There’s something magical about walking into a restaurant that immediately transports you somewhere else. That’s what ORLA Santa Monica does. From the moment you step inside, you feel like you’ve crossed an ocean — the light, airy Mediterranean design, the warm hospitality, and subtle coastal touches that remind you you’re still in California.
For our family, ORLA was more than just a dinner spot. It was a reminder that food can be an experience — one that blends travel, culture, and community. Santa Monica, with its iconic pier and endless sunsets, has no shortage of dining options, but ORLA manages to carve out a lane of its own. It’s sophisticated enough for Parent Time, yet still welcoming for families who want something more elevated than casual beachfront dining.
📖 According to the Los Angeles Times (2024), Santa Monica’s dining scene has been shifting toward “global coastal cuisine,” reflecting a desire for lighter, fresher flavors that still feel indulgent. ORLA is a perfect example of this trend.
The Atmosphere: Where Design and Dining Meet
📖 The Hospitality Design Journal (2023) highlighted the importance of ambiance in creating memorable dining experiences, noting that 78% of guests return to restaurants based on atmosphere just as much as food.
One of ORLA’s strongest points is its design. Think whitewashed walls, rustic wood beams, terracotta accents, and splashes of teal and ocean blue. It’s not over-the-top themed, but rather a subtle nod to both Mediterranean villas and California’s relaxed coastal lifestyle.
- Lighting: Soft, golden, flattering — the kind of glow that makes you want to linger over a second glass of wine.
- Seating: A mix of intimate two-tops for couples and larger family-style tables that invite conversation.
- Vibe: Elegant, but never intimidating. A place where you’d feel equally comfortable dressed up for date night or casually strolling in after a walk along Ocean Avenue.
✨ Personal note: Even the tableware felt intentional — ceramic plates with hand-painted accents, heavy cutlery that gave meals a sense of importance, and linen napkins that subtly said: slow down, you’re here to enjoy this.
The Menu: A Journey Through the Mediterranean Coast
📖 The National Restaurant Association (2024) reports that Mediterranean cuisine is one of the fastest-growing trends in the U.S., driven by its reputation for being both healthy and flavorful. ORLA captures this perfectly.
Starters & Small Plates
The ORLA Bread Service is great to start with — featuring Ceor Bakery, egglpant butter, and Santa Monica Farmers Market pickles. The Market Melons & Halloumi was proof that simple ingredients, when done right, can feel luxurious. We have also personally tried the Kataifi Wrapped Prawns, Black Truffle Saganaki, Tuna Falafel, Zucchini Fritters, and the Macaroni Bechamel. You can’t go wrong with ordering any of these unique dishes. The Tuna Falafel dish is truly special and I don’t think you will find a dish like this anywhere else.
Main Courses
- Phyllo-Crusted Sole: with delta asparagus, capers, and a meuniere sauce. I never thought about a fish in a phyllo crust but it is amazing. Crunch, buttery, rich, and really flavorful. The sauce is a perfect pairing for this fish.
- Black Harissa-Grilled Lamb Chops: served with baby carrots, faca bessara, and a lime yogurt. One of the more popular dishes served at this restaurant.
- New on the menu is the ORLA Daily Market Catch. I tried the spice marinated and roasted Kona Kampachi. This dish is full of flavor with the tomato raisins & slow cooked fennel. Served with youkon gold potatoes. Michael Mina has a fish restaurant at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina. At this restaurant, there is an actual fish sommelier. He hand selects the Kona Kampachi fish daily and it is flown here to LA to be served here at ORLA.
- Kid-friendly option: One of our daughters devoured a plate of Macaroni with house tomato sauce. Our other daughter ate the Chicken Fingers with french fries. I had no complaints from her!
Desserts
- Passion Fruit Lebnah Cheesecake: Delicate and perfumed.
- 24k Golden Baklava Sundae: Sweet, crunchy, indulgent — and memorable enough to crave days later. You have to try it at least once!
- Kids Ice Cream Sundae: They have a kids dessert on the kids menu!
The Michael Mina Connection: A Culinary Legacy at ORLA
ORLA isn’t just another coastal restaurant. It’s part of the Michael Mina family of restaurants. Mina, a James Beard Award–winning chef, is known for creating dining experiences that combine elegance, comfort, and storytelling.
📖 The James Beard Foundation (2023) praises Michael Mina for “bringing hospitality and storytelling to the forefront of fine dining, often drawing inspiration from his family’s recipes and traditions.”
At ORLA, you feel Mina’s influence in the balance between sophistication and familiarity. Many of the dishes echo his Egyptian heritage and family memories:
- Lamb connects to the flavors Mina grew up with.
- Seafood dishes reflect his childhood gatherings around the table.
- Baklava desserts are rooted in his family’s traditions.
✨ Knowing this made our meal more meaningful — it felt like we weren’t just dining in Santa Monica; we were tasting Mina’s family story on a plate.
Drinks & Pairings
The cocktail list was another highlight:
- Santorini Sun — refreshing and aromatic.
- Hughes Belle of Bedford Single Barrel 12 yr Whiskey — bold and unforgettable. You won’t see this anywhere else because it is hand selected by the team at the Regent.
The cocktail list is truly special and creative. There is a drink to pair with any of your meals you select. There are also Zero Proof Cocktails offered that are spectacular as well as beer and an extensive wine list.
Family-Friendly Yet Parent-Approved
📖 A 2023 Pew Research study found that 62% of parents rank “family-friendly dining environments” as a top priority when choosing restaurants. ORLA nails this balance.
- For kids: There is a large kids menu that has both healthy and not so healthy choices including dessert.
- For parents: Elevated dishes and elegant service made the night feel special.
- Noise level: Lively enough that families feel comfortable, quiet enough for date-night conversation.
Location, Parking & Tips
- 📍 Location: Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica — steps from the pier.
- 🚗 Parking: Valet or rideshare (we used waymo to get there & Uber to go home since Waymo wasn’t available at the time).
- 🕓 When to go: Sunset hour for the full glow.
- 💵 Price range: $37–75 mains, $14–35 starters, $14–24 desserts.
ORLA in Context: Santa Monica’s Dining Scene
📖 The Eater LA (2024) review praised ORLA as “a refreshing middle ground in Santa Monica — chic enough for date night but not so exclusive that families feel out of place.”
| Restaurant | Specialty | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORLA Santa Monica | Mediterranean coastal cuisine | Elegant + relaxed | Families & Parent Time |
| Elephante | Italian rooftop | Trendy, party | Brunch & groups |
| Rustic Canyon | Farm-to-table California | Intimate | Foodies |
| Fig at the Fairmont | Classic American comfort | Casual, lively | Happy hour |
Why ORLA Stands Out
- Balanced identity — chic but approachable.
- Chef-led credibility — Michael Mina’s personal touch.
- Design + food synergy — the space enhances the cuisine.
- Flexibility — works for Parent Time, celebrations, or family outings.
Final Thoughts: ORLA as a Santa Monica Gem
Dining at ORLA felt like slipping into a seaside escape — part Greece, part Morocco, part California dream. More than just a meal, it felt like a story carried forward, from Michael Mina’s family table to ours.
In a city overflowing with options, ORLA proves that the best restaurants don’t just feed us — they transport us, connect us, and remind us of the joy of slowing down.
For families, ORLA is the rare find that offers Parent Time elegance and Family Reconnect warmth all in one.
About the Author (Ginger Graham):
Ginger Graham is a Los Angeles–based food and travel writer who loves discovering restaurants that combine creativity, comfort, and coastal charm. With a focus on family-friendly fine dining and unforgettable culinary experiences, this writer explores how great food connects people — whether over an elegant dinner or a casual weekend brunch.
ORLA holds a special place in the author’s heart — it’s their favorite restaurant in Santa Monica and one that perfectly captures the spirit of coastal sophistication. From the inspired Mediterranean flavors to the impeccable service, every visit to ORLA feels like a celebration of what makes California dining truly exceptional.
Through Culinary Passages, the author continues to share honest, heartfelt reviews of the places that turn a good meal into a memorable experience.
