Best Business Lunch Power Players Burgers Restaurants in Santa Monica
5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
HiHo Cheeseburger
Wagyu beef burgers paired with perfectly executed double-fried fries
Notable Picks
8.8
HiHo revolutionizes the classic burger joint with 100% grass-fed Wagyu beef and hand-cut fries cooked in heart-healthy rice bran oil. Their crispy-outside, fluffy-inside fries are double-fried for perfection and served piping hot with house-made sauces.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double HiHo Burger with Fries, Hand-Cut French Fries, Willie Mae Fried Chicken
What Makes it Special: Wagyu beef burgers paired with perfectly executed double-fried fries
#2
Pasjoli
8.8
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Business Lunch Power Players
Instagram Worthy Wonders
James Beard Award-winning chef Dave Beran transformed his Michelin Plate bistro into a more accessible French experience while maintaining exacting standards. The pressed duck carved tableside remains legendary, but cordon bleu chicken wings stuffed with prosciutto and a French onion soup with explosive gruyère show the kitchen's playful mastery of rich, butter-forward bistro classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cordon Bleu Chicken Wings, French Onion Soup, Pressed Duck ($350, reservation required)
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized bistro from Alinea alum serving technically perfect French fare with California produce
8.4
Housed in the historic 1929 Clock Tower building, The Misfit champions farm-to-table American comfort food with LA's best happy hour. The high-energy space steps from Third Street Promenade draws crowds for thoughtfully-crafted cocktails and seasonal California cuisine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bacon Mac & Cheese, Pan-Seared Sea Bass, Walnut Bolognaise
What Makes it Special: Best happy hour in LA according to multiple publications
#4
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
What Makes it Special: Hillstone's consistent excellence meets Montana Avenue sophistication
#5
The Counter
8.3
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Build-your-own burger destination with thousands of customization combinations from grass-fed beef to vegan patties. This contemporary spot lets diners select everything from bun type to premium toppings like truffle aioli and fried eggs, paired with excellent sweet potato or parmesan fries.
Must-Try Dishes:
Create Your Own Burger, Old School Burger, Sweet Potato Fries
What Makes it Special: Thousands of burger combinations with quality ingredients and dietary options