Reviews Tar & Roses

Went on a date to celebrate getting a new job. We had the oxtail dumplings, ricotta gnocchi, eggplant, fried cauliflower, the venison loin, and the toffee pudding. The experience as a whole was fantastic. It truly felt like an artistic experience as much as a culinary one. The food was delicious and the menu is so carefully crafted for fall. The staff is top tier and are professionals without question. Definitely a life-enhancing experience and I will be back!

I’m from the East Coast, visiting Santa Monica. My friends and I were searching for a great place to eat dinner - somewhere local. Then we discovered this place and were so impressed that we even went for a second time on our second night in Santa Monica. We ordered whole fried snapper, fried cauliflower, oxtail dumplings, bone marrow, roasted beet and yogurt dip, wood-roasted half chicken, and strawberry crostata. I must say, all of the food that we ordered was so decadent! I feel like when I eat the food, it opens my taste buds! My favorite was the fried snapper - it’s not an ordinary fried fish; it has a unique taste, which could be from the seasoning they used. I highly recommend the strawberry crostata for dessert. The ambiance was amazing as well - very nice if you’re planning a date because it looks cozy and romantic.

Food was super flavourful and unique, portions were small so we got to try 5 dishes + dessert! Service was excellent and food came out really fast. Atmosphere was classy and comfortable. Ended up being pretty expensive but it was well worth it!

Excellent place for a date or special event. Service was impeccable and the menu allowed for mix and match of smaller and larger plates to share. Our server actually recommended dishes that paired well and was mindful to bring out the dishes in pairs that complemented eachother rather than all at once. Though the duck and the gnocchi we tried were both very good and well conceived, it ended up being the veggies dishes that stole the show for us. I really enjoyed the spicy eggplant and my partner's favorite was the honey lavender cauliflower. I would definitely come back, if only to try the fish next time which looked amazing. Reservations recommended. Beer and a very extensive wine list only, no cocktails. Street parking wasn't bad during the week.

Tar & Roses came highly recommended and did not disappoint. There are three distinct seating areas each with a unique vibe; sidewalk (outdoor) seating, confined yet open air courtyard, and indoor by the kitchen and bar. The courtyard seemed most romantic while the indoor space, while we sat, was still a sleek, dimly lit spot fit for any special occasion. The service and the food are, as others have stated, what make this spot a must visit in Santa Monica. The service was warm, enthusiastic, and attentive. Our server curated the meal and paced it perfectly. The passion he had for each dish enhanced the experience; think descriptions about the flavors, preparation, and plating! We ordered all the dishes pictured: - Oxtail Dumplings - Bone Marrow - Octopus Skewers - Squid Ink Pasta with Scallops - Hanger Steak - Black Cod - Grilled Corn - Eggplant This is tapas style so that amount of food was perfect for the two of us. There wasn’t a mediocre dish on our table. The octopus skewers stood out as they were both tender and crispy. Don’t pass on the delicious, smooth eggplant. That black cod was perfectly cooked and spiced to the extent my daughter stole my plate. And the sous vide preparation on the steak turned one of my least favorite cuts into a solid option. Our server insisted we go with crostata which is grilled, topped with smooth ricotta and strawberries, and served with honeycomb ice cream. Again, zero disappointment. Highly recommend for special occasions and anyone looking for a phenomenal culinary experience. Reservations preferred and note the hours (a little limited) reflect their first and final seating each evening.