ORLA

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

Where the Mediterranean Meets the Pacific

On the ground floor of the Regent Santa Monica Beach Hotel, steps from the sand and Palisades Park, ORLA is Chef Michael Mina's love letter to the culinary traditions of Greece and Egypt. The concept traces the path of Alexander the Great, drawing on the warmth and hospitality of Greek coastal cooking and the bold, aromatic spice traditions of Egypt — then grounding it all in the bountiful produce and seafood of California's Pacific coast.

The Minds Behind the Kitchen

Chef Michael Mina's story begins in Cairo, Egypt, and winds through Ellensburg, Washington, the Culinary Institute of America, and Charlie Palmer's kitchen at Aureole in New York City. He went on to launch AQUA in San Francisco in 1991, earning James Beard Foundation honors for Rising Star Chef of the Year (1997) and Best Chef: California (2002), a Michelin star for his flagship restaurant, and eventually a global portfolio of more than 30 restaurants under the MINA Group. At ORLA, his vision is given daily expression by Executive Chef Fernando Darin — a third-generation restaurateur with Italian roots and a Brazilian upbringing, trained at Le Cordon Bleu Los Angeles and seasoned across acclaimed kitchens including the Michelin-starred Patina at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Chef Darin's ingredient-driven approach, rooted in sustainability and seasonality, is a natural fit for the Mediterranean ethos at the heart of the restaurant.

The Food and the Room

The menu moves through vibrant small plates, shareable mains, and inventive cocktails — dishes like Tuna Falafel, Hamachi Crudo, and Chargrilled Whole Branzino reflecting the kitchen's commitment to freshness and cross-cultural flavor. Lively tableside preparations and unexpected flourishes are part of the experience; meals here are designed to be felt as much as tasted. The wine program has earned the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence for 2025, a recognition that speaks to the depth and care of the cellar.

The Orla Bar — bathed in natural light, with views of the resort pool deck and all-weather indoor-outdoor seating — is a destination in its own right, offering signature cocktails, an extensive wine list, and the sound of the ocean as a constant backdrop. Weekend brunch and a weekly Sommelier Series on Wednesdays round out a calendar that runs from early breakfast through late-night drinks.

The Setting

Situated at 1700 Ocean Avenue overlooking Santa Monica State Beach, ORLA's gold-accented interiors and coastal views create a backdrop that works equally well for a solo lunch, a private celebration, or a wedding. The space includes private dining rooms for events of all kinds — intimate gatherings, corporate retreats, and milestone occasions — all shaped by the same spirit of generous hospitality that defines the Greek and Mediterranean traditions the kitchen celebrates.