Punch Grill, Santa Monica

Quality dining and value combine in the casual meets upscale Punch Grill, opened in 2006, the inviting contemporary design, bathed in soothing earth tones, creating a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. Punch Grill is equally inviting for a business lunch or larger groups, it proves itself as a local favorite with exceptional service,
food, and prices, all converged in a tastefully adorned setting. The lounge is the
perfect spot to unwind after work, or watch a favorite sporting event.

Front Entrance and Bar Area

Punch Grill specializes in mesquite grilled streaks, fresh seafood, and some surprisingly exotic dishes. Casual and refined, Punch Grill celebrates the supper club experience by seamlessly combining all the trappings of a traditional private restaurant – warm woods, leather booths and soothing palates, while mitigating those elements
with an uncomplicated menu, soft lighting, fine chine and unobtrusive
attentive service without the attitude.

Everything about the restaurant is comfortably accessible; the service, atmosphere
and menu all take cues from relaxing evenings with friends and family.
Co-owners Claudia Arnall and Free Bambadji have created a
timeless, comfortable and nuanced space with classic cuisine.

Co-owners Claudia Arnall and Free Bambadji (Left)

Catering to those who insist on top quality ingredients, executive chef Peter Sang, a former Patina acolyte, has placed favorites such as braised short rib ravioli with a touch of spicy horseradish, a robust filet mignon chile with a generous garlic kick,
New England Claw chowder, and crispy French fries as well as
many other American classics.

In keeping with Punch Grill’s desire to be accessible, the restaurant offers a wide selection of wines and champagne by the glass and hundreds of bottles displayed
on the nearly flooor to ceiling polished wood wine case that spans two
walls in the glass partitioned private dining room.

White Grape Martini / Pomegranite Martini / Long Island Ice Tea

Positioned adjacent to the dining room is the inviting and cozy Punch Grill bar and lounge. Featuring a jazz performer Friday nights; the lounge is an idyllic spot to
chat with friends after work, enjoy a full menu or grab a quick bite from the
lounge menu while watching a game on the plasma screens and discover
the signature cocktails. Daily “happy hours” specials make the
lounge even more inviting from 4:00pm – 7:00pm.

White Wine Charming Waitress Kate

Shortly after being seated, our magnificent and charming waitress Kate, brought us the amazing menu with so many great items, that it was hard to decide what to try first.
A warm selection of fresh breads and butter was served before
we began our fabulous meal.

Tuna Avocado Tartar

Spinach Artichoke Fondue File Mignon Garlic Chile

Skillet of Roasted Shrimp served with Garlic and Butter

Next, we sampled an exotic appetizer tray, which included the most delicious appetizers of the house and they were big enough to be shared in 4 people.
Our first choice was the Spinach Artichoke Fondue with Gruyere Classic, a
Tuna Avocado Tartar, with a soy ginger dressing and crispy won tons, a
Skillet of Roasted Shrimp served with Garlic and Butter, one of the best
shrimp I ‘ve ever tasted and a File Mignon Garlic Chile, simply delicious served
with thin toasted bread. Each of these offerings was a masterpiece unto itself
and it went perfectly with our glasses of Gary Farrell “Red Label” Napa –
Sonona and a glass of the Ceretto Blange Arneis Chardonnay.

Tomato, Avocado, Cheese Salad OnionNew England Clam Chowder

Kate, then arrived with one of Punch Grill’s signature salads: Tomato, Avocado & Maui Onion; chopped with manchego cheese on the house dressing. It was extremely flavorful, and proved to be a wonderful prelude to the deliciously prepared Punch Chowder the traditional New England style Clam Chowder.

The soup at this restaurant is dense and extravagant in fine taste and aroma,
one of the best chowders in town, definitely!

By the time our entrées were served we had practically eaten our fill, but had our gastronomic vigor renewed by the magnificent dishes that were placed before us.

BBQ Baby Back Ribs

Sides of Sweet Potato Fries and Onion Rings

Punch Grill’s BBQ Baby Back Ribs were delightfully balanced with a side portion of Sweet Potato Fries and Maui Onion Rings. This thick and tender ribs were bursting with flavor and truly a meat lover’s delight.

Filet Mignon with Pinot

Seabass

We also enjoyed one of the specialties of the house: The Filet Mignon with Pinot was the elemental mix of comfort food and haute cuisine. I could not pass without trying the special of the night Seabass, which was also a top notch winner of the night!

Chocolate Souffle Berry & Peach Cobbler

Desserts…, although it was a bit difficult for us to fully appreciate at this point in our sumptuous repast. Nonetheless, the Chocolate Souffle was a real knockout, as was the Berry & Peach Cobbler with vanilla ice cream topping. My guests and I sat
back for a moment to let our meals digest and to arrive at the conclusion that
Punch Grill restaurant is certainly one of a kind, a flawless dining experience,
with consistently exceptional food of exquisite quality and artful presentation,
perfectly executed and gracious service, in an elegant and casual setting. Wine
list of exceptional depth, breadth, and organization that complements
cuisine; superior presentation and wine service.

Our special thanks to co-owners Claude Arnall and
Fred Bambajdi for their amazing hospitality.

For map and location click Here!

For more information please visit their website at www.punchgrill.com

Today is: Friday, April 19, 2024