Restaurant: BOA Steakhouse Santa Monica
Location: 101 Santa Monica Blvd #180, Santa Monica, CA 90401. (310) 899-4466
Date: April 16, 2025
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Rating: Food is just fine
It’s been years since we were back at Boa SM. It’s about the same as Sunset Boa, but closer to work and has a nicer atmosphere. Really just a pretty cheap, only fair steak house. This visit was for a Dirty Dozen blind tasting on the Red Burgundy theme — why red burgundy at steakhouses — no idea.
BOA Steakhouse Santa Monica opened its doors in 2001, bringing a glossy, forward-thinking take on the classic American steakhouse to the beach city’s dining strip. The restaurant is owned and operated by Innovative Dining Group (IDG), the Los Angeles hospitality company founded by Lee Maen, Craig Katz, and Philip Cummins, whose portfolio also includes Sushi Roku and Katana. BOA’s culinary creed pairs uncompromising ingredient quality—USDA Prime beef dry-aged in house, Japanese A5 wagyu, pristine local seafood—with a playful California sensibility. Diners can customize cuts with signature rubs like black truffle or chipotle, match them with flights of house-made sauces, and balance the richness with farmers-market vegetables, crudo, or a citrus-bright cocktail from the bar’s seasonally driven program.
Designer Dodd Mitchell fashioned the 8,500-square-foot space at 101 Santa Monica Boulevard into a sleek yet inviting hideaway: a glowing onyx bar, floor-to-ceiling wine racks, walnut paneling, and espresso-hued leather banquettes that open onto a heated patio via retractable glass walls. The room’s low amber light and surf-side breeze merge Hollywood polish with coastal ease, making it a magnet for deal-makers, date-night couples, and celebrities looking to slip into a corner booth after a premiere.
Two decades on, BOA has cemented itself as a Westside institution, mentioned alongside Michael’s and Mélisse as a pillar of Santa Monica dining. Its modern, guest-centric spin on steakhouse tradition—gluten-free bread service, organic produce partnerships, a bar stocked with small-batch California spirits—regularly earns nods from the Los Angeles Times, Eater LA, and Angeleno. From tech executives courting investors to tourists capping a pier-side afternoon, the crowd is as diverse as the city it feeds, proof that BOA’s mix of luxury and laid-back charm has become part of the local fabric.
It’s been years since we were back at Boa SM. It’s about the same as Sunset Boa, but closer to work and has a nicer atmosphere. Really just a pretty cheap, only fair steak house.
The menu at BOA Steakhouse Santa Monica highlights a sophisticated selection of premium steaks and seafood, complemented by a variety of innovative appetizers and sides. Diners can expect a blend of classic and contemporary dishes, emphasizing high-quality ingredients and bold flavors.
The menu.
The Billecart-Salmon Brut Sous Bois hails from the Champagne region of France, showcasing a non-vintage blend that highlights the house’s commitment to quality and tradition. This elegant Champagne is characterized by its rich aromas of toasted brioche, creamy caramel, and hints of citrus zest. It pairs beautifully with seafood dishes, particularly grilled scallops or a delicate lobster salad, elevating the dining experience with its fine bubbles and vibrant acidity.
The 2019 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Champ-Canet from Domaine Paul Pernot et ses Fils showcases the elegance of Burgundy. With its vibrant acidity and notes of white flowers, citrus, and a hint of minerality, this Chardonnay pairs beautifully with grilled lobster or a creamy risotto, enhancing the dish’s flavors while offering a refreshing contrast.
Alongside, the wine presents a luxurious mouthfeel, with layers of ripe pear and subtle oak influence, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship of the producer. The finish is long and refined, making it an ideal choice for special occasions or an indulgent dinner.
The 2021 Saint-Aubin Premier Cru Les Frionnes from Domaine Chassagne-Montrachet showcases the elegance of Burgundy. With its vibrant acidity and minerality, this Chardonnay exudes notes of green apple, citrus, and subtle floral hints. Ideal for pairing with delicate seafood dishes or creamy cheeses, it offers a refreshing balance that enhances the dining experience.
The 2021 vintage highlights the terroir of Saint-Aubin, producing a wine that is both complex and approachable. Hints of toasted oak and a touch of spice intertwine with its fruit-forward profile, making it a versatile companion for grilled fish or roasted poultry. The lingering finish leaves a lasting impression, inviting another sip.
Chopped Wedge. Better not chopped. Not enough dressing or bacon.
Cesar. They can do it tableside here—but they didn’t for us, and ours was fairly lame. The salad lacked the vibrant flavor and creamy texture that a well-prepared Caesar should deliver, leaving us wanting the theatrical presentation that elevates this classic dish.
Shrimp cocktail is a classic appetizer that never fails to impress. The succulent, chilled shrimp are perfectly cooked, offering a delightful snap with each bite, while the tangy cocktail sauce adds a zesty kick that elevates the dish. It’s a timeless favorite that beautifully balances freshness and flavor.
Steak Tartare is a classic dish that showcases the simplicity and purity of high-quality beef. This dish features finely chopped raw steak, seasoned with capers, onions, and a hint of mustard, creating a delightful balance of flavors. The tender texture and vibrant presentation make it a standout choice for those who appreciate the art of raw cuisine.
Meatball—a classic comfort food that never fails to satisfy. These savory orbs are typically tender and juicy, bursting with flavor from a blend of herbs and spices, often served in a rich tomato sauce. Whether nestled in a sub or atop a bed of pasta, they evoke a sense of home and warmth with every bite.
Chicken.
Steak is a timeless classic that never fails to impress. The rich, savory flavors combined with a tender, juicy texture create an unforgettable dining experience. Whether grilled to perfection or seared in a cast iron skillet, each bite offers a satisfying depth that speaks to its culinary heritage.
Steak is a timeless classic that never fails to impress. Its rich, savory flavor, perfectly seared crust, and tender, juicy interior make it a beloved choice for meat lovers. Whether grilled to perfection or pan-seared with a hint of garlic, each bite offers a satisfying experience that speaks to culinary tradition.
And more steak.
Creamed Spinach is a rich and velvety side dish that perfectly balances the earthiness of fresh spinach with a creamy, buttery sauce. The dish’s vibrant green color and smooth texture make it both visually appealing and indulgently satisfying, often elevating any meal it accompanies.
Mushrooms.
Cauliflower Parm is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, featuring tender cauliflower coated in a crispy, golden-brown crust. The rich layers of marinara and melted cheese create a comforting harmony of flavors, while the cauliflower’s subtle nuttiness adds depth to each bite.
Mac & Cheese is a comforting classic that brings warmth and nostalgia with every bite. The creamy, rich cheese sauce envelops perfectly cooked pasta, creating a delightful contrast of textures that is both indulgent and satisfying. Its golden, bubbly top adds an inviting appearance, making it a beloved dish across generations.
Brussels.
Fries are the ultimate comfort food, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Their golden-brown appearance and satisfying crunch make them irresistible, whether enjoyed plain or paired with a variety of dips.
Scores.
Wines were fairly solid.
While the wines were good, the food was just meh. The price was right, and they treat us well, but this place is not to write home about. The 2005 Jadot CV was mine.
My bad notes.
