Local Kitchen

Local Kitchen and Wine Bar is a hip new restaurant on Ocean Park Blvd. between 17th and 18th Streets. There is a small parking lot in the rear (about 11 spaces that are full at peak times) as well as street parking. The heated patio is open to the inside of the restaurant, which has very high ceilings and is absolutely gorgeous...Eames-esque chairs, exposed brick (fake) face, an open wood fired oven, shelves of wine bottles, etc. The restaurant is pretty loud (reservations are necessary), but it is great for a small party. The service is very friendly and efficient - attentive but not overly so and no rush. The stream of the food to the table was perfect - everything fit and we were not overcrowded. The bites are just that - two pieces. We started with the cannoli ($5) which was a savory whole wheat cannoli filled with herbed goat cheese and finished with minced, crunchy bacon. Yum! The crunchy exterior and the smooth and creamy, herbaceous filling with the salty crunchy ends is a flavor and texture explosion. It paired really well with the Fig and Thyme Cocktail ($13). The drink is made with vodka, earl grey tea and citrus juice that is finished with a frothy egg white. You cannot taste any of the individual elements, but the combination is divine. Perhaps it is what the mixologist thinks that fig juice would taste like...a little sweet (but not too much) and very fruity. Next, we had the green garlic risotto arancini ($15) which is three balls of garlicy risotto wrapped around a cube of ricotta salata that are deep fried and served on a bed of minced marinated artichokes and topped with lemon zest and shaved ricotta salata. The crunchy shell yields al dente risotto and a creamy center that pairs well with the tangy artichokes. This was very good, but it was the one dish that I could have lived without and probably would not rush to get again. Going with a ball theme (LOL), we ordered the lamb meatballs ($14 for 3 but you can bump up to 4). The meatballs were outstanding - fresh ground lamb is combined with minced herbs and baked until crisp on the outside and moist on the inside. They are served in a bed of multi-colored roasted carrot coins with pinenuts and golden raisins and topped with grated pecorino cheese mixed with minced herbs. OMG. These are outstanding! Fresh flavor of lamb with lots of herbs, a little smoke and a hint of sweetness. We also ordered a couple of the veggie sides. I started with the smoked baby beets ($6) which are outstanding tender cubes of red beets with a distinctive wood smoke flavor that are topped with sautéed greens and combined with pickled beet stems. The soft and smokey beets and the earthy greens with the tangy, crunchy bits are an excellent combination. The brussels sprouts ($6) are also to die for. They're caramelized on the outside and drizzled with a sweet and sour sauce and topped with crunchy toasted breadcrumbs and citrus zest. No dessert as it was time to go to an event, and I was stuffed! I would highly recommend coming to this trendy bistro. The food, cocktails and service are all excellent.

Great food, wonderful wine list, stumpTown coffee, fabulous enclosed patio within bike riding distance from home for me and locally owned. I love this place☕

I recommend making a reservation for Local Kitchen + Wine Bar on Resy in advance. It’s located on Ocean Park Blvd in Santa Monica, and we were easily able to find metered street parking. As far as food, I strongly recommend Chicken Under Brick ($28) with balsamic chile glaze, charred onions. shishito peppers, & pan jus. Bonus points if you order it singing “Brick House” by Commodores like I did. I strongly recommend the chilled Stolpman Vineyards 2021 vintage So Fresh G.G.T. chilled red blend of Grenache, Gamay, & Trousseau, which is primarily composed of Grenache. $72/bottle. For those looking to explore bolder reds, the Cabernet “Cab” Franc from Idiot's Grace vineyards in the Columbia Gorge AVA paired well with the heartier dishes. Also $72/bottle.

Local Kitchen and Wine Bar is under new management and has a new chef. I am happy to report they have really upped their game. The service was great and the food was delicious. We had the mussels, the burrata and the cobbler. We will be back!

Tasty, speciality food with great service and a friendly atmosphere.

Simply delicious. Excellent service. Comfortable environment. Street parking is usually available plus lot in back.

First time dining here. The food, cocktails, and service were all excellent! Will definitely be back! Neighborhood gem for sure!