As to be expected, Santa Monica has a fantastic range of restaurants, cafes and bars. Here are some of the favourites that I've experienced from my travels there.

Buffalo Club
1520 Olympic Boulevard
www.thebuffaloclub.com

What a find this was! Went there on our last evening in Santa Monica, and a perfect way to round off our trip. Sumptious interiors, thought dimly lit, give off the air of some kind of gentleman's club, and the dishes are more traditional then you might expect - I had the chicken pot-pie which I've never seen anywhere else, and it was delicious! The rock/pop that plays may not be to everyone's liking. It was to mine. Let's just say that it sounded as if they've borrowed my iPod and hooked it up to their sound system.

Cameo Bar/Whist Restaurant
Viceroy Hotel, 1819 Ocean Avenue
www.viceroysantamonica.com

Whist restaurant serves modern food in intimate setting, but I'd recommend Cameo Bar insted - much more fun! You can sip classy cocktails by the pool, or park yourself indoors. Saturday nights get very, very busy.

Comfort Cafe at Fred Segal
420 Broadway
www.cafeatfredsegal.com

With a name like that, you just have to try it! (And no, I'm not talking about the Fred Segal bit...) Great for breakfast bites or brunch, they have an amazing selection or sandwiches, salads and quesadillas. Or grab a coffee and a muffin to go.

Ma'Kai
101 Broadway
www.makailounge.com

Modern interior, housing a bar and restaurant, and outdoor patio area with views of the ocean. Great for drinks or sit-down dinner.

Urth Caffe
2327 Main Street
www.urthcaffe.com

Truly amazing - you HAVE to come to this place. This organic cafe has a simply fantastic range of coffees, teas, juices, sandwiches, salads, pastries, cakes...the list goes on and on. And it does all this with under the banner of "cuisine with a conscious philosophy".

Valentino
3115 Pico Boulevard
www.welovewine.com/valentino_santamonica/default.asp

The interior may look a little dated - I didn't think it would look out of place in some kind of 80s film about yupiies in New York - but the food is exquisite and the service wonderful. If you're big into wine, you should definitely come here to dine - you'll be presented with what looks like a several hundred-page book, detailing over 2,500 different wine selections!

1: Introduction > 2: What to See > 3: Where to Stay > 4: Where to Eat & Drink > 5: Other Tips