If you think Santa Monica’s best bites are all west of Lincoln Boulevard, it’s time to take a stroll through Sunset Park. Tucked inland, this friendly neighborhood runs from the Santa Monica Airport eastward to Centinela Avenue, and from Pico Boulevard south to Dewey Avenue. Sunset Park’s food scene is low-key, but it packs a serious punch—perfect for locals seeking delicious meals without the frills. Here’s your guide to the best tastes of Sunset Park, from buzzing brunch spots on Ocean Park Boulevard to the hidden storefronts on Pico.
Ocean Park Boulevard: The Neighborhood Foodie Strip
Ocean Park Boulevard is Sunset Park’s culinary spine, and you could easily spend a whole day eating your way down just a few blocks.
- Bob’s Market (1650 Ocean Park Blvd): The humble facade disguises one of LA’s best old-school delis. Known for their made-to-order sandwiches piled high with house-roasted meats, Bob’s is the lunchtime go-to for locals and a Santa Monica mainstay for over 50 years. Prices are affordable ($8–$12), and their Italian sub with extra pepperoncini is legendary.
- Op Café (3117 Ocean Park Blvd): This breezy, beach-shack-evolved café is famously friendly and has a breakfast burrito that’s a citywide contender. Their Latin-accented brunches (think: chilaquiles, huevos rancheros) and fresh juices draw a loyal crowd, along with vegan and gluten-free options. Expect to wait for a table on weekend mornings.
- Local Kitchen & Wine Bar (1736 Ocean Park Blvd): For date night or a special weekday splurge, this relaxed neighborhood bistro delivers California-Italian favorites: house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and a robust wine list. Their happy hour (weekdays, 4–6 pm) offers a delicious bargain on small plates and craft cocktails.
Pico Boulevard: Global Eats & Hidden Treats
Wander along Pico in the southern stretch of Sunset Park and you’ll encounter an eclectic, under-the-radar mix of global flavors.
- Tartine Santa Monica (1925 Pico Blvd): An outpost of the beloved San Francisco bakery, this spot elevates bread and pastries to art form status. Grab a morning croissant, a midday tartine, or a loaf of their sourdough to go. The bustling corner patio is ideal for people-watching and sipping a perfect latté.
- La Playita (3306 Lincoln Blvd at the Pico/Lincoln border): Technically on Lincoln, but close enough to the neighborhood’s edge, this tiny, colorfully-painted shack is a taco institution. Order at the window—fish tacos and shrimp cocktails are the star attractions, and the homemade salsas are worth every drop.
- Alfalfa (2309 Main St, near Pico): Though just outside the official border, this bright, Instagram-friendly eatery deserves mention if you crave a healthy, modern lunch. Their salads punch above their weight (the Buffalo Cauliflower is a standout) and you can’t leave without trying one of their classic New Jersey donuts.
Coffeehouses & Sweet Shops
Sunset Park’s cafe culture is strong and welcoming, with plenty of casual nooks for your next caffeine fix or sweet craving.
- Love Coffee Bar (1732 Ocean Park Blvd): A quiet gem just off 17th Street, Love brews LA’s beloved Stumptown beans and serves up excellent toasts and lattes. The outdoor patio is peaceful, and the affogato pairs perfectly with a sunny Santa Monica afternoon.
- Urth Caffé (2327 Main St, near Ocean Park Blvd): Famous for organic coffees, matcha lattes, hearty breakfasts, and extravagant desserts, Urth is the quintessential LA cafe experience. The airy, sun-drenched space is a hub for remote working, with top-tier people-watching.
- Sweet Lady Jane Bakery (1705 Ocean Park Blvd): Santa Monica’s go-to for celebration cakes and fresh fruit tarts. Everything is made from scratch—the triple berry cake is iconic and a must for birthdays or any “just because” occasion.
Food Trucks, Takeout Windows & Neighborhood Traditions
One of Sunset Park’s underrated pleasures is tracking favorite food trucks or discovering a beloved takeout window.
- The trucks on 23rd & Ocean Park: You’ll regularly spot taco trucks and pop-up carts at the corners near Clover Park, serving everything from al pastor tacos to birria and fresh aquas frescas in the evenings. Locals know to come hungry and bring cash.
- Gilbert’s El Indio (2526 Pico Blvd): This classic Mexican café is pure old-school comfort—families have been coming here for combo plates, cheesy enchiladas, and icy margaritas since 1974. The walls are lined with vintage photos, and there’s no pretense—just generous platters and salsa with chips.
Under-the-Radar Favorites & Hidden Gems
Ask any Sunset Park food lover, and they’ll point you to these lesser-known but always excellent neighborhood haunts:
- Tacos Por Favor (1406 Olympic Blvd at 14th): A local institution (originally opened in 1999), this modest spot serves spectacular chorizo breakfast burritos and fresh-pressed orange juice. It’s a bit northeast of the main drag, but a quick car or bike ride away.
- Clover Park Café (2600 Ocean Park Blvd, inside Clover Park): Not just for rec center regulars, this walk-up window makes excellent sandwiches (try the breakfast panini) and strong iced coffee. Its shaded picnic tables are perfect for a laid-back meal, especially if you’ve got kids or a pup in tow.
The Sunset Park Food Experience
If there’s a Sunset Park secret, it’s that the food scene isn’t driven by trends, but by the warmth and longevity of family-run kitchens, inventive chefs, and a devotion to serving the community. Whether you’re popping into Bob’s Market for a towering deli sandwich, lingering over coffee at Love, or catching the aroma of grilled carne asada from a food truck, you’ll be welcomed with the neighborhood’s unpretentious, sun-dappled flavor.
For longtime locals and curious newcomers alike, Sunset Park is an invitation: slow down, take a stroll, and let your appetite lead the way.