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The fact that this is not closer to 5 stars is beyond me. I've been coming to Hillstone for over a decade. I've had birthdays here, business meetings, invited friends and family visiting from out of town, and the food is consistently impeccable. Never misses a beat. The staff is on top of it and attentive, and the facilities are immaculate. A solid go to when in Santa Monica. You won't be disappointed. Definitely try their sushi, french dip, grilled artichokes, and their ribs will change your life!
Came here after a long walk on the SM Pier. Hillstone was busy, after a 10-minute wait we were seated. Our server Victor was the best. He was attentive, and polite. What stood out was that this was a sister restaurant of Houston's restaurants. We ordered wine and a good Margarita. Our Ribs. We're tender and tasty, My cheeseburger was cooked to perfection, Salmon was so good, Chili beans are a must. We had a pleasant time here, and we will absolutely be back. Parking is street and Garage parking behind Hillstone. I would suggest making a reservation so you will not have to wait over an hour.
Went to hillstone for the first time since I've heard great things about it and it seriously lived up to the hype. Service was 11/10! Everyone was so friendly and attentive. Our waiter constantly checked on us and never did we have to ask for extra water or other things. They would just always make sure we were all good. Food was really tasty, I really liked the kale and sashimi the acid balanced really well with the fennel and cashews. The chicken sandwich and French dip were HUGE while the bread was so fluffy. Overall great experience and would come again. Note: I did make a reservation (and highly recommend to as it was packed on a Tuesday night). Parking options are metered parking or parking in one of the structures.
Solid spot. I feel like Hillstone is always consistent and provides good service. The spinach dip was not very tasty-- I found it to be very mid and the chips were stale. The sushi was good, nothing crazy. The chicken sandwich was great, I will say!! We had an issue with the waitress taking our leftovers back to the kitchen but the GM came back to resolve issue and offered us a new sandwich to go which was very kind. Ambiance is cute there.
The food & the service are always on point, always consistent, best service. I tried almost everything on the menu over the year & I have to say they are all delicious. The firehouse chili dish should make it to the daily menu not just weekends. It was flavorful. The menu hasn't changed but that is ok. Staying consistent & providing good quality food & service are what makes Hillstone group successful. Please expand to the valley .
Hillstone continues to be one of the most consistent restaurants I've ever dined at. Prices are on the higher end but the quality of the food & service more than makes up for it. Came on a Wednesday evening and as always, it was pretty busy. I would highly recommend reservations if your party is on the smaller side (we came as a party of 2). We ordered the sashimi salad & the ribs. Food is the star of the show, it came out quick and both dishes were excellent. We also had The Crush (more tart than I remember) and ordered 2 desserts: the hot fudge sundae & the key lime pie. The key lime pie was fantastic. The restaurant was lively & service was quick. This is a great spot for family dinners, special occasions and date nights.
This Santa Monica institution is still popular for a reason.. with their delicious food selection, high quality execution and knowledgeable staff. It's no wonder that Hillstone in Santa Monica they still attracting loyal patrons. I've been coming here for over a decade and recently stopped in for lunch with my friends after visiting the Ilusion Museum which is right around the corner. We made a reservation and were sat promptly and ordered a bunch of seafood based dishes to share The highlights of the meal for the grilled trout, brownie dessert and sushi The price point is definitely higher than most of the surrounding fast casual eateries nearby but definitely a good spot for a date night or more upscale meal with friends
Very nice ambiance and good service. Food tasted good and the spinach artichoke dip was gas.
I've come here a lot over the years but just have never written a review. It is located around the Promenade and there is a parking structure close by so easy access. It is typically always busy on weekends unless you go there right when it opens. This most recent time I came on a Saturday afternoon. We got drinks at the bar with Nicki and she always is so great. We waited about 15 minutes before being seated. We ordered and got our appetizers quickly. We ordered the Cheese Toast. That is one of our favorite appetizers. Their artichokes are also good, but sometimes hit or miss because sometimes the artichokes are small. We got our food (Rotisserie Chicken, Filet Mignon, and Fork and Knife Ribs). The food is good and typically good portion size. I've tried lots of stuff over the years including sushi, cheeseburger, French dip, and more. Servers are always nice and attentive despite always being busy.
WOW! 100% worth the hype it gets. made a last minute reservation for 9:30 pm and even though it was so close to closing, service was so fast, staff was incredibly friendly, and it was still very crowded! was so impressed with every single dish, I seriously still dream about the cashew salad with the ahi. our food came out so quick and our waiter had the best recs! Such an amazing atmosphere and the food is great quality, we felt very cared for and I 100% want to try the rest of the menu
Many thanks to our loved one (JAE) for introducing us to this magnificent restaurant and generously treating us to such a memorable meal. Every dish we ordered was delicious, especially the Artichoke and California Burger, which were outstanding. The spacious round table assigned to us provided exceptional comfort and made dining even more enjoyable. The service was attentive and professional throughout our visit. Overall, it was a fantastic dining experience that we will cherish and remember fondly for years to come. Many thanks to JAE and the Hillstone staff.
Hillstone never disappoints. I was there again, just a few days ago. Food and drinks 5 stars: The food and drinks are consistently great. Their sushi and rolls are better than most sushi restaurants! Service 5 stars: Their service should be benchmarked as the industry-standard for other fine dining establishments to try to achieve. I frequently mention in my other restaurant reviews that service is server dependent. No so at Hillstone. They seem to be putting a lot of emphasis into hiring and training. As a result, their service is consistently of the highest standards. There is no average employee at Hillstone. Venue 5 stars: The restaurant is clean, modern, classy and well kept. The Last Word 5 stars: Very highly recommended!
A very good Hillstone experience overall but this place is just busy. Service was slightly slower than desired but still nice. The sushi is solid as a standout, plus the salads are very flavorful. We were in love with the crust for the key lime pie too. While the artichokes were their specialty and they source it from a very particular destination in California, it's personally a skip for me. A lot of work to eat the insides with and for very little amounts after excluding the outer leaves.
Had an early dinner reservation on Sunday night. It's always crowded even at 4:30 so plan on making a reservation. The service was excellent. To drink we tried their version of a martini. I never order martinis, but this one is more of a cocktail and is surprisingly sweet. For an appetizer we tried the cheesy bread. So yummy and the perfect amount to not fill up on bread. For mains, we ordered the classics, Ding's crispy chicken sandwich and the prime rib. Ding's sandwich never misses it's always consistent. The prime rib was tasty, but very salty. The only item I didn't enjoy was the Tabbouleh. It was strange to me it contained corn and chickpea. Hard pass next time. We finished with the key lime pie which is exceptional. Very tangy and it is made fresh daily. read more
16 hours ago
20 days ago
The fact that this is not closer to 5 stars is beyond me. I've been coming to Hillstone for over a decade. I've had birthdays here, business meetings, invited friends and family visiting from out of town, and the food is consistently impeccable. Never misses a beat. The staff is on top of it and attentive, and the facilities are immaculate. A solid go to when in Santa Monica. You won't be disappointed. Definitely try their sushi, french dip, grilled artichokes, and their ribs will change your life! read more
Came here after a long walk on the SM Pier. Hillstone was busy, after a 10-minute wait we were seated. Our server Victor was the best. He was attentive, and polite. What stood out was that this was a sister restaurant of Houston's restaurants. We ordered wine and a good Margarita. Our Ribs. We're tender and tasty, My cheeseburger was cooked to perfection, Salmon was so good, Chili beans are a must. We had a pleasant time here, and we will absolutely be back. Parking is street and Garage parking behind Hillstone. I would suggest making a reservation so you will not have to wait over an hour. read more
4 months ago
Went to hillstone for the first time since I've heard great things about it and it seriously lived up to the hype. Service was 11/10! Everyone was so friendly and attentive. Our waiter constantly checked on us and never did we have to ask for extra water or other things. They would just always make sure we were all good. Food was really tasty, I really liked the kale and sashimi the acid balanced really well with the fennel and cashews. The chicken sandwich and French dip were HUGE while the bread was so fluffy. Overall great experience and would come again. Note: I did make a reservation (and highly recommend to as it was packed on a Tuesday night). Parking options are metered parking or parking in one of the structures. read more
5 months ago
Solid spot. I feel like Hillstone is always consistent and provides good service. The spinach dip was not very tasty-- I found it to be very mid and the chips were stale. The sushi was good, nothing crazy. The chicken sandwich was great, I will say!! We had an issue with the waitress taking our leftovers back to the kitchen but the GM came back to resolve issue and offered us a new sandwich to go which was very kind. Ambiance is cute there. read more
The food & the service are always on point, always consistent, best service. I tried almost everything on the menu over the year & I have to say they are all delicious. The firehouse chili dish should make it to the daily menu not just weekends. It was flavorful. The menu hasn't changed but that is ok. Staying consistent & providing good quality food & service are what makes Hillstone group successful. Please expand to the valley . read more
6 months ago
Hillstone continues to be one of the most consistent restaurants I've ever dined at. Prices are on the higher end but the quality of the food & service more than makes up for it. Came on a Wednesday evening and as always, it was pretty busy. I would highly recommend reservations if your party is on the smaller side (we came as a party of 2). We ordered the sashimi salad & the ribs. Food is the star of the show, it came out quick and both dishes were excellent. We also had The Crush (more tart than I remember) and ordered 2 desserts: the hot fudge sundae & the key lime pie. The key lime pie was fantastic. The restaurant was lively & service was quick. This is a great spot for family dinners, special occasions and date nights. read more
This Santa Monica institution is still popular for a reason.. with their delicious food selection, high quality execution and knowledgeable staff. It's no wonder that Hillstone in Santa Monica they still attracting loyal patrons. I've been coming here for over a decade and recently stopped in for lunch with my friends after visiting the Ilusion Museum which is right around the corner. We made a reservation and were sat promptly and ordered a bunch of seafood based dishes to share The highlights of the meal for the grilled trout, brownie dessert and sushi The price point is definitely higher than most of the surrounding fast casual eateries nearby but definitely a good spot for a date night or more upscale meal with friends read more
I've come here a lot over the years but just have never written a review. It is located around the Promenade and there is a parking structure close by so easy access. It is typically always busy on weekends unless you go there right when it opens. This most recent time I came on a Saturday afternoon. We got drinks at the bar with Nicki and she always is so great. We waited about 15 minutes before being seated. We ordered and got our appetizers quickly. We ordered the Cheese Toast. That is one of our favorite appetizers. Their artichokes are also good, but sometimes hit or miss because sometimes the artichokes are small. We got our food (Rotisserie Chicken, Filet Mignon, and Fork and Knife Ribs). The food is good and typically good portion size. I've tried lots of stuff over the years including sushi, cheeseburger, French dip, and more. Servers are always nice and attentive despite always being busy. read more
WOW! 100% worth the hype it gets. made a last minute reservation for 9:30 pm and even though it was so close to closing, service was so fast, staff was incredibly friendly, and it was still very crowded! was so impressed with every single dish, I seriously still dream about the cashew salad with the ahi. our food came out so quick and our waiter had the best recs! Such an amazing atmosphere and the food is great quality, we felt very cared for and I 100% want to try the rest of the menu read more
Many thanks to our loved one (JAE) for introducing us to this magnificent restaurant and generously treating us to such a memorable meal. Every dish we ordered was delicious, especially the Artichoke and California Burger, which were outstanding. The spacious round table assigned to us provided exceptional comfort and made dining even more enjoyable. The service was attentive and professional throughout our visit. Overall, it was a fantastic dining experience that we will cherish and remember fondly for years to come. Many thanks to JAE and the Hillstone staff. read more
Hillstone never disappoints. I was there again, just a few days ago. Food and drinks 5 stars: The food and drinks are consistently great. Their sushi and rolls are better than most sushi restaurants! Service 5 stars: Their service should be benchmarked as the industry-standard for other fine dining establishments to try to achieve. I frequently mention in my other restaurant reviews that service is server dependent. No so at Hillstone. They seem to be putting a lot of emphasis into hiring and training. As a result, their service is consistently of the highest standards. There is no average employee at Hillstone. Venue 5 stars: The restaurant is clean, modern, classy and well kept. The Last Word 5 stars: Very highly recommended! read more
A very good Hillstone experience overall but this place is just busy. Service was slightly slower than desired but still nice. The sushi is solid as a standout, plus the salads are very flavorful. We were in love with the crust for the key lime pie too. While the artichokes were their specialty and they source it from a very particular destination in California, it's personally a skip for me. A lot of work to eat the insides with and for very little amounts after excluding the outer leaves. read more
Always great service, as you would expect from a Hillstone group restaurant. Food is nothing ground breaking but always solid, it's okay to order the burger here. Though, I do wish you would offer a version of the ribeye that's non-marinated like Houston's does. The mid martini cold glass refresher always pleases. Nice enough for a date, but not so nice that catching up with friends and family feels stuffy. Upstairs is a little more quiet and intimate if needed. BTW what's with 86'ing cake cutting service and not letting us know when we dropped off the cake upon checking in with the hostess? You've done it in the past and it would make sense to let us know the change in policy then and not after we finished our entrees read more
Oh yeah this place is totally a vibe. The servers are professional yet chill and everyone just seems to be having a good time. The food is pretty good as well! Nothing was bad, maybe just a bit expensive for what it is. Overall might be worth trying!!!! read more
Hillstone was so wonderful for lunch with the girls! We immediately got a table around 2pm on a Friday and all of the servers were very attentive and friendly. We all cleaned our plates as everything was so yummy! The ambiance was wonderful as well. read more
5 days ago
6 months ago
Dined at Hillstone and was not disappointed! We had a reservation for 2 and got seated in about 15 minutes. We already knew what we wanted to order and the food came out quickly. The food never disappoints and everything was delicious. We decided to order two desserts and treat ourselves to the key lime pie and the ice cream sundae which were both divine and rich in flavor. It was pretty busy for a Wednesday night and the ambiance is nice. Would be a great date spot and better for smaller parties. read more
1 year ago
Idk where the negative reviews are coming from but Hillstone has never done me wrong. We've been coming here consistently for the past two years and we've always left happy. The only time we get a little "ehh" is when we get seated downstairs. It's a bit noisier so not my fave. I like the upstairs seating you get to see the sushi chefs at work. The servers are always super sweet and attentive. We try and get a little of everything so we can share. Whenever the artichokes are in season definitely order some! Also all of their sushi rolls are 10/10 the coconut shrimp roll is my go to. Love the warm towels (ask for them) so you can clean your hands. Parking is easy there's some on the street, theres valet or parking garage. We'll continue coming here and if anything changes I'll update my review (: read more
First time here. The 2 floor restaurant was small yet elegant. It gets jam packed in there for a late dinner. We were here with some friends and we all enjoyed our dishes would definitely recommend to come back again. Food Price Scale: $$$ Food: My wife absolutely raved about the Pan asian salad with pork. Said it was fresh, pork was cooked just right and the flavors were perfect. Ding's Crispy chicken sandwich was very delicious. Buns were soft, veggies fresh, chicken crunchy and not dry. Fries were almost reminiscent of in n out's well done fries but not greasy which was enjoyable. Friends ordered the Hawaiian rib-eye which he described as perfect and very tasty while his wife enjoyed the French dip. Would recommend and would come back to try the rest of the menu. read more
Parking: Park for 90mins free in any of the public lots or there's free street parking in the neighborhoods north of Wilshire if you don't mind walking 5-10mins Experience: My friend and I went on a Saturday at 12:30pm without a reservation and were seated immediately! The service was super attentive and friendly the whole time. She got the chicken sandwich and I got the cheeseburger. Unlike at R&D Kitchen, they both come with fries which is super nice. The food was great and we will definitely be back to try the sushi! read more
After two other attempts to walk in and get a seat at the bar, I was finally able to on a Sunday afternoon. There are two parking structures within one block of the restaurant. Even though it was a bit slower, the dining room was still full of patrons. The staff is all very friendly, they were able to see me without a reservation within a minute of walking in. Nicki at the bar is amazing. Very sweet and great energy from her. Had the kale cashew salad and French dip. It is literally the best French dip I have ever had in my life and would definitely go back for another one. read more
3 months ago
Always love coming here after work with one of my colleague! We both got the martini, which is so good and split everything else read more
9 months ago
Last lunch with god mother before she leaves and had to try the French dip again!!! Beautiful space by the way but always busy...Rain or shine!! Delicious and the burger was so good again but I really like the Cesar and love the croutons!!! Most of all....Staff!!! Amazing!!! From front of house to managers to server ...All so friendly, prompt and sooo diligent!! Don't sleep on the desert!! read more
1 month ago
Their customer service was whatever for take out/home but we'll have to try in person to change my mind. Prime dip sandwich was all right - you can't order any sides for the takeout option. read more
From the ambience; to the servers to the delicious meal, everything was phenomenal. The manager David came to our table, making sure everything was OK. He was outstanding. I will definitely be back. Pictures of my meal are below.... read more
1 month ago
Incredible service, ambiance, and consistently fantastic food. Had a girls dinner this past Memorial Day weekend (highly recommend reservations) and ordered the following: Crab cakes - limited in supply: this was actually my first time having the crab cakes which were served with a side of a honey mustard based Cole slaw. Definitely filling and enjoyable. Rating: Slaw: 10/10. Crab cakes: 9.5/10 The spinach dip - the holy grail of all cravings that usually sends one to hillstone. Paired well with the sour cream and salsa, makes for a perfect bite. Rating: 10/10 The filet - served medium with a side of broccoli and pomme pure. The steak was cooked perfectly and paired nicely with the mash. The broccoli was ok. Rating: 8.5/10 Tip: must order the hillstone crisp martini. It's divine and they alter the cup to make sure it is always crisp. Overall, excellent service and quality in food. There is a parking structure nearby, yet we were lucky enough to find metered parking. read more
3 months ago
I had a great experience at Hillstone as always. The service was very attentive and professional without feeling overbearing, and the overall atmosphere was polished and relaxed. You absolutely can never go wrong with the food. Definitely my #1 spot for upscale dining experience. read more
I had such a great experience here I can't share enough how worth it it is. The service was incredible and the food was delicious! Artichoke dip = a must but needs more chips Sushi is honestly fine. I recommend the coconut roll. The smashed sushi honestly felt like it had been premade (which if you go upstairs you can see it is). French dip 11/10 One of the best French dips out there. Incredible meat that tastes fresh. Ribs 11/10 The ribs fall off the bone and the bbq sauce is incredible. Grilled artichokes are okay but can be passed on. Overall great vibes and amazing service and good food. Definitely worth a stop at least once for a nice dinner. read more
4 months ago
Reminds me of Gulf Stream & Houston's restaurant all in one. Service, food and ambience, exceptional read more
1 month ago
7 months ago
Absolutely Incredible Dining Experience From the moment we sat down, everything about this experience felt special. The atmosphere is warm, inviting, and stylish -- comfortable red booth seating, beautiful lighting, and a relaxed yet upscale vibe that makes you want to stay and enjoy every moment. The sandwich presentation alone deserves applause. The sesame bun is thick, soft, and perfectly fresh. You can see the quality immediately -- juicy, vibrant tomatoes, crisp shredded greens, and beautifully cooked chicken with a golden sear. The layers are balanced, clean, and thoughtfully assembled. Nothing sloppy, nothing rushed -- just pure attention to detail. The fries are perfectly golden and crisp, served hot and fresh. The portions are generous and satisfying without being overwhelming. Even the drinks are served chilled and complement the meal perfectly. read more
4 months ago
Even a Year later the quality of the food and service are exceptional! Never pass up the grilled artichokes as they are the best in the world! Their cheeseburger is better that their R&D kitchen on Montana... yup the sweet pickles paired with the dill pickles is MAGIC read more
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More info about Hillstone
202 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Directions
(310) 576-7558
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http://hillstonerestaurant.com
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Ask the Community - Hillstone
Is it quiet enough at dinner for a table of 4 to have a conversation without yelling?
Yes.
Do you serve baked potatoes before 430 pm? Because I went once and someone said it was only ava after 5pm
Hi Nury, we only serve baked potatoes after 5pm!
Is the chicken organic?
Hi Kelsey, our chicken isn't organic, but it is cage-free, all natural, and raised in California.
Are there Vegan options available at this restaurant?
Not too many. Call and ask.
Does anyone know the name of the artist that did the ferret/pelican surfing painting inside the restaurant? You can see a picture of this painting in one of the first images posted in their album.
Hi Cay, that work is by Steve Galloway.
Is this place a "stuffy" environment, or would a casual, burger-loving teenager enjoy it? Looking for a spot for a graduation dinner.
I think it can be a perfect balance between nice feel for acknowledging a moment like that but not feeling stuffy. During the day You would see lots of business lunches. At night I've seen both date nights and family dinners. It feels upscale but…
Is the coconut shrimp roll supposed to have jalapeno in it (never used to)?
Hi Bob, the coconut shrimp roll does not contain jalapeno.
Are there accessible (no stairs)restrooms?
While the restrooms are located on the second floor, there is an elevator!
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