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A new all-day cafe and restaurant is getting ready to open its doors in Santa Monica this summer, bringing a mix of Australian surf culture, California coastal cuisine, and neighborhood hangout energy to the east side of the city.
Called Bower Santa Monica, the 6,500-square-foot space is aiming to be less of a traditional restaurant and more of a “community hub”—a place where you can grab a morning coffee, linger over lunch, or settle in for dinner and drinks later in the evening. The concept comes from restaurateur Dave Harper, whose past projects have leaned heavily into social, wellness-oriented spaces that blur the line between cafe, gathering spot, and lifestyle venue.
The name “Bower” is a nod to Fairy Bower, a well-known surf break in Australia, and that influence carries through the entire concept. Expect a menu built around fresh, seasonal ingredients—think bright salads, grain bowls, sandwiches, and smoothies during the day, shifting to shareable plates, pasta, roast chicken, and whole grilled fish at night. Coffee will be a central feature, with beans sourced from Harper’s Amigo Roasters.
Just as much thought is going into the space itself. Designed to reflect a laid-back coastal lifestyle, Bower will feature large openings to the outdoors, an open kitchen, and a mix of communal and more tucked-away seating. The goal is to create a place that works equally well for a quick stop or a long stay—something that’s still relatively rare in office-adjacent developments.
Bower is set to open at Colorado Center, a large office campus near the Expo Line that has been gradually adding more food and public-facing uses. For Santa Monica Next readers, that location is notable: it sits in a part of the city where thousands of workers, residents, and transit riders pass through daily, but where truly inviting, all-day public spaces have been limited.
If Bower delivers on its pitch—an accessible, comfortable place that welcomes both nearby office workers and the surrounding neighborhood—it could become less of a corporate amenity and more of a genuine addition to Santa Monica’s evolving street life.
Bower Part of New Business Growth
Santa Monica is seeing a mix of stability and change in its local business landscape, with longtime institutions holding steady while new ventures and concepts move in. Established spots like The Galley—the city’s oldest restaurant—continue to anchor the community, while others are evolving. Blow Me Candle Co. has relocated and shifted toward workshops and events, and Maison Twenty Seven (formerly Palihouse) has relaunched with a refreshed identity. Meanwhile, neighborhood favorite Ghisallo is planning an expansion, signaling continued demand for local dining.
New businesses are also choosing Santa Monica, reflecting broader efforts to boost economic activity and street life. EverBank has opened a new branch on Montana Avenue, while Laya Swim has returned with a pop-up. Downtown, Taco Bell Cantina has filed permits for a new location, though its arrival may displace the long-running The Britannia Pub, whose operators are seeking a new space locally. Rounding out the mix, Dragon Alley Coffee Shop is preparing to open on the Third Street Promenade. Together, these changes highlight a city balancing preservation with new investment.
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