Henri V.
Yelp
Terrazza is a restaurant inside the Casa Del Mar Hotel in Santa Monica and it has direct, unobstructed beach views.
Yesterday, after a quick visit at Venice Beach and not finding anything acceptable to eat, I decided on a visit to a former frequent spot, the Casa Del Mar Hotel. It's a Spanish classically styled building formerly occupied many years ago by Pritikin Health Institute. Later, was sold and remodeled by the hotel group.
Upon entry into the hotel, go up the stairs, walk straight down the walkway, pass the lounge, pass the bar and towards the big bay windows. Terrazza is a California casual restaurant that offers Italian and other popular food selections.
The restaurant mostly caters to its hotel guests but is open to the public. From almost every seat, you have a clear view of ocean, Santa Monica beach and the pier.
It was approaching 12noon yesterday and the restaurant was not busy, in fact there were lots of available seating. The host/waiter wanted to sit me at a smaller table off a corner? Immediately rejected his offer and walked to a bigger table, in front and center where I wanted and told him he was ridiculous, as the restaurant is practically empty, either I sit at my choice table or I leave....of course I won ;)
The paper menu cover had a drawing of an old woman, looking rather witchy poo and demonic, that scary tactic worked, because I hated looking at the ugly cover, so I quickly opened the menu. Halloween prep? Selections were limited and typical hotel food of sandwiches, salads some pasta and seafood. Because we are on the beach, I decided on the fresh steamed clams and a chilled ginger beer. Not a fan of beer, but have taken a liking to ginger beer, because it tastes similar to ginger ale with a hint of alcohol, almost non existent really. The drink satisfied my thirst for the moment.
The clams in a small bowl, were medium size, and the white wine broth was loaded with garlic and sprigs of spinach. A toasted rustic bread accompanied to dip into to savory broth. The clam dish and my chilled drink was sufficient for a solo lunch gazing out the window, looking at the sunny SoCal blue water, beach and people riding their bikes on the path, absolutely love living in southern California, specifically LA, with access to almost anything: mountains, beaches and city, I love it.
This restaurant with this setting has been here for years. The furnishings and setting hasn't changed, all old dated, almost hideous. The killer ocean and beach views is the draw. The menu has changed, because one of my fav drinks is no longer listed; an ice blended pomegranate margarita. The bar doesn't have a blender :(
Also, the menu offers little healthier vegan options. Additionally, even though the restaurant is dog friendly, no bowl of H20 was offered.
Service initially was placid, but later became Luke warm. Compared to eating at a food stand on Venice boardwalk, which I would never do for my preference, Terrazza is a nice, safe and lovely casual restaurant.
In the past, I had many business lunches and dinners here, so it's quiet and business professional appropriate setting. Valet parking a
is partially validated by the restaurant for dining guests. During the day, the restaurant and lobby activity is sedate. Some evenings, there is live band performing current music favs.
If you get a chance to catch a live performance during dinner, it's fun and a worthwhile good time.