Margo’s on Montana opened November 18 in Santa Monica, California. The latest concept from the family-owned hospitality group, On The Verge Hospitality, by Mark and Lani Verge, has undergone a dramatic transformation both in the kitchen and the dining room. Named after proprietor Mark Verge’s mother, Margo’s, will be a welcome addition to the high-end locale that surrounds the tree-lined streets of Montana Avenue. Paying homage to Margo and the Verge’s family history (his roots go back five generations in Santa Monica), Margo’s will provide an inviting atmosphere plating up hyper-seasonal cuisine to one of LA’s favorite coastal communities.
At Verge’s newest operation Executive Chef Greg A. Daniels, formerly Executive Chef of Salt Air, will be helming the kitchen and presenting an eclectic menu of “California-Modern” small plates and dishes including a lemon crusted halibut with buttered cauliflower and black truffle alongside carnivore-friendly items such a lamb saddle with navy beans, maitake mushrooms and caramelized onions.
The menu also features lighter and shareable dishes for the healthy and body-conscious crowds of Santa Monica, such as butter lettuce hearts edamame and radish salad alongside a hamachi crudo with sprouted lentils, leek vinaigrette and espellette.
Margo’s artful menu design is inspired both by person and in spirit of the classical chic images of Verge’s mother traveling across Europe looking more like a movie star than tourist. Margo’s food philosophy and design aims to capture the classic vibes reimagined with a modern-mid century atmosphere where guests will feel welcome to linger longer.
When asked about the bar program, Verge says, “Margo's bar will serve classic cocktails and house originals as well as select California wines, and artisanal craft drafts.” The bar will lure thirsty travelers from all over LA with a classic cocktail program constructed by Jordan Delp, drink architect formerly of Tom Bergin’s Public House and Dominick’s of West Hollywood.
Serving brunch, lunch, and dinner, this neighborhood gem is all things Montana Ave. Classic but with a twist.
As of right now, Margo's will be serving lunch and dinner on weekdays and weeknights along with brunch served on Saturday and Sunday.
