The restaurant, open all day, treats diners to a raw bar and plies them with sandwiches, salads, and pizzas. Main course fare includes broiled or grilled fish, a flat iron steak, baby back ribs, pan-fried pork chops, and pastas. An à la carte brunch offers lots of fresh options too. One Pico (Restaurants - Lunch) 1 Pico Blvd Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica  CA  90405 • 310-587-1717 Distance: ~0.90 mi User Rating: 5.5 / 10         Description: SANTA MONICA. One Pico is a dining retreat, perfect for watching the sunset with your significant other. Make a selection from the New American menu and sip a glass of wine from the varied list while you await the arrival of your meal. Start with smoked salmon with caviar, and then sample roasted lamb with artichokes. The decor has coastal appeal, courtesy of light colors and white linens. Fireside dining enhances the experience, especially on chilly evenings. Great Sunday brunch, too. Copyright ©2001 10Best Inc. All rights reserved.