6 Santa Monica Pier Restaurants

Santa Monica Pier restaurants have a distinct advantage over their land-based counterparts: Location. The half-dozen restaurants below are physically on the Pier. An inexpensive, casual food court with primarily take-out fast-food can be found in Pacific Park.

Now, of course, you could walk off the Pier and be steps away from some of Santa Monica's top-rated restaurants on Ocean Avenue. But I've had friends visit who have to have lunch on the pier, not a few steps or blocks away.  This list of the six places to eat on Santa Monica Pier is for them - and you. 

I've listed the restaurants below by type of cuisine and added one to four dollar signs ($) beside each restaurant's name to give you an idea of how spendy a place it is - or isn't. Four $$$$ is the most expensive, and one $ is the least costly.

There are four cuisine types to choose from among Santa Monica Pier Restaurants: American, Italian, Mexican, and Seafood.  A look at each:

Santa Monica Pier Restaurants By Price and Cuisine

1.  Pier Burger:    $

Don't let the name fool you - this place has it all. 

Sure, there are burgers, including veggie burgers. Along with local California sea bass sandwiches.

Creamsicle and $5.50 purple cow floats. It's a pretty fun menu; the food is simple but satisfying. 

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2.  Rusty's Surf  Ranch:     $$

Rusty's has been a pier fixture since 1994, serving up a bit of everything - from seafood cocktails and calamari rings to fajita platters and daily fish specials - to live music and dancing.

There's never a dull moment here. Come for the food and ocean views - stay for a night of fun.

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3.  Seaside on the Pier:     $$

Take in a glorious sunset from the rooftop lounge while enjoying cocktails and tasty eats from a full menu featuring seafood, pizza, burgers, and beyond.

The bottom floor of Seaside on the Pier provides quick and casual sandwiches, salads, and soft-serve ice cream for on-the-go visitors. The middle level offers simple indoor tables and seating.

The top floor includes a rooftop bar and grill with outdoor seating and a view of the Pier and the Pacific Ocean. 

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4.  Mariasol Cocina Mexicana:     $$

If savoring mega grande margaritas and stellar Pacific Ocean views are your thing, this Baja Cantina is for you. 

Mariasol's distinctive sauces, flavorful peppers, and fresh fish make it a favorite for locals and visitors alike.

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5.  The Albright:     $$$

Everyone is looking for a relaxing spot to catch up and catch a great seafood dish.

The Albright offers just that:  An ideal place to enjoy a high-end meal with craft beers and California wine.

This old-school fish house serves up a selection of oysters, fish tacos (Taco Tuesday anyone?), and a long list of artisan beers in a cozy, woodsy environment.

Lots of long tables and a view of the coast and the beach below combine to create a deliciously memorable meal.

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6.  Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.:      $$

Putting the "South" in Southern California, Bubba's is a lively spot to get your shrimp fix or even some Dixie-style baby back ribs. Come hungry. A family-friendly chain for seafood & American fare served in a fishing-boat-themed setting.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. serves scratch-made, southern-style comfort dishes such as sautéed shrimp, fried shrimp, coconut shrimp, and shrimp scampi, alongside award-winning baby back ribs, burgers, salads, and more in a fun and energetic atmosphere. 

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Dining on the Pier