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Asian Fusion With French Techniques
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Santa Monica, United States

Chinois on Main

CuisineChinese
Executive ChefRene Mata
Price≈$75
Dress CodeSmart Casual
ServiceUpscale Casual
NoiseLively
CapacityMedium

Chinois on Main is Wolfgang Puck’s well-known temple of East‑West cuisine, where Santa Monica chic meets cosmopolitan allure. Step into a glamorous swirl of lacquered hues, busy energy, and attentive service as the kitchen orchestrates bold, polished flavors, think whole sizzling fish perfumed with ginger and scallion, Sonoma duck lacquered to a mahogany sheen, and lobster bathed in aromatic curry. With a deep, worldly cellar and an urbane cocktail program, Chinois balances heritage and innovation, offering an effortlessly sophisticated evening that feels both timeless and thrillingly of the moment.

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Address
2709 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Phone
(310) 392-9025
Directions
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Chinois on Main restaurant in Santa Monica, United States
About

Open kitchen in a historic building

Chinois on Main pairs Asian Fusion with French Techniques and an open kitchen in a historic building. Opinionated About Dining placed it at #599 in 2025 after #460 in 2024, and the leisurely dinner pace suits a longer evening.

Chinois Chicken Salad and the drink list

Chinois Chicken Salad leads a menu that also turns to Shanghai Lobster with Curry Sauce and Szechuan Beef. Craft cocktails and an extensive wine list support a dinner focused on the table as much as the glass.

Signature Dishes
Chinois Chicken SaladWhole Sizzling Catfish with PonzuShanghai Lobster with Curry SauceSzechuan BeefSoftshell Crab with Crispy Spinach

How It Compares

Comparable venues nearby, for context on price, style, and recognition.

The record

Recognition history

Dated appearances from independent guides and award organizations, with the underlying list record or original source where available.

  1. Opinionated About Dining Top Restaurants in North America Recommended

    Opinionated About Dining

  2. Opinionated About Dining Top Restaurants in North America Ranked #599

    Opinionated About Dining

  3. Opinionated About Dining Top Restaurants in North America Ranked #460

    Opinionated About Dining

  4. Opinionated About Dining Top Restaurants in North America Recommended

    Opinionated About Dining

At a Glance
Vibe
  • Well Known
  • Lively
  • Elegant
  • Sophisticated
Best For
  • Date Night
  • Celebration
  • Special Occasion
  • Group Dining
Experience
  • Open Kitchen
  • Historic Building
  • Design Destination
Drink Program
  • Extensive Wine List
  • Craft Cocktails
Sourcing
  • Local Sourcing
  • Organic
Dress CodeSmart Casual
Noise LevelLively
CapacityMedium
Service StyleUpscale Casual
Meal PacingLeisurely
Visit details

Current opening hours

Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
5:30–9 PM
Thursday
5:30–9 PM
Friday
5:30–10 PM
Saturday
5:30–10 PM
Sunday
5:30–9 PM

Hours can change for holidays and private events. Last verified .

Lively, energetic dining room with eclectic 1980s decor featuring bold colors, high-gloss lacquer, softly glowing lanterns, and an open kitchen where diners can watch chefs work; bustling atmosphere with tables full of people sharing dishes.