The Upper West

3321 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, United States
$$$ New American restaurant
(797 Reviews)
Price Range $30–50

Welcome to The Upper West, an enchanting New American restaurant nestled in Santa Monica, California. Located at 3321 Pico Blvd, this culinary gem wonderfully marries contemporary vibes with comforting flavors, inviting each guest to embark on a delightful dining experience.

The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a warm and inviting ambiance. The dim lighting and cozy corners set an intimate scene, complemented by classic films flickering on a projector that transport you to a world of nostalgia. It’s the kind of place where you can whisper sweet nothings over a delectable meal or celebrate life’s milestones with friends and family. Many guests have remarked on the restaurant’s knack for creating a romantic environment, perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners.

The menu at The Upper West boasts an impressive range of beautifully crafted dishes that cater to diverse palates. Among the popular choices are the Braised Short Rib, which literally melts in your mouth and is lovingly paired with creamy mashed potatoes; and the Pan Roasted Pittman Farms Chicken, marinated in a savory blend of tomato and yogurt, served alongside a hearty garbanzo bean and tomato stew. Plant-based eaters will appreciate the bold flavors of the Spicy Veggie Curry, served with indulgent black forbidden rice. Every plate is a testament to quality ingredients and meticulous preparation.

But the brilliance of The Upper West doesn’t stop there. Their FLANNERY BEEF CHEESEBURGER has garnered a cult following, featuring perfectly cooked beef with a melty layer of American cheese, caramelized onions, and a signature SoCal sauce that elevates the classic culinary experience. For those craving lighter fare, the Blackened Salmon, artfully plated with Israeli couscous and piquillo, is a delight—each bite is filled with contrasting textures and flavors, leaving you yearning for more.

As you enjoy your meal, attentive and knowledgeable staff—like the enthusiastic Mark, who consistently garners rave reviews—ensure that your dining experience is flawless, treating each guest with personal care and professionalism. The thoughtful service combined with an impressive drink selection, including a variety of cocktails and local brews, rounds off the perfect meal.

Guests have shared their heartfelt experiences, from unforgettable birthday celebrations in large groups to intimate dinners, noting how The Upper West goes above and beyond to create memorable moments. Niloo Rivani, a long-time patron, marvels at the restaurant's evolution and consistency, calling the Braised Short Rib a “true standout.” Meanwhile, Maria Ochoa praised the cozy vibe and delicious Spicy Ahi Tuna Crunchy Rice, a dish that perfectly balances flavor and freshness.

It's no surprise that food enthusiasts from all over Los Angeles flock to The Upper West. Whether you're planning a quiet evening with loved ones or a lively gathering, this restaurant promises to deliver an exceptional dining experience that you’ll be eager to revisit. So, the next time you find yourself in Santa Monica, make it a point to dine at The Upper West—where every meal tells a story, and every visit feels like coming home.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves healthy options
Serves late-night food
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Good for groups
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Credit cards
Children
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid street parking
Somewhat difficult to find a space
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

4:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

4:30 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday

4:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Saturday

4:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Sunday

4:30 AM - 8:00 PM

797 Reviews
Niloo Rivani

23 Sep 2025

I've been a loyal guest at Upper West since it first opened over fifteen years ago, and it continues to exceed expectations year after year. My go-to dish is the short ribs with mashed potatoes! A true standout thanks to its rich, flavorful, and subtly sweet sauce that never disappoints. The appetizers are consistently impressive, but the tuna on crispy rice is a personal favorite. The tuna is incredibly fresh and tender, practically melting in your mouth, while the rice delivers the perfect crunch for a satisfying contrast. I wish I had a photo but I ate it too quickly to take one! To top it off, the Strawberry Fields cocktail strikes an ideal balance — refreshingly light and not overly sweet, making it a perfect pairing with any meal. Upper West remains one of my top dining destinations in the city. Highly recommended!

kat nuñez williams

04 Aug 2025

Amazing food!!! Started off with a frosty cold glass of an IPA. We had incredible service and the sausage flatbread was the perfect mix of sweetness in a balsamic vinaigrette with spicy heat from the red peppers. Crunchy, fresh dough like it was pizza straight from Napoli. Coming back here for my birthday party!!!!

Ryan Gaynor

03 Aug 2025

This place is phenomenal!!! I’ve tried so many things on their menu and you can’t go wrong really! Mark our server was awesome and fun! Favorite dishes right now are the Steak fajitas tacos!!! Spicy tuna crispy rice!!! Cauliflower with yogurt sauce!!! This was such a delicious dinner, I’ve been here many time with my family and friends and we are always treated well! Beautiful atmosphere! Thank you and see you soon to try more things!

Deacon M

26 Jul 2025

AMAZING FOOD! Second time to eat there. Everything is tip top. You're if you're foodie you absolutely want to stop in. If you're into brown liquor, they have everything you could ever hope for! Staff was very kind and extremely attentive. Our server Mark was simply impeccable. 5 stars.

Maria Ochoa

28 Jun 2025

We came on a Saturday evening looking for a cozy dinner, and The Upper West delivered beyond expectations. The vibe is warm and inviting, with just the right background music and soft lighting. We started with the Spicy Ahi Tuna Crunchy Rice, crispy, flavorful, and beautifully balanced with avocado and chili sauce. For the main course, I had the Braised Short Rib, which literally melted off the bone and paired so well with creamy mashed potatoes. From start to finish, it was one of those nights where everything just worked, food, atmosphere, and service. Alfonso, Chris and Alfredo were specially nice. Fred the owner welcomes you at the Door and Aldo will always make sure to give you the best smiles. We'll be back soon. :))

Gena Oppenheim

28 Jun 2025

Upper West is an absolute gem. From the moment you step inside, the moody, romantic atmosphere sets the tone: dim lighting, cozy corners, and classic old films flickering on a projector make it feel both timeless and effortlessly cool. I came here for a large birthday party, and the staff could not have been more accommodating. They were attentive without being overbearing, seamlessly taking care of everyone and making the night feel special. Every detail feels thought through, which makes the whole experience seamless. The staff truly makes this restaurant magical. The cocktails alone are worth the trip. The espresso martini was flawless. It was smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced. Pair that with their food, and you’re in for a treat. The spicy ahi tuna over crispy rice is a standout. It was fresh, flavorful, with just the right amount of heat. I would order this again and again, every time! The grilled octopus was another highlight, tender and perfectly charred with a depth of flavor that shows real finesse in the kitchen. You can't miss with the way this seafood is prepared. Happy hour here is also incredible, being so well priced, with delicious bites and cocktails that pair perfectly together. It’s rare to find that kind of quality at such a value. I can’t wait to go back and try more of the entrées. If you’re looking for a place with delicious food, beautifully made cocktails, and an atmosphere that makes you want to linger, Upper West delivers on all fronts.

Yigal Zibari

22 Jun 2025

I had an absolutely unforgettable experience at Upper West! I visited last week to celebrate a friend's birthday, and we came as a large group—about 15 of us. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere felt warm and welcoming. The staff were not only incredibly friendly but also impressively knowledgeable, accommodating and flexible. . It's clear they take pride in what they serve. I ordered the Veggie Burger and it was hands down the best veggie burger I’ve ever had. It even came with house-made ketchup that took it to another level. Every bite was pure satisfaction. chef’s kiss To complement it, I had the Strawberry Fields cocktail. Refreshing, just the right amount of sweet, and tasted just as amazing as it looked. One of the highlights? Our server surprised us with a generous tray featuring every dessert on the menu— ON THE HOUSE!!! Talk about next-level hospitality! I’ll definitely be coming back. Highly, highly recommend!

Vivian Huang

18 Jun 2025

Warning: Don't look for a happy hour menu. This restaurant doesn't have one. The happy hour menu is simply a discount on some drinks. Our drinks were $11 each which is good, but I would not pay the regular price for them. The first drink was super weak on the vodka, but the second one was much stronger. The food here is good but the portions are small, and quite pricey. We tried the chocolate pie dessert but didn't like it because it tasted too pre-made. Our server gave good service. Overall, not a bad place.

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