Layla

Layla has waterfront views and pretty spectacular food—a rare combination in Santa Monica. The Jordanian grill sits just off the lobby of a historic Art Deco hotel, right along that touristy stretch of Ocean Avenue. Between the glam, candlelit room and easy-to-share charcoal-grilled meats, smoky dips, and baklava mille-feuille, it's a great date spot. After dinner, you can ride the old-school elevator up to The Coco Club, a calm new rooftop bar (from the same team) with panoramic views of the California coastline.