R+D Kitchen
A sleek Santa Monica hotspot offering elevated American cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients and impeccable service.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
R+D Kitchen
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sleek Santa Monica hotspot offering elevated American cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients and impeccable service.
"This place is solid and super consistent with incredible food and fantastic service!"
Go Early to Avoid Waits
Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early, especially on weekends, to snag a table without a long wait.
Must-Try Menu Items
Don't miss Ding's chicken sandwich, Duo Dip, Scottish Salmon, and the ribs. Sides can often be substituted for free.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
New American
Price
$$$
Phone
(310) 395-3314
Address
1323 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ding's Crispy Chicken Sandwich
A local legend! This sandwich is praised for its luscious flavors, soft, buttery bun, and delicious vinaigrette slaw.
Exceptional Service and Atmosphere
Diners rave about the attentive staff and polished, yet approachable ambiance. A great spot for a lively meal.
Dietary Accommodations
Praised for having a dedicated gluten-free fryer, making it a welcoming choice for those with celiac disease.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Go Early to Avoid Waits
Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early, especially on weekends, to snag a table without a long wait.
Must-Try Menu Items
Don't miss Ding's chicken sandwich, Duo Dip, Scottish Salmon, and the ribs. Sides can often be substituted for free.
Gluten-Free Friendly
They offer a dedicated gluten-free fryer, making it a safe and delicious option for gluten-sensitive diners.
Tips
from all over the internet
Go Early to Avoid Waits
Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early, especially on weekends, to snag a table without a long wait.
Must-Try Menu Items
Don't miss Ding's chicken sandwich, Duo Dip, Scottish Salmon, and the ribs. Sides can often be substituted for free.
Gluten-Free Friendly
They offer a dedicated gluten-free fryer, making it a safe and delicious option for gluten-sensitive diners.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
R+D Kitchen is lauded for its consistently delicious, elevated American cuisine and exceptional service in a polished atmosphere. Diners particularly praise signature dishes like Ding's Crispy Chicken Sandwich and the ribs, and appreciate the accommodating nature towards dietary needs, such as gluten-free options. The main drawback is the lack of reservations, often leading to significant wait times, but the food and service are widely considered worth the patience.
"This place is solid and super consistent. The vibe is a bit polished but pretty in line with the rest of the restaurants in the area.
Standout dishes the Scottish Salmon, the classic cheeseburger (I go lettuce-wrapped), can't forget the Hillstone Nergroni! Prices are reasonable, and you're allowed to usually sub out sides at no cost. Always a good time!"
Anish Thakkar (Doc Thakkar)
"So I’ve popped into this place quite a few times and was unable to get a table without a crazy long wait. So, determined, my girlfriend and I went at 5 PM on a Monday and managed to snag a table within 20 minutes. It’s such a buzzing spot and so many people want to eat there. So I guess my recommendation is just going early. That’s the only reason I gave it four stars because you can’t make reservations. As far as I know. With that said, the food is absolutely incredible and the service is fantastic. We got the popular Ding’s chicken sandwich, some fries, and the deviled eggs to start. Everything was fantastic and delivered quickly. I actually wish I was hungrier because I wanted to try some other things, but I’ll have to go back another day (super early). Here’s what the sandwich looks like (see photo) . It’s the most luscious flavors and the bread is so soft and buttery and melts in your mouth. You won’t regret it. Just go early."
Brittany Furlan
"We came with our child who has celiac disease, and they have a dedicated gluten-free fryer — which is a rare and wonderful find. The place was packed, but we discovered a standing area along the bar near the kitchen staff and servers where we could still enjoy our meal. The staff was incredibly kind and attentive, and the food… simply outstanding!
It’s clear they care deeply about both the quality of their food and the needs of their guests. Highly recommend — especially for families managing dietary restrictions."
Julia Kramar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
No, R+D Kitchen does not accept reservations. It is recommended to visit early to avoid potentially long wait times.
Popular recommendations include Ding's chicken sandwich, Duo Dip, Scottish Salmon, and the ribs. Many sides can be substituted at no cost.
Yes, they have a dedicated gluten-free fryer, making it a great option for those with celiac disease.
The restaurant has a polished operation, suggesting a smart casual dress code is appropriate.
Yes, R+D Kitchen offers a full bar with signature cocktails, beers, and a selection of wines.
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The 20 Best Restaurants In Santa Monica
Another Montana Avenue favorite, R + D Kitchen is a longstanding Santa Monica hot spot. From the same owners of the celebrated Hillstone restaurant, R + D Kitchen serves elevated, fresh American food in a sleek setting. R + D is also one of only a few Montana Avenue restaurants with a liquor license, offering guests a full bar as well as a list of exciting signature cocktails, beers on tap, and an array of nice vino.
Best Places For Fried Chicken In Los Angeles
R&D's menu is not as extensive or long as are the menus at the other related Hillstone Group restaurants, but the food here is nothing short of incredible. It shows by the line out the door, and the patrons who keep frequenting this Montana Avenue hot spot each week. For a real fried chicken treat, R+D Kitchen's famous Ding's Crispy Chicken Sandwich with their famous vinaigrette slaw is always a solid bet.
Top Restaurants On Montana Avenue
A favorite spot with Santa Monica locals, R&D Kitchen churns out delicious items from the esteemed Hillstone Group night after night like it's no big deal. Here, you can expect a lively, bustling atmosphere each evening. Diners will enjoy beautiful artwork, an open kitchen and a welcoming staff that greets you at the door right off Montana Ave.
LA’s Best Restaurants Listed from A through Z
With the modern aesthetic and witty artwork, R+D’s snazzy atmosphere amplifies the deliciousness of the food. Serving polished versions of classic American cuisine, there is truly no way to go wrong. The famous Ding’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich paired with the crunchy, thin-cut fries are a match made in food heaven.
Local Restaurants in Santa Monica
Locals swear by Ding’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich at R+D Kitchen. This American-style restaurant is an excellent place for a shopping break. Deviled eggs, Greek-style chicken and the Newporter salad all come highly recommended by locals, as one of the best restaurants in Santa Monica.
Suggestions for Nightlife in Santa Monica
Father's office has some hotties, but R&D Kitchen is at 14th and Montana and that has a definite rep. We all say R&D stands for Rich and Divorced. If you're specifically targeting younger, I would stay away from that area. Plus there isn't any real value to that area.
Places to Eat in Santa Monica
The Santa Monica outpost of this popular restaurant chain is a modern, light-filled space with a hearty, no-fuss menu. Whether you’re here for lunch or for dinner, you want the crispy chicken sandwich with vinaigrette slaw. R+D Kitchen: 1323 Montana Ave; 310-395-3314
The 10 Best Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Santa Monica | by Edible Project
Inspired by California’s indoor/outdoor culture, R+D has light American fare and much more. Prepare yourself to wait in line for a bite at this jam packed zagat-rated joint that also has a lively bar scene. You’ll be glad to know that it’s worth it.
Best Bar Scenes In Santa Monica
November 18, 2019 bottom_post, Entertainment Elephante, Happy Hour Santa Monica, Nobu Malibu, Ocean view, R+D Kitchen, The Fairmont, Wally's Santa Monica
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