Lares is one of The 15 Best Authentic Places in Santa Monica.

1. Lares

8.4
2909 Pico Blvd (29th St), Santa Monica, CA
Mexican Restaurant · 65 tips and reviews

Maria O.Maria Oruzco: Lares Restaurant specializes in authentic Mexican food and famous dishes of the South. We serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Come see us today! Visit us online at http://www.lares-restaurant.com

Natalie G.Natalie Guerra: Definitely one of the most authentic Mexican Food places on the west side. The setting is great and the food is even better. I recommend the Chicken Chipotle, margaritas & the breakfast!! ❤️

Dmitri K.Dmitri Khotiaintsev: Try the shrimp ceviche! Very authentic mexican food, awesome taste and quality service. Margaritas are a must.. good for families too. Absolutely loved it!

Tacos Por Favor is one of The 15 Best Authentic Places in Santa Monica.

2. Tacos Por Favor

8.7
1408 Olympic Blvd (at 14th St.), Santa Monica, CA
Taco Restaurant · 128 tips and reviews

Thai L.Thai Liu: This place is amazing... never had a bad experience here. Definitely some of the best tacos/burritos in Santa Monica. If your looking for inexpenseive authentic Mexican food go here.

Chris M.Chris M: The posole is authentic and hits the spot. Light flavorful broth and awesome pork. Nice and spicy too. The cactus salad is so-so.

Shelby M.Shelby Meinzer: Authentic Mexican. Everything is good!

SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa is one of The 15 Best Authentic Places in Santa Monica.

3. SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa

9.2
1345 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA
Sushi Restaurant · Downtown Santa Monica · 180 tips and reviews

Christina V.Christina Villela: I come here and get the "Trust Me by Nozowa" every time. - Can't resist the super fresh fish and warm rice. If you like authentic Sushi, this is the place.

Michael K.Michael Kalec: I enjoyed the food, but if you find an authentic sushi place, I'd suggest that. Sugar fish is a little too "LA",where they're concerned with appearance as much as the taste of food.

Jonathan S.Jonathan Snook: Had the Trust Me menu which was fantastic. Simply prepared and presented and so tasty.

Satdha is one of The 15 Best Authentic Places in Santa Monica.

4. Satdha

8.5
2218 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
Thai Restaurant · Ocean Park · 27 tips and reviews

Ted C.Ted Conbeer: Very good Thai, from an authentic menu. Thom Kha was seriously good. The Nam Prik Num tastes just like it does in Chiang Mai

Wondering F.Wondering Feet: The Tom Yum is delicious, we had two. Very authentic and tasty. Vegetarian only.

Kevin T.Kevin T: As a meat eater, this was a REALLY good vegetarian place. Their catfish eggplant was fantastic!!

Ye Olde King's Head is one of The 15 Best Authentic Places in Santa Monica.

5. Ye Olde King's Head

8.0
116 Santa Monica Blvd (btwn Ocean Ave. & 2nd St.), Santa Monica, CA
Pub · Downtown Santa Monica · 137 tips and reviews

Major League SoccerMajor League Soccer: Ye Olde King's Head recreates the authentic British Soccer Pub. Ye Olde King's Head is an official pub of the LA Galaxy & MLS!

Geoff R.Geoff Reinhardt: Grab a pint and watch "football" (soccer) at this fairly authentic pub!

Sean R.Sean Robison: Very authentic British pub. The fish and chips were fantastic.

Cassia is one of The 15 Best Authentic Places in Santa Monica.

6. Cassia

9.0
1314 7th St, Santa Monica, CA
Asian Restaurant · 62 tips and reviews

Gordon L.Gordon Liu: The Laksa is delicious and really authentic. If you like Gin, go for the Banana Mule :-)

John C.John Cassillo: Great cocktail menu and happy hour makes those pricy drinks well worth it. Hefty pours too.

Vivian D.Vivian Doan: Loved their green papaya salad (the spiced walnuts give it a kick!) and clay oven bread with chickpea curry! Can't wait to go back again and enjoy their patio

Cha Cha Chicken is one of The 15 Best Authentic Places in Santa Monica.

7. Cha Cha Chicken

9.0
1906 Ocean Ave (at Pico Blvd.), Santa Monica, CA
Caribbean Restaurant · Ocean Park · 172 tips and reviews

Achille K.Achille Kolla: Not your most authentic Caribbean experience but great service and good bang for your buck. Try their homemade juices...the lemonade + ginger ale was bomb!

AmayaAmaya: BYOB and delish fried coconut chicken. Not very authentic but a fun spot nonetheless.

Jason M.Jason Muhammad: Good stuff. Definitely worth the stop if in Santa Monica/Venice area

Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee is one of The 15 Best Authentic Places in Santa Monica.

8. Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee

8.9
631 Wilshire Blvd (at 7th St), Santa Monica, CA
Donut Shop · 98 tips and reviews

Nate T.Nate Tinner: Authentic and unique flavors, though a bit pricey.

SallySally: The huckleberry donut is delicious and so are the other donuts! Cakey and flavorful.

NmNm: Buttermilk drops is a must .. Coffee is average

Fritto Misto is one of The 15 Best Authentic Places in Santa Monica.

9. Fritto Misto

8.3
620 Santa Monica Blvd. #A (7th St.), Santa Monica, CA
Italian Restaurant · Westside · 125 tips and reviews

LIVESTRONG_COMLIVESTRONG_COM: Order whole wheat noodles for your pasta -- authentic taste with tons of health benefits. Get more info on whole grains by clicking "More info" Read more.

Hak P.Hak Private ✈️☀️😎: Nowhere near to be an authentic Italian restaurant. Spaghetti came as vermicelli type, overcooked ( even though specifically asked for al dente), all soft and sticky.At least it's a no go for Italians

Abdullah A.Abdullah Alaqeel: Authentic pasta 👍

Uovo is one of The 15 Best Authentic Places in Santa Monica.

10. Uovo

8.7
1320 2nd Street, Santa Monica, CA
Italian Restaurant · Downtown Santa Monica · 17 tips and reviews

The Taste SheriffThe Taste Sheriff: Average. Seriously, nothing to write home about. Take the trip to downtown and go to Maccheroni Republic ($) or Factory Kitchen ($$) for authentic pasta.

Thales F.Thales Fc: Authentic Italian pasta

Navin I.Navin Iyengar: I was skeptical when I read about the pasta bring flown in from Italy. But this was some of the best pasta I've ever had, *including* in Italy.

Bagel Nosh is one of The 15 Best Authentic Places in Santa Monica.

11. Bagel Nosh

8.2
1629 Wilshire Blvd (at 17th St), Santa Monica, CA
Breakfast Spot · Wilshire-Montana · 43 tips and reviews

David S.David Steinberger: Great authentic bagels

jennifer h.jennifer han: i prefer my breakfast burritos simple and classic: just eggs, cheddar, hash browns, and bacon. theirs is my favorite, better than all the other hoighty toighty versions in the area.

OrderAheadOrderAhead: Bagel Nosh now lets you order and pay ahead with your phone. Download the OrderAhead App. Read more.

Sunnin Lebanese Cuisine is one of The 15 Best Authentic Places in Santa Monica.

12. Sunnin Lebanese Cuisine

8.2
525 Santa Monica Blvd #120 (at 6th St), Santa Monica, CA
Lebanese Restaurant · Los angeles · 22 tips and reviews

Suresh S.Suresh Singh: service is courteous, friendly, and warm. We are vegetarians so we order a Mezze of appetizer items. Food was fresh, delicious, and flavorful. Lebanese white wine was one of the best wines we had.

Darrin B.Darrin Bode: Shawarma, kebabs

Melanie M.Melanie Martin: Fried cauliflower, chicken kebab and babaghanoush were all excellent.

Gilbert's El Indio is one of The 15 Best Authentic Places in Santa Monica.

13. Gilbert's El Indio

8.5
2526 Pico Blvd (26th street), Santa Monica, CA
Mexican Restaurant · 69 tips and reviews

LA Home & StyleLA Home & Style: Authentic mexican that is the pride of Sunset Park.

Christopher T.Christopher T: Can't beat the $14.50 margaritas! Love the Diablo sauce and nights when Fernando is there. He is usually off Sun-Mon. Cash only but best Mexican on the Westside!

Jer S.Jer Sam: Cash only!!!

Snug Harbor is one of The 15 Best Authentic Places in Santa Monica.

14. Snug Harbor

8.5
2323 Wilshire Blvd (24th), Santa Monica, CA
Diner · 42 tips and reviews

Offbeat L.A.Offbeat L.A.: Opened 1941. Small, authentic early 1940’s diner with a small counter and a few booths.

T M.T Man: American food + unique grilled grapefruit. Attentive service. Try the patio in back. All the breads one can imagine. Lovely place with beer too.

LA WeeklyLA Weekly: There's something satisfying about diving into a plate of sausage and biscuits - surely an entire day's worth of calories judging by the sheer number of biscuits alone - first thing in the morning. Read more.

Forma Restaurant & Cheese Bar is one of The 15 Best Authentic Places in Santa Monica.

15. Forma Restaurant & Cheese Bar

8.7
1610 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA
Italian Restaurant · Wilshire-Montana · 29 tips and reviews

Abu Aya K.Abu Aya KD: Great service, good food... The octopus is a must and the pasta with beef ragu

Melanie M.Melanie Martin: Mushroom tortellini, filet mignon tartar

Olya K.Olya Khilobok: Sweet people, almost empty at Tuesday morning, amazing cheese and bread.