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ZipPicks Awards
Best Business Lunch American in Santa Monica
Best Burgers in Santa Monica
Best American in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
R+D Kitchen
8.3
Part of the Hillstone Restaurant Group, R+D Kitchen serves elevated American comfort food in a sophisticated yet approachable setting. Known for their artisanal sandwiches and inventive cocktails, this Montana Avenue fixture has been a neighborhood favorite for business lunches since opening.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ding's Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Chopped Salad with Blackened Chicken, Sicilian Sliders
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Hillstone's consistent excellence meets Montana Avenue sophistication
Who should go: Business diners seeking upscale American comfort
When to visit: Weekday lunch for business, evenings for cocktails
What to order: Ding's Chicken Sandwich, chopped salad, craft cocktails
Insider tip: Walk-ins only, arrive early for lunch seating
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Montana Avenue (2-hour meters until 6pm), easier on side streets. No valet but usually manageable within 1-2 blocks
Dress code: Smart casual - business attire for lunch crowd, nice jeans and button-downs work for dinner
Noise level: Moderate buzz - lively but conversation-friendly, quieter booths available
Weekend wait: 60-90 min typical Friday/Saturday, best to arrive before 6pm or after 8:30pm
Weekday lunch: 20-30 min peak hours (12-1:30pm), immediate seating before noon
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several salads, veggie sandwich, pasta options available
Vegan options: Very limited - salads can be modified, best to call ahead
Gluten-free options: Yes - proteins and salads available, but limited GF bread/bun options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - sophisticated but not stuffy, good lighting, booths offer privacy, and the no-reservation policy makes it seem spontaneous
Can I get a table without a reservation? It's walk-in only - no reservations taken. Best strategy is arriving right at 11:30am for lunch or 5:30pm for dinner to minimize wait
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) who appreciate good food. No kids menu, but they'll modify dishes. Weekend brunch is most family-friendly time
Best For
Better for: Consistent quality and service that outshines most Montana Avenue spots, plus cocktails that rival dedicated cocktail bars
Skip if: You want ethnic cuisine, need reservations for a large group, or prefer trendy Instagram-worthy dishes over classic execution
Hours
Monday11:30am - 9pm
Tuesday11:30am - 9pm
Wednesday11:30am - 9pm
Thursday11:30am - 10pm
Friday11:30am - 10pm
Saturday11am - 10pm
Sunday11am - 9pm