Best Places to Eat in Santa Monica Before Cirque Du Soleil

Published on September 17, 2024

Cocktails and canapes, 0r beer and burgers… the westside is your oyster when it comes to dining. So, where are the best places to eat in Santa Monica before seeing Cirque Du Soleil?

If you haven’t heard, Cirque Du Soleil is bringing their acclaimed show KOOZA to the Big Top on the Santa Monica Pier this October. If you’re as excited as we are, you’ll be planning your visit. And part of that visit should probably include delicious food and drinks. Here’s a run down of the top spots for dining and drinking nearby. There are so many fantastic places to visit before the show or after…or even both!

The Lobster

1602 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401

The Lobster is one of those restaurants that’s been around forever (over a century, to be exact) and for good reason. Sitting high on a bluff over the Pacific Ocean, you’ll actually be able to see the Big Top on the Santa Monica Pier from your seats. Not to mention the rest of the 180° panorama spanning the Santa Monica Bay and Malibu’s coastline. Don’t just come for the mesmerizing view, though. The Lobster is an internationally recognized seafood establishment helmed by celebrity chef Govind Armstrong. Expect an American seafood menu using fresh, local ingredients. Throw in some drinks, and you’ve got one of the loveliest places to eat before seeing Cirque Du Soleil’s KOOZA in Santa Monica.

Patio 66 Bar & Grill 

380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica CA 90401

For more of a casual vibe, Santa Monica’s newest bar & grill is an ideal spot to have a sip before the show. Located right on the world-famous Pier, with sweeping views of the ocean, you’ll be walking down to the Big Top in no time. As for the menu, think cheeseburgers, fish tacos, cesar salad and hot sandwiches. Oh, and margaritas on draft. Seating is outdoors and offers unparalleled views of the Santa Monica Bay.

Interstellar

109 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90401

A ten minute stroll to the Santa Monica Pier, Interstellar does a mean breakfast and brunch.  It’s a great place to fuel up before seeing a matinee show of Cirque Du Soleil’s KOOZA in the Big Top. This laid-back spot offers Korean fusion dishes and shoju cocktails in a rustic-chic space. Expect all manner of delicious cultural combinations, from chilaquiles and burritos to Korean marinated short ribs.

Cha Cha Chicken

1906 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica Ca. 90405

If you’re not afraid of a 15 minute walk from dinner to show, give Cha Cha Chicken a try. At this Caribbean restaurant, you can eat spicy jerk chicken in a fun tropical setting. It’s a casual vibe, where you order at the counter, and has a festive, beach-shack theme. Other tasty dishes include shrimp and fried plantains. Feeling the cha cha? Then this is one of the best places to eat in Santa Monica before seeing Cirque Du Soleil.

Open 11 am – 8.30 pm daily

Cobi’s 

Cobi Marsh, of the acclaimed Cobi’s Curries pop-up, opened this stylish, smart-casual restaurant on Santa Monica’s Main Street.  Now a definite dining destination, Cobi’s showcases an expanded menu of Southeast Asian street fare alongside Marsh’s signature curries and natural wine, set against a vibrant, floral-heavy interior with lively music. For food, think scallops on the half shell, African curry, and Green Papaya Salad. It’s a 17 minute walk to the pier, but if you’re up for the stroll, it’s well worth it.

2104 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Open for dinner service 7 nights a week and brunch on weekends.

The Albright

258 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

This classic seaside eatery has been on the Santa Monica Pier since 1977. Serving up fresh sustainable seafood, husband and wife duo  Yunnie & Greg Morena keep things humming with lobster rolls, fried calamari and crispy salads.

Open 11:30am-9pm 7 days a week.

Image courtesy of @thealbright