You’re sitting there. The Pacific Ocean is literally crashing into the sand a few yards away, and the breeze is hitting that sweet spot between chilly and perfect. If you've ever stepped into Shutters on the Beach, you know the vibe immediately. It’s that Cape Cod-meets-California aesthetic that feels like old money but wears flip-flops. But here’s the thing: people get really confused about the Shutters on the Beach restaurant menu because there isn't just one.
Most folks walk in thinking they’re just going to "the restaurant." In reality, you’re choosing between 1 Pico and Coast Beach Café and Bar. They are wildly different. One is where you take a date you’re trying to impress with a $150 bottle of wine; the other is where you grab a decent burger after a bike ride.
The split personality of 1 Pico
If you’re looking at the 1 Pico side of the Shutters on the Beach restaurant menu, you’re dealing with high-end seasonal California cuisine. It’s fancy. Not "stiff suit" fancy, but definitely "I should have worn my nice linen shirt" fancy.
The menu here leans heavily into the ocean, which makes sense given you can see the Santa Monica Pier from your table. You’ll usually find things like Spanish Octopus or a Crudo of the day. Honestly, the Crudo is often the star. It’s light. It doesn't fight with the salt air. Chef Sean Michael Runyon has a way of keeping things simple but technically perfect.
But let's talk about the Lobster Roll.
Everyone talks about the 1 Pico Lobster Roll. Is it the best in LA? Maybe not if you’re a purist who wants a shack in Maine. But eating it while staring at the water? It hits different. It’s usually served on a brioche bun that’s been toasted just enough to stay structural but soft.
The dinner menu at 1 Pico is a bit more serious. You’re looking at Prime Beef Tenderloin or perhaps a Jidori Chicken. The prices? Yeah, they’re high. You’re paying for the real estate. If you want a cheap meal, you’re in the wrong zip code. You pay for the fact that the floorboards are polished and the service is invisible but everywhere.
The breakfast situation
Breakfast at 1 Pico is actually one of Santa Monica's better-kept secrets for business meetings. The Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are legendary. They aren't those heavy, leaden discs you get at a diner. They’re airy. Sorta like eating a cloud that’s been infused with citrus.
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You’ll also see a lot of people ordering the Egg White Frittata. It’s the "I live in Santa Monica and I have a yoga class at 10 AM" special. It’s loaded with market vegetables. It’s fine. It’s healthy. But if you’re there to live a little, the Smoked Salmon Bagel with all the fixings is the move. The capers, the red onion, the cream cheese—it’s classic, and they don't skimp on the fish quality.
Coast Beach Café: The "casual" sibling
Then there’s Coast. This is the other half of the Shutters on the Beach restaurant menu ecosystem. It’s located on the lower level, basically right on the boardwalk.
If 1 Pico is a glass of crisp Sancerre, Coast is a cold IPA.
The menu here is much more approachable. We’re talking Fish Tacos, Margherita pizzas, and a very solid Grass-Fed Beef Burger. The Fish Tacos usually feature whatever is fresh—often mahi-mahi or sea bass—topped with a cabbage slaw that actually has some crunch to it.
The vibes at Coast are louder. More families. More tourists who wandered in from the sand. But the food doesn't feel like an afterthought. The Turkey Club is surprisingly good. It’s a triple-decker. It’s massive. You probably can't finish it if you’ve been snacking on their truffle fries, which, by the way, are addictive.
Why the Living Room menu is actually the pro move
Here is what most people miss. You don't actually have to sit in a formal dining room to experience the Shutters on the Beach restaurant menu.
The Living Room is the heart of the hotel. It has those massive fireplaces and white slipcovered sofas. You can sit there for three hours and nobody will bother you. The menu in the Living Room is a curated "best of" list. You can get the charcuterie board, some oysters, or a flatbread.
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It’s the best place for "The Sunset Drink."
Order a "Shutters Spritz." It’s refreshing. It’s photogenic. It goes perfectly with the Mediterranean Olives.
The truth about the pricing
Let’s be real for a second. You are going to spend money.
A lunch for two at Coast, with a couple of drinks and an appetizer, will easily clear $120. Dinner at 1 Pico? You’re looking at $250 to $400 for a couple if you’re doing it right with wine and dessert.
Is the food 4x better than a local gastropub? Probably not. But you aren't paying for the calories. You’re paying for the fact that you’re at one of the only hotels in Southern California that is actually on the sand. Most "beachfront" hotels in LA are across the street (PCH). Shutters is the exception.
The Shutters on the Beach restaurant menu reflects that exclusivity. They know they have the best view in town.
Seasonality and the "Market To Table" promise
One thing Shutters does well is following the seasons. You won't see heavy squash soups in July. Instead, you’ll see Heirloom Tomato salads that look like a painting.
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In the winter, the menu shifts. You might find a braised short rib or a thicker chowder. They source a lot of their produce from the Santa Monica Farmers Market, which is literally a few blocks away on Wednesdays and Saturdays. If you see "Market Greens" on the menu, they actually mean it.
Wine and Spirits: More than just a list
The wine program at 1 Pico is extensive. They have a heavy focus on California Chardonnays and Pinots, which makes sense. You want something with high acidity to cut through the salt air.
If you’re a cocktail person, the bar staff knows their stuff. They make a mean Old Fashioned, but they also lean into "beach" drinks that aren't sugary syrups. Think cucumber, mint, and elderflower.
What to order if it’s your first time
If you’re overwhelmed by the Shutters on the Beach restaurant menu, keep it simple.
- For Lunch at Coast: Go with the Fish Tacos and a glass of Rose.
- For Dinner at 1 Pico: Start with the Grilled Octopus, move to the Sea Bass, and finish with whatever seasonal fruit dessert they have.
- For a casual hangout: Just get the Truffle Fries and a beer in the Living Room.
Practical tips for your visit
Don't just show up.
Especially on weekends. Santa Monica is a nightmare for parking and crowds.
- Reservations: Use OpenTable or call. For 1 Pico, ask for a table near the window. They can't always guarantee it, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
- Parking: Valet is expensive. Like, "I could have bought an entree" expensive. If you’re able-bodied, park in one of the city structures a few blocks away and walk. It’ll save you $30-40.
- Dress Code: It’s "Coastal Chic." Jeans are fine at Coast. At 1 Pico, wear a collar or a nice dress. Don't be the person in a wet swimsuit; they will politely ask you to change or sit outside.
- Timing: Aim for "Golden Hour." Check the sunset time on your phone and book your table for 30 minutes before that. Watching the sky turn purple over the Pacific while sipping a cocktail is the entire reason this place exists.
The Shutters on the Beach restaurant menu isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s not molecular gastronomy or experimental fusion. It’s classic, high-quality California coastal dining executed with a lot of polish.
Whether you're there for a power breakfast or a romantic dinner, the key is to slow down. The service is paced for leisure. Don't go if you're in a rush to catch a movie. Go when you want to feel like the world has stopped for a bit.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the current seasonal rotation: The menu changes every few months. Before you head out, browse their official site to see if the specific seafood dishes mentioned are currently in rotation, as they vary based on what’s fresh at the Santa Monica Farmers Market.
- Book 1 Pico for Sunset: If you want the iconic experience, look up the sunset time for your date and secure a reservation 45 minutes prior to ensure you're seated and have a drink in hand when the colors change.
- Consider the Coast Bar for walk-ins: If 1 Pico is booked, the bar at Coast often has high-top seating available for walk-ins that offers a similar view with a more relaxed price point.
- Validate your parking: Even if you use the valet, check if your server can provide a validation discount; it won't make it free, but it usually knocks a significant chunk off the total.