Hey Val! I like Sunny Spot a lot, awesome sandwiches & good vibe on their terrace! Alternatively, customize your burger at The Counter, get a crunchy baguette & croissants (feeling hOme!!) at Superba Food + Bread, design your own pizza 800 Degrees Neopolitan Pizzeria or enjoy delicious pastries at Bottega Louie if you're ready to head Downtown. Hihi enjoy! :)

Here are a few on my list that I've hit:

Rustic Canyon Wine Bar - seriously good. On the pricer side, but worth it! The charcuterie was tasty.

Milo And Olive - my current favorite. It's small, with 2 communal tables and a bar, so be prepared to wait a little while sipping on wine or beer. Try their garlic knot (see below), any pasta (pappardelle w. pesto is the best), or pizza (w. egg on top, of course).

Barnyard - get a table in the back outdoor area. Seasonal menu, but the grilled octopus was some of the best I've ever had. 

Scopa Italian Roots - amazing italian. Order the (off menu) baby's first bourbon cocktail. You can't go wrong with the food, go with what you like!

In Venice anywhere on Abbot Kinney Blvd. I like Gjelina, Axe, and Kreation Kafe & Juicery.

A great spot in Santa Monica is The Upper West. Its a ways down Pico but the food is great and the room is always full. Beef carpaccio is great but the miso glazed duck meatballs are simply superb. Most of the other places mentioned here by others are also great go-tos.