At La Sandia, internationally acclaimed Chef Richard Sandoval uses innovative culinary techniques and fresh, local ingredients to raise authentic Mexican recipes to new heights. Enjoy Chef Sandoval's modern Mexican flavors with selections from our Tequila Bar - we offer over 100 Tequilas and Mezcals, as well as handcrafted margaritas. Warm, Latin-inspired service will round out your experience. Buen provecho y salud!

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Reservations for La Sandia - Santa Monica

38 Current Reviews

Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews

Overall

(Very Good) 3.8 / 5

(38 Reviews)

Rating Breakdown 38 reviews

5 stars

(11)

4 stars

(12)

3 stars

(12)

2 stars

(2)

1 star

(1)

Food

(Very Good) 3.9 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 3.8 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 3.8 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

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Diners classify this restaurant as:

good for groups(16)
fit for foodies(11)
great for outdoor dining(10)

great for lunch(6)
hot spot(6)
neighborhood gem(5)

La Sandia - Santa Monica Reviews List

Review 1 for La Sandia - Santa Monica

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Ok

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/16/2013

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"I found the hostess to be condescending. The waiter was ok but not on top of keeping beverages full. Food was so so. Salsa was fabulous that was the best thing there. Noise was almost unbearable I don't know how the staff can hear your order"

Dined on 5/16/2013

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Review 2 for La Sandia - Santa Monica

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Sangria sangria sangria!

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/14/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"The sangria was amazing. Staff was wonderful. Prices reasonable. And good delicious."

Dined on 5/14/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, hot spot

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Review 3 for La Sandia - Santa Monica

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Excellent Mexican Food

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/11/2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Excellent food but mediocre service."

Dined on 5/11/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, vibrant bar scene

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Review 4 for La Sandia - Santa Monica

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great menu. Enjoyed the marguerita

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/19/2013

2010

Dined on 04/19/2013

2010

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Great menu. Enjoyed the margueritas"

Dined on 04/19/2013

2010

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Review 5 for La Sandia - Santa Monica

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Excellent service, delicious

Top 10 Contributor

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/19/2013

2009

Dined on 04/19/2013

2009

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Excellent service, delicious food."

Dined on 04/19/2013

2009

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot

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Review 6 for La Sandia - Santa Monica

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

Loud, food was just ok, margaritas

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/13/2013

2012

Dined on 04/13/2013

2012

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Loud, food was just ok, margaritas were awful, prices ok, service was attentive but our server just wasn't very polished."

Dined on 04/13/2013

2012

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Review 7 for La Sandia - Santa Monica

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

Looks Nice: Should Not Serve Food

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/04/2013

2006

Dined on 04/04/2013

2006

Food

(Poor) 1 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"The sauces on my plate were not a good pairing for the pork that I was eating.
Half of the pork was a pile of fat and not edible. The other half was overlooked to being dark, and was greasy.
The tea tasted like soap (and was probably in a poorly-rinsed glass).
The tortillas needed more cooking.

While in the parking lot after lunch, each of the four at lunch said they would never return."

Dined on 04/04/2013

2006

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Review 8 for La Sandia - Santa Monica

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Very nice Mexican restaurant

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/01/2013

2006

Dined on 03/01/2013

2006

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Very nice Mexican restaurant on the 3rd floor of the Santa Monica Place Mall. The food and drinks are always good. The service is usually spotty. For some reason the waiters always bring the check after the meal without asking if you would like coffee or dessert."

Dined on 03/01/2013

2006

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Review 9 for La Sandia - Santa Monica

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5