Looking for exceptional Californian cuisine in Santa Monica? Tar & Roses is a top-rated Californian restaurant known for delivering a fresh, seasonal dining experience that celebrates the best of California flavors.
With a 4.70-star rating, this Santa Monica restaurant offers thoughtfully prepared dishes, inviting ambiance, and a menu inspired by locally sourced ingredients, bold tastes, and modern coastal dining.
Whether you’re planning a relaxed dinner, a special celebration, or simply searching for one of the best Californian restaurants in Santa Monica, Tar & Roses provides a memorable experience that blends quality, creativity, and warmth.
To discover more about this highly rated Californian restaurant in Santa Monica, CA, visit Tar & Roses and experience California dining at its finest.
Popular Items
Frequently ordered and highly recommended items at Tar & Roses
Our Story
Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.
Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Photos
A glimpse of our restaurant experience
Food & Drinks
Pickled blackberry, arugula, toast
San Bai Su, chili, green onion
Chorizo vinaigrette, arugula, grilled lemon
Butter lettuce cups, pickled daikon, ssamjang
red onion marmalade, sea salt, sourdough
Banana raita, harissa
Hazelnut, feta, za'atar, flatbread
Cilantro, golden pea shoots
Dates, pancetta, bay blue cheese
Nduja toast, smoked paprika butter
Soft egg, pancetta, parmesan, black pepper
burrata, basil, shallot, golden balsamic
Citrus, avocado, jalapeno, white soy
Butternut squash, brussels, saba, breadcrumb
Gruyere, chives
Lavender spiced honey, ricotta salata
Bonito flake, shiso
Chestnuts, crisp pancetta, mustard vinaigrette
Crispy garlic, chili, slivered almonds, mint
Goat cheese, hazelnuts, lemon vin.
Labneh, pomegranate, sesame, cilantro
Polenta, swiss chard, dried cherry compote, hazelnut
Sweet potato, wood roasted brussels, huckleberries
Royal corona bean, black kale & cherry tomato ragout
Mushroom, pearl onion, tomato, farro
Scallops, clams, mussels, shrimp, shiitake, curry
Fermented black bean marinade, lemongrass risotto
Cold soba noodles, dipping sauce
24 oz., arugula & parmesan salad
Per person. Morrocan accompaniments
Per person. Jasmine rice
Per person. Traditional sides
Hear from our valued guests
This restaurant has a lot of hype, but I think it lived up to it! We came here with a group of 4, which is the right amount to try a bunch of different dishes. It’s best to share food family-style here. Everything differs in size so some items are just a few bites but some are more filling. The tables are a bit close together but the staff will try to accommodate if you want to sit somewhere else. We recommend out back on the patio for some more space.
One of the best meals we’ve ever had! Highly recommend! Everything we had was delicious!
Such a great spot in the neighborhood, not sure how I haven’t been here before! Great atmosphere for a date night, the service was very knowledgeable of the wine selection and menu and overall just awesome. We ordered the bone marrow and charred gem salad to start and omg that salad was to die for. Bone marrow was pretty straightforward but good. For our mains we had the lamb shank and the duck breast. Both were fab but I preferred the lamb shank while my boyfriend liked the duck better which is funny because he ordered the lamb and I ordered the duck haha o would’ve loved to try the oxtail dumplings which our table neighbors recommended but my bf is gluten-sensitive so I will def come back with my gluten-tolerant friends to try more of the menu!
Went on a date to celebrate getting a new job. We had the oxtail dumplings, ricotta gnocchi, eggplant, fried cauliflower, the venison loin, and the toffee pudding. The experience as a whole was fantastic. It truly felt like an artistic experience as much as a culinary one. The food was delicious and the menu is so carefully crafted for fall. The staff is top tier and are professionals without question. Definitely a life-enhancing experience and I will be back!
Everything we ate was so well-executed. We tried the bone marrow, oxtail dumplings, wood fired eggplant, crab cake, balsamic ribs, whole snapper, tar bar, and sticky toffee pudding (divine). No misses.
Tar & Roses is one of our favorite restaurants in Santa Monica, and we return often for good reason. The food is consistently outstanding, creative, and deeply satisfying. On our most recent visit, we enjoyed the oxtail dumplings, duck breast, and ricotta gnocchi—each dish beautifully executed, flavorful, and memorable.
One of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to! We love it!!!! It’s romantic, it’s mind blowing delicious, it’s for people who like to experiment with flavors, like to try smth new and who is a foodie. They don’t make cocktails. The signature dish is definitely a snapper, that’s the main thing we coming here for, but EVERYTHING is super delicious, has a unique flavor. They know how to deliver, they know what they are doing. We celebrate here special occasions and keep this gem only for us, for special more romantic nights. You have my heart.
Food was lovely, I supposed I would describe it as Italian with an slight Asian flare. The black cod was buttery, the curry was a bit too spicy, the duck was decent, and layered potatoes from hanger steak was yum. The food wasn't perfect, but then nothing ever is. So I'll leave it 5 out of 5. The manager was lovely, our waiter was a bit of a fast talker, borderline annoying, but was courteous nonetheless. We had a lovely evening, I would recommend it.
Beautiful heated patio. The Octopus dish was our favorite appetizer and the duck was absolutely delicious.
One of the better meals in Santa Monica! Definitely recommend coming here for a nice date night or slightly upscale casual meal. I really enjoyed the crab cakes (5/5) and the oxtail (4/5). The lamb was good as well. Definitely coming again to try other items in the menu like the duck and the blackened cod. Service was really good. Felt waiters were friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend this restaurant.
Common questions about Tar & Roses
Tar & Roses is located at 602 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States, Santa Monica, CA 90401, United States.
You can reach Tar & Roses by calling +1 310-587-0700.
Tar & Roses has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 1105 customer reviews.
Tar & Roses features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible seating, Wheelchair-accessible toilet.
Tar & Roses features the following service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, On-site services, Takeaway, Dine-in.
Tar & Roses features the following highlights: Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Great dessert, Great wine list, Serves local specialty.
Tar & Roses features the following popular for: Dinner, Solo dining.
Tar & Roses features the following offerings: Beer, Coffee, Comfort food, Healthy options, Organic dishes, Private dining room, Small plates, Vegetarian options, Wine.
Tar & Roses features the following dining options: Dinner, Counter service, Dessert, Seating, Table service.
Tar & Roses features the following amenities: Bar on site, Gender-neutral toilets, Restroom.
Tar & Roses features the following atmosphere: Cozy, Romantic, Trendy, Upmarket.
Tar & Roses features the following crowd: Groups, Tourists.
Tar & Roses features the following planning: Dinner reservations recommended, Accepts reservations, Usually a wait.
Tar & Roses features the following payments: Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments.
Tar & Roses features the following parking: Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Paid street parking, Somewhat difficult to find a space.
Business Features
In Your Area
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1.2 km away
We look forward to welcoming you. Make a reservation or stop by - walk-ins welcome!
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