Oceanfront Restaurant--CLOSED
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Phone: (310) 581-5533
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Pico Boulevard
- Hours:
- Sun-Thu 7am-3pm, 6pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 7am-3pm, 6pm-11pm
Editorial Review for Oceanfront Restaurant--CLOSED – by Martha Burr
The Scene
With brass and wood accents, this Gatsby-on-the-Pacific-inspired dining room is framed by a fireplace and huge, panoramic windows overlooking the expanse of Santa Monica's beach and boardwalk. The adjacent lounge's torch singers add to the glory of nature's own show, as elegantly casual tourists and business diners remain utterly engaged in their dinners and deals.
The Food
A European-influenced menu confirms the kitchen's reputation for fine cuisine, including reliable fish and meat dishes and a few culinary gems. Delicate crab cakes are beautifully spiked with lime, and creamy goat cheese ravioli has a robust twang. Tops among entrees are house specialty beef short ribs, succulent meat tinged with a dark sauce hinting of anise and clove. Tender hunks of grilled Colorado lamb are a close second, and prawns sauteed in garlic butter are irresistibly piquant. Sea salt caramel tart makes for a sweet, smooth finish.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Where to SitEven after dark, the surf glistens along the softly lit beach. Request a window table for the most dazzling views.
User Reviews for Oceanfront Restaurant--CLOSED
10/07/2006 Posted by cleopta08
Regardless of how good or bad you thought the service was.....they take a 20% graduity. I left about a 15% tip on my credit card, then all the sudden I was checking my checking account statement and see they charged me more then what I signed for......I don't know, that is just WRONG to me......almost sounds illegal too!!! Sure the food is good......but I really wouldn't go eat there again.
08/16/2006 Posted by ginburri
We went to the Casa Del Mar after reading a write up on their high tea service. When we arrived we were told that you have to have at least 24 hr advance reservations, but it doesn't mention this any where on their website, so we wasted a drive to santa monica. I later called to make reservations for the following week & was told that they needed a credit card to secure a reservation & it must be faxed. I do not have a fax & requested an e-mail form instead which took 2 days to be sent to me. After finally getting my reservation confirmed we were dismally disappointed with their high tea. The bread was stale on the few sandwiches you get, some of the desserts were totally inedible. When we told our waitress that the chocolate cannolli was horrible her response was "yes we get a lot of complaints on that one" It was burnt to a crisp & hard as a rock! No apology or offer of some kind of replacement. And to add insult to injury our waitress added in her own gratuity of almost 20% for a party of 3!!! I can't stress how disappointed we were with the whole experience. Normally I love the food and atmosphere at the casa del mar but I doubt if ever will go back again....
Pros: usually great place to have drinks & appetizers & watch sunset
Cons: horrible high tea, nonchalant attitude
Users Like You Also Viewed
The Lobster
1602 Ocean Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Chado Tea Room
8422 1/2 W Third Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
