We came to Crimson to meet some friends, and it was a great experience from start to finish. The food was absolutely delicious, full of flavor and clearly made with care. I ordered the chicken with salad and a side of sweet potato fries, which were OMG so good and definitely a must-try! The ordering process is simple: you order and pay at the cashier, receive a number, and the staff brings the food directly to your table. It was smooth and efficient, even for our group of eight. They were very accommodating and made sure we were comfortable, which we really appreciated. There's street parking available, which made it convenient as well. Overall, a great spot for both small and larger groups. I'd definitely come back! read more

Crimson - Mediterranean Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I ate at Crimson tonight and for the most part everything was OK. I had the chicken kebab with the side order of the lentil soup and the Greek salad combination. The chicken was OK, but I would've preferred it with a little bit more seasoning/flavor and a little hotter as well. It was not bad, but it didn't pop like it was outstanding. As far as the lentil soup goes, they're very light lentils so they're not the normal lentil soup that you may be used to. That could've viewed a little bit more seasoning as well. As far as the Greek salad goes, it was just an average and ordinary small Greek salad, but it was tasty and the vegetables did taste fresh. They gave me two little slices of pita bread so I had to ask for more, but when I came out. Those were not heated like they should've been. Therefore, the bottom line is the food is good not outstanding and memorable and there's definitely room for improvement. We will definitely give them another chance and hope for the best. I wish Crimson the best! read more

Food: - BBQ chicken wrap: good flavor, more american - middle eastern fusion - Ground sirloin kabob plate: similar to beef koobideh, good flavor but small portion size; comes with rice, pita, and garlic sauce; you can order additional sides for $2 a piece Ambiance: - great location in santa monica with relaxed seating inside and outside - parking is easily accessible on the street or in the neighborhoods - order at the counter and servers will bring your food to the table read more

We went out on the hottest day during the heatwave and we're looking forward to being very chilly inside Crimson! We were meeting friends and everyone wanted mediterranean food.... We immediately noticed the a/c was barely working. We ordered our food had a great visit and conversation as we were melting into our tables. The food was tasty. The environment we were put in with this heat wave was not. I would go back just not during a heat wave. We did ask and they shared it "was" working....barely. As we were leaving We felt a cold blast! read more

Crimson - My pick! - Mediterranean Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Crimson is my go-to-lunch spot in the Sunset Park area of Santa Monica. It is a casual Mediterranean leaning restaurant with free WiFi and free validated parking in a very comfortable ambiance. They have both indoor and outdoor seating. You order and pay at the counter and they bring the food to you. Every menu item that I've had here have never disappointed. This visit, I had their BBQ Salad with Chicken Shawarma. The salad was a full portion size and perfectly served. The dark meat chicken shawarma was tender and delicious and the salad had just the right amount of BBQ sauce dressing. Prices are reasonable and competitive. Portion sizes are larger than most. Service was very good. I even saw a couple of people using the place as a work station where they can work on their laptop while enjoying a wonderful lunch or snack. Overall, a gem of a place not to be missed and to enjoy. Your first visit will have you coming back as a regular for more. read more

Crimson - BBQ Salad with Chicken Shawarma - Mediterranean Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Fast casual Mediterranean spot in Ocean Park. Paid parking lot and metered parking available. Came here for lunch to meet with an old colleague and it was a nice vibe. Ordered the falafel plate and had the option for two sides, which were the solaces and a side salad. The plate came with pita bread and some grilled veggies too. Hefty portion and nice flavor. You pay at the counter and they'll bring the food to your table. Indoor and outdoor seating available. read more

Crimson - Falafel veggie plate - Mediterranean Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Pretty good and big chicken wraps. Have ordered through DD and went in for pick up. One meal could be split into 2. read more

Crimson - Mediterranean Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I ordered from Uber Eats. The bag is taped up. When I received it there was No Pita bread with the hummus. This place is Notorious for making mistakes! Check everything before you leave. The credit card pad shows you the tip amount of 22% first thing. I generally tip 0 to this restaurant because they make a mistake on my orders 80% of the time. I eat fresh vegan food and this is one of the few in my neighborhood that has it. Another Disappointment! Pathetic read more

The chicken is cooked and seasoned really well and the texture of the hummus is perfect. Their Greek salad is refreshing and helps balance the meal out. Their portions are huge, can definitely split this to be 2-3 meals read more

Crimson - #2 Chicken Kabob (Dark Meat) with Mini Greek Salad - A la Carte - Mediterranean Near Me - Santa Monica, California

First time at Crimson in Santa Monica for a work lunch with friends, and it was a great choice. I had the Crimson Chicken Wrap (white meat) with fries -- fresh lettuce, tomatoes, Monterey Jack cheese, tortilla strips, and a light spicy herb ranch that pulled it all together. The wrap was flavorful without being heavy, and the fries came out HOT (burned my tongue) and crispy. Service was quick and friendly, making it an easy spot for a midday break. I'll definitely be back to try more! read more

Crimson - Chicken Wrap (White Meat) - Mediterranean Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Crimson is an excellent Mediterranean cuisine restaurant that I have been to several times. The service, food and ambience is consistently excellent. Prices are reasonable for suberb meals with a nice variety of sides. Highly recommended. read more

Crimson - Salmon dinner - Mediterranean Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Solid Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food in Santa Monica! I ordered takeout from here for lunch during the week. I ordered in advance through their website and it was pretty seamless and easy. Upon arriving at my scheduled time, the staff were still preparing my order so I waited for an additional 10 minutes after my pickup time. When I received my food, I inquired if I could dine-in at the restaurant and they accepted. The inside was pretty and well lit. It had a cozy and relaxing vibe with indoor and outdoor seating. There was also a fill your own water station. I ordered the Chicken Kabob (white meat) with rice and a side of Shirazi salad and a side of Babaganoush. Everything was tasty and yummy! The chicken was juicy and flavorful. The rice was soft, fluffy, and flavorful. The salad was fresh and I loved the crunch from the cucumbers. The Babaganoush was creamy, rich, and flavorful, but not too overpowering. It also came with some pita bread which was standard quality. I also got a garlic sauce and a rose sauce which were good pairings to the chicken. The food was overall good, but a bit too pricey for around $26. The portion was decent, but I would've expected more food for the price. The to-go experience was good and everything was decently sealed and bagged. Overall, a good experience here. I would come back if I was craving Mediterranean food in the area, but would still opt to look for cheaper places. read more

Crimson - Interior - Mediterranean Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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The boys behind the counter were super helpful but the management needs a little attention to customer service and retention, it's clear the owners aren't the original crew but when money becomes the most important thing, it's time to rethink patronage. We ordered to go for $200 plus $20 tip and asked for 2 extra rose sauces. We were told that will be $.75 each. It's so petty that probably cost them $.10 and the lost a long time customer. read more

The dishes that really won us over were the falafel veggie plate and the chicken shawarma plate. The falafel had that perfect crisp bite, the shawarma was incredibly flavorful, and the sides made both plates feel bright and satisfying. The chicken kabob was also delicious. The seasoning was spot on, and the mini Greek salad and rice made it a really enjoyable plate. Our kid's chicken meal was exactly what we hoped for simple, well-cooked and simple enough for a 4 yr old but full of flavor. Crimson has a way of making familiar dishes feel extra fresh and comforting. We left genuinely impressed and excited to return. read more

Went to crimson cafe had gone there a few times before. And the food was really good!, and all of a sudden, I went this time and the food was disgusting. The fish Kebab was drenched in oil disgusting. The fish was a low-grade fish farmed. You surely can taste the difference oily and horrible horrible The rice was filled with oil like eating soup, rice oil soup. The Hummus was drenched and I mean drenched with oil. It was absolutely disgusting. I was so hungry. I ate part of it because I live far from there. I live on the other side of town. couldn't take it back. It was expensive, 25 bucks for nasty food. I was so sick the next day with acid reflex. It was so bad I never get like that. I will never go back again. I called and told him thinking that it would say, well let me fix you another plate, and we'll do it right this time, or we'll give you a discount something. He all he had to say to me was. Oh, I'm sorry, sorry sir not good enough!. You just lost a customer, and I hope everyone thinks twice about going back. It was absolutely disgusting!. read more

Quick service counter and then food comes out! Everything is fresh so it took around 15 mins to get the food! Cute ambiance inside and there's smaller picnic tables outside. $26 on average for one of the meals w/ 2 sides but it's not a lot of meat. Decent size portion overall! read more

Crimson - #3 Filet Mignon Kabob #1 Chicken Kabob (White Meat) - Mediterranean Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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My first time here and I got the sirloin kabob plate with roasted veggies and hummus as sides. The sirloin kabob was great! So much flavor and not dry at all. Usually I don't like kabobs that much because they can be dry but not this one. The roasted veggies were really good too. My only flaw was that the pita bread was kinda hard and dry. Staff was really friendly though and establishment was nice. read more

Crimson - #4 Ground Sirloin Kabob - Mediterranean Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Fresh and delicious! Friendly outgoing staff. It was busy on a Thursday afternoon for lunch. I had the ground sirloin wrap with a side of tabbouleh and their tomato soup which was great. It was so filling my friend and I split it. read more

Crimson - Ground sirloin wrap - Mediterranean Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Thank you, Randy, for helping to make my 7-year wedding anniversary surprise a total hit for my wife. You guys are so kind, you played your part well (Oscar nominee right there), and you served us our drinks and dessert. People, you wont be disappointed at Crimson in Santa Monica. read more

Crimson - Caramel Machiatto (Iced), Honey Latte (Iced), lemon bar. - Mediterranean Near Me - Santa Monica, California

AMAZING. Huge portions and each bite is so well seasoned with so much flavor. I especially loved the garlic dip with this plate. Ample seating and some free/metered parking close by! -0.5 stars because the wait was long :-/ read more

Crimson - #1 Chicken Kabob (White Meat) - Mediterranean Near Me - Santa Monica, California

When the wait at Society Kitchen was just too long, I took a walk around the corner and decided to finally try this spot. It wasn't too crowded and it looked really nice. The food also smelled delicious! I ordered a kebab plate and it was pretty good! The portions were really generous and the meat was fresh, too. I didn't like the sauce on the grape leaves, but that may just be my personal preference. read more

Crimson - Mediterranean Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Ordered catering and it was really good. Plenty of food and the guy helping me was really nice. The price did not make sense with the amount of food we received though. It was very pricey, even more than Panini and not as good but overall if u need some Mediterranean food and don't mind being overcharged then it was good. read more

Crimson - Hummus, pita bread cesar salad - Mediterranean Near Me - Santa Monica, California

***Visited July 27*** Although I love the food here, I must say that I was really disappointed at the fact that you can't get two of the same sides when ordering a meal. I always get the chicken kabob plate w/two sides. This time I wanted to get two mini pesto salads as my selections. Please note that these "mini" salads are truly that and they consist of 85% broccoli. After being denied my choices, I was told that I could purchase a large pasta salad at an additional cost (when my meal and drink is already close to $30.) The cashiers up sale speech felt cold and callous along with his attitude. I understand they are trying to run a business, but a little courtesy goes a long way. Especially for frequent customers. read more

Crimson - #1 Chicken Kabob (White Meat)Mini Pesto Pasta Salad Sweet Potato Fries - Mediterranean Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Had this multiple time. The normal plates with rice are decent. This time I thought about switching it up to get one of the wraps that sounded healthier.the hummus veggie wrap and let me say somethings should not be a wrap. It was hard to eat since the food fell out. The place is nice though and there is ample parking in the back. Service is good would recommend going if you want to grab some mediraterran food nearby read more

I ordered online and received the estimate time to pick up (I ordered about 45 mins ahead). When I got there, it looked very busy but food was still coming out. I asked them for my name and it still wasn't ready. I had to ask 3-4 times over the course of 30 minutes where my food was and each time they kept saying "5-10" minutes. At one point they told people that tried dining in that it would take over an hour to receive their food. I think that's a bit ridiculous for a restaurant like this that you order before you sit. I think the other location is better managed than this one. The employees here don't know what they are doing. read more

Food is good but my gosh are they SLOW for a fast casual restaurant. Be prepared to wait a while.

Short: Solid mediterranean options with a nice seating area. Long: I stopped by Crimson in Santa Monica and tried the chicken wrap. The food was solid overall, with the chicken being the standout--juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. It really elevated the dish. The rest of the wrap was good but didn't quite match the same level. The service, however, was just okay--not terrible, but it lacked the warmth or attentiveness that could've made the experience better. The inside has plenty of seating and was alright. Overall a decent place, however seems like more of a takeout restaurant. read more

Crimson - Chicken Wrap (White Meat) - Mediterranean Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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My bf picked this up for us for a light dinner I got their chicken wrap and shirazi salad Light enough to finish for a meal and not make you feel bloated and gross Flavors are delightful The chicken wrap was great Definitely a new place to add to my rotation My bf ordered togo so I cannot attest to service or ambiance but knowing him, he wouldnt pick crimson as an option (which is also in his rotation) if he didnt think it was a great place to eat read more

First time visiting this location. We enjoyed our experience at the one on Broadway. We ordered 8 ground beef kabob and 8 chicken kabobs. We waited another 15-20 minutes when we arrived to pickup. This place is so cute. I like the cool neutral colors and decorations. We got our order and took it home to enjoy. Everyone loved the chicken. The beef however was either undercooked (still raw in the middle) or charred and burnt but cooked on the inside. We tried reheating it up and it turned out to be rubbery. Babaganush was good. read more

Crimson - Mediterranean Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Well, that was half an hour of my life that I can't get back. I ordered the chicken Shawarma wrap. 23 long minutes later, what arrived was an ice cold mayo and vegetable sandwich. It almost tasted like the cucumbers, etc. were frozen. There was very little chicken. It was a cold, mayo filled disaster. I have never had a wrap like it and I hope I never do again. Employees were aloof and no one seemed like they were managing the place. It was seriously gross. I don't leave that many one star reviews. They are reserved for the worst of the worst. This qualifies. read more

Crimson - Chicken Shawarma wrap. There are no words. A cold, disgusting mayo filled disaster. - Mediterranean Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Salmon kebab was cooked amazingly well. Lentil soup cam up with right serving temperature and consistency. One of the best lunches I had in a month. Also, street seating is super cozy and chill. read more

Crimson - Mediterranean Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I got the number one combo. Best grilled chicken I've had in months, great grilled vegetables, baba ganoush, and pita, and solid hummus and garlic sauce. My wife and I were delighted and were excited to come back. And then we had dessert. The chocolate temptation cake is light, very sweet, and had a nice crunch at the bottom. But the Brazilia? "I smelled God" -- my wife If simple, rich, decadent chocolate is your thing, get a Brazilia, stat. read more

Leaving this review to remind myself to get the CHICKEN (not filet mignon) plate with one side. I have been to Crimson about 5 times. Every time I go I forget what I order and have the waiter pick chicken or steak for me since I can't remember (living on the wild side, right?). Four out of the five times I've gotten chicken and enjoyed it but kept wondering what the filet mignon tasted like. Today the cashier recommended the steak and it had a weird aftertaste. So hopefully next time I go, I'll remember get the chicken only - they recommend the dark meat because it's more flavorful. There are two crimson locations in Santa Monica. Come to this one because the food tastes better, the service is faster, there's a free parking lot in the plaza, and (personal bias) you can get my favorite beverage (Dr Pepper) from the restaurant next door. The other location is bigger but I've never had an issue getting a table at this location. read more

Delicious chicken wrap, friendly service, all made fresh. Clean atmosphere. Great space to meet people. Just a bit pricy.

Good food, fresh and good quality ingredients, prepared well. Friendly service, clean, moderately priced.

Delicious and fresh wrap. Nice option for hangout with friends or dating. Will come back again with friends. read more

Crimson - Mediterranean Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Crimson is good but not great. I'd give it 3.5 on 5 stars but that's not an option. Pickup takes over 30 minutes, so this is not a quick pickup. Also note they levy a $0.99 online order fee. I went there a second time. This time to try a Sesame Falafal Wrap. They give you a choice of Lavash, Spinach Tortilla or Wheat Tortilla. I opted for the spinach tortilla, which is a wheat tortilla with a little spinach in it. The wrap comes with romaine lettuce, broccoli, corn, red onions, cucumbers, & rose sauce + sesame dressing. It would've been great, except the dressing is super sweet. I am sure some guests like their wrap to taste like a dessert, but that's not this reviewer. A request for management if they listen, please indicate in menu whenever an item includes more than 1 tsp of sugar. I'd have opted for the spicy falafel wrap like last time, but didn't realize the sauce would be so sweet. It kind of ruined what would've been an otherwise a decent wrap. It tends to overpower the palette. On the brighter side, the portion sizes are decent. I opted for 2 sides at a discount when you buy a wrap, for $2 each: Grilled Veggies (done just right, with a little salt and what may have been olive oil) and Babaganoush (smoky eggplant dip). They throw in some pita as well. I liked both the sides. The banaganoush is excellent, very fresh, savory and felt high quality. The pita is pillowy soft, which indicated freshness and a great accompaniment to the sides. Finally the grilled veggies (onion, yellow and red bell pepper, zucchini and yellow squash) came with a wedge of lemon and that was all you needed to taste the juicy yet perfectly grilled veggie. Service has always been pleasant, except they forgot to add to the utensils. For $21, this is a tad on the expensive side for a wrap and 2 mini sides, but in a pinch before you get hangry, a decent option in the sunset park neighborhood. I wouldn't go there specifically for a meal, but maybe if I am feeling lazy and don't feel like driving, this is a decent pickup option. read more

I was the only person in the restaurant who ordered food, and my order sat on the counter for over 20 minutes without anyone saying a word. No one bothered to let me know it was ready. I finally asked a staff member if the food was mine, and her response was to shrug her shoulders, say "I don't know," and walk away no apology, no explanation, nothing. Absolutely horrible customer service. If this is how they treat paying customers, I won't be coming back. read more

Staff very accommodating! Salmon dinner was so delicious!!!!!!! I will be back! Hummas was light and tasty! Rice fresh, I ordered sweet potato fries which my friends gobbled down before I could get to them. I was super impressed with freshness , quality and PRICE!!! Great place! read more

I was so disappointed in today's salmon dish order with rice and hummus. The fish was spoiled and they masked it with a ton of salt. Yes a ton of salt! The color of the salmon was spoiled too! I could not eat it. Terrible! What a waste of money. The food was not fresh. The place is not being managed well. read more