Testimonials

Great job reinventing this location. Owners are great. Food is good. Wish there were more places to eat and drink on this block. Great to have a drink after playing golf at Players Club Golf down the street.

A most enjoyable time We had a lot of fun at this newly opened place.... a party of five including men, a woman of a certain age, and young women too ... some vegetarian, some pasta fanatics, some no-carb, some South Beach AND in spite of the diversity, everyone found more than several things that they'd love to eat. We tried only two appetizers concerned we'd be too full for the dinner -- lamb crepes and the tacos -- both really exquisite. Dinners included: flat iron steak (seriously enjoyed by a serious meat guy), grilled cheese with tomato soup (lovely), shells & cheese (their title for a glorious four-cheese, Asiago and all that good stuff, mac n cheese), the salmon entree (gorgeous and cooked perfectly), and ... ... another carnivore eating a sirloin steak. That was me, so I can tell you double wow. Once for the first time I tasted it and then again for when I reheated it the next day -- to me the true test of quality food !!!

on a dark and stormy night, three friends walk into a bar... the first thing we see when we walk into the restaurant: bright lights, absolut girls and a camera rolling. absolut is filming a video to promote their new vodka flavors. it's an awkward entrance; we try to avoid ruining the shot, at the same time crowding the floor waiting for someone to notice/seat us. i figure it's going to be 'just one of those nights.' we settle at the bar, and order a peach caipirinha, a downtown brown and an allagash. fact: their allagash curieux is on draft and stronger than a shot of johnny black. **i'm an amateur drinker so this means little to me** i take a quick trip to the ladies room -- there's not much to mention, it's the end of the night, the place is owned and run by guys, it's...unkempt to say the least. when i return to the bar, i notice my two friends giggling in front of the camera with two fresh drinks in hand. the cameraman simply could not pass up their handsome rugged good looks and ask them to partake in the commercial. the night is looking up. i order the seared tuna sandwich + chipotle fries. the sandwich is absolutely de-freaking-licious. their pickled vegetables too. [i bite the inside of my lip 3x during that dinner, but i soldier through it b/c it is that good] the owners, elad and eyal, tend bar and are attentive and friendly throughout the night. they both mingle with their customers, and the whole place just carries a super chill vibe. upper west isn't another uppity santa monica bar. the guys keep things interesting for their patrons, whether it's a night of bourbon tasting, an off-menu set, all night happy hour or 1/2 off wine. all it all, it was a great night, with good food/drinks and company + we got to see phil jackson up close and personal :]

Heard about this place as "a new Santa Monica restaurant hot spot". It definitely is that exactly. Super cool vibe, great straight-forward menu and killer bar selection. The crafted beers on tap put this place on the radar for me and the signature cocktails are delicious. I had the Honey Rye and my girlfriend had the Pepperoncini Martini. The first time I went I had the Burger, which was really good...the second time I went with the Braised Short Ribs...YUM. The decor inside is classy, but not pretentious. Perfect place for date-night or just hanging out at the bar. Bravo Upper West. You'll be seeing a lot of me and my friends! All night Happy Hour on Monday nights?...I'm in

This is a great, hidden gem. I'm tempted to not share this one :-) Drinks are wonderful and my Salmon entree was excellent. The burrata is absolutely phenomenal. I would have never guessed this place is this nice, but read about the restaurant recently as a "Hot new spot". Three of us met for dinner and no one could figure out where this palce is. In Trader Joe's....no! This is the old Santa Monica bar/grill re-made as a really nice spot and certainly a true hidden gem. Great service, great food and great ambiance. The Happy Hour looks good, but I hit traffic this particular night. Will be back for sure!

Great atmosphere and wonderful food.

This is a very cool place to have dinner at. Finding parking is the most challenging part about dinning here but once you get over that, it's all well worth it. YOU MUST try the Mushroom Ravioli to start. I had the crab cakes and it was delicious but the bacon mashed potatoes set it off for me. I'm definitely coming back.

Only first time there tonight. Went with 2 other friends and we all tasted one another's food. I enjoyed each taste thoroughly. Nothing let me down. The Beef Carpaccio was a standout with the light but unbelievable dressing with capers and a dipping sauce. I had the braised short rib for dinner which was absolutely perfect,can't wait to return,service was friendly,it was packed for a Monday night and walked in without a reservation and was seated right away. If you live on the Westside it's a must try,easy and affordable!

I've been to this Santa Monica restaurant twice, and both times it was for a birthday party. The atmosphere is amazing, the drinks are perfect, and the food is always pleasing. I think the most recent time I went, I got the salmon, and it was really good!

A wonderful experience from the minute you arrive. The Valets are gracious, the hostess' are divine, cozy atmosphere, excellent staff from top to bottom AND the food is fantastic! i feel more like a loyal disciple, anxiously awaiting the new 'special of the week' month after month...will it be fish? will it be beef? perhaps, pork of some sort?! its like a 'culinary soap opera' that you cant take your eyes off of!!