Across Santa Monica’s restaurant scene doors are open, bottles are flowing, crowds are back and so are Dine LA’s delectable deals.
The annual restaurant week returned on April 1 and will run through April 15, offering discounted set menus at over 300 restaurants across Los Angeles, including 29 in Santa Monica.
Of particular interest for local foodies is the participation of four restaurants recognized in this year’s Michelin guide.
Colapasta, which clinched the Michelin Bib Gourmand award for top tier dining at a palatable price point, is offering a particularly killer deal with a seven course family style menu for $45 per person. The menu features three of Chef Stefano de Lorenzo’s acclaimed homemade pastas, which he personally prepares fresh every day.
Three Michelin Plate awardees—Chinois on Main, Citrin and Lunetta—will also be participating.
Chinois on Main is the product of internationally renowned chef Wolfgang Puck and, as the name suggests, has been located on Main Street since 1983. Citrin and Lunetta are run by Josiah Citrin and Raphael Lunetta respectively, who are childhood friends and Santa Monica natives that have made considerable contributions to their hometown’s culinary scene.
Josiah Citrin, who formerly worked under Puck at Chinois on Main, owns the tasting menu based restaurant Melisse, which was the only restaurant in the City to earn two Michelin stars in the 2022 guide. Its a la carte sister restaurant Citrin is offering a five course set menu for $99 a person during restaurant week.
Raphael Lunetta’s namesake restaurant Lunetta is a longtime locals favorite spot that runs as a neighborhood restaurant during the day and transitions into more of a fine dining experience at night. Accordingly he has prepared two Dine LA menus: a $35 three course lunch menu and a more elevated $65 four course dinner menu.
“Dine LA is the perfect opportunity for foodies and novices alike to rejoice in the wide-variety of Santa Monica restaurants that are participating in the spring program with some featuring new menus and others offering their most popular items,” said Misti Kerns, President and CEO of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism. “Either way, you can’t miss our community’s extraordinary culinary experiences and this season Angelenos and Santa Monicans can also enjoy the fine fare from four Michelin Guide award-winning restaurants.”
Several of the fine dining restaurants inside of Santa Monica’s luxury hotels are also participating in restaurant week, giving residents an excuse to come visit.
Seafood and sushi restaurant Catch, which is located inside of five star hotel Casa del Mar, is offering a three course dinner menu for $65.
“I love when Dine LA comes around. It gives me the chance to showcase some of the seasonal catches we have from the sea and the amazing produce from local farmers. It is a great promotion that encourages the local community to support their neighborhood restaurants,” said Catch Chef Gemma Gray.
Additionally, farmers market driven restaurant FIG, which is located inside the 101-year-old luxury Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, is offering a three course menu for $75.
While these are exciting deals for fine dining restaurants, residents seeking more casual fare will also be able to take advantage of Dine LA’s Santa Monica offerings. Other participating restaurants include 1212, Art’s Table, HiHo Cheeseburger, Il Forno, KazuNori, Papille Gustative and Socalo.
Additional details on all 29 Santa Monica restaurants participating in Dine LA can be found at www.santamonica.com/dinela/
Photos courtesy of Fairmont Miramar 
