Santa Monica in California is one Los Angeles beach city you need to add to your travel list – for a whole host of reasons. First being the Santa Monica Food scene…

On the 12^th of February James Martin returned to our screens with a fab foodie adventure ‘James Martin’s American Adventure”. This new series consists of 20 episodes shown on ITV which will capture the spirit of American good and drink across the country including the best-hidden spots recommended by local chefs in Santa Monica, California. (To catch Santa Monica, check out the next episode on February 19^th!) During his trip, he discovered some of the top foodie destinations which is why we have put together some of the best Santa Monica places to eat you need to head to…

For a great kick start to your day

A city that is thriving with surfboard and skateboards and is known to lead in fitness and wellbeing, head for an organic breakfast at The Hive.  A unique collaboration between Ron Teeguarden’s Dragon Herbs and Anima Mundi Apothecary, The Hive blends LA’s largest selections of herbs and powders. We recommend you start your day with the Hive Master, an unusual smoothie that contains lions mane, an ancient Chinese medicinal mushroom which improves brain health!

Another place to kickstart your day is Dogtown Coffee – which serves fun, health-conscious all-day breakfast and Bulletproof Café – a coffee shop that has butter-infused coffee (tastes better than it sounds) and health-conscious dishes.

You may like: Why cruising isn’t just for an older generation

For lunch by the coast

Little Ruby is a new lunch spot located just one block from the beach on Santa Monica Boulevard and is great for fresh local produce balanced with Australian Culinary influences. For something a little more upbeat why not try Cha Cha Chicken for a taste of the Caribbean in an inventive colourful beach shack. Fig is a great place to go for modern and Mediterranean flavors – as well as dining in, (the stunning setting of Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows is beautiful) you can also grab a menu to go and have a gourmet beach picnic.

For a great sunset

There’s something about dining under a warm sunset that just makes your food taste better. For a beautiful sunset view, head to the Hotel Shangri-La for Santa Monica’s famous rooftop bar and lounge Onyx, from here you can sip a G&T and see one of the best ocean sunset views around. Alternatively, visit The Huntley for the best vantage point to take in the city, sand and sea views or The Balcony for a homey vibe with delicious food. These Santa Monica places to eat by sunset won’t be a disappointment.

By night

For the best santa monica places to eat by night, look no further than Raphael Lunetta’s new restaurant duo, Lunetta Dining Room & Bar and Lunetta All Day on Pico Boulevard. The dishes contain locally sourced and responsibly grown ingredients, based on the abundant produce available on the Californian Coast. Native is another new restaurant recently opened by Top Chef Celebrity Nyesha Arrington that is well worth a visit. For an evening of wining and dining, head to Esters Wine Shop, an intimate, stylish, wine shop and bar tucked inside a beautifully refurbished 1937 Art Deco building. If you’re a lobster lover, then The Lobster is a real must visit. Set by the Santa Monica Pier where the celebrated Route 66 ends, it serves delicious food with magnificent views set by a glass-walled dining room.

Check out www.santamonica.com for even more delicious Santa Monica food offerings…