Queens, NY girl looking for din in Santa Monica area

[Justpaula]

First time in California. I am blessed by (former Queensite) friends who are taking me in for the weekend of the 21st. I want to treat them to a nice dinner. I am kind of poor ($325 r/t ticket!), but unfortunately for my wallet, I am usually willing to spend for a nice meal. As far as I know they (as well a I) are open to cuisine.

[tuttifrutti]

there's i cugini in santa monica for great italian/seafood. right off of ocean, so pretty convenient. it's a nice ambience, too!

[laonion]

Nook (on Santa Monica Blvd, near Barrington) is a great restaurant with good food and reasonable prices. Great service plus cozy ambiance. Opus is great also, great fun, with a bit more formal atmosphere but further from Santa Monica, actually in Koreatown.

http://www.nookbistro.com/

[TOgirl]

Don't know if this will be near where you are staying but for $30 each you can have a great meal at Opus (3 course tasting menu). Wine tasting is extra - $15 for 3 courses. Great value and great food.

Opus Restaurant
www.opusrestaurant.net
3760 Wilshire Blvd @ Western Avenue
Tel [phone]
Valet $3 or $5

[Dommy]

Lots of fun, and not too pricy is Musha a Japanese 'tapas' place that is actually VERY approachable. Near 3rd St. too, so you guys can go for a nice stroll down to the pier and such... :)

--Dommy!