+1 310-393-8282
Nestled right on the iconic Santa Monica coastline at 445 CA-1, Back on the Beach Cafe offers a quintessential Californian dining experience that effortlessly combines fresh, vibrant flavors with a laid-back beachside vibe. This American restaurant and cafe is the perfect spot to savor breakfast, brunch, or lunch while soaking in breathtaking ocean views and the gentle sea breeze.
The menu here is a true celebration of seaside comfort food with a diverse range of dishes that cater to all palates, including an impressive selection of vegetarian options. Begin your morning with the Huevos Rancheros, where perfectly cooked eggs are paired with a robust, zesty sauce that awakens the senses, or indulge in the creamy richness of the Smoked Salmon Benedict, which layers silky smoked salmon atop fluffy English muffins doused in velvety hollandaise. For something heartier, the Beer-Battered Fish and Chips deliver a satisfying crunch with succulent flaky fish inside, evoking all the best seaside classics.
Fans of fresh bites will appreciate the Fish Tacos — light, flavorful, and each mouthful bursting with delicate herbs and a hint of citrus. For those brunch lovers craving a Californian twist, the North African Shakshuka adds an exciting, exotic flair, its rich tomato and spice blend complimenting perfectly poached eggs. The Back on the Beach Egg Sandwich elevates simple ingredients into a comforting, memorable meal, and the Veggie Burger offers a fresh, plant-forward option full of character and texture.
Drinks here are equally enticing. From the crisp, citrusy Mimosa or the adventurous Wine-Based Margarita to a classic Bloody Mary that’s both spicy and refreshing, the beverage menu enhances every meal with perfect pairings. For non-alcoholic options, the cafe serves all your favorites like Coca-Cola, freshly brewed iced tea, and fizzy fruit sodas, making it a welcoming spot for families and all-day diners.
The dining atmosphere at Back on the Beach Cafe is as inviting as its menu. Guests love the expansive patio where the sound of waves mingles with relaxed chatter, creating an idyllic setting for casual meals or special occasions. It's no surprise that the place buzzes with activity especially on weekends; arriving early or making reservations is highly recommended to fully enjoy the breezy, oceanfront seating. The staff is known for attentive, warm service that makes you feel right at home — most customers praise the friendly servers who navigate the busy lunch rush with finesse.
Families will appreciate the thoughtfully crafted kids menu featuring comforting favorites like Chicken Fingers, Grilled Cheese, and kid-sized grassfed hamburgers, all served with fries or potato chips to please even the pickiest eaters. It’s a spot that truly welcomes guests of all ages, making it a terrific choice for a casual family outing or a relaxed meal with friends.
While some guests have noted that wait times can stretch during peak hours, those willing to savor the laid-back ambiance or order to-go from the convenient back window find the experience well worth it. Whether you’re savoring the perfectly spiced Shakshuka or enjoying a leisurely brunch with a mimosa in hand as the sun dances on the Pacific, Back on the Beach Cafe captures the essence of Santa Monica’s vibrant coastal lifestyle with every bite.
For a memorable beachfront dining experience where fresh, flavorful American and Californian dishes mingle with ocean views and friendly hospitality, Back on the Beach Cafe stands out as a true Santa Monica gem.
Contact Details: 445 CA-1, Santa Monica, CA 90402 | Phone: +1 310-393-8282
No complaints. Food is good (menu is great with many vegetarian options), location is awesome and service is reliable but they get very busy for lunch so wait time for the food to arrive can take what seems like forever, especially at weekends If you can, same yourself the pain and order food to go from the back window
A cute cafe right on the Beach with a convenient parking lot. Try to arrive before 11 AM to get a parking spot and avoid the line. Reservation highly recommended if you have a big group. The parking rate is $3 an hour. The food was good - has both breakfast and lunch menu to choose from. I ordered the North African Shakshuka and it was flavorful. Service was attentive - the waiter came around several times to refill water and coffee. Note that the 18% tip is automatically charged on a big group.
Awesome patio by beach. Yummy food. Only issue with salmon platter was there was only a tablespoon of cream cheese. I like less cream cheese so not a big deal.
This was my second time coming here the first me and mom we had the Fish n chips very good. The second I brought my girls young adults they liked the salmon burger I had the fish tacos loved them I recommend this Cafe next time we will try breakfast. We chose to eat outside it was very relaxing. Our waitress was good.
I ate at Back on the Beach …the food was okay, nothing to rave about but nothing to complain about either. The highlight was the service; our server was really kind and attentive. I did notice lipstick on my glass, which was a little off-putting, but she handled it quickly and brought back a clean one without any fuss. Not a bad experience at all, just decent. Probably a good spot if you’re looking for a casual bite by the beach.
I absolutely enjoyed the dining experience.That's sunset here! The food was wonderful The atmosphere was great and the staff was very attending.And friendly. I especially enjoyed wiggling my toes in the sand while eating at the table!
It is a great place .the food was very tasty , I’m glad we went there because earlier me and my wife had a very bad experience at KILLER CAFE where we didn’t get service for 45 minutes . But our waiter was super nice and accommodating. Thanks guy , I’ll be back soon.
Simply amazing ocean front cafe beautiful vibes. We just had bagel...French toast...for kids....a little waiting..but great footfalls and excellent ambience...sunsets are a great plus point. A pool behind and facilities of annemberg community centre especially parking is amazing. Great outdoor seating adds life to the experience.