1 Pico — Restaurant in Santa Monica

I am SO glad came in to 1 Pico! Such a relief to have a great place for a solo woman diner in Santa Monica for business to come and enjoy. I started with the crab croquettes, and wow, just so much crab packed into it. There were 3 croquette and a lovely aioli. Totally shareable. Then I had the scallops, 5 of them. perfectly cooked and a choice of 3 sauces to accompany the scallops. So glad they didn't serve it in a pool of sauces. I loved the clean, fresh grilled approach: salt pepper olive oil, BOOM Delish! I also ordered the Mary's Heirloom chicken because I had never heard of heirloom chicken. Heirloom tomatoes. Yes. But Heirloom chicken? I had to have it! So juicy. What a big portion! And again, letting the natural beautiful flavors shine. Artmade me the fall/holiday drink their signature aperol spritz was the best of the spritz and the best of theholidays, all rolled up in one! Art is the best!!(Check out this ice cube!) So much food! So much fun! I had no idea how large the portions were. I mean 5 scallops and a real half a chicken The hostess Katie was all smiles and sat me at such a great table. I had beach view. And saw the sunset. Also happy there was a wide variety of wine by the glass. And not just local wines. TGFM! Thank G-d for Mary! She helped me navigate all the wines. She really got my wine vibe and picked Cotes de Bordeaux, which I wasn't event looking at and boy, was she right.

My waiter was very super attentive, and if I wasn't so full I would have had dessert. I saw then passing by and they all looked great, Til next time 1 Pico. I have a big smile, and some yummy leftovers to...

I called and made a reservation in advance for our 10th anniversary. I specifically requested a table by the window and was told that my request would be accommodated. I emphasized that it was an important occasion.

On arrival the hostess did not acknowledge the occasion and seated us at a noisy table in the middle of the restaurant. I asked about the promised window table for our big occasion and was told “sir, window seats are first come first served”.

As we looked around we realized that this place was all wrong for our special night. The decor looked worn out and was giving beachside Chilis vibes. The server came over and was friendly but extremely casual, again not befitting the price point or occasion. We ordered the ($12!!!!) bread basket while we decided if we wanted to leave to attempt to find a better place last minute. We decided to cut our losses and leave, and the manager did come over and apologize. He however awkwardly did not offer to re-seat us at the vacant 4-top by the window. His suggestion was to go back to the lobby to wait 30-40 minutes for one of the 2-tops by the window to open.

In summary I would not recommend this glorified beachside Chilis based on service or price. They set a very bad tone for the beginning of a very important evening. Fortunately we salvaged it, but would recommend that those who value hospitality...

Shutters is a very special hotel in Santa Monica. It's one of the few luxury ocean front hotel experiences around and their restaurants have the most incredible views. This is why you go here - the food maybe not so much... at least not at the price point. I have the luxury of eating at some of the best restaurants in LA, so my bar is very high. Will the view give you goosebumps? Hell yes! Will you have a nice special dining experience? Most likely. Will the food blow your mind? Maybe not.

We had a business dinner here the other night, I have to say I left, not so impressed. It's expensive but the food just doesn't hit the mark for me.

What we ordered:

Appetizers: Crispy Wrapped Summer Squash, Blue Crab Tartine, Grilled Blue Prawns the winner here was the prawns, the biggest loser aka maybe take this off the menu was the crab - completely tasteless

Entrees: Caesar Salad add Chicken (what I got, Roasted Half Jidori Chicken - riddle me that Batman), Lobster Spaghetti I really have no words because the server simply chose something he considered better for me. It was good, I'll give him that, but definitely NOT what I wanted.

Deserts: Brownie Sundae and Chocolate Soufflé eh

Other than the misorder, the service was great. Would I come back for a celebratory meal, probably not, but for...