You know when you walk in to a place and immediately feel like, “I’ve got a good feeling about this…”? But you don’t want to get to excited and jinx any hopes of meeting your expectations? And then you come to find that what you knew was going to be a good thing all along was even better than you’d expected? Knowhatimsayin’? Yeah – Local Kitchen + Wine Bar in a nutshell right there. “Wine Bar” was reason enough for me to get giddy over trying a new restaurant on my side of town, but wine bar or not, Local is everything I hoped it would be and then some.
I find that there is something to love about (almost) every restaurant in LA. And even though we all have our “dining tendencies” so-to-speak, mine being anything to do with wine apparently, we can all recall truly exceptional meals. I left brunch at Local Kitchen + Wine Bar last weekend more satisfied and sweetly satiated than I have in a very long time. Between the stunning space, the playful and inventive menu, the service, and the incredible brunch cocktails I’d felt like I’d died and gone to the most delicious heaven imaginable. Focused on sustainable and seasonal locally sourced ingredients, chef and owner Maire Byrne (owner of beloved Thyme Market & Cafe) has created the perfect casual-cool concept Santa Monica dining is known for. Local has officially secured my stamp of approval, I have yet to try dinner but I’d imagine it’ll be just as magical.
Favorite (brunch) Cocktail | I had a difficult time deciding between two options, so naturally I ordered them both. Off to the Races” is made with bourbon, cane sugar, fresh mint, and lemon juice. The “Weekend Reviver” is made with vodka, blood orange, ginger, cayenne and agave. Unfortunately I couldn’t tell you which was my favorite because I loved them both!
Must Order | You MUST must must order one of their pizzas; handcrafted Neapolitan style pizzas are their specialty. I had the “bacon + egg” pizza (weiser farm potatoes, ricotta, swiss chard, parmesan) and it turned out to be my favorite dish. If you’re an avocado toast/lox lover, be sure to get their avocado crostini. My fellow “sweet-tooth” people, the “sweet + salty french toast” (bacon butter, cinnamon) is one of the most interesting and incredibly delicious brunch items I’ve come across. Don’t miss it!
Perfect Spot For | brunch // patio seating // wine // casual yet romantic westside dining // taking your parents out to dinner // pizza // dessert cravings
Pro Tip | Make a reservation – it can’t hurt.
Fun Fact | Local Kitchen + Wine Bar offers a Happy Hour DAILY from 3 – 6 pm in the bar and at the community tables!
Local Kitchen + Wine Bar | 1736 Ocean Park Blvd Santa Monica, CA 90405 | (310) 396-9007
Hours:
Sunday 10 am-9 pm
Monday 11:30 am-9 pm
Tuesday -Thursday 11:30 am-10 pm
Friday 11:30 am-10:30 pm
Saturday 10am-10:30 pm
Leave a Reply