There's three distinct areas in Santa Monica. The tourist area, the locals area and the lifers area. We stick to two. I'll give you two guesses.
Areal - Indoor Decor / Lamp
The locals area is very laid back. Expect to see surfers changing into work clothes from their body suits in the middle of the street; while casual urbanites bike-ride to work. I actually worked in this area when I repped IKEA.We're there most Tuesday evenings for the Food Truck festival with Maya in tow. But on the weekend? You can't get us there since tourists and out-of-towners tend to clog the small streets on their way to Venice. Me no likey traffic in my 'hood.
But now we have a reason to tread through traffic and folks...
Menu - Areal Restaurant
For those around my age group (cough-cough), you will remember the World Cafe for the many parties, annual New Years Celebrations and Happy Hours. Truth be told, since I got married before World Cafe closed, and well, happy hours with the girls became a thing of the past, I had not been to its newest incarnation now called Areal.On a recent weekend, our friend Michael from Eating Around So Cal invited us to preview the Areal Restaurant menu and experience what had become of one of my favorite single-gal restaurants.
This time with hubby in tow, we navigated the Areal Restaurant to sit in their beautiful indoor area. Let me explain something for those that remember The World Cafe: Areal upgraded the space and interconnected rooms and the outdoor area into a beautiful space that includes a dog-friendly patio, indoor sit-down restaurant, outdoor waiting area, and the bar.
We sat down with Michael to digest the extensive dinner menu of locally-grown and sustainable food items in their restaurant area, which opens into the large and beautifully-lit patio. The indoor space we found to be appealing for date nights and even special occasions, the outdoor area was a bit more casual and hosted several lively conversations while we were there; while the bar was, well, a bar.
The menu was completely revamped from what I remember, and unapologetically California Cuisine. For my out-of-California readers, let me explain what California Cuisine is: beautifully presented fusion food that is made with fresh and local ingredients.
While the food was great and worthy of a return visit, the service was more so. Expect both thoughtful and attentive service that allows you to lounge and enjoy your conversation when you dine at Areal.
Areal Restaurant2820 Main StreetSanta Monica, CA 90405
(310) 392-1661
Reservations: Recommended
Hours:
Sunday, Tuesday - Thursday: 10 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Friday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 1 a.m.
Monday: 5 p.m. - 12 a.m.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Areal-Restaurant/206416826096093?ref=hlTwitter: https://twitter.com/ArealSM
***TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS OF OUR DINNING EXPERIENCE CLICK HERE***