The Santa Monica Proper is a not-so-hidden gem and something of an Instagram magnet. The modern and eclectic space, designed by Kelly Wearstler, is a masterclass in neutral perfection and upscale relaxation.

I hope to stay at this hotel in the near future but my first visit was focused on food. My husband and I made the trek from nearby Orange County to celebrate our seventh anniversary and it did not disappoint.

The exterior is nothing to write home about but the moment you step inside, you know you’re somewhere special.

We started with drinks in the lobby where I opted for my favorite, a French 75. This intoxicating mix of gin, champagne, lemon, and sugar is the perfect celebratory cocktail.

Starting in the lobby lounge also gave me an excuse to snap more pictures.

Who could resist this space? If you have dinner reservations anywhere nearby, I recommend starting with pre-dinner drinks here!

Reluctantly we headed to the rooftop for our dinner reservations but were immediately rewarded with sweeping views of the LA skyline. As soon as we settled into our seats, I knew this would be a meal to remember.

To start, we ordered a medley of marinated olives and hummus served with house-made laffa bread. While both made a perfect starter, I found the olives also carried me through the meal as I kept returning to them between dishes.

The bread was unmissable. Seriously, don’t go and not order a dish served with their laffa bread. A type of flatbread, it’s perfect for dipping but I would also happily eat this on its own.

After striking up a casual conversation with a nearby table, they readily shared their favorite menu picks and were insistent that we order the crispy halloumi. I’m so grateful for this recommendation as it ended up being my favorite dish of the night!

A wedge of grilled halloumi cheese arrived generously seasoned to perfection. It’s one of those cheeses that squeaks when you’re chewing and I have an odd affinity for that. The squeaky characteristic always seems to follow the best cheeses!

Since we were there on the weekend, we decided to sample their weekend only sushi menu. Sticking with a classic, we opted for a spicy tuna roll. It was fresh and high quality but ultimately wasn’t a standout dish. It felt like a stark departure from the mediterranean focused cuisine and we’ve had better sushi elsewhere.

We rounded out our meal with a tenderloin steak kabob (amazing) and brussel sprouts (mediocre). What I love about mediterranean food is that everything pairs so well together. The hummus from our starter was fantastic paired with the steak – so good I barely even tried the chimichurri it was served with.

Dishes are ordered for the table – they’re meant to be shared and nibbled at long after you’re full. We definitely over ordered but I have no regrets. If you plan a dinner of your own, reservations are highly recommended!