A Major Arrival at Santa Monica Place: Din Tai Fung
One of the most highly anticipated openings is Din Tai Fung at Santa Monica Place. The internationally acclaimed Taiwanese restaurant is known for its meticulous soup dumplings (xiao long bao), hand-folded to precision and served in a sleek, modern setting.
The Santa Monica location features a spacious dining room with ocean views, immediately positioning it as both a culinary and experiential destination. Its arrival signals continued investment and confidence in Santa Monica as a high-profile dining market.
Gott’s Roadside Brings Napa Energy to the Coast
Coming Summer 2026, Gott’s Roadside is set to open a beachfront location near Wilshire Boulevard. Originally founded in Napa Valley, Gott’s is known for its elevated take on roadside classics — premium burgers, ahi poke tacos, fresh salads, and organic shakes.
With an indoor-outdoor design tailored to coastal living, this addition reinforces Santa Monica’s identity as a place where casual dining meets quality ingredients and polished execution.
Holy Basil Expands with Bold Thai Flavors
Fans of vibrant Southeast Asian cuisine will appreciate the opening of Holy Basil. Known for authentic Thai street-food flavors, the restaurant brings dishes like Bangkok-style crab fried rice and pad kee mao to a design-forward space that feels modern yet energetic.
This concept reflects a broader trend in Santa Monica: globally inspired cuisine presented in visually engaging, contemporary environments.
Texan Comfort Arrives: HomeState
Late 2025 welcomed HomeState to Wilshire Boulevard. The popular Los Angeles-based brand is celebrated for its Texas-style breakfast tacos, queso, brisket, and margaritas.
The Santa Monica outpost offers a casual, welcoming atmosphere that fits seamlessly into the neighborhood — ideal for weekend brunch crowds and weekday lunch traffic alike.
French Riviera Energy on Ocean Avenue
Adding a touch of European sophistication, La Monique is bringing French Riviera inspiration to Ocean Avenue. With a menu featuring refined brasserie classics and an elegant interior design, this restaurant caters to date nights, celebrations, and anyone looking for a more elevated dining experience by the beach.
Its opening underscores a growing appetite for upscale yet relaxed coastal dining.
Why This Matters for Santa Monica
The concentration of new openings across Wilshire Boulevard, Ocean Avenue, and Santa Monica Place highlights renewed economic momentum in the city’s hospitality sector. These aren’t just restaurants — they are signals of investment, tourism confidence, and lifestyle positioning.
Santa Monica continues to balance:
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Casual, health-forward California dining
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International culinary brands
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Elevated comfort food
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Design-driven, experience-based restaurants
For residents, this means more variety and stronger neighborhood energy. For visitors, it enhances Santa Monica’s reputation as not only a beach destination but also a serious food city.
As 2026 unfolds, expect continued announcements, expansions, and chef-driven concepts that build on this momentum. Santa Monica isn’t just reopening — it’s redefining its dining identity.
