Not Just for the Sunsets | Calabra, Proper Hotel, Santa Monica, CA

Santa Monica, CA, March 2022

• GAYOT’s Rating: 14/20
• Cuisine: Mediterranean / California / Breakfast
• Open: Sun.-Thurs. 8:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 7:30 a.m.–midnight
• Calabra is on GAYOT’s:
– LA New & Hip Restaurants
– LA Best Rooftop Restaurants
– LA Best Restaurants for California Cuisine
– Best Santa Monica & Malibu Breakfast
– Best Santa Monica & Malibu Romantic Restaurants
– and Best Santa Monica & Malibu Outdoor Dining Restaurants.

Yes, Calabra is a cool and hip restaurant. Yes, there is a view, sunset if you are there at the proper time, a high-spirited bar, lush vegetation and a vibrant atmosphere. But these are not the only reasons to take the elevator up to the seventh floor and disembark on the Proper Hotel‘s rooftop. If you have not dined there yet, you will soon add its cuisine on the list — and it might even become the #1 justification for returning to Calabra.

Due to proximity to the California coastline, executive chef Luis Gonzalez has created a Mediterranean menu with California influences. His dishes are driven by seasonal ingredients, as local as he can. The meze is flavorful and transports you right away to the shores of the Mediterranean. The octopus is one of the better ones I have had. The huge scallops on a bed of sunchoke purée were seared as they should. Carnivores will be very happy with the lamb chops and the 16 oz. bone-in Prime rib-eye. The key lime pie is a good sweet finish option. The list of cocktails at the bar is endless, while the wine focus is France and California.

> Sophie’s Tip: The official address is on Wilshire Boulevard, though the actual entrance, including the valet parking, is on 7th street.

Calabra – GAYOT’s Rating: 14/20
Proper Hotel
700 Wilshire Blvd (Entrance on 7th Street)
Santa Monica, CA 90401
424-390-0737
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