Set the Scene
Inside the Kelly Wearstler-designed Santa Monica Proper Hotel—a sun-drenched dream in soft neutrals and sculptural details—two dining destinations await. Just off the front desk foyer, you’ll wander into Palma: a breezy, art-filled lounge that feels more like a beautifully curated living room than a restaurant. Think: sink-into-me sofas, palm-framed corners, and a cocktail bar that beckons from the back.
It’s an all-day kind of place, effortlessly evolving from breezy breakfasts and leisurely lunches to martinis and small plates come nightfall. Settle into a curved couch with your laptop in the morning and stay put through last call—no seat change required.
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What Can We Expect from the Food?
Palma’s kitchen turns out thoughtful American fare rooted in local, seasonal ingredients—and proudly free of seed oils. Expect fresh-pressed juices and artisan lattes, light lunch bites, and a
California-inspired spin on afternoon tea, all crafted with an eye toward wellness and flavor.
While every menu is worth exploring (and you absolutely should), I’m zeroing in on dinner and drinks—the sweet spot where I can best guide you on what to eat and sip during your visit.
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Start with the Country Rosemary Sourdough, baked in-house and served with a roasted garlic whipped ricotta. It’s warm, flavorful, and the ultimate prelude to what’s ahead. From there, move into the Small Plates. Sure, you could order the marinated olives solo, but we say go all in with the Cheese & Charcuterie Board: an artful spread of California and Italian meats and cheeses, Arnette Farms apple chutney, and seeded Medjool date crisps. Next to that, don’t skip the Roman Artichokes—steamed and grilled (not fried, for once!) and served with chili flakes and Meyer lemon aioli. It’s light, flavorful, and leaves room for more.
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The salad lineup offers three solid choices: a Cobb, a Market Salad, and the ever-reliable Caesar. Our server steered us away from anything too filling since we were sampling more plates—so we landed on the Black Garlic Caesar, which did the trick with punchy flavor and just enough bite.
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Next up: pizza, pasta, and entrées—oh my. Everything sounded tempting, so here’s a tip: come with a crew, or at least a plus one who loves to eat. We debated between the Vodka Rigatoni and Cacio e Pepe—yes, typical picks—but the rigatoni won, thanks to its bold Calabrian chili kick. Personally, I would have loved a bit more sauce, but we still managed to clean our plates.
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For the main course, we opted for the Whole Roasted Branzino. It arrives beautifully plated with salsa verde, preserved lemon, pine nuts, dates, and a fennel-herb salad. The portion is just right—not too heavy—and the interplay of citrus and herbs paired perfectly with the pasta.
And if, like me, you’re a sucker for sides, don’t miss the Charred Broccolini or the Palm Frites (which you can upgrade to truffle, naturally).
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Let’s Talk about the Drinks
Cocktail hour is nothing short of a good time at the art installation-backed bar counter. You’re in good hands with the bartending staff here—they’re ready to whip up your libation just the way you like it.
From their “Signature” list, we were intrigued by the mezcal-forward Crash and Burn, stirred with Luxardo Maraschino, yellow chartreuse, crème de violette, and lime. Similarly, the Italian Gin & Tonic, with Italicus, Aviation Gin, rosé, and a dash of grapefruit, sounded like a very refreshing sip.
But I ultimately went with what I know best: the Proper Martini, made with Grey Goose Altius vodka (I opted for Hendrick’s or Roku Gin—if you know, you know), dry vermouth, and blue cheese olives. I typically go for the classic garnish, but here, I threw tradition to the wind—and was pleasantly surprised.
After that, I tried the Spice Toddy, a spirit-free sip of Seedlip, lemon, and Manuka honey—a warm, citrusy pairing to round out the meal.
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Final Thoughts
Whether you're popping in for a Proper Hour sip or lingering over dinner, Palma makes every moment feel like the golden hour.
Top Takeaways
Location: Santa Monica, California
Cuisine: American-Mediterranean
The vibe: A hip Santa Monica haunt with a breezy, day-to-night energy, inviting every kind of guest to linger, lounge, and sip well into the evening.
Pricing: $$
Takes reservations? Yes – OpenTable
Our favorite dish on the menu: The Roman Artichokes appetizer is simply delectable.
The attire: California cool—think linen, leather jackets, and stylish ease.
Hours: Breakfast—Daily: 7 am – 11:30 am | Brunch—Sat & Sun: 11:30 am – 2 pm | Lunch—Mon – Fri: 11:30 am – 4:00 pm, Sat & Sun: 2 pm – 4 pm | Dinner—Daily: 4 pm – 10:30 pm | Proper Hour— Mon – Fri: 4 pm – 6 pm —Sat & Sun: 12 pm – 4 pm.
