Rustic Canyon

“Amazing experience. We (a party of 5) walked in slightly late and the hostess promptly greeted us. She kindly let us know that there was a party sitting at our table, but that they had closed their bill some time ago and she’d be leading them out soon. It was no problem for us, so we waited at the bar. The bartender, Angel, saw us and walked over to help settle some debates on drinks. In that process, he had also overheard us discuss some food items to order once our table was ready. When he brought our drinks out, he delivered the worst news of the night in that they were out of bread. This was a huge bummer because we had heard it was amazing. Then, Angel proceeded to tell us that they were only out because he had preemptively ordered the last order so that we’d have it once our table was clear. If you ever wondered what incredible hospitality looked like, this was it. The hostess then grabbed our group and took us to our table. Alec (and later Cash) welcomed us with great energy and, through his recommendations, we ordered a little of everything. We got the tuna, the crab, the sweet potato (2x), the persimmons, sugar snap peas, the pork chop, the sirloin, and the Petaluma chicken. Everything was delicious. My personal highlights were the sirloin, chicken, sweet potatoes, and of course the bread. We closed out with the honeycomb ice cream and didn’t regret a single bite. This was a truly great time from start to finish and we’ll be back soon.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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!”

“I’ll tell you what this place was much better than I expected. I was a bit nervous. But I was ready to explore and experiment with my palette. I love the idea of it being farm to table. So let’s start at the very beginning. It’s Santa Monica and parking does suck. I’m just gonna say that flat out. It’s hard to find parking. There’s no parking structure or valet that’s near. It is pretty loud at this restaurant. However, the food is divine. My favorite thing was the broiled oysters, I could eat a dozen! My second favorite would have to be the Japanese sweet potato flautas. We were a group of four and we sampled each other‘s dishes. So we had the flautas the roasted chicken and the pork shoulder. We also had the bluefin tuna ceviche with blood orange not my favorite, but not terrible either a little bit too sweet for my liking. We also had the honey ice cream. And I had the espresso martini which was delicious. Now I know the menu changes regarding the season, but overall, I would definitely return. I love experimenting with my palette and I’m such a foodie so I’m glad it was worth it lol. Mara and Randal were great! Almost forgot that the water they serve is Aqua Pana which is my faveeee!”