XUNTOS — Restaurant in Santa Monica

This review is specifically in regards to the dishonest management and seedy waiter staff/not food-related. I dined here with a friend (food was good) and after discussing with my friend, he was going to pay the whole tip on his card for the bill so I would put zero (since he was taking care of the entire tip on the bill). A month later, after running though my credit card bill, I saw the restaurant had written in themselves a hugely egregious and greedy tip of $50 additional to what I had signed for and they submitted this excess payment to my credit card company saying the additional charge was valid (which is FRAUD as I never wrote in that amount or signed to pay an additional tip on top of a tip my friend had already left). This action from the restaurant was done without my knowledge and I only happen to catch it when I was going through my monthly statement.

I'd not only been charged excess fees from my credit card company but it took me months in dispute to work to correct this. My credit card company also told me they contacted the restaurant who said this added $50 charge was valid/the manager told them the charge was accurate and they were denying my dispute. It's caused me a lot in time and chasing/following up to dispute the interest and late payment fees due to the dishonesty in the wait and management staff at this restaurant - SO BEWARE!!! I thankfully somehow had a copy of the receipt (with the correct amount that I signed for) and was able to dig that up to provide to my credit card company as proof of what the correct charge should be. BUYER BEWARE - this took me months (& a headache) to fix w my credit card due to the greed of this restaurant. I will NOT be dining here again and other diners should know to watch their receipts and bills they sign for from here very carefully! @ Xuntos: You should be ashamed for this fraudulent action and taking advantage of your customer. I will also be letting all my friends know about this incident and the fraud going on behind the scenes so they are aware to not...

Xuntos is phenomenal! Transportive and grounded, transcendent and approachable. Food is incredible. I got to try percebes and jamón iberico for the first time and wow, what a delightful and delicious experience for all the senses. The wine selection is clearly curated with care, passion, and adventure. I'm generally a beer and whisky guy, but I had a blast learning about and trying the variety of natural and biodynamic wines. Truly blew my mind of what wine is/can be. Service is top notch. From the second I walked through the door to the moment my friend and I left, we were warmly welcomed as though invited into an old friend's home. Our server, Madison, was incredibly knowledgeable about the cuisine and wine, not to mention super personable and fun. Everyone, from the kitchen to the host to food runners, was clearly working very hard and carefully. This is extremely good cuisine, prepared and served in a very warm, accessible way -- what a delightful, refreshing approach. Beautiful and meaningful space as well. Great music and freedom to let out a loud laugh. Everyone was having a great time. Can't wait to go back!

Also, a mandatory 20% service charge is added. This charge is fair and good, and quite common nowadays. Servers do not receive the entirety of that 20%, as it is not designated gratuity; as such, there is a line on the receipt for gratuity. Tip the people...

I cannot recommend this restaurant enough. I traveled to Santa Monica to celebrate my birthday. I stumbled upon this restaurant while purchasing books and cards next door. When I entered the restaurant, I was immediately greeted. The manager was so welcoming and kind. I decided to sit at the bar since I was dining alone. The bartenders were amazing. Everyone was so warm. They were also very knowledgeable. I received detailed information about the food and wines. Here are my recommendations:

Wine Flight (Surprise Me): The bartender will discuss your preferences and curate a unique flight based in your taste. My bartender was very knowledgeable and offered three different wines that matched my palette.

Jamon Iberico and Pan Cristal con Tomate (included a photo): The meat was delicious and thinly sliced at the bar. I accompanied it with the bread appetizer. It was the perfect balance.

Pincho Moruno de Cordero de Romesco: The highlight of the night. The best lamb skewers I have ever tasted. The kitchen staff seasoned the meat very well. The sauce was equally delicious.

Tarte de Santiago: A delicious almond cake that was topped with whipped cream and honey. A wonderful way to end evening.

I cannot recommend this beautiful restaurant enough. The food, drinks, service, and ambiance were amazing. I can’t thank the staff enough for making my birthday memorable. I can’t...