6 Santa Monica Restaurants Celebrated For Their Wine Lists, Service

SANTA MONICA, CA — Wine Spectator released their annual list noting the best restaurants for wine across the country and this year six Santa Monica restaurants received nods.

Some 3,169 restaurants made the cut in 2022, receiving recognition at three different levels: the Award of Excellence, the Best of Award or Excellence and the Grand Award — the most prestigious.

Honored restaurants not only feature interesting and extensive lists, but have wine selections that complement their food menus and appeal to a wide range of drinkers, according to Wine Spectator. A winning restaurant must also have an accurate and complete wine list with descriptions of where the grapes are grown.

“These awards not only guide our readers to dining establishments with impressive wine lists and outstanding service, but also serve to honor restaurants for their achievements and commitment to maintaining pristine cellars,” Wine Spectator Editor and Publisher Marvin Shanken wrote in a news release.

Only 97 restaurants across the country received the magazine’s highest award, the Grand Award. This award is reserved for restaurants with a whopping 1,000 selections including vintage choices, large-format bottles, superior presentation and service and a menu to match. One California restaurant made the top award for the first time: Press Restaurant in Napa Valley.

One restaurant in Santa Monica received this prestigious honor:

• Capo, 1810 Ocean Ave., Best Wines: California, Burgundy, Bordeaux, France, Tuscany, Piedmont, Rhone, Italy.

The second-best award covered 1,290 restaurants across the country for their selections of at least 350 wines. These restaurants show “a deep commitment to wine, both in the cellar and through their service team,” according to Wine Spectator. Four Santa Monica restaurants received the Best of Award designation:

• Chinois on Main, 2709 Main St, Best Wines: California, France.
• Fia Steak, 2458 Wilshire Blvd, Best Wines: France, Italy, California.
• Wally's, 214 Wilshire Blvd, Best Wines: California, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Tuscany, Italy, Champagne, Spain.
• Michael's, 1147 Third St, Best Wines: California, France.

Some 1,782 restaurants received the Award of Excellence, meaning their list features at least 90 selections with variety and quality. These wine lists will satisfy a discerning wine lover, according to Wine Spectator. Here is the Santa Monica restaurant that qualified:

• Del Frisco's Grille, 1551 Ocean Ave, Best Wines: California.

Search all the honored restaurants here.