If you’re looking for your next must-visit dining destination in LA, we’ve found it—and it’s giving everything we want and more. Tucked right in the heart of the bustling Third Street Promenade, 1212 Santa Monica is the go-to spot for vibey dinners, unforgettable cocktails, and shareable bites that’ll light up your feed and your taste buds.
The Celeb Secrets squad stopped by for dinner recently, and let’s just say — we’re still dreaming about the food, the ambiance, and those dreamy lychee martinis. With our flirty fits, flowing cocktails, and a table full of delish dishes, the night was totally giving main character energy.
From the moment you step inside 1212, you’re instantly immersed in a chic, coastal oasis. With over 10,000 square feet of open, airy space, this two-story hotspot blends sleek modern design with cozy, coastal charm. Think warm woods, copper drop lights, a dramatic bow-truss ceiling, and a glass façade that brings in that fresh Santa Monica breeze. Whether you’re posted up at the bar, dining on the open-air patio, or vibing on the upstairs balcony lounge, every angle screams photo op.
Oh, and did we mention there’s live DJs and bottomless brunch on weekends? Yes, please.
Before diving into the apps, we kicked things off with 1212’s iconic Lychee Martinis, straight from their all-night Happy Hour menu. Light, sweet, and dangerously easy to sip, this cocktail has officially become our new pre-dinner obsession. Pro tip: go for round two. You won’t regret it.
When it comes to the food, 1212’s globally-inspired menu is filled with small plates, fresh pastas, and elevated entrées that cater to every kind of craving — and you know we had to try a little bit of everything.
From the Hot Small Plates, we were obsessed with the Grilled Shrimp Skewers ($12) — juicy, seasoned with Cajun spice, and paired with a refreshing tzatziki that balanced the heat perfectly. The Popcorn Shrimp ($10), tossed in a spicy miso glaze, was crispy, punchy, and totally addictive. Consider these two must-orders for your table.
From the Cold Small Plates, we went coastal with a half dozen Fresh Oysters ($18), served with a tangy citrus-ponzu blend, serrano chili, grapefruit, and cilantro. They were clean, bright, and beautifully plated. We also couldn’t resist the Spicy Tuna Roll ($16), made with crispy tempura, spicy mayo, cucumber, scallions, and sesame. Simple, satisfying, and totally Celeb Secrets-approved.
For mains, we shared the Seafood Spaghetti ($31), and wow — this dish is the definition of elevated comfort food. Packed with clams, mussels, prawns, and calamari in a rich red sauce, every twirl was a flavor bomb. If you’re a seafood lover, run, don’t walk.
And because we love a little luxe, we ordered the Filet Mignon ($48), served with truffle mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, and a silky truffle sauce. The steak was perfectly cooked and melt-in-your-mouth tender. It’s definitely a splurge — but totally worth it.
No dinner is complete without dessert, and the Molten Chocolate Cake was everything we wanted and more. Served warm with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of raspberry sauce, fruit and a touch of whipped cream, it was rich, gooey, and the perfect sweet ending to our night out.
Whether you’re planning a flirty date night, a girls’ dinner, or just want to treat yourself to some seriously good eats, 1212 Santa Monica is the spot. From the vibe-y space and tasty menu to those unforgettable cocktails, this coastal gem checks all the boxes for our trend-loving, foodie-obsessed Celeb Secrets readers. Also, if you’re in West Hollywood, you have to check out 1212’s sister restaurant La Bohéme — and read all about our experience here.
1212 Santa Monica is located inside the Third Street Promenade at 1212 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401. They can be reached at 310-576-9996 and they are open Monday – Thursday from 5PM-10PM; Friday from 5PM-12AM (kitchen closes at 10:45PM); Saturday brunch from 11AM-3:45PM with dinner being served until 10:45PM (bar is open until midnight); and Sunday brunch from 11AM-3:45PM with dinner being served until 10PM.
Hot Tip: Stop by for Happy Hour at 5 PM daily or go all out with Bottomless Brunch every Saturday & Sunday with a live DJ, mimosas, and the best people-watching in town. Beginning this Monday (June 2), 1212 will offer an $18 lunch during the week from 11AM-2:30PM
Check out some of our favorite highlights from our dinner at 1212 Santa Monica below, and don’t forget to lock in your reservations via OpenTable here.
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