Cobi's

In a neighborhood where dining options can sometimes feel predictable, Cobi’s arrives like a jolt of energy on Main Street. This Southeast Asian restaurant embraces maximalism in every sense—from the eclectic decor featuring floral wallpaper and chandeliers to a menu that fearlessly spans Thai, Indonesian, and Indian cuisines. Soul and reggae pump through the speakers while the dining room and dual patios stay buzzing well into the night, even on weekdays.

The curry-focused menu reflects the chef’s background running a curry pop-up before landing in Santa Monica. The standout is easily the kanpachi crudo, where buttery fish lounges in lemongrass-scented coconut milk with finger lime pearls that pop in your mouth. For mains, the Indonesian beef rendang delivers tender, slow-cooked beef with crispy shallots—tear off a piece of the accompanying flaky roti, add some sambal, and you’re set. The dry-aged branzino from the wood grill is another winner, its herb-crusted skin staying crispy even while sitting in golden curry.

The atmosphere transforms dramatically between day and night. Weekend brunch on the patio feels like a secret garden escape—sunny, relaxed, perfect for lingering over coffee and banh mi. But once evening falls and the candles come out, the floral kitsch takes on a more sophisticated edge. This becomes a place for animated group dinners, date nights where you might finally say those three words, or deals sealed over natural wine.

For Westsiders seeking something more spirited than the usual refined-but-muted California cuisine, Cobi’s delivers genuine fun alongside its curries. It’s the kind of neighborhood spot that makes you want to become a regular, the sort of place where the energy is as memorable as the food.