Rural Washington State

I've never had Polish food before and Solidarity made it a great experience. Nice menu, fun drinks (warsaw mule!) great friendly service. Inside and outside seating. I had the duck...the lingonberry sauce it is served with makes a great dish even better. And I ate all the spatzle, which surprised me as I don't ordinarily like that kind of food. Then I had a great Polish apple tart for desert. I've joined the Solidarity fan club and will be back!

+2

Big Fish Dive Club

First time eating Polish food here in LA. The crispy duck was just as good as I remembered the last time I had it in Warsaw. The portion size was generous as well. The other dishes were equally tasty. The servers were friendly and the old house/old furniture reminded us of small restaurants in Warsaw. A definitely to try place for those who haven’t had a chance to try Polish dishes. And, I love its name! It brought back the memory of Poland’s hard fought independence.

+4

Yvonne Whittaker

We found this restaurant online after a long day out. The food was delicious!! Great service, yummy food, and heaters for the outdoor area. The beef stroganoff was melt in the mouth. Hunter’s stew was so tasty, the chicken schnitzel was not dry and the filet mignon was cooked as requested. Perfect!

Alex Y

Some of the best Polish food in LA, great cozy setting and good vibes. Pieogies were stuffed full and flavorful, worth trying all of them. The kielbasa plate was a hidden gem and had just the right amount of saltiness alongside the umami. Hunter's stew felt like a cozier version of a beef stew and worth the try, though portions at this place aren't the largest. We loved the hot apple cider and the spiked apple cider. Service was prompt and attentive. Parking available in the back.

+2

J

The ambience is fantastic. We loved the patio and having drinks outside. Price point is also great and they have a good happy hour. The place gets super packed in the evenings so highly recommend a reservation. In terms of food, try the steak Tatar and the cold borscht. The sampler plate is also great to try. I wasn’t too keen on the potato and cheese pierogi or potato pancakes though, I’ve had better. The chicken and beef pierogi are way to go.

Stella Han

Ended up dropping by for my first time because there was a speed dating event being hosted here. If you’re driving, there is a small lot to the right side of the restaurant but it could be a hit or miss but Santa Monica has a lot of public parking lots nearby so parking shouldn’t really be a problem. At first, you don’t really know what you’re going to expect but as soon as you walk in, you are greeted with a dimly lit outside garden vibe. Perfect for a date, dinner with friends, or an event! I had the pleasure of meeting Matthew the host last night and he was the sweetest! He was able to make some recommendations of the Warsaw vodka mule, stuffed cabbage, side of Mizeria, and the small plate taster! Ended up getting all three. The mule was similar to a Moscow mule but a bit sweeter, they embellish it with fresh rosemary which made it pleasantly fragrant! To my surprise, I really ended up liking the stuffed cabbage because it was very juicy, but also hearty. If you are vegan or vegetarian, they do have a plant-based option, which I hear to be very good as well! it came with a side of mashed potatoes and broccoli, and sat on top of what tasted like a tomato based sauce. The side of mizeria (sliced cucumbers) was super refreshing paired with the stuffed cabbage, glad I got it as it acted as a palate cleanser. If you’re wanting to try a variety of things, I definitely would recommend the plate taster, as it gives you a tasting of a bunch of things on the menu and is perfect for a 1 person meal. Throughout the night, Matthew kept checking in and making sure that my friend and I were very well attended to, couldn’t ask for a better host! Thank you! The drinks, vibes, and people were awesome and I’ll definitely be coming back with more friends! A little hidden gem, don’t sleep on it!

+2

Edward Chen

Came here for a social lingo event and that was fun! Would recommend, saw a bunch of unique languages (I was trying to practice mandarin but was feeling a bit introverted so didn't really get myself out there). But enough about social lingo, let's get down to solidarity. Super cool vibes, i like the outside area a lot. Kind of loud so for folks like me with terrible hearing, could be harder to hear conversations for the dining area near the bar. Drinks were fair, I just ordered tequila soda. Kielbasa was okay, a bit bland but I'm not an aficionado of polish food. Pierogis were good as well. I've heard the place is authentic but up to you to decide. Service was prompt and really nice. They gave me a pitcher to refill my own water which I like since I drink a lot of water. Would visit again to really focus on trying the food.

Jennifer Flow

So delicious and cozy and homey-feeling. The food and service are great and it feels welcoming and you never feel rushed. Came the first time as a couple and brought 4 friends back the second time. The patio is so beautiful and every dish and drink has been perfect. Easily one of my favorite restaurants on the West side!

Cigdem Dee-Shapland

We had a nice time here. First time we were here we sat in their magical patio but last night the patio was closed for an event so we sat inside. Inside is a little noisy and crammed but cozy at the same time. We were there with friends so we were able to taste lots of different dishes. My 6 year old loved their sausages and pierogis. My husband loved their Schnitzel and They are very accommodating for diet restrictions, there is food for everyone here. They have a dog menu for your pup to have dining experience with you. Service is friendly and efficient. Will definitely be back.

+2

I recently dined at Solidarity, and it offered a distinctive introduction to Polish cuisine in the Santa Monica dining scene. Located along Lincoln Boulevard, the restaurant blends a casual neighborhood atmosphere with a menu rooted in traditional Eastern European comfort food. The space feels warm and inviting, reflecting the hospitable spirit often associated with Polish dining culture. The menu highlights many classic Polish dishes that emphasize hearty ingredients, slow cooking techniques, and rich flavors. Pierogi are naturally one of the standout items. These traditional dumplings were well prepared with a soft, tender dough and flavorful fillings that balanced savory and comforting elements. Served with accompaniments that add richness and depth, the dish captures the essence of Polish home-style cooking. Another highlight of the meal was the selection of meat dishes that reflect the robust nature of Eastern European cuisine. Polish cooking often relies on braised meats, sausages, and slow-cooked preparations that develop deep flavors over time. The dishes carried a satisfying savory profile with herbs and spices that enhance the meat without overwhelming it. The menu also incorporates traditional sides such as cabbage-based dishes, potatoes, and other classic accompaniments that complement the main plates. These sides provide both texture and balance, helping to create meals that feel hearty yet well rounded. The overall flavor profile leans toward comforting and rustic, which is characteristic of traditional Polish cuisine. Service during the visit was attentive and friendly. Staff members were knowledgeable about the menu and comfortable offering guidance for diners who might be unfamiliar with Polish food. Their recommendations helped create a balanced selection of dishes that represented the cuisine well. The atmosphere contributes positively to the overall experience. Solidarity manages to introduce a cuisine that is relatively uncommon in Southern California while maintaining a relaxed and welcoming environment for guests. The dining room feels lively but comfortable, making it a good setting for both casual meals and social gatherings. Overall, Solidarity delivers a flavorful and authentic Polish dining experience with hearty dishes, thoughtful preparation, and welcoming service. It stands out as a unique culinary destination for those interested in exploring Eastern European cuisine in Santa Monica.

alex

I recently had the chance to try out this restaurant, and it was actually my first time visiting a Polish restaurant. I didn’t know what to expect, but it turned out to be a good experience. I ordered the beef stroganoff and small plate tester, which was part of a happy hour deal, to try some pierogies and sausages. The beef stroganoff was good, the meat was tender, and the mushroom sauce had a nice flavor. I also tried spätzle for the first time. It felt like compressed pasta, and it goes with the sauce very well, which made it a great match with the beef. The pierogies were pretty good - crispy, flavorful, and really satisfying. The sausage was also nicely done, perfectly grilled with a good texture and flavor. Overall, the food was enjoyable, but nothing really stood out as amazing. It didn’t quite feel like restaurant type food, more like something you might get at a diner in Europe. Don’t get me wrong, still it was tasty and worth trying. The restaurant itself is cozy with plenty of tables and a nice outdoor seating area. I didn’t go inside, but from the window, the interior looked nice. The staff was friendly, and the food came out quickly. If you go, I would definitely recommend trying the pierogies. The beef stroganoff was okay, but not something I would strongly recommend. Overall, it’s a nice place and worth checking out, especially if you have never tried Polish food before.

Yulia Volianska

I loved the food and the vibes, but man, who’s this host that is working tonight? Extremely rude person. We came in around 5:10pm, were sat at the table and weren’t told we have a limited time or if there’s a reservation for that table at any time. We ordered food and drinks and were expecting more to come. I haven’t even finished my drink when at 7pm the host came and said we have only 10 min left because they have a reservation. I had to finish my drink super fast, my friends wanted to have another drink and we couldn’t. We had a few more people that were supposed to join later. The host was extremely rude when I said that we weren’t told there’s a time limit. We were told “two hours is more than enough”. Said who? We are not in Warsaw, we are in LA. Basically just kicked us out. Good food. Service -0.

Justin McClelland

Summary: Not on my “Must Try” list of restaurants in Santa Monica for vegans Food: I truly love Eastern European foods and flavors. I’m spoiled in this department with having access to many great restaurants on the east coast, not to mention my partner is Polish. I was excited to try the food here during a work trip as it came highly recommended. I only had one option on the menu, which was a beet salad. Needless to say I was really disappointed this was the only option on the menu that was plant based. On a separate visit I was able to try their vegan stuffed cabbage (didn’t take a pic) and found the flavor to be underwhelming. The salad tasted good, but wasn’t filling as a meal and isn’t interesting culinarily (been there, done that). The stuffed cabbage tomato sauce was borderline bland and the filling was the same. Plant based doesn’t have to be flavorless and boring. Service: Any time I’ve been to this restaurant the service has been good. Servers are friendly, seem to know the menu, and are quick to make sure everyone is taken care of. I prefer the outdoor patio in the back over the dining room. The interior to me feels very dated and a little musty. Recommendation: I wouldn’t suggest for vegans to visit this spot when in Santa Monica. The options are very limited and need some fine tuning, in my opinion. I’d highly recommend the restaurant take the dedicated vegan items off the menu if they can’t improve the flavor of options like the stuffed cabbage.

Stypul

I’m more sad than anything as I write this review. I’ve been meaning to try this place for over 5 years now. I’m Polish. Born there, raised in a traditional Polish home. We went specifically for the Easter special since we couldn’t be with family this year. We were so excited and yet left so disappointed. The white borscht lacked the sour yeast rye taste. Super mild. Deviled egg was salty and there was no egg in the żurek?!? No horseradish? No Polish rye bread!? No Kosciuszko mustard? We have such delicious breads and yet the hunter’s stew is served with white toasted bread?!? Come on! The pierogi are good in flavor but quite flat with very little filling. Kabanos was tasty. Hunter’s stew was probably the closest thing to authentic. The kielbasa in the sampler platter tastes like the American supermarket version. The space itself and the service is amazing. However, food could use a little help in bringing the authenticity home. I’m glad the restaurant is doing well because any Polish representation in California is exciting. But I would just love to see it done right. On the alcohol end of things, would love to see Mad Dog shots (Wściekły Pies) added to the menu. Finally, could we please stop using the word “pierogies?!?” Let people learn that it’s pierogi. It’s already plural.