Buca di Beppo Owner Opening Two Restaurants on Santa Monica Pier

Restauranteur Robert Earl, who founded Buca di Beppo, will open Santa Monica Pier’s latest addition, named Seaside on the Pier. These include two separate restaurants and a rooftop bar and all will be open by May. The massive 6,500 square foot property will open in the former Ristorante del Mare, which closed in January.

Seaside on the Pier takes their nautical-theme seriously, with bright blues and floor-to-ceiling windows that allow passersby to peer right into the first floor sandwich shop. The fast-casual floor will dive deep into family-friendly fare, with hot and cold sandwiches, breakfast items, tortas, salads, and an ice cream bar with fish-shaped waffle cones.

The second floor will have a different menu and name: the Seaside Grill. And while the food will be casual, this level maintains will have table service, seafood dishes and cocktails with a sea-theme, and a heavy emphasis on seafood dishes. On the third floor, expect a rooftop bar with high top tables and a view that overlooks the walking path of the Pier.

Earl is the owner of Earl Enterprises, which owns Buca di Beppo, Earl of Sandwich, and Planet Hollywood. This opening is Earl’s return to Santa Monica, as the lease expired at the Santa Monica Buca di Beppo in 2016, leaving the company without a Westside location.

Despite a health department approval, the second and third floors are open for business before the sandwich shop. When open, the sandwich shop’s hours will be Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and weekends from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Seaside Grill is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m.

Correction: An earlier version of this story stated that Seaside Grill would open in May. The restaurant and bar are now open.

• Massive Restaurant Al Mare Closes on the Santa Monica Pier [ELA]
• How Does Any Restaurant Survive in Santa Monica if Buca di Beppo Can’t? [ELA]