Red O Santa Monica

Red O is James Beard award-winning chef Rick Bayless' modern Mexican restaurant in Santa Monica, just steps from the pier (and the Metro stop). Bayless covers all the bases here at Red O, from classics like luscious guacamole, tangy salsa, crunchy tacos and soft quesadillas stuffed with blackened chicken to his unique takes on dishes from states located south of the border. Be sure to taste the branzino, served with a winning combination of wild farro, pepitas, pomegranate seeds and pea tendrils, for a delicately delicious dish. The filet mignon is served with chipotle crema and cojita mashed potatoes, while the shrimp ceviche is a fiery combo of serrano chiles served with plantain chips.