Doesn't Recommend

CuteQ

Joined 5 years ago

Poor Management, Dishonesty. I looked up reviews from others regarding Monsoon Cafe 1212 3rd St., in

Santa Monica, CA and found the reviews were 50 percent negative. How could this earn a 4 + rating on city search?

I can only say my vote would break the 50/50 tie and Monsoon Cafe would receive a thumbs down. I reported my experience to a bureau that is better than this business site will allow me to say (July 2008). The Monsoon Cafe response to my better or worse business complaint further proves the management and help are liars here.

And honestly try typing in the name of the agency I eluded to. It comes up as three dirty words here!

Doesn't Recommend

jtentertainment

Joined 5 years ago

Problems with staff and management. I was a guest in the "Lounge" area where they have live bands and dancing on a Friday evening. I made previous arrangements with the manager to celebrate my birthday there. The promoter and bouncer, who apparently are very dishonest, created problems for my guests throughout the course of the evening and accused me of owing $150 for guests who had never arrived; and rather than admit fault, they prevaricated their story. The location is beautiful and the food was very delicious but I would not visit again because of those problems with the staff and management nor would I recommend this location to anybody else.

Recommends

doll83

Joined 5 years ago

Good Asian cuisine, interesting decoration. By entering the joint I was astonished how big it really is. The cuisine was a mix of Chinese and Japanese fare, though the whole decoration had an Indian touch (for instance the elaborate and huge chandelier dangling in the middle of the main dining hall and the pictures on the walls). On top of all that, the restroom's interior reminded me on African art and culture and at the top floor a live band was playing Cuban salsa tunes. Apart from the blend of various styles and design the eatery was arranged with, I really enjoyed the sushi and sashimi. It came fresh and tender. The tempura roll was crispy --spicy outside, hot and succulent inside--and the sashimi was juicy and fresh. The exposed kitchen in the main hall, with plates piling up to the ceiling, totally messed up the ambiance. Service was attentive and kind, rushing around the spacious dining room amid a vibrant crowd.

Recommends

kiercemartin

Joined 5 years ago

Not something you would expect on the Promenade. When you first see Monsoon it doesn't look like much, maybe a little Sushi bar with ESPN playing overhead, but when you walk past the first bar and into the restaurant proper it's hard to believe you were just on 3rd street. One of the coolest interiors of any restaurant in Santa monica. Two levels, great design, and live music on the 2nd level. The sushi is on par, and they have some pretty interesting creations of their own as well as a great selection of other pan-asian foods. Full bar with a great wine selection. It's hard not to like this place.

Recommends

jenheidir

Joined 5 years ago

Fun place on for food, dancing on Promenade. As soon you as you see the mask outside this restaurant on the Promenade, you know you?re in for a good time. The interior of this multi-floored venue makes you feel like you?re in the tropics, and the menu offers enough varieties of South Asian dishes to satisfy even the most diverse group of diners. The restaurant also offers salsa dancing sometimes on weekends. If you?re looking for a restaurant in the Promenade area with a fun, relaxed atmosphere and great food, this is a good choice in my book.

Recommends

StephWSU

Joined 5 years ago

Best Salsa Dancing in LA: Wednesday & Saturday Nights. I've been going to Monsoon every Wednesday night for the last 3 months. Now that I've discovered them, I can't stay away. The upstairs bar has salsa lessons on Thursday starting at 7:30pm and a live band/DJ that goes from 9:30pm-2am. All of the staff is very friendly, especially Doc, Jo, "Salsa", and Beth. This place has high energy, fun people, and great dancers. Even if you are a beginner dancer, like me, people are willing to show you some moves. This place is so much fun that I've met some people who drive all the way from OC and the IE (Be aware: there's a $10 (cash) cover charge, but it's well worth it!) The food downstairs is also great, reasonably priced, but the service is SLOW, so allow for some extra time. I've heard that Thursday and Friday nights are also fun, if you aren't into salsa.... Enjoy!!!!

Recommends

tasteteaser

Joined 5 years ago

Delicious Food, Reasonably Priced, Entertainment Included. Went there on Feb.2 for a friend's birthday. Service was great. And the Sushi was delicioso. I would recommend the trio appetizer sampler, the lobster roll, Monsoon roll, and Godzilla Roll. The rolls were loaded with filling. One of my friends ordered the scallops with greenbeans and man that was delectable. Our server was efficient. She knew we were on a time schedule because we wanted to make the salsa classes upstairs, so she quickly brought out the birthday cake, cut it, and helped us move things along. So we did not have to travel far to go to a club because it is conveniently located on the second level of the restaurant. My husband and I are defintely coming back. It was not only tasty, but also affordable. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE....

Recommends

devie1207

Joined 5 years ago

BEST CAFE IN THE PROMENADE!!!. I've been coming to Monsoon almost every Friday.. And I can honestly say I haven't grown tired of it at all.. Angela is the best server ever.. The food is great, the ambiance is perfect, and it's easy on the budget, too.. If you ever find yourself in the Promenade, don't look anywhere else to have lunch or dinner.. MONSOON IS THE PLACE!!!

Recommends

laddy2

Joined 6 years ago

Enjoyable Lunch. The lunch salads are great, and the prices are reasonable. Try sitting on the terrace in the sunlight and people watch. The service is usually fairly prompt, although the waiters do look a tad overworked. Definitely recommended...

Recommends

godo0224

Joined 5 years ago

Its Cool ... Its Hip ... Its a place to go to impress a date !!!. I am a frequent guest at Monsoon (dining at least 5 times a month for the last two years) ...

Why Do I Love It?



* Angela, the best waitress in the world! Other than being very attentive to your needs, she has a smile that would brighten up any room and a kindness so contagious you want to keep coming back and ask for her table.

* The calamari appetizer ... dipped in their secret yellow sauce ... YUMM!

* Seabass is to die for! No additional words ... just go there and taste it!

* The vibe ... its trendy, colorful and filled with young beautiful people.

* Justin, the Restaurant Manager ... every time we are there, he takes the time to say HELLO!

So if you are looking for a cool, hip and cozy place to take a date or just taste great food ... I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!