Passion fuels Santa Monica’s newest restaurant opening, the Indian grill and lounge Fitoor.
For starters, Fitoor is Hindi for passion. But such zeal goes well beyond the name. Enthusiasm is evident from the thoughtful menu to the opulent design.
Marking the second location of the concept, Fitoor was first opened in Silicon Valley’s Santana Row by AVB Hospitality, the Bay Area restaurateurs behind Michelin-recognized ROOH in Progressive Indian San Francisco. It also is the group’s first expansion into Southern California.
A contemporary Indian grill and lounge, Fitoor Santa Monica serves regional Indian cuisine with a twist. The focus on fire-based cooking techniques is showcased through its lineup of dishes crafted by head chef Surya Kumar and executive chef Vaibhav Sawant. Dashing in an array of seafood options, a dinner might start with the Achari Paneer glazed with a buttercream emulsion, followed by a chicken tikka and jalapeño pizza, a pan-seared Hokkaodp scallop and the Maryland soft shell crab served on a bed of bok choy, crab poriyal and cherry tomato chutney. Dessert options like tiramisu with Kahlua mascarpone and Gulab Jamun Cream Brulee conclude the culinary journey.
Craft cocktails inspired by nature’s elements complement the food program. Led by Anu Bhambri, the Batanga nods to water with its mixing of tequila, coffee, cold and salt, while the Pasha invokes earth with its fusion of tomato rasam, honey, vodka and curry leaf garnish. Artisanal craft beers and wines by the bottle and glass are also available.
For its sensory-rich vision, AVB Hospitality tapped Manu Studios to elevate the dining experience with a maximalist design. Sage and emerald tones dash across the space rooted in warm walnut woods. Adding to the coastal ambiance, you’ll also find sepia-toned mirrored tiles and shou sugi ban-inspired finishes.
“Santa Monica’s diverse, multi-cultural community, world-class restaurants and quintessential L.A. atmosphere make it an ideal location for a concept like Fitoor,” said Bhambri, co-founder of AVB Hospitality. “Vikram Bhambri and I are incredibly excited to share our take on contemporary Indian cuisine with the city and to create a space where locals and visitors can experience bold flavors, lively entertainment and a touch of India’s heritage. We look forward to being a part of the culinary culture that makes Santa Monica so unique.”
Fitoor Santa Monica is located at 1755 Ocean Ave 90401. It is open Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to midnight. Doors open at 5 p.m. during the first two weeks of operation.
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Photography by: Ryan Tanaka
