Orange County Restaurants

At The Independence, Santa Monica resident Jonathan Chu (Buddha's Belly, Copa d'Oro) has engineered the payload to be three-fold: engaging service, extensive menus and an eclectic atmosphere built around a classic long center bar featuring a bright white subway tiled backdrop, flanked by high-tops and intimate booths. To the left of the bar, a mural by local artist John Park synthesizes an urban landscape in new color. In this setting, a collaboration with design firm WICK, Chu and team have created a new drinking station and dining destination at the apex of Santa Monica day and nightlife.