Fitoor Santa Monica, an eclectic, lively Indian Grill & Lounge imagined by AVB Hospitality, the Bay Area restaurateurs behind Michelin-recognized ROOH Progressive Indian, is officially open on Santa Monica’s Ocean Avenue. Fitoor, Hindi for “passion”, is the concept’s second location – with its first being in the Bay Area’s Santana Row – and marks the group’s first-ever expansion into Southern California. Showcasing contemporary twists on regional Indian cuisine with a focus on fire-based cooking techniques, Fitoor Santa Monica will be complemented by fresh seafood dishes to suit the new beachside location. Fitoor has an opulent, maximalist decor and a creative craft cocktail program inspired by the universe’s natural elements – water, fire, earth, wind, and space.
“Santa Monica’s diverse, multi-cultural community, world-class restaurants, and quintessential LA atmosphere make it an ideal location for a concept like Fitoor,” said Anu Bhambri, co-founder of AVB Hospitality in a statement. “Vikram 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 brings fire-based Indian cooking to new heights, blending the bold, timeless flavors of tradition with surprising and modern twists. Drawing inspiration from its beachside setting, Head Chef Surya Kumar in partnership with Executive Chef Vaibhav Sawant infuses the menu with vibrant seafood creations, adding a coastal flair to the fiery lineup. Offering an array of flavorful dips, shareable small plates, indulgent entrees, and rich desserts, each dish is designed to ignite curiosity for bold flavors. To start, the menu features signature dishes like Achari Paneer glazed with a buttercream emulsion and Avocado Chaat which blends burrata with buttery avocado and tangy Indian spices. Pulled Butter Chicken Kulcha and Chicken Tikka and Jalapeno Pizza complete with creamy jalapeno-infused cream cheese showcases chef’s passion for fusion and blending old and new world cooking techniques. Seafood highlights include Pan-seared Hokkaido Scallop served with peanut butter salad and nut cracker; Maryland Soft Shell Crab served on a bed of bok choy, crab poriyal, and cherry tomato chutney; and the Asado Branzino soaked in mustard paste and flavored with Indian Herbs. Fitoor Santa Monica’s ensemble of desserts includes Tiramisu with Kahlua mascarpone mousse; Pistachio Puff Gujia Vermicelli Kheer Mousse served on the bed of Kheer Espuma; and Gulab Jamun Cream Brulee crowned with gulab jamun and nuts.
With Anu Bhambri at the helm of the beverage program, Fitoor Santa Monica takes you on a sensory journey with an unexpected, yet thoughtfully curated menu featuring craft cocktails designed to mirror the sensations evoked by the universe’s five natural elements: Water, Fire, Earth, Air, and Space. Echoing a distinct element within each cocktail, the Batanga harnesses the water element and features tequila, coffee, cola, and salt. In contrast, channeling the Fire element, the Pasha includes bourbon, Jaan Paan Liqueur, and bitters with a beetle nut leaf garnish. The B. Rabbit, calling upon Earthy and savory characteristics, features tomato rasam, honey, vodka, and curry leaf garnish; while the Polynesian Breeze, one of Fitoor’s Air-inspired cocktails, includes a rum blend, cocoa, pineapple, cantaloupe, and ananas air. For Space, guests can sip on the Milky Way featuring bourbon, port, banana, cream cheese, and lemon. These crafted drinks are complemented by an eclectic selection of distinctive wines available by the bottle or glass, paired with a rotating variety of artisanal craft beers.
Building on their longstanding relationship, Manu Studios and AVB Hospitality team up once again to bring their shared vision of a vibrant dining experience that fuses exotic elegance with nature-inspired elements to create a sensory-rich atmosphere. The space embraces its cavernous architecture by introducing warm walnut woods, sage and emerald hues, and layered textures like sepia-toned mirrored tiles and shou sugi ban-inspired finishes, evoking an earthy, intimate vibe. Guests are welcomed through a dark-stained breeze block entry screen, offering glimpses of the rich design beyond, while a stunning wood accent wall with an arched portal connects the dining areas to the bar/lounge. The emerald green private dining room is a centerpiece, perfect for larger gatherings, while the lounge’s casual, open feel reflects a coastal Santa Monica charm. Every detail, from the organic arches to the warm, spicy color palette, reflects Manu Studios’ mastery of creating spaces that invite connection and inspire Instagram-worthy moments.
AVB Hospitality founders Anu and Vikram Bhambri started their professional careers in engineering and technology, respectively, and together at Microsoft. While Vikram continues to thrive in the tech industry, Anu manages operations across their growing restaurant empire. Throughout their shared experiences traveling the world and exploring diverse cuisines, their passion for food has been shaped by a rich tapestry of cultural and culinary influences. Together, they founded AVB Hospitality, a dynamic collection of fine and casual dining establishments across the U.S. and India, driven by their vision to reshape the food landscape, set new trends, and bring authentic Indian flavors to the global stage. Their esteemed portfolio includes Michelin-recognized ROOH Progressive Indian, along with the Mediterranean coastline meets California cuisine Alora, Modern ‘Regional Indian’ fare Pippal, contemporary Indian restaurant and cocktail lounge Fitoor Santana Row, and now Fitoor Santa Monica.
Fitoor is located at 1755 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Thursday: 11:30AM – 10:30PM
Friday – Sunday: 11:30AM – 12AM
Note: Open beginning at 5:00pm during the first 2 weeks
