Alfalfa is a great casual brunch option on Main St. in Santa Monica. If you’re really hungry, try a breakfast burrito.

Interstellar is the best cafe near the Santa Monica Promenade. The Korean-owned spot serves excellent burritos, katsu, bulgogi, and more.

Jinya is a bonafide chain with locations across the country, but still makes a very solid tonkotsu ramen.

Rakkan Ramen in Santa Monica offers a wide range of plant-based ramen options, along with a great patio.

Gjelina Pop-Up is serving up wood-fired pizzas, salads, baked goods, and cocktails to-go next to an airstream in Rustic Canyon.

Tehran Market in Santa Monica is a longstanding source for Persian spices, produce, groceries, and more.

Onda is an upscale Mexican restaurant in Santa Monica from the chefs at Sqirl and Contramar that fails to live up to the hype - or its pedigree.

Colapasta in Santa Monica is your new spot for affordable pastas - because everyone needs one.

Citrin does have a few good French-ish dishes, but overall, the food at this Santa Monica restaurant isn’t worth the high price tag.

Pasjoli is an upscale French restaurant in Santa Monica where being an adult feels euphoric.

With Little Prince, Main St. in Santa Monica finally has a cool, neighborhood-y spot for brunch and dinner.

Lanea in Santa Monica is an OK cocktail bar, but what you’re here for are the Barba Kush tacos.

Mom’s in Santa Monica is not your mother’s college bar... or is it?

Bar Chloe has been around since 2007 and is one of the most reliable cocktail bars in Santa Monica.

Stout is a burger and beer bar with good food and a low-key space that provides a needed break from the chaos of downtown Santa Monica.

Birdie G’s is a comfort-food spot in Santa Monica that feels both nostalgic and completely different from anything else in town.