PROVIDENCE
Read moreProvidence is renowned for being the best seafood restaurant in the United States. Without exaggeration, the plates here resemble masterpieces. The food is as beautiful to contemplate as it is delicious to savor: each dish is of rare finesse, executed with unparalleled skill. As the tasting menu changes frequently, it's difficult to recommend a particular dish; what's certain is that you'll come away from your evening amazed, with your taste buds full of fish. A great address.
THE ALBRIGHT
Read moreRight at the beginning of the Santa Monica Pier, where the crowds thicken, stands this family-run address, which has been in business for 40 years. As with many Californian establishments, The Albright is a fast-casual affair, with fast-food-style ordering and payment at the counter, and plates similar to those of a traditional restaurant. Here, the food is tasty, the oysters fresh. On the menu: a wide variety of seafood and raw, fried or grilled fish, as well as burgers, rolls, pokés and ceviches - to name but a few.
FISHERMAN'S OUTLET
Read moreAt Fisherman's Outlet, the food is served on paper plates and concrete picnic tables... But don't let that put you off: this market and its seafood café serve better food than the chic restaurants. We recommend the delicious charcoal-cooked fish, or the lobster, one of the best dishes on the menu. Made up of workers and families who've been coming here for three generations, the clientele contrasts with the new "bobo" Downtown, giving rise to an atmosphere that's well worth discovering.
CATCH
Read moreThe façade of Hotel Casa del Mar, extending along the beach of Santa Monica, attracts all the views. The cuisine takes advantage of California, French and Asian influences to prepare excellent seafood dishes. The windows, high from the floor to the ceiling, overlook the sea and offer a magnificent view to the sunset.
SON OF A GUN RESTAURANT
Read moreWith its lifebuoys and marine trinkets hanging on the wall, the decor of this restaurant resembles that of a sea wolf den. Take time to sit at the bar, shucking Santa Barbara shrimp or enjoying lobster rolls with lemon aioli and celery, before being seated at your table. Aside from oysters and other seafood, Son of A Gun serves fine, meticulous preparations that remind us that we're near the ocean. Good value for money.
THE LOBSTER
Read moreEstablished in 1925, Lobster was originally a small restaurant with 60 seats and up to types of fish. In 1989, the small shop leaves out to the great dam of the inhabitants. After a long decade, the Lobster finally reopened in 1999 and became a renowned place with history. The chowder clam is delicious and the seafood is well cooked, but it is true that you come here to admire the sun on the pier of Santa Monica.
SHAWS CRAB HOUSE
Read moreA very convivial place, where time seems to have stood still. While we wait to be served, we revisit the history of fishing and its techniques on walls worthy of a museum. Fish and seafood in a variety of forms: platters, soups, sushi. Spicy Louisiana specialties! The small white wine suggested by the house goes perfectly with the dishes. Between jambalaya, oysters, lobster... And if you're coming alone, the central zinc bar will put you right in the mood! As for dessert, mmhhh this rhubarb-raspberry tart...
CATCH
Read moreLocated in the Aria hotel-casino, the Catch restaurant will appeal to those who appreciate fish, seafood and meat with an Asian influence. The menu is varied, with a few nuggets including the famous Mac and Cheese with lobster. The cocktail list will also delight mixology enthusiasts. Frequented by American celebrities from all over the U.S., Catch offers a magnificent setting with a highly successful floral interior design. The corridor leading to the restaurant alone is worth the detour. Reservations are recommended.
OTHER MAMA
Read moreOysters, cocktails and sushi are the three watchwords of this refined, Japanese-influenced neighborhood eatery. It's the freshness of good seafood that Other Mama aims to lavish on its loyal customers. An address praised by the press - from GQ Magazine to the L.A. Times to Las Vegas Weekly - where the atmosphere is as relaxed and pleasant as the ceviches and sashimi are fine. In this raw bar, it's hard not to want to try everything, so come in pairs and share your plates. Satisfaction guaranteed.