One Pico at Shutters on the Beach
1 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA
310-587-1717

Although the posh Shutters on the Beach hotel has a New England-esque design, its One Pico is a great place to enjoy a classic California sunset and an inventive, relatively healthful California cuisine. It also boasts one of the best views in town. The hotel's lobby feels like a refuge from a cold climate, with a roaring fireplace and cozy sofas. But One Pico complements its Pacific panorama with a sleek, minimalist ambiance that exudes warm, sunny L.A. The ceiling has exposed bleached-wood rafters and simple chandeliers hang over white-linened tables, most of which have unobstructed ocean views.

The menu tends to be on the light side, with starters such as a truffle oil-drizzled grilled portobello mushroom salad, crispy shrimp with orange-chile sauce, and seared ahi. The kitchen, which is particularly adept with fish, turns out entrees such as Chilean sea bass with black bean sauce, roasted salmon with Madeira sauce, and Moroccan-spiced rack of lamb. Meal for two: $80.


Hours: Mon.-Fri., 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. & 6-10:30 p.m.