A dining experience at Fitoor in Santa Monica offers a modern and elevated take on Indian cuisine in a setting that is both stylish and energetic. Located along Ocean Avenue, the restaurant blends the vibrancy of contemporary India with the relaxed sophistication of coastal Southern California.
The restaurant is celebrating it’s one year anniversary with a week of festivities from March 2 through March 7, including champagne, belly dancing tutorials, live music and a Holi and the Beach celebration. During the first week of March, the restaurant will offer a $5 anniversary cocktail, daily featured anniversary dish, complimentary champagne toast and a brand new Happy Hour menu. On Monday, March 2, they will be offering a three course prix-fixe menu. On Wednesday, March 4, there will be a Holi-inpsired menu and guided belly dancing experiences during Happy Hour. On Saturday, March 7, Fitoor will be one of the main food vendors at the Holi and the Beach festival in Redondo Beach.
The atmosphere is one of Fitoor’s strongest features. The space feels upscale yet inviting, with dramatic lighting, rich textures, and lounge-style seating. Al fresco seating on the large heated patio offers beautiful views of the ocean.
The menu focuses on a modern interpretation of regional Indian dishes designed for sharing. Traditional flavors are presented with creative twists. Crème brulee is standard French but features Indian fruits and sauce. Small plates such as kebabs and kulchas house bold spices and balanced textures, while larger dishes showcase layered sauces, slow-cooked meats, and vegetarian options. Craft cocktails complement the food, incorporating spice, herbs, and citrus elements that mirror the cuisine’s complexity.
The tableside purple potato ragda patty is worth ordering just for the presentation. Our chef came out to build the dish in front of us with mint, potato, tamarind and some nitrogen frozen yogurt. Also unique was the avocado burrata cheese chaat with mint chutney and burrata inside a creamy avocado. The lamb chops with a Malabar sauce, butter chicken, Hyderabadi-style chicken biriyani are equally delicious.
Service generally contributes to the upscale experience. Our waiter guided us through the menu and encouraged a shared dining style.
Fitoor stands out as more than a traditional Indian restaurant. It is a destination for a full evening experience with modern Indian cuisine, creative cocktails, and a lively social atmosphere. Located at 1755 Ocaen Avenue in Santa Monica. Reservations at infosm@eatdrinkfitoor.com.
