Rustic Canyon
About This Spot
Stepping into Rustic Canyon in the heart of Santa Monica feels like finding a refined, yet unpretentious refuge where thoughtful California dining unfolds with a comforting, familiar rhythm. There’s a quiet warmth in the air, the kind that gently invites you to slow down and savor not just the food, but the whole experience—measured, attentive, and effortlessly elegant.
The space strikes a delicate balance between rustic charm and chic simplicity. Natural wood tones, soft lighting, and a genuine sense of calm shape an atmosphere that’s approachable and still quietly special, perfect for both a relaxed evening with friends or an intimate celebration. The ebb and flow of guests, ranging from families settling in to couples quietly sharing moments, lends a lived-in authenticity that feels deeply welcoming.
Here, food comes to life through a mindful farm-to-table approach that places the bounty of California front and center in each thoughtfully composed dish. Meals here are not just about sustenance—they’re invitations to explore seasonal flavors with subtle artistry, whether it’s a vibrant salad layered with unexpected textures or a tender, perfectly grilled steak that’s rich without heaviness. Each bite seems designed to reveal a little more of the story behind its ingredients, encouraging a connection not only to the land but the hands that crafted it.
Beyond the plates, the hospitality feels quietly assured and personalized. The staff’s knowledge of the menu, paired with intuitive guidance, makes sharing dishes among companions feel both seamless and special. It’s a place where the human moments—conversations, shared tastes, smiles exchanged with servers—linger just as warmly as the evening light fading outside.
Rustic Canyon isn’t just a meal; it’s a small, joyful discovery tucked into a city known for its pace and breadth. It’s where casual elegance meets honest flavor, and where every visit offers a genuine connection—to the cuisine, the setting, and the people who bring it all together.
What’s Available Here
-
Identifies as women-owned
- Outdoor seating
- Kerbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Serves local specialty
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Healthy options
- Organic dishes
- Small plates
- Spirits
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Bar on site
- Gender-neutral toilets
- Toilet
- Cosy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upmarket
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Locals
- Tourists
- Transgender safe space
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- High chairs
Location & Hours
| Monday | 05:30 PM - 09:30 PM | |
| Tuesday | 05:30 PM - 09:30 PM | |
| Wednesday | 05:30 PM - 09:30 PM | |
| Thursday | Closed | |
| Friday | 05:00 PM - 10:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 05:00 PM - 10:00 PM | |
| Sunday | 05:00 PM - 09:30 PM |
Guest Reviews
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Vanesse Della Torre 25 Dec 2025
How have I put off going here for so long?? We had a res at 6pm on a Friday night and at first we were some of the only diners at the restaurant, but soon families and couples poured in to make a likely ambiance. The aesthetic of the restaurant was rustic but chic. Our waiter was super helpful with recommendations and how many plates to order for 2 people. We actually went with most of his recommendations and they did not disappoint. We started with the steak tartare that comes with pan fried sourdough bread, which was some of the best tartare I’ve ever had, and the tomato salad which was actually insane. I could have licked the sauce on the bottom of the plate and I used some of the bread from the steak tartare to soak it up. Crazy good start to the meal. Our waiter said the corn was the most popular dish at the restaurant, and we quickly realized why. It was like elote on crack but better, so insanely good. For our main entree, we shared the pork chop which came with a chimichurri sauce and cherries. Never had this flavor combo before but it worked! The pork was perfectly cooked and the sauces gave it an herbal and sweet note. Perfection really. Finally, for dessert we had the peach Melba and it was so simple but I can’t stop thinking about it. Fresh peaches, whipped cream, and crumbled crust or cookies. Don’t skip dessert, folks! We can’t wait to come back to Rustic Canyon. Farm to table at its finest and amazing, yet thoughtful service. Thanks for an amazing meal!
Alex 13 Nov 2025
Enjoyed our 1 year wedding anniversary here - what an experience. Kicked off with the bread and honey butter. Enjoyed the beet salad (must have) with crudo (unique with strawberries and mint). The sea bass and steak were so tasty too, could even eat the fish skin. The corn was out of this world too. Paired with wine and ice cream, one of the best meals we’ve had in a while. Service and ambiance were top notch too.
Mariani Kino 03 Nov 2025
We loved every single dish we ordered; the house-made bread and butter, addictive marinated olives, heavenly dumplings, refreshing and complex tomato variety salad, inventive and well-balanced cocktails, chocolate halva, and the freshest, most divine fruit plate we’ve ever tried. The service was knowledgeable and friendly, and we had the best, most comfy seats in house. Will definitely be back when in town, and make sure to try out multiple sister restaurants.
Kiu Siu 22 Oct 2025
Excellent farm to table California cuisine served at this casual chic restaurant. We were a party of 4 and enjoyed their cocktails, wines, appetizers to share and main dishes. The food here was outstanding, with well thought out flavoring to highlight the freshness of the ingredients. We will definitely return.
Meghan Donovan 08 Oct 2025
We had an incredible meal at Rustic Canyon while traveling on our honeymoon! The staff made us feel so special and celebrated, which added a really personal touch to the experience. Everything we ordered was delicious — we especially loved the bread with honey butter, the perfectly cooked scallops, and the honeycomb ice cream to finish. The only downside was that the window bay seats are very close together, which made it feel a bit cramped. Still, we wish we lived closer so we could come back more often!
Craig Driscoll Helmstedter 29 Sep 2025
We had an excellent dining experience at Rustic Canyon. The cocktails were unique and delicious, and each dish showcased the restaurant’s commitment to fresh, local ingredients. We especially enjoyed the beet and berry salad, the golden rolls, and the white fish — all perfectly prepared and beautifully presented. Our waiter was knowledgeable and guided us through the farm-to-table choices and wine pairings with great insight. The setting is small and open, so while it’s not ideal for privacy, it adds to the lively and intimate atmosphere. Overall, a memorable meal with outstanding flavors and thoughtful service — definitely worth a visit.
Brennan Straits 25 Sep 2025
From the moment we arrived, our waitress made us feel seen and heard with attentive and warm service that set the tone for the evening. Her insight into the menu, cocktails and pairings was remarkable. The seasonal cocktail menu was a standout—each drink we tried was a perfectly crafted blend of fresh, unique, and local flavors. The steak tartare was a true highlight—delicately seasoned, with a perfect texture that melted in our mouths. It paired beautifully with the cocktails, and together, they set the stage for a truly memorable meal. The Rustic Canyon was a great addition to our California trip. We can't wait to return!
Antje Weisser 24 Sep 2025
A Westside classic and still a gem. Their farm to table cooking is simply exquisite, and the atmosphere is warm and friendly. Every dish is a flavour explosion and allows you to experience familiar components in a completely new and always delicious way. I’ve eating things at this restaurant that I usually don’t like and still dream about them! Let’s all go there again more often!