Fitoor Indian Fusion Unique Elevated Fine Dining in Santa Monica- Oct. 2025
Fitoor is an upscale Indian fusion restaurant in the heart of Santa Monica, and it’s a standout on the Westside for anyone looking to experience inventive cuisine, striking ambiance, and warm hospitality. From the moment we walked in, General Manager Rohan made us feel incredibly welcome and well taken care of. His attentiveness and deep knowledge of the menu added a personal touch that elevated the evening.
The space itself is stunning—modern and stylish, with a sophisticated color palette, warm lighting, and vibrant art that reflect the fusion of tradition and modernity in the cuisine. The weekend DJ was another great surprise—playing ambient beats that complemented the energy of the room without overpowering conversation. It’s the kind of place that feels equally suited for date night, a special celebration, or an elevated night out with friends. They have a belly dancer that roams around and performs for guests.
We opted for a variety of small plates to explore as much of the menu as possible—and every dish was beautifully presented and full of nuanced flavor:
- Burrata with Avocado 1st photo above: Creamy burrata paired with velvety avocado, subtly spiced with Indian herbs and served with a crisp base. A unique East-meets-West twist that worked surprisingly well.
- Branzino Bites 2nd photo above: Perfectly crisp on the outside with tender, flaky branzino inside. These were brightened with citrusy notes and a spiced chutney that added a bold layer of flavor.
- Shrimp with Curry Leaf (1st photo above: A highlight of the evening—the shrimp were plump, juicy, and infused with the deep, aromatic flavor of curry leaves. A must-order.
- Smoked Eggplant in Naan Bread 1st photo above: A delicious vegetarian option—smoky baingan bharta encased in soft, house-made naan. Comfort food with a gourmet presentation.
- Dal -photo above: Rich, earthy, and perfectly spiced. A simple dish, but when done this well, it stands out.
- Purple Potatoes -photo above: Roasted to perfection and subtly spiced—visually striking and surprisingly addictive.
- Chicken Sika- photo below: Succulent grilled chicken with a smoky char and bold masala rub, paired with a cooling sauce that balanced the heat beautifully.
- Artichoke Paneer- photo below: A creative and flavorful fusion dish—firm paneer mixed with tender artichoke hearts in a rich, tangy sauce. A fantastic vegetarian option that doesn’t hold back on flavor.
Each plate was not only delicious but plated with the kind of finesse you’d expect from a high-end restaurant. The balance of classic Indian flavors with modern Californian influences makes Fitoor stand out in a crowded dining scene.
The Owners are Anu and Vikram Bhambri, who started their journey in the hospitality industry in 2017. They are both from an IT background. Their love for food and different flavors paved way for them to start Rooh in San Francisco in 2017. there was no looking back after. They traveled all over and tried different cuisines and wanted to bring in that experience to California with an elevated experience, service and infusion of indian flavors. the major focus was on elevated indian dining, which california lacks with great service, hospitality and a burst of flavors. the Chef Surya Balachandra, comes from bengaluru, a diversely populated city in India in the southern region. he has a diverse and an exceptional culinary background and has been instrumental in the success of many great concepts and Fitoor. They have 4 concepts and 9 restaurants under our umbrella.
Rooh- San francisco,
Rooh- Palo Alto
Rooh– New Delhi
Fitoor- San jose
Fitoor- Santa Monica
Alora- Pier 3 San Francisco
Alora Social- San Ramon
Pippal- Emeryville
Pippal- Dublin
Final Thoughts:
Fitoor isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Between the beautifully curated dishes, the warm and attentive service, the chic atmosphere, and the subtle DJ beats, everything about this restaurant feels intentional and elevated. Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or just looking for something new and exciting, Fitoor is absolutely worth a visit.
Learn more or make a reservation at www.fitoorla.com
Co written by Lisa Rosas, Photos by Marie Llug