Catch captures the best aspects of Santa Monica. The restaurant, located at the recently renovated Casa del Mar hotel, features enviable ocean views that have inspired us to enjoy more than one leisurely meal here, happily relaxing amid the beachfront-chic décor with its hints of seafoam green and a central bar inlaid with mother-of-pearl and accented by gnarled driftwood branches. The service, too, is classy but welcoming—a refreshing change from the overwrought minimalism of so many Los Angeles restaurants. What will really nab your attention, however, is the restaurant’s simple and delicious seafood. Indeed, executive chef Michael Reardon’s love of seafood is obvious; the menu is packed with fresh sushi offerings like Japanese snapper and an excellent selection of crudo (don’t miss the shima aji with ginger juice and mustard oil). Just be careful—the latter is what got us hooked, so considered yourself warned.

Catch Restaurant & Sushi Bar Information:

• Seafood and sushi menu. Lunch, dinner. Bar.