Tallula’s Rides the Perfect Summertime Wave Into Santa Monica

Santa Monica’s newest star is Tallula’s, a beachy gem by way of the Rustic Canyon restaurant group situated just up the Pacific Coast Highway. This place is full of summertime vibes and casual Mexican favorites, making it a new must-stop for anyone heading to the beach.

Seriously, check out this cheery space, filled with color and rustic surfside touches. There’s the hand painted wood columns, the tile flooring, the mosaic carpeting, the old wood benches with the carvings in the back. More modern affectations include a tall open ceiling, metal bar chairs, and loads of natural sunlight, but this is truly a Malibu-adjacent charmer with all the wonderful trappings of a sunlit surfer’s cove from days gone by.

Tallula’s is named for owners Zoe Nathan and Josh Loeb’s daughter (much like their other Westside stops), with chef-partner Jeremy Fox on hand to help bring the place to life. The day-to-day will be overseen by chef Mario Alberto, previously of Ysabel and Laurel Hardware, while front of house hero Mary Thompson (The Line Hotel, Saint Martha) steps in as general manager.

On the food front, look for all the easygoing Mexican eats you can handle. There are fish tacos, enchiladas, and plenty of big, bold braised meat dishes to split among friends. You’ll also find sweets from pastry leads Zoe Nathan and Laurel Almerinda, plus a full selection of craft beers, wines from Kathryn Coker (of sister spot Esters), and cocktails by way of Aaron Ranf.

Tallula’s officially opens May 9, keeping drinks and dinner hours only to start. That means 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, with an extension to 11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

Tallula’s
118 Entrada Drive
Santa Monica, CA