The Penthouse

Californian restaurant · Santa Monica

The Penthouse

Californian restaurant · Santa Monica

3

1111 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90403

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The Penthouse by The Penthouse website
The Penthouse by Infatuation - Reviews
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The Penthouse by null
The Penthouse by null
The Penthouse by null
The Penthouse by null
The Penthouse by null
The Penthouse by null
The Penthouse by null
The Penthouse by null
The Penthouse by null
The Penthouse by null
The Penthouse by null
The Penthouse by null
The Penthouse by null
The Penthouse by null
The Penthouse by null
The Penthouse by null
The Penthouse by null
The Penthouse by null
The Penthouse by null
The Penthouse by null
The Penthouse by null
The Penthouse by null
The Penthouse by null
The Penthouse by null
The Penthouse by null
The Penthouse by null
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The Penthouse by null
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Highlights

Panoramic ocean views, cocktails, pasta, raw bar & fresh catch  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater

1111 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90403 Get directions

penthouserestaurant.com
@thepenthouse

$$$ · Menu

Reserve

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1111 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90403 Get directions

+1 310 393 8080
penthouserestaurant.com
@thepenthouse

$$$ · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 11, 2025

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@infatuation

The Penthouse - Review - Santa Monica - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

"The Penthouse is, without a doubt, a complete and utter scene - one that’s a strange mix of bachelorette parties, moms gone wild, and slightly lost-looking tourists. But nowhere else will you get a practically unobstructed view of the coast from Santa Monica up to Malibu. The food isn’t great, but neither you nor the bachelorettes on their fifth bottle of champagne are here for that. RESERVE A TABLE WITH RESERVE A TABLE" - Jess Basser Sanders

https://www.theinfatuation.com/los-angeles/reviews/the-penthouse
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@eater

16 Stunning Waterfront Restaurants to Relish in Los Angeles

"Stationed on the 18th floor of Santa Monica’s Huntley Hotel, the Penthouse offers a panoramic ocean view along with a raw bar, handmade plates of pasta like the truffle cacio e pepe, and always a catch of the day." - Eater Staff

https://la.eater.com/maps/beachside-waterfront-restaurants-ocean-view-la-malibu-long-beach-venice-santa-monica
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@eater

15 Great Beachside LA Restaurants, From Malibu to Long Beach - Eater LA

"There aren’t many restaurants the same stunning space as the 18th floor Penthouse. Stationed in Santa Monica’s Huntley Hotel, the rooftop ensures a panoramic ocean view along with a raw bar, hand made pastas like the truffle cacio e pepe, and always a catch of the day." - Eater Staff

https://la.eater.com/maps/beachside-restaurants-ocean-view-la-malibu-long-beach-venice
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Michael Preiss

Google
A Hidden Gem with a Breathtaking View This restaurant is an absolute must-visit — not only for the food, but especially for the stunning rooftop-like setting. The view is nothing short of spectacular, offering a grand and unforgettable panorama that alone makes the visit worthwhile. The food is outstanding, clearly crafted with care and high-quality ingredients. While the prices are on the higher side, the culinary experience more than justifies the cost. The staff are incredibly friendly and attentive, adding to the overall warm and welcoming atmosphere. The interior design is beautiful, stylish, and perfectly complements the elevated dining experience. Highly recommended for a special evening or anyone looking to enjoy excellent food in an extraordinary setting.

lauren lareau

Google
Wow, just wow! This place not only has a gorgeous view of Santa Monica beach, and delicious cocktails, it also boasts an incredible menu of the freshest food in southern California. We had lamb meatballs and shrimp ceviche to start, and BRANZINO fish tacos with hand made corn tortillas!! Everything was impeccable, from the flavors to the freshness to the service. Highly recommend this place if you're in town.

Oana Gusatu

Google
Food is nice enough (I ordered their oysters - there’s no indication on the menu as to which type of oysters they serve) and they weren’t the best. The staff is very well trained and maintaining high standards. The views are irreplaceable. The atmosphere has more of a bar vibe than a restaurant (the music gets louder and louder through the night). The drinks are pretty good (I had an almost perfect Paloma). Valet parking is steep ($18).

Mimo Z

Google
Gorgeous setting with an ocean view! The ambiance is beautiful, and the service aligns well with the price point. The food, however, was a mix. The lychee martini was excellent, and the roasted Brussels sprouts were the best I’ve ever had—crispy, flavorful, and unforgettable. Unfortunately, both the well-done steak and the catch of the day were overcooked and dry, which took away from the overall experience. A lovely touch: we received a complimentary dessert with a sparkling candle—a sweet and unexpected surprise!

MediZoom Transportation, LLC

Google
Sarah and her staff gave us an amazing night to remember. Celebrated birthday dinner with family and co-workers and if I could give it 10 stars I would!! Let’s not discuss the epic views before even getting to the restaurant.

Francesca Pepoon

Google
We had a wonderful evening at The Penthouse. Service was perfect from the moment we were greeted until we left. Everyone was friendly, professional, and helpful. Our server was delightful. We had a lovely corner table with panoramic views of the ocean to downtown LA. The wine and cocktail list was comprehensive and interesting. We had delicious dinners, starting with a creative and superb amuse bouche. My husband had the very fresh and perfectly-cooked salmon while I had the Mediterranean branzino. The flavors were fresh and unique, and accompanying vegetables were delicious. We shared the Valentino for dessert; if you like chocolate and raspberry, this is for you! Wonderful experience.

D P

Google
The view is nice of you can get a table near a window. The food was made well and portions were good along with the quality and taste! The French toast used fluffy airy like breads and the Shakshuka was flavorful.

Michael Lichter

Google
We made an 8pm reservation on Sunday night but we're a few minutes late because we were searching in vain for parking. We were seated at about 8:45. We were offered water while we waited. The menu was reasonably varied. I wanted linguine with clams but they were out so I had the chicken dish, which was good but a bit odd. There's no reason to surround a piece of chicken with pureed spinach. My wife had a seafood pasta dish that she enjoyed. Portions were just about right--we ate everything and were satiated without being overly full. Was not impressed by the white marbley decor. The view is impressive, including the pier and the ocean, but probably best experienced in the daytime. Parking was $19, so considered coming a bit early and using a parking structure a couple blocks away.

Eloise L.

Yelp
had a wonderful meal here with family for an early Mother's Day. food was great and David took care of us, we had a great time.
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Amy N.

Yelp
Cute place to come for drinks or dine with a view of LA. The food is descent. It's located inside the hotel. You can valet park or find street parking. Staff is nice, drinks are OK and the view is nice! Branzino was tasty- it's a small portion so if you are hungry you may need to order more. Bread- I would recommend an order of bread. Freshly baked and it was delicious! They also have fresh squeezed orange juice.
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elizabeth n.

Yelp
Just a beautiful place , with beautiful food / cocktails . Sunset views are just amazing . Service is well put together , thank you keep up the good work
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Linda C.

Yelp
This is our family's favorite brunch spot! From the moment you walk into the hotel lobby, you are transported into a realm of peace and tranquility. The restaurant itself channels the same vibes and has good flowing energy. The decor is on point: sheer white curtains, cabanas, tasteful greenery and art. The views are unparalleled, which is the main reason we adore coming here. We are taken back to the French Riviera! We were greeted by a friendly host (every host has always been friendly!) and she immediately took us to our table. Since we were celebrating a birthday, she handed us a thoughtful, handwritten birthday card! It was unexpected and certainly a delightful surprise! Our server was equally pleasant! The staff are a perfect representation of the hotel and restaurant standards. We came for their weekend brunch, and although the menu appears like it might have changed ever so slightly (we have been coming here for more than 10 years now!), we enjoyed our meal very much so. Our food arrived at the same time: Traditional Eggs Benny and Smoked Salmon Pizzetta arrived with the proper temperature; while the Yellow Fin Tuna Poke Bowl arrived fresh and ready to eat. Our meals were flavorful, mouthwatering and delicious. We highly recommend coming to The Penthouse. Come for the views, and stay for the food!
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Angela G.

Yelp
Finally got to try this place for dinner this evening! We made reservations through Open Table a few days ago to celebrate an early Mother's Day. It was fairly easy to get here, only a bit of traffic but not too bad. It got really foggy after getting out of the valley which we didn't expect but luckily we still got a nice view of the Ocean before the fog really rolled in. This restaurant is at the top of the Huntley hotel. They have valet parking $15 for 3 hrs with validation. There aren't really any signs for the restaurant but the valet guy told us to head into the hotel and there's a designated elevator for it in the far left corner of the lobby. We headed on in and it was packed! Super busy, even the bar was busy. Lots of people lounging around. I headed over to the hostess and she confirmed to wait around close to our time for us to be called and seated. Grabbed a drink, the Hankey Pankey, from the bar which didn't take long at all, and then they called us for our table. We were in a nice spot, wish we were kind of by the window but that's okay since it was basically fogged up anyway. Our waiter, Jimmy, was great! He made sure to introduce himself and to take our orders but making sure to explaining a couple of menu items very throughly. He was very clear when he spoke and checked up on us a few times. We ordered the Brussels sprouts for starters along with the 3 piece oyster which came with Classic Mignonette (a vinegar onion type sauce), Berry Mignonette, and a Basil Seed & Calamansi Juice sauce. Tbh the Calamansi is the only reason I wanted to try it. It was mine and my bf's first time trying oysters and I'm proud of us! It definitely isn't our favorite and wasn't really for us. Imo it's the flavor for me but the sauces were great and help cover that a bit. I went for the Diver Scallops for my entree. Huge scallops which is great and worth your money. It came with a lot of things that weren't on the menu so I wasn't sure what I was eating tbh but the celery casserole purse thing was a nice dip for the scallops! The ricotta and turnips were just okay, couldn't really taste the black sesame either. My bf got the Duck Duo à l'Orange which was delicious! My aunt got some kind of Umami Steak which wasn't for me. It had truffle in it and I'm not a fan of truffle. My mom ordered the short rib cavatelli which was delicious! One thing I absolutely liked was that they cleaned up nicely and quickly. There's a guy walking around constantly to make sure all water cups were filled. Our waiter dropped off the dessert menu and was gone for a very long time. We probably waited a good 20 min just for him to come back and finally take our order. Then another 20 for the dessert itself to arrive. That's definitely the only downside about this restaurant, super super long waits between orders and just anything else in general. We ended with the Chocolate Mille-Feuille, absolutely delicious, and probably the best dessert on the menu! Super flakey, cold, and the perfect sweetness. Not to mention they have the AC blasting in here which is nice! Bring a jacket for sure but at least it's not gross and muggy. Glad we got to try this place! IG: @ammysalamii
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Mai V.

Yelp
As the name suggests, this restaurant is located on the penthouse level of the Huntley Hotel and the panoramic views of the ocean and Santa Monica are stunning. The décor and ambience is typical California classy casual. Came here for a weekend brunch and was pleased with their simple but interesting menu. Had different eggs benedict options (smoked salmon, lobster with truffle) to add a flair of sophistication with good flavor for a solid 4/5 in taste and presentation. It was moderately busy on this particular day but the waitstaff was attentive and checked on us often.
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Darianna C.

Yelp
We had a lovely dinner with friends to celebrate their engagement. It was delicious and the service was polite and attentive. They even put sparklers on the dessert as a surprise! Be sure to ask for a table with a view.
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Angela B.

Yelp
I do not know what to say....sheer disappointment. I made reservations...arrived early (15 minutes) in fact. We were seated immediately. THANKFULLY. That was the first + and it seemed to go downhill from there. We waited close to 10 minutes before we were even greeted by our server -GRANT. And that didn't happen until I asked "where's our server?" He then took our beverage orders. Then we had to wait for the water...pastries (another 10 minutes) I went to the front and told the manager...we waited a lot and waiting for our pastries ....you name it we waited. . Grant said, "there's a problem in the kitchen and the manager said the same thing. It was annoying. At this point I was done. My point of view: You pay $95 per person PLUS an $80 ADDED Gratuity...you EXPECT exceptional service. And to be honest the menu wasn't all that. Brunch consisted of tacos, steak, raw salmon, burgers and fries. And this restaurant didn't seem to have it together. Well maybe for Father's Day. My Dad and Husband enjoyed the ambiance and that mattered because it's all about them.....but don't think I want to come here again. They tried redeeming themselves with an apology and comped drunks, a visit from the manager, 3-4 servers brings our food out all at once ,but that didn't make me feel any better. Grateful for the attempt however. Even if the food was free. It wouldn't have made a difference. Because they messed up the EXPERIENCE!!!!! Royally!!!!!
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Catherine R.

Yelp
My husband and I booked the Malibu Cabana Experience for our anniversary, and boy was it worth it! Everything from start to finish was sublime. The service was top-notch, and the wait staff went out of their way to make everything super special for our anniversary. The food was spectacular! The oysters were fresh and flavorful. The persimmon and pear dish was delicate and delicious. The lobster agnolotti was so buttery and wonderful, and the rib eye was divine. The desserts (strawberry cheesecake, and the passionfruit crème brulee) were both heavenly. This is a perfect place for a special occasion and the cabanas guarantee an intimate ocean view. A very special experience, indeed!
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Dilenia A.

Yelp
Beautiful restaurant, amazing ambiance and great views!!! The food was delicious and perfectly portioned. Had the short rib cavatelli and it was so delish and juicy, the short rib was cooked to perfection!
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Diana H.

Yelp
Had another wonderful lunch at the Penthouse. the service was excellent & the food was delicious. We had the 3 course $35 lunch special which was better than expected. Great way to taste many different menu items. the smoked salmon appetizer was fantastic!
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Janette W.

Yelp
This is a must-visit on any trip to the area. I usually make this my last stop before the airport. I love to take in the views here and the ambiance is always great and luxurious.
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Shy T.

Yelp
Came here again because we really wanted their Caesar salad again. They only serve it on weekdays though unfortunately! We did have the mac & cheese, (BOMB!), chicken (yummy but should've had more sides) and the wagyu burger with fries (good but very heavy and filling). Staff was amazing as usual, the drinks were delicious I had the peach Bellini. View was awesome as usual, definitely recommend coming here and I can't wait to experience this place again at night.
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Alizen R.

Yelp
The Penthouse is a GORGEOUS restaurant and lounge to bring your guests to if you want to wow them with the view. We came here on a Monday afternoon and took the glass elevator to get a wonderful view of the ocean before reaching the top floor. I ordered the Niçoise salad that came with seared ahi tuna that was absolutely divine. My colleagues had the Thai chicken salad and the wagyu burger that also came highly recommended. Didn't get a chance to try the cocktails on this visit but they had a great selection and this is definitely the vibe that I could see being popular after work and on the weekend. For parking, there's plenty of metered parking in the area and I'm sure in the hotel itself you'll have it for a heftier fee. Overall, definitely a show stopper and a location I highly recommend visiting for modestly priced entrees and excellent ambiance. (42/100--2023)
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Tania M.

Yelp
I came here to celebrate a friend's birthday. The food was good but not like "omg good" I got the Umani steak medium rare. Also got the celery supreme drink because the waiter recommended it saying it was spicy and had a jalapeño kick to it. I asked if it tastes like celery she said no but it does. We also got fries and Mac and cheese with lobster. The portions are small so if you come hungry be prepared it's fancy for like a date or something similar. I don't think I would come here again for a birthday thing. In total I payed $108 The view it's the best and obviously the experience.
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Leslie M.

Yelp
The following review is for brunch. Let's cut to the chase.... Views- Absolutely stunning! The cabanas are so cute. Some of the most perfect views of Santa Monica. Food- very disappointing and not on par with the drinks and views this place has to offer. French toast was dry, nothing was outstanding in flavor and the toppings kind of saved the meal. Traditional Benedict (not pictured here) but had overcooked poached eggs. Cocktails- some of the most unique twists on cocktails and honestly delicious! The following drinks are must try's: Golden Bubbles -The bourbon in it is so subtle so don't shy away; Shiso Sexy -lovely touch of matcha, Aperol Smash- try this if you prefer a drink on the sweeter side. Service- we all have bad days but damn... not the best service. Needed to be more attentive with even the basics like water. I would come back for the drinks and views but not the brunch meal offerings and hopefully better service another time around.
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Vanessa J.

Yelp
Beautiful restaurant on the penthouse of the Huntley hotel. Would definitely recommend for a date night (preferably around sunset time as you get the beautiful views of the ocean and sun going down). Our waiter was very friendly and provided great recommendations. Menu was a bit limited and food is a pricey, but it was expected considering the area and location. We ordered the ceviche which was very fresh. It has avocados which is traditionally in ceviche, but it wasn't listed on the menu so please be mindful if allergic. Unfortunately my partner was allergic and fell ill. The crispy rice was mediocre and lackluster. Pretty small servings (3 pieces). Expected a bit more but it was ok. The umami steak and the short rib cavateli was very good. I personally would recommend the cavateli. The steak was beautiful and was well seasoned. It's definitely a beautiful looking dish that is great to look at. I'm not personally a fan of the potato cloud as it's very airy and not fulfilling, but I can see the appeal.
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Ara G.

Yelp
Location 4: Located on the top floor of the Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica, CA. Metered self-parking is available but hard to find. The hotel does have Valet parking for a fee which can be very convenient given how busy the area is. Venue 5: Nice modern and inviting indoor set up on the top floor of the Huntley Hotel, with beautiful views of the ocean and the city. Booths and tables and a large bar area. It appears to be busier in the daytime, and even with reservations we had to wait a short time to be seated. Service 4: Service was polite and attentive. Food 5: They are open from 7 AM until late night every day, and serve breakfast/brunch, appetizers, lunch and dinner. We had stopped by on the weekend for brunch. We had the French Toast, the Salmon Benedict, the Lobster and Black Truffle Benedict, and the Shakshuka. All were delicious and we would order them again. Prices were slightly high but reasonable for the venue and location. Drinks 4: They have a full bar with a nice selection of specialty cocktails and some beer and wine. Since we were there for brunch, we did not go too crazy and had a Bloody Mary and some Cappuccinos. Prices were a little high, but on par with similar establishments. The Last Word 5: Great location, ambiance, food and drinks! Will definitely visit again!
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Jennifer K.

Yelp
I've been here several times and out of everything I've tried, I enjoyed the scallops the most. The only downside is that the serving size is pretty small, especially compared to other entrees on the menu. The service and ambiance is always consistently good here and I would return.
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Caren R.

Yelp
The reason I'm giving them only a 2 is because we showed up for brunch at our reservation time and they told us there were no tables. We looked around and there were many empty tables. The hostess said it would be 15-20 minutes and then the host chimed in and said "Nooooo, it's going to be much longer than that". So we were very disappointed From the start. So forewarning - anyone who goes there with a reservation, don't expect them to have a table. The food was fine. The prices are high, but they're high everywhere now. The waiter service was excellent. The atmosphere is like they tried to be upscale, but looks a bit tacky. There's so many great places in Santa Monica to eat at with views that I would choose over this one.
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Nance T.

Yelp
The food and seafood are okay, but they can definitely give more on the portion. The scallop is way too small. You would need to order more dishes to be full. The drinks are good. They are generous with the alcohol on every drinks. They have a DJ to play the music all night, which is a good vibe. The ocean window scenic look more nice during the day, as you cannot see much during the night. The service is great as they would give you sparklers for your friend's birthday.
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Van C.

Yelp
Upon walking in I was greeted immediately. The hostess was very quick and professional. This place during happy hour is SUPER crazy in a good way. EXCELLENT place to network. A lot of very nice, good looking and open people. At this visit I was here for dinner time though. So lets move onto the food and atmosphere. During dinner it's far more of a romantic and upper scale atmosphere and scene. This place is a GREAT place to take a date and or someone you love. This place is NOT for kids. I repeat DO NOT bring your kids here. It will ruin the entire atmosphere of what this place is for everyone around you. Moving onto the food. I've had a few things from here throughout the years. But I will write about my current visit. Since that's the most updated menu. The grand seafood tower. Includes large prawns Raw oyster served with lemon, hot sauce and the usual onion and cocktail sauce. Snow crab claws. Raw scallops ( cook those suckers in some lemon ) And of course a few mussels. YOU CANNOT go wrong with the seafood towers here. They're excellently displayed and everything is fresh. I've never felt off/sick from any of it. Burrata. FRESH excellent on a bed of greens. Absolutely tasty. Lobster mac n cheese with truffles. Not to rich in flavor. Which actually took me by surprise. It was JUST right. Didn't need to add salt, pepper, nothing. It was perfect from the get go. And the portion/size of it was very acceptable for the price. Lets move onto t he Wagyu steak roll. OMG if you like sushi but steak? You HAVE to try this. And they are NOT skimpy with the truffle shavings. I mean please look at my pictures. They HOOK you up with truffles like no other here. With all that said? My experience here each time is always a memorable one. The cleanliness, the food choices and quality, the staff, seating options and even the bathroom. Everything is top tier and enjoyable. I would highly recommend this place for a romantic setting. And or just for a fun upper scale happy hour. There's only one thing to be aware of. Parking is valet only. However there is a parking structure behind it ( 3 minute walk ). Enjoy!
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Marko C.

Yelp
Came here for Thanksgiving brunch. It was ~$120 pp for a fixed priced menu. Great service, but we were disappointed in the quantity of food. Appetizer was the diver scallop. ONE scallop split in half, served in two pieces. My meal was the roast beef. It was about a 1/2" slice of steak. The serving was small and disappointing. My dessert was the cheesecake. This was also disappointing because it was a 1/2" slice of cheesecake. The portions were small and did not match the $120 pp price tag. We left this place hungry and disappointed. We won't be back.
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Ebony P.

Yelp
I enjoyed my friends bday last weekend. The ambiance was great, and the music was cool after 8ish. The menu could've been better options, but I liked the mussels. We had the short rib pasta meal and a salad. The short rib pasta was terrible. No taste, I wouldn't recommend it. This place is pricey but not too horrible.
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Chanel M.

Yelp
This is my first time coming here and I plan on bringing people here for my birthday possibly! The environment is just soooo cute! Love the views. Photos just don't do justice. Service was great from the bartender Jes Meza. She was accommodating and great and keeping a conversation with me since I came in alone. She recommended this mezcal with honey drink and... YUM. The tuna Crispy rice looked pretty as it came out. Love the presentation The view going up the elevator was also remarkable. Can't wait to return!
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Alice C.

Yelp
We saw someone posted about this place on IG. We made our reservation without any hesitations. The place was very nice. The interior design and the ambiance were nice. The views were good. The booth seating was elegant; they used drapes. Our server was very friendly and patient. The food was good, too! We ordered their 3-courses menu, which you may need to ask for. Overall, we had a very pleasant experience. Greatly recommended.
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Sophia L.

Yelp
Okay, so the vibe here is unmatched. The bathrooms are beautiful, the view is beautiful and the space to gather is definitely it! I can't wait to come back in the summer. Service was some of the best. It was my husband's 40th birthday and I mentioned this in our reservation. They gave him a nice card signed by the manager. A super nice touch. The food was great, minus the French toast because it wasn't actually toast or French. We had to send it back. Anyways, two people ordered the eggs Benedict with smoked salmon and they were very happy. I had the chilaquiles which were made to perfection. Just needed a little more spice. Overall a great experience in Santa Monica.
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Rebecca M.

Yelp
Stayed at the Huntley for work and had the pleasure of visiting the hotels restaurant. The dinner I shared with some friends was delicious. Of course we ordered a few things to share; this Burratta was so delicious. Great wine and cocktail selection too. Our waiter was very attentive and helpful. When I returned for happy hour the next night I had a similar experience of attentiveness, great cocktails and apps, etc. I also love the light and airy furniture, get a table draped in white by the window to see the beach view if you can!
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Deena I.

Yelp
Location and views make this place amazing. It's the penthouse of the Huntley hotel. Sadly, I think they were understaffed because the service was pretty uncoordinated. It took a while to get water. We got our drinks before water. Then to order food, several staff members came to ask if we are ready to order and when we would say yes they would say they will be right back to get our order. The food took a little while to get. The traditional Benedict was pretty good, the potatoes were pretty dry. Asked if we could get the nutella pancakes because it sounded like they were on the breakfast but not the brunch menu and that seemed like an ordeal but they let us order it anyway. Cool place to check out but likely more for drinks and hang out rather than a meal.
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Atalana L.

Yelp
Adored my experience at the Penthouse. The entire staff of this restaurant is incredibly friendly and accommodating. Immediately greeted with kindness and shown to my beautiful table. The views from here are just unreal. You can see from Santa Monica to Malibu. There's nothing like it seriously, and then to eat with a view this stunning. Then when my friend was feeling like maybe they should move tables because the sun was too much, they helped with the blinds situation to able to let us see the sunset. It's totally worth it makes you feel like a million bucks. I am in love with my experience here. I ordered the 3 course and was so impressed by each individual beauty. First the honeycomb was just so unique and not easily regrettable. A set of flavors you definitely don't see put together. For the second course I don't think I've had nor will have better scallop just divine. Which came in a seashell by the way. Made me feel slightly unprepared for not turning into a mermaid in that moment. Then the main courses, I got the lobster my friend the wagyu; lemme tell you that is too die for, melt in your mouth, just everything. I loved my experience here and will be coming back. Thank you to Penthouse Santa Monica staff for being so amazing.
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Gwynee C.

Yelp
Really at this point its just a nice place for visit but not to eat the food wasn't good at all but you can't beat the ocean views Nice tourist spot
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Marlene S.

Yelp
Nice place but food has absolutely no flavor!!! Do not recommend. You'll be paying for the views only. Host was not friendly and bartender pretty dry himself. Manager bald guy only focuses on tables and never stops by people at bar.
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Jade L.

Yelp
We arrived here around noon for lunch. We made reservations not knowing if it was going to be busy or not during lunch time. There were maybe three or four tables of guests. We were greeted right away when we got off the elevator and was seated shortly after. We sat on the left side corner of the restaurant near the windows. It was so odd that we were the only ones seated there and wasn't offered one of their canopy looking tables near the window. Our server greeted us and took our order. The only other time we saw him was the end to pay our bill. There were other folks that came by a couple of times to check our table. The food was okay. When we paid for our bill, our bill tray had a card that displayed lunch tasting menu special on Mondays-Thursdays. We were there on a Monday and was not offered this option. I was pretty disappointed and felt we were played as we ordered from a regular lunch menu. We won't be back here again. There are other places with better service. What we ordered: Spa omelette Impossible bolognese Side order of fries
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Laurie F.

Yelp
I have spent many a brunch, birthday, Mother's Day and even a NYE at The Penthouse. The view is spectacular. The food is very very good. In my opinion, brunch is best there. You get the benefit of all the wonderful sunshine, the view and a great meal. I do know the bar has a raging scene at night though. Civilized chaos for adults in a beautiful setting. Service is good. Don't bother without a rez. Parking is valet basically. Enjoy!
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Mariam G.

Yelp
Celebrated my husband's birthday. It's on the top floor of the hotel and I'd suggest to take the glass elevator to enjoy the view on your way up. The ambiance is classic hip with some nice music. The bar is the center-point with great cocktail selection. The tables are alongside the windows so all guests can enjoy the views. The service was immaculate. It felt like we teleported pre-pandemic era when the service was still a thing. It was a nice memory refresher of how the good service should be. The food was good. 8 out of 10 The drinks were great. 10 out 10 The service was amazing. 10 out of 10 The view was magnificent. 10 out 10 We are definitely going back for some brunch to enjoy the day views and we were told that the sunset is just breathtaking, so I'm pretty sure we'll be back. Will recommend to our friends and family and we'll be back! Thank you. *Did I mention that my husband received a handwritten birthday card from the restaurant! What a classic move and much appreciated!
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Linda Y.

Yelp
Look if you're reading this order the crispy rice! It is something you want to try from The Penthouse! The wagu one was absolutely the best! The views are amazing! You wanna come before sunset to catch it! Their Octopus dish was so cold and the mix of crazy random things really threw off the dish. I would not recommend it! Anywhere you sit, you get an amazing view! Staff are friendly but make reservations beforehand!
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Debra B.

Yelp
I was pretty excited to have brunch here for my mom's birthday. I thought the view would be awesome from the pictures I had seen online. But the view of the coast was from the reception/bar area and not so much from the restaurant. If you sit in one of the elevated booths with the curtains, it is kind of cool. Three of the four of us ordered the waffles. It was supposed to have strawberry sauce, none of the waffles had it and I did not receive any syrup. These are pricey waffles and while they were good, they are not worth the $$. The service was not great, simply because the waiter is supposed to be sure the orders are correct before they bring the food to the table. Upon ordering, our waiter told us that anyone at the restaurant could help us if we needed anything and then promptly disappeared, until it was time for the check. Also, there is no bottomless mimosa brunch. I had read that there was. We ordered two glasses of champagne. I looked at the menu and didn't want an $18 mimosa, just the $15 glass of champagne. When the check came, we were charged $32 a glass. Confused, I asked to see the menu. The heading said Sparkling Wine and Champagne and had three options, the first two listings were from Spain with some random name of the beverage and the last one said Veuve Clicquot. Well, I know what Veuve Clicquot was and didn't want to spend $32 on a glass of it. I didn't realize the other two offerings were "sparkling wine" and needed to be ordered that way..."SPARKLING WINE". I feel this is VERY misleading. Our 'waiter' was kind enough to change the charge to the sparkling wine however so I do give him that. Not to mention, (although obviously I am, haha) the valet charge of $10, including validation. Also, even though the waiter acknowledged my mom's birthday, they did not offer any Birthday Dessert to her or make a special effort. All in all, it wasn't a great experience and I feel I won't be back.
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Ayoosh K.

Yelp
The most spectacular views of Santa Monica and neighboring cities in this indoor rooftop restaurant. Service was great at the bar and dining. I was quite impressed with their drinks as well. They have Happy hour during the week from 4-6 which offers $12 cocktails and some delicious $14 appetizers. Being a local, I sure will be returning here often.
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Janna L.

Yelp
This review is so long overdue, but it is one of our favorite places!!! I can't even begin to rave about this incredible spot. I made a reservation in April 2023 for my husband's birthday and was blown away by every detail of our experience. Having the valet option was great, and then the interior of the hotel lobby as we walked to the elevator was dreamy. The food was amazing, our server was fantastic and attentive and the views were so romantic (even though it was a super foggy evening). We can't wait to come back here!
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Kari L.

Yelp
The views and ambiance of this place were worthy of the name "Penthouse," but unfortunately the same can not be said for their food. The restaurant has a classy, minimalistic, rich aesthetic and the beautiful views of Santa Monica add to its pristine atmosphere. Whether it be day or night, I imagine this place would still carry an air of elegance. However, the food is lackluster. To their defense, we ordered their sandwich options, which isn't exactly the pinnacle of fine dining. However, I would still have expected their sandwiches to match the level of price and reputation. I found it to be mediocre and we actually waited quite a while for our food to come. Fortunately, I was in good company and the beautiful views occupied my friend and I. I enjoyed their mocktails though and thought it was a pretty reasonable price! Other than the long wait time, the service was fine. They were polite and friendly.
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Stacey M.

Yelp
Such a great spot - a hidden gem at the top of the hotel! There are lots of windows offering a beautiful waterfront view! The food was delicious - the steak was cooked perfectly and the sauces were delicious. The chocolate cake was a showstopper! It wasn't too rich and the portion size was great! Glad we held our company event here and I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a nice dinner in the area

Chautaqua C.

Yelp
This food was amazing the place was beautiful and if the weather would have been better the view would have been amazing. I will be going back one more time for That part of the experience. Great place if you want to celebrate someone special in your life.
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Victor M.

Yelp
High above on the 18th floor of the Huntley Hotel, this hidden gem serves amazing food with an unobstructed ocean view of the Santa Monica Beach. If you are lucky, get a cabana-style table along the window to enjoy the view. I came across the Penthouse Restaurant during dineLA with their special $35 lunch menu. The salmon tiradito was absolutely delicious with the trout roe. They should definitely include this appetizer on their main menu. For an entree, I had the dry aged wagyu burger which was a perfect juicy medium rare and well seasoned. The basket full of fries were crisp but soft inside. To finish the meal, the strawberry shortcake was the bomb! Service was overall professional and good. David T. was not only our server but the restaurant's bartender. He was both accommodating and available and I didn't feel rushed through lunch. Each course was spaced nicely. I was absolutely full by the end of the meal. I loved their special prix fixe lunch and look forward to exploring their general menu which I am sure will be just as delightful.
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Nathalie B.

Yelp
Five stars for the Penthouse! Exceptional food, breathtaking views, and top-notch service. Celebrated a birthday here, and it was a perfect choice for a memorable celebration. Whether you're here for a special occasion or just to enjoy the ambiance, the Penthouse delivers an all-around fantastic experience.
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Joanna V.

Yelp
An old friend took me out to dinner at the Penthouse, which is at the top of the Huntley hotel; he said the views were fabulous and the food was excellent - he was right on both counts :-) Our entire experience was from start to finish was first-rate.  We started off with a drink in the bar; the ambiance was very nice and the staffers were attentive without in anyway being pretentious or overbearing. In a while, we moved into the dining room and enjoyed a 2nd drink while we looked over the menu.   I saw that they were serving truffle pasta (which I completely love!) so I knew immediately what I wanted for dinner. When it came my entree was nothing short of incredible!  There was just enough truffles to give it exceptional flavor, without having so much that the taste was overpowering; the pasta was cooked to the perfect level of doneness, and I cleaned my plate in record time, while remaining ladylike throughout ;-) To sum it up, my friend and I throughly enjoyed our visit to the Penthouse, and I look forward to returning.
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Dee L.

Yelp
We had Sunday brunch last week. Made reservations thru Open Table - very convenient. We were running late due to unexpected traffic. I called ahead and they were gracious enough to accommodate us being 30 mins late. Food - they have a simple Brunch menu. Husband had the crab eggs Benedict - tasty. I had the salmon over forbidden rice. I had the fennel 3 way served on the side since I'm no a fan of fennel. But that was the best fennel I've had. I know the fennel was the star of the dish. Parking - valet at the hotel. Affordable with validation between $10-$15 depends on time. Service - they gave me a birthday card since it's my birthday. The next table got a birthday candle but I didn't? No biggie I wouldn't have minded but I made it a point to let them know it's a milestone birthday celebration. I had to eat first before my husband since they messed up his order. Otherwise they were attentive. Ambience - clean inviting restaurant. It's pretty during the day but I bet it's amazing during sunset. It can get loud when the restaurant is full since it's a small space.

Frank T.

Yelp
Came to The Penthouse for a charity event and had a blast. Incredible views (the men's restroom had the best view I have seen in my life lol). Elegant ambiance will definitely be returning.
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Kathryn Y.

Yelp
I've been meaning to see the hype about the views and it didn't disappoint! This is a rare gem where you can get a tasty gem, views, and nice service. Food Avocado toast with egg: I recommend this! I LOVE how they serve it with not one but TWO layers of avocado! Salmon Benedict: they nailed the poached eggs. Both on point. 10/10. Service If you get Gary you're lucky to have an awesome server! He went above and beyond! The hostess to the staff showing us the elevator in the lobby were friendly and helpful! Ambiance The views from up high in Santa Monica are rare! Beautiful spot. Don't forget to visit the restroom ;) don't say I didn't tell you! Parking It is what it is in Santa Monica. Street parking.
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Caitlin C.

Yelp
Food was delicious, service was professional, and the view was gorgeous! Will definitely be dining there each time we stay at the Huntley :)
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Cashmier C.

Yelp
The restaurant is located inside of the Huntley Hotel on the PH floor. There's valet parking available for $10 with validation and EV chargers available. The view of the beach is beautiful and the perfect place to eat and drink. The restaurant is very open and airy with windows facing the city and the beach. The staff are friendly and helpful and provided good customer service. The menu is limited but the chilaquiles, French toast and mimosas are delicious. I highly recommend the Penthouse for brunch. Enjoy!