Santa Monica Pier Restaurants

Santa Monica Pier restaurants have a single, distinct advantage over their land-based counterparts: Location. It's simply one of the best spots in Santa Monica to sit down and enjoy a meal overlooking the ocean.

The 6 restaurants below are physically on the pier. To round out the Santa Monica Pier food offerings, there is also an ocean-view food court in Pacific Park, the pier's amusement center. It features primarily take out fast-food.

Now of course you could just walk off the pier and be steps away from some of Santa Monica's best restaurants on Ocean Avenue.

 But I've had friends visit who just have to have lunch on the pier, not a few steps or blocks away. So this list of places to eat on Santa Monica Pier is for them - and for you. 

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

There are 4 cuisine types to choose from among Santa Monica Pier Restaurants: American, Italian, Mexican, and Seafood.

Burgers/American

Pier Burger  $

Don't let the name fool you - this place has it all. Sure, there are burgers. And veggie burgers. Local California sea bass sandwiches.

Creamsicle and purple cow floats. It's a pretty fun menu, and the food simple but satisfying. 

• Contact:  310.587.2747
• Website:  PierBurger.com

Casual Dining

Seaside on the Pier  $$

Offering three distinct dining options, an experience their website refers to as a "fresh new restaurant concept." 

The bottom floor of Seaside on the Pier provides quick and casual sandwiches, salads, and soft-serve ice cream for on-the-go visitors and picnickers. The middle floor offers casual indoor tables and seating. The top floor includes a rooftop bar and grill wth outdoor seating and a view of the Pier and the Pacific Ocean. 

• Contact:  310.883-7437
• Website:  Seasideonthepier.com

Mexican

Mariasol Mexican Cucina $$

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

Mariasol's use of distinctive sauces, flavorful peppers, and fresh fish makes it a favorite of locals and visitors alike.

• Contact:  310.917.5050
• Website: Mariasol

Seafood

The Albright  $$

This old-school fish house serves up an excellent selection of oysters, fish tacos, and a long list of artisan beers in a cozy, woodsy environment.

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

• Contact:  310.394.9683
• Website:  TheAlbright

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.

• Contact:  310.393.0458
• Website:  BubbaGump

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.

• Contact:  310.393.7437
• Website: RustysSurfRanch

Be sure to call your Pier restaurant of choice in advance to secure a reservation. Otherwise, be prepared to wait up to two hours for your ocean view table. This is especially true during the busy summer months.

If you're driving to the Pier, you can plan your parking in advance as well. Get details about Santa Monica Parking here.

• Planning a Santa Monica visit? Check out these Santa Monica beach hotels for every budget.
• Get more information on visiting Santa Monica Pier.