Hillstone

Hands down the best place for lunch and dinner.
Our office always come here for lunch. The grilled artichokes are awesome!!!

This Hillstone (aka Houston’s) is on point! Full disclosure, I worked for the company nearly a decade ago in Atlanta so my opinion is slightly biased because I know all the hard work that goes into the food, service, and atmosphere.
10 years removed from earning my living there, I’m still impressed every time I go in. This particular location has a phenomenal 2-​floor interior with high ceilings and a sushi kitchen upstairs. Plenty of semi-​private areas for a romantic dinner for 2. The quick service also makes this place a great choice for a quick lunch break.
Special thanks to the Manager and Bartender who took care of me on 2÷10÷2016 around 1 pm. My food took a long time to come out. Nothing crazy but longer than normal. They surprisingly comp’d my entire meal. I really didn’t expect that but I definitely appreciated it.
Full hands in! Full hands out! (Sorry, insider lingo)
Love you guys! Thank you.

One of my favorite restaurants in Santa Monica!
Great atmosphere and always great food. My most recommended dish is definitely the Ding’s crispy chicken sandwich, one of the best fried chicken sandwiches in the world. The menu is so versatile, I could eat here almost everyday!

We went wandering in downtown Santa Monica, CA for a nice place to eat and came upon Hillstones. What a wonderful experience! The server was fabulous and very attentive. The food came out right away. We ordered the Gem Caesar Salad, Tomato Bisque Soup, the Grilled Salmon, a side of cabbage with goat cheese, and a hot fudge sundae to top it off! Loved every bite!

Out of towners (Las Vegas) looking for a place to eat in Santa Monica! We walked around the area then found Hillstone on a web search. It’s American style food. We ordered the chicken sandwich with fries and rotisserie style chicken with mashed potatoes. The chicken sandwich comes in three slider size portions and was delicious! It comes with a slaw made with kale which is also yummy. The rotisserie chicken was moist and the mashed potatoes were not over seasoned with sour cream, cheese, or butter. Our service was attentive and friendly.
For dessert we had the key lime pie and caramel nut brownie with vanilla bean ice cream. The brownie was to die for, but had too many nuts for our personal taste. Key lime pie had a good and subtle taste.
Overall we had a great dining experience with delicious food. Ambiance felt classy and modern. Would definitely come back!

The server was Garrett he was good looking and very nice and made the evening very enjoyable. Although the restaurant was crowded the hostess was amazing we were seated right away always my favorite place in Santa Monica.

Michael, our server, was so kind and patient. I had to wait over 30 minutes for the rest of my dinner party to arrive and it was already 10pm… He was still patient and waited for everyone to arrive even though the restaurant closes at ¹⁰⁄₁₁. The food was delicious!!! I especially enjoyed the apple cobbler for desert. Highly recommend this place not only for the food and vibe, but also the great service from the entire staff.

Very good food and service. Food presentation is excellent. Ambiance is also very nice. Open kitchen is great. Points deducted for being a bit pricey.

I’ve been here a few times and have enjoyed each visit.
Service has been really good. Always prompt, attentive and friendly.
The place is very nice inside and has an upstairs section as well, although I’ve not been seated up there to eat. The restrooms are upstairs as well, just FYI.
Prices are on par with an upscale restaurant. I recommend the pork ribs — delicious!

I was thinking how remarkably consistent this restaurant is. I’ve been here over a dozen times in the past 6 years and never had another less than an excellent experience. That truly is remarkably. I can’t say that about any other restaurant.
Tips:
Make a reservation by phone (it’s busy every dinner and you can’t reserve online)
Everything is good but the ribs are the best and the trout is my least favorite
You can still order their hickory burger even though it’s off the menu now
Their sushi is surprisingly good!
You can order anything off the menu at the bar
Order a side of their house made bbq sauce for your fries
The downstairs dining area is more lively then the upstairs one

I surprised my boyfriend with dinner here to celebrate him receiving an award at work. I made a reservation on Open Table and left a note about the celebration, letting them know that I’d appreciate if anything could be done to make the occasion extra special (i.e., a complimentary dessert of some sort).
We arrived and my boyfriend was pleasantly surprised, as we had walked by here numerous times before and had always planned to check it out. It was packed to say the least, and we were basically shoulder-​to-​shoulder with others waiting. Luckily we didn’t have to wait more than 10 – 15 minutes before we were seated.
The place is huge, with two floors of seating area, and is nicely decorated with eye-​catching art. We were seated in a large booth with a nice view of the open kitchen area and surveillance TV. The TV is fun to watch as it shows a top-​level view of the kitchen and bar prep areas.
Now onto the food… We ordered the Hawaiian Ribeye and the sea bass special, recommended to us by our waiter. The ribeye did not disappoint; it was flavorful, perfectly cooked, and the meat was very tender. I also enjoyed my sea bass, although I would have liked if more creativity had gone into the plate. For example, it could’ve included more interesting side dishes or featured a different sauce on the fish, rather than the standard salt, pepper, and butter that was used.
Throughout our meal, the waitstaff was very helpful and attentive. Our main waiter thoroughly answered all of our questions about the recommendations and the dessert options. In addition, two others promptly cleared our plates and refilled our waters. However, I was sad that nothing special/​complimentary was done for us, even though I left a note. Either they just don’t do complimentary desserts or they didn’t see my message.
Overall, this is solid American fare that’s done well. Prices are pretty high, though, so I’m not sure if I’ll be back anytime soon unless another special occasion arises.

Atmosphere is probably the best aspect of this establishment. Service was fantastic (but since it was our first time, can’t say if we’d get the same from another server). Food was ok. I wouldn’t say «come for the food.»
Spinach artichoke dip appetizer was good, but at these prices, can you please serve organic (i.e. non-​GMO) chips?
My friend’s veggie burger was a patty of black beans and brown rice. Very 1980’s. I’d have thought in Santa Monica they’d be a little more imaginative.
My Faroe Island salmon was ok, but almost tasteless. I had to smother it in lemon juice. The corn sauce didn’t say ‘organic’ so again, my brain went right toward glyphosate and Monsanto. For $ 30 a plate, I’d hope they could splurge a little and use organic corn. The seasonal vegetable, brussel sprouts, were the best thing on the plate.
Again, the food was fine, but that’s just it, it was only «just fine.» I think we prefer Westside Tavern for their menu, it’s just more extensive and has more for vegetarians. The food at Hillstone was almost ‘corporate’ tasting. Perhaps this is a good place if you want sushi and beer (there are two sushi chefs on the 2^nd floor toiling away non-​stop).
This was all the more reason to commend our waiter for making it a great evening, despite the «just ok» food.

I love Hillstone Group restaurants. It’s no joke. I’ve been to every Hillstone restaurant in Los Angeles from Hillstone to Houstons to R&D, Gulfstream, Bandera, Honor Bar, and South Beverly Grill and I love them all but this former Houston’s now called Hillstone will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s where I got my start with the chain and I can’t help myself but keep coming back.
Why?
Well because the food, service and setting are just right. The food is delicious and usualyl served quickly and the service is on point. There is also a bunch of variety. One day I can get soup, the next I can get a salad, the next day a delicious burger, the fourth some great sushi, and so on and so forth. I can eat a different dish that I love each day of the week if I wanted to, though I’m afraid my weight goals won’t allow that.
From the burgers to the sushi everythinrg is top notch. The California Burger is hands down the best burger I’ve ever had anywhere and the Osaka Style Tuna «roll» is the best americanized sushi I’ve ever had.
The drinks leave a bit to be desired but sicne I usually stick to water I don’t really care.
The service is the best part, always on point and with a smile, and if you get Nicky you’re in for a treat, definitely the friendliest and most efficient service you’ll receive anywhere in Santa Monica.
Sure you’ll wait to get in but let me tell you, that wait is definitely worth it for the dining experience and value you’ll get, but please, don’t go when I’m in there, I don’t want to wait any longer to get my sushi/​burger/​firehouse chili/ding’s chicken/​etc.

Visited on a Friday afternoon at 2 pm and man, the restaurant was packed! Luckily, I had called ahead and made a reservation. It took them a little while to seat us, but they lead us to a comfy booth in the back of the restaurant. Unfortunately about 20 min in, the front of the house hostess asked if we could move to a different table because we had a stroller and it was blocking the walkway. They were really nice about it and helped us move very quickly. Great service!
We ordered: the spinach artichoke dip (comes with salsa and sour cream), the cheeseburger and the slow roast ribs. The ribs were amazing! Fall off the bone moist, juicy and absolutely tangy with perfection! The spinach dip was very creamy and cheesy. I didn’t try the cheeseburger but there was nothing left on my cousin’s plate, so I assume it was really delicious. I was very impressed with the dishes overall. I think the price is a little high though. $ 16 for a cheeseburger is a bit over the top for me. DEFINITELY MAKE A RESERVATION! the space isn’t big so fills up fast!

This place is great! Great food, great drinks, great staff!
Marisa was amazing and very knowledgable, and everyone of her recommendations was on point.
The location great too, right in the heart of Samo.
Will definitely return soon!

+Located one block East of the Pacific Ocean
+ 2 story restaurant with a focus on meats on entry level and fish atop.
+ Gigantic bar and booth seating
+ Great for medium parties that are celebrating a birthday /​anniversary
+ Reservations and valet parking
I suggested this restaurant to my dear friends, who took me out in honor of my birthday.
Our server was Sutherland, a charming guy, who understand elevated service expectations for a luxury restaurant. He was attentive and courteous.
We ordered multiple platters of sushi rolls– all common but with more complex flavors and textures. A great way to raise expectations immediately.
We ordered 2 Ahi Tuna entrees and 2 filet medium rare steaks. I was in dream land. There was a side of squash spaghetti– I know— but just try it!
The Cosmo’s were straight outta Sex In The City.
Great place to have a laugh with friends.

Super busy on Saturday nights, so make sure to make reservations! Their staff is huge, so great service. Things we ordered:
Tuna Mango Roll: really good! Made with soy paper
Ciabatta cheese toast: sooo good. Get a side of the buttermilk garlic dressing to dip it in
Hawaiian Ribeye: must order!!! Soon delicious!
Everything was delicious. Would definitely go back!

This is a perfect place for beautiful sushi and perfect steaks. I have enjoyed many dinners here over the years. Never have I been disappointed by either the service or the consistency of simple well prepared food.
For a restaurant that could be pretentious it is surprisingly down to earth and value the local clientele as well as cater to the tourists. I always feel welcome when I come through the door and leave feeling even better!

Oh, Hillstone. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways…
1) Consistency. Every time I eat here (or any of the other restaurants in the Hillstone restaurant group, for that matter), everything is always good: food, drinks, service, ambience.
2) Deliciousness. Everything I order tastes exactly how that food item should taste. Ding’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich tastes just how a chicken sandwich should. The ribs, key lime pie, Pimm’s cup… I think actually everything I’ve ever had here was the paragon of that type of food or beverage. And don’t miss the Paloma, which they dress up with pink peppercorns. It’s the girliest-​looking drink ever (a pink drink with pink peppercorn confetti), but it’s delicious enough to be enjoyed by either gender.
3) Ambience. Beautiful restaurant, comfortable tables.
4) Service. Always on point. The waitstaff is friendly, attentive, knowledgable.
Are those not enough reasons for you? Get yourself to Hillstone!

Hungry? Why wait?
Just kidding! You might actually have to wait at Hillstone because there is almost always a line. Yes this includes regular weeknights.
Whether you wait five minutes, or about forty the food will not disappoint nor will the ambiance.
There IS something for everyone.
Side-​note *They now have sushi which is oddly surprising but who am I to complain?*
The décor at this particular location is modern and upscale but you’re not obligated to look overly legit. I mean in all fairness it’s right off of third street.
Expect people from all walks, whether that be a shopping escapade, family dinner, or a quaint date.
Back to the food. I suggest the burger with french fries and a bottled coke.
If you’re looking for something more meaty than go for the filet steak with a side of broccoli and mashed potatoes (make sure to ask for steak sauce and a wedge of lemon) — thank me in your thoughts!
Dessert? Of course!
— Apple pie with candied walnuts and vanilla bean ice cream
— The fudge brownie, need I say more?
Here’s to consistency and food that’s worth the wait.
Happy Eats Unilocalers