Fairmont Miramar Hotel | Santa Monica, California
Fig Restaurant, tucked inside the iconic Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, is one of Santa Monica’s most beloved culinary gems. Just steps from Ocean Avenue and overlooking the shimmering Pacific, this restaurant blends California coastal sophistication with a relaxed, family-friendly ambiance that perfectly captures the essence of modern dining in Southern California.
It’s not just a meal here — it’s an experience. From its emphasis on farm-to-table freshness to its legendary happy hour, Fig Restaurant at the Fairmont Santa Monica continues to attract locals, hotel guests, and food enthusiasts seeking refined dining that still feels approachable.
🌿 Atmosphere & Location: Coastal Elegance Reimagined
Located within the historic Fairmont Miramar, Fig’s open-air layout and sunlit interiors offer a visual love letter to Santa Monica’s laid-back luxury. Natural wood textures, lush greenery, and subtle ocean tones set the stage for a dining experience that’s both elegant and unpretentious.
According to Condé Nast Traveler, the Fairmont Miramar is “one of Santa Monica’s crown jewels,” and Fig’s design mirrors that prestige while staying grounded in comfort. Families can relax without the pretense often found at fine-dining spots — an element that’s earned Fig a loyal following among locals and returning guests alike.
Whether you’re seated inside near the open kitchen or outdoors on the breezy patio surrounded by palms, the ambiance captures exactly what modern California dining should feel like — sunlit, social, and effortlessly stylish.
👨👩👧👦 Why Fig Restaurant Works for Families
One of Fig’s greatest strengths is its rare ability to merge upscale dining with a family-friendly experience — something even seasoned travelers know is hard to find in luxury restaurants.
Unlike many hotel eateries that cater primarily to adults, Fig welcomes kids with genuine warmth. The spacious seating, natural light, and lively but not noisy environment create a sense of ease that makes parents feel comfortable and children feel included.
From the moment we arrived, staff members were gracious and patient, offering coloring sheets for our daughters while discussing menu highlights with us. Small touches like this speak volumes — as Forbes Travel Guide notes, “genuine hospitality often reveals itself not in grand gestures, but in attentive details.”
🥂 The Legendary Fig Happy Hour: Where Santa Monica Gathers
No review of Fig Restaurant would be complete without mentioning its legendary happy hour, a true institution in the Santa Monica dining scene. Locals often refer to it as one of the best happy hours on the Westside, and for good reason.
Between 5:00 and 6:00 PM (check the Fairmont’s seasonal schedule for updates), nearly the entire menu — including select entrées, cocktails, and small plates — is 50% off. This makes Fig not only a gourmet experience but also an incredible value.
Our family first discovered this during our Legendary Fig Happy Hour visit (read our full review here). The atmosphere was relaxed, buzzing with a mix of locals unwinding after work and travelers discovering the secret for the first time.
The menu offered a diverse mix of California classics:
- Hand-crafted cocktails made with local herbs and house infusions
- Fresh oysters and shrimp cocktails
- Truffle fries, flatbreads, and artisan cheeses
- Mini burgers and seasonal pasta perfect for sharing
As Eater Los Angeles highlighted in its recent coverage, “Fig’s happy hour delivers Michelin-caliber food at a neighborhood price — a rare combination in Santa Monica.”
This combination of exceptional quality, community spirit, and affordability makes Fig’s happy hour one of the city’s most beloved dining rituals.
🍽️ The Food: Local, Seasonal, and Family-Approved
Fig’s culinary philosophy is simple yet powerful: “From farm to fork.” The restaurant sources many ingredients from Santa Monica Farmers Market, one of the most renowned markets in the nation. According to the National Restaurant Association, over 70% of diners now actively seek out restaurants that use local ingredients — and Fig has been ahead of that trend for years.
🥔 Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter
My dish of choice — the house-made gnocchi — showcased Fig’s signature style: understated elegance with an emphasis on flavor. Each bite was tender and buttery, coated in a delicate sage sauce that balanced richness with fragrance. A sprinkle of shaved Parmesan finished it perfectly.
🥩 Prime Steak with Herb Butter
My wife ordered the steak, grilled to a flawless medium-rare and served with seasonal roasted vegetables and a silky garlic herb butter. The attention to detail — from the sear to the plating — rivaled what you’d expect from a Michelin-rated establishment.
🍗 Children’s Menu Done Right
Our daughters adored their “kids’ nuggets,” which were actually made from free-range chicken breast — hand-battered and lightly fried, not the frozen variety many restaurants offer. They came with house-made honey mustard and ranch, both of which disappeared quickly.
This attention to ingredient quality, even on the kids’ menu, underscores Fig’s commitment to culinary integrity and family inclusivity.
🍷 Craft Cocktails & Seasonal Drinks
The bar program at Fig is another standout. Whether you’re in the mood for a bright coastal cocktail or a local craft beer, you’ll find thoughtful selections that elevate the experience.
I opted for a Cucumber Basil Gimlet, refreshingly herbal and perfectly balanced. My wife enjoyed the Fig Mule, a seasonal twist on the classic Moscow Mule featuring fig syrup and fresh lime.
For families, mocktail options abound — our daughters loved the berry spritzers, made with muddled fruit and soda water, creating a festive feeling for everyone at the table.
If you’re a fan of inventive cocktails, you might also enjoy our post on Teleferic Barcelona’s Sangria & Spanish Cocktails — another must-try happy hour experience.
🌟 Service Excellence: Hospitality from the Heart
At Fig Restaurant, service isn’t just an operational element — it’s a reflection of the restaurant’s entire philosophy. From the moment we walked through the doors, we felt the kind of intuitive attentiveness that defines true hospitality.
As Harvard Business Review describes, “anticipatory service” is the hallmark of elite hospitality brands — the ability to perceive a guest’s needs before they articulate them. At Fig, this principle was on full display. Without interruption or fanfare, water glasses were refilled at just the right moment. Our server noticed when our youngest daughter finished her drink and offered a quick refill before we even asked. Plates were cleared quietly, and the pacing between courses was seamless — never rushed, never lagging.
That kind of rhythm doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of thoughtful training and a service culture built on emotional intelligence — something hospitality experts from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration highlight as essential to guest satisfaction in high-end dining.
Our server, Michael, epitomized this ethos. Beyond professionalism, there was a genuine sense of warmth and connection. When he mentioned remembering our family from a prior visit, it wasn’t a rehearsed pleasantry — it felt sincere. He even recalled that our daughters had loved the chicken nuggets during our last dinner and joked that they’d upgraded their palates this time. That small moment sparked smiles all around and instantly made us feel at home.
Throughout the meal, Michael balanced approachability with polish — engaging enough to make conversation easy, yet perceptive enough to know when to step back and let our family enjoy time together. His recommendations were on point: from suggesting the Cucumber Basil Gimlet to pairing our steak with a bold local Pinot Noir. It reflected not just knowledge of the menu but a deeper understanding of guest dynamics and dining psychology — skills often discussed in The Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Management as critical differentiators for top-tier restaurants.
It’s this blend of expertise, empathy, and execution that elevates Fig’s service above the ordinary. Every team member — from the host who greeted us by name to the busser who discreetly adjusted our chairs — seemed to operate in quiet harmony. Even the manager made a brief stop at our table to check in, not with a perfunctory “How’s everything?” but with a genuine curiosity about how our experience compared to previous visits. That level of personal attention speaks volumes about Fig’s internal culture of care.
Many fine-dining establishments get the food right but falter on connection. Fig excels at both. The staff doesn’t just serve plates — they curate moments. And as Forbes Travel Guide emphasizes, “Memorable service stems not from perfection, but from presence.”
By the time dessert arrived, our daughters were already asking when we could come back. That, perhaps, is the highest compliment of all — when exceptional service leaves not only a lasting impression but a lasting desire to return.
At Fig Restaurant, hospitality isn’t just a job description; it’s a shared language of warmth, attentiveness, and care. It’s the human touch that turns a delicious dinner into a cherished family memory — one we’ll be talking about long after the last bite of butterscotch pot de crème.
“Memorable service stems not from perfection, but from presence.” – Forbes Travel Guide
🧑🍳 Sourcing & Sustainability: The Heart of Fig’s Culinary Philosophy
According to OpenTable’s 2025 “Sustainable Dining Report”, diners are increasingly prioritizing restaurants that embrace eco-friendly practices. Fig fits that model perfectly.
The restaurant’s culinary team partners with local farmers, fishers, and purveyors to reduce carbon footprint and promote sustainable sourcing. Dishes often highlight organic produce from Kenter Canyon Farms and ethically caught seafood from the Pacific coast.
By supporting regional producers, Fig contributes to the broader sustainability movement while ensuring fresher, more flavorful ingredients.
This commitment to local sourcing isn’t just good for the planet — it’s what makes the food taste so good.
🌴 Ambiance Beyond the Plate
What truly distinguishes Fig is the sense of place it evokes. Few restaurants can match the combination of coastal views, sophisticated design, and warm inclusivity that Fig achieves so effortlessly.
Whether you’re sipping wine at golden hour on the patio or enjoying dessert beneath the soft glow of string lights, the energy feels uniquely Californian — a fusion of luxury and laid-back charm that embodies Santa Monica’s spirit.
For guests staying at the Fairmont Miramar, Fig becomes more than a restaurant; it’s the heart of the hotel experience. It’s where mornings begin with avocado toast and espresso, and evenings wind down over shared plates and laughter.
🍰 Desserts Worth Staying For
Don’t skip dessert. Our favorite was the Butterscotch Pot de Crème, topped with salted caramel and whipped cream — an indulgent yet balanced finish. The seasonal sorbet trio was another highlight, perfect for kids and adults alike.
Each dessert feels crafted with the same care as the entrées, further reinforcing Fig’s commitment to culinary consistency.
💬 Final Thoughts: Why Fig Belongs on Every Family’s Santa Monica List
Fig Restaurant at the Fairmont Santa Monica succeeds where few restaurants do — balancing fine-dining quality with genuine family warmth.
Its reputation as both a neighborhood favorite and a hotel highlight is well earned. From the thoughtfully sourced menu and expert service to the vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere, every element feels intentional.
As we wrapped up our meal and watched the sun dip below the Pacific, it struck me how Fig encapsulates everything that makes Santa Monica special: beauty, flavor, and connection.
📍 Quick Facts
- Location: 101 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
- Hours: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + Happy Hour (verify seasonal times)
- Reservations: Available via OpenTable
- Vibe: Upscale-casual, family-friendly, coastal chic
🔗 Read More on Culinary Passages
If you enjoyed this review, explore these related Culinary Passages experiences:
- 🥂 The Legendary Fig Happy Hour – A deep dive into Santa Monica’s best 50%-off menu event.
- 🍸 Half-Price Menu, Full-Price Letdown: Beverly Hills Review – A contrasting take on happy hour value and service.
- 🍷 STK Westwood Happy Hour Review – Fine dining meets family comfort in Los Angeles.
About the Author (Ginger Graham):
The author behind Culinary Passages is a Los Angeles–based food and travel writer who believes that the best dining experiences blend sophistication with a sense of belonging. With a passion for exploring restaurants that welcome families without sacrificing luxury, this writer highlights the places that make everyone — parents and kids alike — feel at home.
After dining at this standout Santa Monica restaurant, the author was inspired by how effortlessly it balances upscale cuisine with genuine warmth. From the thoughtful service to the refined yet relaxed atmosphere, it’s a place that proves fine dining and family comfort can truly coexist.
Through Culinary Passages, the author continues to share personal, experience-driven stories that celebrate Southern California’s best dining destinations — where good food, connection, and comfort meet in perfect harmony.
