Restaurant: The Penthouse
Location: 1111 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90403. (310) 393-8080
Date: June 11, 2022
Cuisine: American
Rating: Solid execution
Over the years I’ve gone to the Penthouse in various guises many times. Hey, I used to go to Toppers here in this space in the 1990s. Food has generally been pretty good, although hotel “trite” (aka very tame). Today was actually my birthday and we headed out for lunch with my family.
The space is lovely with great views.
The brunch menu.
Waffle. Strawberries,Whipped Cream, Vermont Maple Syrup, Melted Butter.
Condiments for the waffle.
Salmon Benedict.
Smoked Salmon Pizzetta. Meyer Lemon Creme Fraiche, Salmon Roe, Lox, Caramelized Onions, Cherry Tomato Confit, Chives. Great, but a touch too salty.
Grilled Wagyu Burger.
Inside said burger.
The view (from one side, it’s actually great — and different — on each side).
The Penthouse is actually pretty good for a hotel restaurant. Yeah, it’s American food (one of my least favorite cuisines), but it’s more interesting than most. And the space is great. At night it can be kinda hopping too.