Upper West

4.9 (2732)

$30 and under

American

3321 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405

Make a reservation

Upper West

4.9

$30 and under

American

Santa Monica

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 7, 2026

7:00 PM

Booked 19 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Good for special occasions
Good for groups

**Contact us today to schedule your next event! We can accommodate parties of 10 to 150 guests**

Upper West's ever-changing menu draws inspiration from around the world while maintaining eclectic flavors unique to them. The bar offers Happy Hour Wednesday-Sunday from 4:30-7:00pm serving refreshing craft cocktails, handcrafted beer. The dinner menu is always evolving and includes ingredients sourced locally from the Santa Monica Farmers Market as well as local farmers such as Weiser Farms and Niman Ranch. Upper West is the perfect place to book large events for 20 or more guests and is an excellent private party venue for hosting corporate events, birthdays, anniversaries, holiday festivities, rehearsal dinners, and more.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Global, International
Hours of operation
Dinner Wed, Thu 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–9:30 pm Sun 4:30 pm–8:00 pm
Phone number
(310) 586-1111
Website
http://www.theupperwest.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Nick Shipp
Catering
Prefixed or customized buffet and seated menus, with full bar service.<br />We can accommodate off site or personal home catering as well.
Private party facilities
Upper West will be the ultimate space to host your holiday party.
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Location
3321 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405
Neighborhood
Santa Monica
Cross street
1 block west of Centinela
Parking details
Valet
Public transit
Santa Monica Blue Bus line #7Bus Stop Pico & 33rd St
Entertainment
12 foot projector screen featuring movies, shows, and sports events.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Thirsty Thursday Half-Off Wine Bottles
1 - 40 people
Multiple dates available
Join us every Thursday for a wine experience like no other, where you can enjoy 50% off most of our wine bottles. Reserve your table now and raise a glass to #ThirstyThursday!🥂
Tier 1 Large Party at Upper West ($52)
$61.36 per person
20 - 50 people
Multiple dates available
Host a dinner party at our exclusive dining room. This experience is designed for any party size from 20-50 guests. We require a pre-set menu at $52 per person (exclusive of tax and gratuity). A minimum spend of $2300 on Friday Night and $2500 on Saturday nights. See attached menu for details. $52 Seated Menu per person (plus tax & tip) Appetizer Assortment SPICY AHI TUNA CRUNCHY RICE wasabi tobiko / avocado puree / jalapeno / sweet chili sauce / freeze dried soy sauce GRILLED ARTICHOKE HEARTS citrus aioli / fennel pollen / parmigiano-reggiano / herbs BURRATA tomato-cranberry chutney / frescobaldi olive oil / black chai salt / basil / dill / organic flour bread Main Course (choice of one) BLACKENED SALMON israeli couscous "risotto" / tomato / piquillo / sweet yellow corn / guajillo sauce FLATIRON STEAK (medium) McDaniel smoked bacon & gorgonzola slaw / bourbon balsamic demi PAN ROASTED PITTMAN FARMS CHICKEN tomato & yogurt marinade / garbanzo bean & tomato stew / mango / lebneh VEGGIE CURRY (vegan) served with black forbidden rice Dessert BRIOCHE BREAD PUDDING rye whiskey caramel / crème anglaise / local strawberry *Beverage, tax and service not included. Additional items may be added a la carte. *Dietary restrictions can be accommodated within reason. A 18% service charge will be added to your final bill.
Tier 2 Large Party at Upper West ($60)
$70.80 per person
19 - 40 people
Multiple dates available
Host a dinner party at our exclusive dining room. This experience is designed for any party size from 20-50 guests. We require a pre-set menu at $60 per person (exclusive of tax and gratuity). A minimum spend of $2300 on Friday Night and $2500 on Saturday nights. See attached menu for details. $60 Seated Menu per person (plus tax & tip) Appetizer Assortment SPICY AHI TUNA CRUNCHY RICE wasabi tobiko / avocado puree / jalapeno / sweet chili sauce / freeze dried soy sauce GRILLED ARTICHOKE HEARTS citrus aioli / fennel pollen / parmigiano-reggiano / herbs BURRATA tomato-cranberry chutney / frescobaldi olive oil / black chai salt / basil / dill / organic flour bread Main Course (choice of one) BLACKENED SHETLAND ISLANDS SALMON israeli couscous / tomato / piquillo / yellow corn / guajillo sauce FLATIRON STEAK (medium) McDaniel smoked bacon & gorgonzola slaw / bourbon balsamic demi PAN ROASTED PITTMAN FARMS CHICKEN tomato & yogurt marinade / garbanzo bean & tomato stew / mango / lebneh VEGGIE CURRY (vegan) served with black forbidden rice COFFEE CRUSTED KUROBUTA PORK TENDERLOIN goat cheese mashed potatoes / citrus demi / truffle / roasted jalapeno applesauce VEGGIES (served family style) GARLICKY GREEN BEANS - beech mushrooms / leeks / mustard seed / pedro vinegar ROASTED CAULIFLOWER - cauliflower - chimichurri / barberries / tahini ROASTED SWEET CORN - avocado butter / cotija cheese / smoked paprika Dessert BRIOCHE BREAD PUDDING - rye whiskey caramel / crème anglaise / local strawberry *Beverage, tax and service not included. Additional items may be added a la carte. *Dietary restrictions can be accommodated within reason. A 18% service charge will be added to your final bill.

Offers

Happy Hour at Upper West
1 - 40 people
Multiple dates available
Sun - 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM,Wed - Sat - 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Every Wednesday - Sunday 4:30pm-7pm, 40% off all specialty cocktails and selected wines by the glass.

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

BURRATA$19.00
tomato-cranberry chutney / frescobaldi olive oil / black chai salt / basil / dill / organic flour bread
SPICY AHI TUNA CRUNCHY RICE $20.00
wasabi tobiko / avocado puree / jalapeno / sweet chili sauce / freeze dried soy sauce
THAI PEANUT NOODLE (room temperature) $15.00
chilled ramen / peanut dressing / green onion
CHOPPED SALAD $16.00
grilled red pepper / fennel / celery / apple / feta cheese / cilantro strawberry / quinoa / champs vinaigrette
- add blackened chicken$12.00
THE WEDGE $19.00
iceberg / bacon / smoked blue cheese dressing / grilled corn /basil
CURRIED CHICKEN SALAD $20.00
field greens / napa cabbage / bell pepper / basmati rice / marinated cucumber / goma dressing / crispy wonton
CHARGRILLED AVOCADO $18.00
whipped goat cheese / hoja santa / tomato / strawberry / reduced vinegar / toasted bread
SMOKED BLUE CHEESE CHIPS $17.00
smoked blue cheese sauce / bacon / truffle
LAMB & FENNEL SAUSAGE FLATBREAD $21.00
Bianco Dinapoli tomato sauce / chili flakes / truffle / dried cherries / reduced vinegar / arugula
SWEET & SPICY SPARE RIBS $22.00
sambal-honey glaze / fresno pepper / sesame / cilantro
CHARGRILLED OCTOPUS $24.00
hummus / sweet pepper / thai basil / shaved fennel / passion fruit vinegar / sumac
GULF SHRIMP CEVICHE $22.00
tomato broth / cilantro / fresh avocado / lime / tortilla chips
BEEF CARPACCIO $20.00
grilled romaine / tzatziki / kalamata / pecorino / za’atar / caper-honey vinaigrette / smoked olive oil

LARGE PLATES

PAN ROASTED PITTMAN FARMS CHICKEN $30.00
tomato & yogurt marinade / garbanzo bean & tomato stew / mango / lebneh / warm pita bread
VEGGIE CURRY (vegan) $22.00
served with black forbidden rice
BRAISED SHORT RIB $44.00
mashed potato / tarragon pesto / fresno
BLACKENED SALMON $34.00
israeli couscous / tomato / piquillo / sweet yellow corn / guajillo sauce / lemon
MAC & CHEESE $22.00
mozzarella / asiago / white cheddar / roasted pasilla pepper
MARINATED PRIME FLATIRON STEAK $41.00
napa cabbage / red onion / smoked bacon / gorgonzola sauce
COFFEE CRUSTED KUROBUTA PORK TENDERLOIN $40.00
goat cheese mashed potatoes / citrus demi / truffle / roasted jalapeno applesauce
SEARED WILD CAUGHT STRIPED BASS $38.00
whipped baba ganoush / tomato confit / olive / preserved lemon / patatas bravas / herbs
STEAK TACOS (16oz) $47.00
fresh guac / salsa verde / queso fresco / fajita veggies

SANDWICHES

all sandwiches are served with fries

FLANNERY BEEF CHEESEBURGER $22.00
american cheese / worcestershire-caramelized onions / pickles / arugula / so-cal sauce
- add thick cut nueski’s bacon $5.00
ROASTED VEGGIE BURGER $20.00
housemade veggie patty / grilled pineapple relish / piquillo pepper / smoked tomato aioli / toasted brioche bun
FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH $21.00
blue cheese cole slaw / hot sauce mayo / bread & butter pickles

VEGGIES & SIDES

GARLICKY GREEN BEANS $16.00
beech mushrooms / leeks / mustard seed / pedro vinegar
ROASTED SWEET CORN $16.00
avocado-cilantro butter / smoked paprika / cotija cheese
FRIED SWEET POTATO $15.00
chimichurri / queso fresco / harry’s strawberries
ROASTED CAULIFLOWER $16.00
chimichurri spice / barberries / tahini / pine nuts / toasted panko
GRILLED ARTICHOKE HEARTS $18.00
citrus aioli / fennel pollen / parmigiano-reggiano / herbs

Cocktails

ESPRESSO MARTINI $16.00
HONEY RYE $15.00
sazerac rye / barenjager honey / orange bitters
CUCUMBER MARTINI $15.00
wheatly vodka / cucumber / mint / lemon
EL DIABLO $15.00
pueblo viejo tequila / jalapeno puree / dried lime
SPANISH MANHATTAN $15.00
buffalo trace bourbon / vermut (Spanish Vermouth) / jerry thomas own decanter bitters
STRAWBERRY FIELDS $15.00
hendrick’s gin / strawberry / basil / lemonade
BRAMBLE $15.00
hendrick’s gin / blackberry / lemongrass / fresh lemon
THE WESTSIDER (White Sangria) $15.00
belvedere vodka / fresh pomegranate / giffard pamplemousse / rose cava
GINGER MARGARITA $15.00
pueblo viejo tequila / exilxir G / fresh lime
THE PALOMA $15.00
pueblo viejo tequila / grapefruit / lime / chili lime seasoning
SEASONAL MOJITO $15.00
fresh Seasonal fruit / mount gay rum / lime / fresh mint
SUNSET SMOKE $16.00
mezcal / aperol / guava / fresh lime / chili lime seasoning

BEER

AMBER $10.00
Rotating handle, please ask your server for details
PALE ALE $10.00
Rotating handle, please ask your server for details
KRONENBOURG 1664 $10.00
Euro Pale Lager / France / 5.0% ABV
EINSTOK OLEGRO, WHITE ALE $10.00
Witbier / Iceland / 5.2 % ABV
OFFSHOOT BEER CO., RELAX IT’S JUST A HAZY IPA $10.00
American IPA / Orange County / 6.8% ABV
ANDERSON VALLEY, BOURBON BARREL STOUT $10.00
Wild Turkey Stout / Boonville, CA / 6.9% ABV
ALLAGASH, CURIEUX $15.00
Triple Ale aged in Jim Beam Barrels / Portland, Maine / 11% ABV
IPA OF THE DAY $10.00
Rotating handle, please ask your server for details
SANTA MONICA BREW WORKS, 310 $10.00
Blonde / Santa Monica / 4.8% ABV
IPA - BLIND PIG $11.00
Russian River Brewing Co. / Sanoma County / 6.25% ABV
PACIFICO $10.00
Mexican Pilsner / Sinaloa - Mexico / 4.50% ABV

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Upper West.

4.9

(2732)

4.9Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Los Angeles
American
Westside
Best Overall
Westside
Best Food
Westside
Best Value
Westside
American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Upper West delights patrons with "excellent" food and "impeccable" service. Its creative menu includes favorites like steak tacos and key lime tart. The inviting ambiance is perfect for any occasion, from intimate dinners to large gatherings. With attentive staff and inventive cocktails, it's a "neighborhood gem" that consistently impresses.

2,732 Reviews

B
Bill Gold
Los Angeles23 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Upper West delivers on hospitality. Owner, Servers, Bartenders all have a genuine customer experience mindset. The cuisine deserves high marks for presentation, quality and flavors. The large plates are served with a very satisfying side. I highly recommend the wedge salad followed by their short ribs with creamy mashed potatoes. Consistent presentation at a very high standard.
Is this helpful?
M
Monica
Los Angeles2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The service was beyond amazing, the food was absolutely perfect, the atmosphere was wonderful & cozy. Will definitely be coming back!
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I
Iris
Los Angeles14 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Upper West is usually a favorite of ours. The food is always fresh and delicious, and the cocktail menu features fantastic, unique flavors. Unfortunately, our latest experience was marred by a guest bringing two dogs inside the restaurant, one of which was off-leash and roaming around the dining room. As dog owners ourselves, we love pets, but they do not belong inside an indoor dining area. We hope to see better enforcement of health and safety standards in the future.
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P
Peter
Los Angeles3 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 31, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
They are THE BEST!!! All food great and so friendly
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J
Julian
Los Angeles2 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 21, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Spoons and a good Italian bread or Sourdough would have been the perfect addition to the meal for the Scotch event. Aside from that I have zero complaints
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T
Teresa
Los Angeles1 review
5.0
Dined on October 21, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was very good. I will sure go back again for the drinks, the food, the services and the ambience. Wish the restrooms have quality clean white tile floor rather than just cement. I understand it might cost a bit to upgrade the restrooms one notch up, sure that would worth it. Regardless the -5pts due to the cement floor in the ladies room, The Upper West still deserves a solid "A" in my opinion. Thank you.
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R
Richard
Los Angeles5 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 17, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food is Excellent. We enjoyed everything from the sharable appetizers, large dishes, to the desert. Cocktails are delicious . It can be a little loud, but managed descent conversation. Loved it, and will definitely return.
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G
Gordon
Unspecified1 review
5.0
Dined on October 16, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent dinners and the service was superb! Took a guess at where to eat while headed to a concert at McCabe’s Guitar Shop. The Upper West ended up being a huge suprise with the service and quality of our meals.
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R
Rebecka Gold
Los Angeles10 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 15, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We’ve been coming to this restaurant for almost 2 decades and most recently spent our 19th anniversary here. The food and service is always fantastic. Fred and his team are so affable, gracious and go extra lengths to make diners feel welcome and taken care of. Favorites include the steak tacos, the PEI mussels, the cheeseburger, the burrata, and octopus. Also the lamb and fennel flatbread. Such an amazing menu.
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C
Carla Gold
Chicago4 reviews
5.0
Dined on October 11, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food and service were fantastic. We had a large party and the restaurant staff was so warm and accommodating. They made a great night even better!
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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Global, International
Hours of operation
Dinner Wed, Thu 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–9:30 pm Sun 4:30 pm–8:00 pm
Phone number
(310) 586-1111
Website
http://www.theupperwest.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Nick Shipp
Catering
Prefixed or customized buffet and seated menus, with full bar service.<br />We can accommodate off site or personal home catering as well.
Private party facilities
Upper West will be the ultimate space to host your holiday party.
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Location
3321 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405
Neighborhood
Santa Monica
Cross street
1 block west of Centinela
Parking details
Valet
Public transit
Santa Monica Blue Bus line #7Bus Stop Pico & 33rd St
Entertainment
12 foot projector screen featuring movies, shows, and sports events.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

FAQs

Upper West is owned and run by Fred and his family, guests frequently note Fred as the owner who greets and welcomes diners.

Yes, Upper West is regularly recommended for date night, with reviewers praising its dim, moody, romantic atmosphere and calling it an ideal spot for a special evening.

Upper West is especially lovely in the early evening, try happy hour (Wednesday–Sunday, 4:30–7:00 pm) or arrive around 5:30–6:00 pm to grab the bar or a quick pre-show dinner before nearby concerts.

Upper West, Dinner: Wed–Thu 4:30 pm–9:00 pm; Fri–Sat 4:30 pm–9:30 pm; Sun 4:30 pm–8:00 pm. Happy Hour runs Wednesday–Sunday 4:30–7:00 pm.

For Happy Hour, go Wednesday through Sunday (Happy Hour 4:30–7:00 pm); guests also highlight Saturday evenings for a cozy dinner, while many pick Friday as their go-to takeout night.

Portions at Upper West are consistently described as generous and shareable, reviewers note large, shareable servings and say items like the steak tacos are enough for two.

Yes, guests mention a glass patio area at Upper West, a pleasant spot that people enjoy alongside the main dining room and bar.

Casual dress is the guide, relaxed, comfortable clothing is appropriate and nothing formal is required.

Upper West feels warm and moody, cozy corners, dim lighting and even classic films on a projector create an intimate, welcoming atmosphere guests praise.

How FAQ content is generated

Make a reservation

Upper West

4.9

$30 and under

American

Santa Monica

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 7, 2026

7:00 PM

Booked 19 times today

Experiences are available.

Upper West

Make a reservation

Upper West

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Thirsty Thursday Half-Off Wine Bottles

Tier 1 Large Party at Upper West ($52)

Tier 2 Large Party at Upper West ($60)

Happy Hour at Upper West

SHARABLE PLATES

BURRATA$19.00

SPICY AHI TUNA CRUNCHY RICE $20.00

THAI PEANUT NOODLE (room temperature) $15.00

CHOPPED SALAD $16.00

THE WEDGE $19.00

CURRIED CHICKEN SALAD $20.00

CHARGRILLED AVOCADO $18.00

SMOKED BLUE CHEESE CHIPS $17.00

LAMB & FENNEL SAUSAGE FLATBREAD $21.00

SWEET & SPICY SPARE RIBS $22.00

CHARGRILLED OCTOPUS $24.00

GULF SHRIMP CEVICHE $22.00

BEEF CARPACCIO $20.00

LARGE PLATES

PAN ROASTED PITTMAN FARMS CHICKEN $30.00

VEGGIE CURRY (vegan) $22.00

BRAISED SHORT RIB $44.00

BLACKENED SALMON $34.00

MAC & CHEESE $22.00

MARINATED PRIME FLATIRON STEAK $41.00

COFFEE CRUSTED KUROBUTA PORK TENDERLOIN $40.00

SEARED WILD CAUGHT STRIPED BASS $38.00

STEAK TACOS (16oz) $47.00

SANDWICHES

FLANNERY BEEF CHEESEBURGER $22.00

ROASTED VEGGIE BURGER $20.00

FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH $21.00

VEGGIES & SIDES

GARLICKY GREEN BEANS $16.00

ROASTED SWEET CORN $16.00

FRIED SWEET POTATO $15.00

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER $16.00

GRILLED ARTICHOKE HEARTS $18.00

Cocktails

ESPRESSO MARTINI $16.00

HONEY RYE $15.00

CUCUMBER MARTINI $15.00

EL DIABLO $15.00

SPANISH MANHATTAN $15.00

STRAWBERRY FIELDS $15.00

BRAMBLE $15.00

THE WESTSIDER (White Sangria) $15.00

GINGER MARGARITA $15.00

THE PALOMA $15.00

SEASONAL MOJITO $15.00

SUNSET SMOKE $16.00

BEER

AMBER $10.00

PALE ALE $10.00

KRONENBOURG 1664 $10.00

EINSTOK OLEGRO, WHITE ALE $10.00

OFFSHOOT BEER CO., RELAX IT’S JUST A HAZY IPA $10.00

ANDERSON VALLEY, BOURBON BARREL STOUT $10.00

ALLAGASH, CURIEUX $15.00

IPA OF THE DAY $10.00

SANTA MONICA BREW WORKS, 310 $10.00

IPA - BLIND PIG $11.00

PACIFICO $10.00

Loved For

Review summary

Additional information

FAQs

Who owns Upper West?

Is this a good pick for date night?

When is the best time to go to Upper West?

What are this restaurant's opening hours?

What is the best day to go to Upper West?

What are the portion sizes like at this restaurant?

Does this restaurant have outdoor seating?