Share
(310) 393-7050
1119 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica,
CA
90401
34.0247
-118.4916
Neighborhoods: Wilshire Montana, West LA
What People Are Saying About Rustic Canyon Wine Bar
The Editor
Martha Burr
Citysearch
In Short – Heavy dark woods, organic materials and high white ceilings create a romantic atmosphere. Votive candles flicker and a jazzy global beat plays low while the young Santa Monica crowd chills at the wine bar, in the small crowded lounge, or at tables and booths. Owner Josh Loeb spring-boarded off hosting wine dinners in his home, and he personally rotates boutique selections gleaned from small-production vineyards around the world. A seasonally driven Cal-Med menu features ingredients from local farmers and fishermen. Sharing is encouraged and the enthusiastic waitstaff is savvy…
10/20/09
average
by 5foodie at Citysearch
I had dinner here the other night. The ambiance in the restaurant is really nice, the lighting is perfect and the staff is very friendly. The food is average nothing special but it feels like fresh organic food which is nice. The wine list is way too extensive and there is not even a bottle under $40. I saw wines on the list that were more than double that I have seen at other restaurants.
- Pros: nice ambiance
- Cons: long and expensive wine list
07/06/09
Great atmosphere and even better burgers!
by LoSmittie at Citysearch
Mondays are specialty burger and artisinal beer nights. Tonight's highlight was a burrata burger with burrata and fresh tomatoes on top of a juicy patty. A cold beer is the perfect accomplice. Don't forget to try the donut holes with chocolate dipping sauce. This place is definitely a keeper!
- Pros: Great food, rustic decor, good wine
- Cons: Smaller menu, parking
01/04/09
a special place for special occasions (where every dining experience is a special occasion)
by senoritabonita at Citysearch
A friend of mine recently introduced me to this gem of a restaurant in Santa Monica. Since we had nothing planned for New Year's eve (the holiday is overrated anyway), we decided to celebrate at Rustic Canyon with a small group of our closest friends. What a great time we had! We pigged out on eight exquisite courses -- including succulent oysters, fresh tortellini, and sinfully delicious dessert. Near midnight, the friendly (and good-looking) staff passed out tiaras, hats, horns, and of course flutes of champagne. We counted down and toasted to the ending of a crappy year and the beginning of a new year with promise.
By the way, my friend had warned me that the one downside to Rustic Canyon is that when it gets busy (and it's always busy), it is impossibly loud in there. But we were pleasantly surprised to see newly installed sound absorption panels on the ceiling. We had no trouble hearing one another on New Year's. Guess Rustic Canyon is pretty good at taking customer feedback, so speak up. I do!
The Details on Rustic Canyon Wine Bar
Where to Sit:
Three booths against the far wall offer the most privacy and sound cushioning (unless one of them is hosting a particularly loud group), while the airy window tables take in the night view of Wilshire outside.
What to Drink:
Besides an ever-increasing list of small-production wines offered by bottle and glass, there's also a list of specialty sparkling cocktails made with artisan ingredients like lemongrass and ginger, organic cucumber juice, and muddled mint.
Parking:
Street parking is highly competitive--save time and use the affordable valet.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Late Night Dining, People Watching, Date Spot, Group Dining, Dine At The Bar, Notable Wine List, Bar Scene
