Michael's Santa Monica

Michael's Santa Monica has been a landmark of California cuisine since 1979, when founder Michael McCarty opened the restaurant on Third Street in Santa Monica. One of the early pioneers of market-driven, ingredient-focused cooking in the American West, the restaurant continues to build its menus around local produce and hyper-seasonal ingredients sourced from regional farms and purveyors. The venue offers more than 3,500 square feet of event space, accommodating gatherings from 20 to 350 guests. The property includes two private dining rooms, an enclosed garden area, and a front outdoor dining section — all set within a space that doubles as a working art gallery, with modern works from the McCarty family's collection displayed throughout. Michael's brings together its award-winning wine program, full-service catering, and a dining pedigree spanning four decades to support private events ranging from intimate dinners to large-scale wedding receptions.