"With breathtaking 360-degree views of the Santa Monica coastline, a stylish beach-inspired decor, and expertly crafted contemporary American dishes by Executive Chef Seth Greenburg, The Penthouse at Huntley has become one of Santa Monica’s favorite spots for both locals and visitors seeking a trendy and inviting atmosphere. Situated on the 18th floor of the elegant 240-room Huntley Hotel, the restaurant boasts expansive panoramic views stretching from Malibu to Palos Verdes on clear days, with numerous windows offering stunning vistas. The ride up in the glass elevator, showcasing the waterfront and beaches, is an experience in itself.
Award-winning designer Thomas Schoos, known for his work on hotspots like TAO in New York and Koi in Los Angeles, designed The Penthouse with a vision of understated luxury and creativity. The space offers a variety of comfortable, luxurious seating options—from intimate semi-private cabanas to plush leather chairs by the fireplace and a striking central bar where patrons can enjoy cocktails and vibrant dishes while soaking in indoor-outdoor modern coastal vibes.
TIP: Arrive before sunset to witness the spectacular skyline as daylight fades, candles are lit, and the atmosphere turns romantic and lively. Although we missed meeting Resident Mixologist Ryan Magarian, our bartender Mike provided excellent service and introduced us to the evening’s featured cocktail—a refreshing blend of Veev Acai Spirit with cucumber honey lemonade. Light, perfectly balanced, and subtly sweetened, this drink was so enjoyable we quickly ordered a second round.
Due to limited time, we sampled a few appetizers from the Sunset Hour menu. Chef Greenburg’s creativity and attention to detail shine through in every bite. We started with the Warm Goat’s Cheese Poppers—perfectly fried, crispy on the outside and creamy inside, with a hint of jalapeño that added a subtle kick. At just $7, they were a delightful indulgence.
Next, we shared two orders of the Short Rib Tacos. My husband opted for the mild version, while I went with the apple-jalapeño relish for a spicy twist. Each order included two tacos filled with tender, saucy short ribs in crispy handmade shells, accompanied by guacamole and spicy salsa. These rich, flavorful bites were well worth the wait.
Though we wished we had more time to explore the full menu, our visit left us eager to return for a complete dining experience showcasing Chef Greenburg’s culinary talents.
DECOR: The beach-chic, upscale ambiance creates the perfect setting for anything from casual bar bites and cocktails to a full meal.
FOOD & DRINK: Fresh, vibrant flavors and artistic presentation combine to make memorable dishes, while expertly shaken cocktails highlight premium ingredients for a winning pairing.
LOCATION: The Penthouse is located on the 18th floor of the Huntley Hotel at 1111 Second Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403.
HOURS: Breakfast 7 AM–11 AM daily, Lunch 11 AM–3 PM daily, Dinner 6 PM–10 PM Sunday–Thursday and 6 PM–11 PM Friday–Saturday. Late night menu available until 2 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Brunch served 11 AM–2:30 PM on weekends. Happy hour from 4 PM–7 PM Monday through Friday.
SERVICE: Staff, including our hostess and bartender, made us feel welcome and well cared for throughout our visit.
VALUE: The quality of ingredients and skillful preparation in both food and drinks made the pricing feel very reasonable.
CORKAGE: $25 per bottle
PARKING: Valet service is available at the Huntley Hotel, along with metered parking on nearby streets.
TOTAL COST: Slightly over $50 for four specialty cocktails, an order of Warm Goat’s Cheese Poppers, and two orders of Short Rib Tacos—an ideal light meal before meeting friends."
