Crudo e Nudo

Tucked along Main Street in Santa Monica, Crudo e Nudo is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re living your best coastal California life. This bright, airy space with its charming wooden deck and billowing white beach umbrellas doubles as both a restaurant and sustainable seafood market. Partners Leena Culhane and chef Brian Bornemann have created something special here—a spot where every ingredient tells a story and the emphasis on ethical sourcing never feels preachy.

The seafood here is nothing short of exceptional. The crudos are the stars of the show, featuring fish so fresh it practically sparkles. Whether you’re slurping oysters adorned with a delicate pink peppercorn limoncello mignonette or diving into plump clams swimming in a fragrant white wine and olive oil broth, each dish showcases ingredients at their peak. The deep-fried fish collars are an unexpected revelation—meaty, crispy, and absolutely worth ordering on your server’s recommendation.

What sets Crudo e Nudo apart is the genuine care behind every plate. The team works directly with local fishermen and farmers, and servers happily share the provenance of everything from the lingcod caught off Ventura to the rare celtuce shavings sourced from one of the only farms growing it in California. It’s the kind of transparency that transforms a meal into an education without ever feeling like a lecture.

This is a splurge, no doubt about it—but one that rewards you with incredible quality and the satisfaction of supporting sustainable practices. Whether you’re splitting bottles of natural wine with friends on the patio or treating yourself to a solo lunch of oysters and crudo, Crudo e Nudo delivers an experience that’s both indulgent and feel-good.