Santa Monica’s Mon Ami Is a Patio Hangout Near the Pier for Cool Kids | Eater LA

"Opening formally for dinner on Friday, May 5, I found the new indoor-outdoor courtyard hangout at 1541 Ocean Avenue to feel a world away from the touristy bustle, making it ideal for locals and in-the-know tourists. Brought to life by Pacific Coast Hospitality in the former 41 Ocean lounge space and designed by John Sofio of Built Inc., the space leans airy and lush with rattan, wood, textiles and a lounge-focused courtyard vibe that includes colorful weatherproof tile, stucco touches, umbrellas, and plush seating around low tables. The opening menu, overseen by Samir Mohajer and Sabel Braganza, moves through Mediterranean waters—France, Morocco, Italy, Greece, and Spain—with dishes ranging from prosciutto-wrapped tomatoes and burrata toast with gazpacho to a chicken tagine with pickled carrots, seared branzino with olive tapenade, a Greek moussaka with oyster mushroom ragout, cauliflower shawarma for vegans and vegetarians, a grilled romaine Caesar, and desserts like loukoumades with honey; cocktails span from a mozzarella-washed vodka with clarified tomato-basil cordial to a tequila–Aperol–elderflower–grapefruit mix called the La Gondola. It opens May 5 and will keep hours from 5 p.m. to late Tuesday through Saturday, with weekend brunch arriving in the summer." - Farley Elliott