Tuesday, 27 October 2026, 9:11
📌 A fresh coastal dining concept has arrived on the Westside. Bower Surf Club debuted on September 10 inside Santa Monica’s Colorado Center, transforming a former commercial space into a vibrant social hub. The new restaurant targets both office workers and residents looking for a casual yet flavorful meal.
Founded by Australian-born restaurateur Dave Harper, the establishment draws direct inspiration from Fairy Bower, a renowned right-hand point break at Manly Beach in Sydney. Harper prioritized a light and breezy aesthetic that mirrors his home country’s surf culture. The interior design deliberately avoids overly formal elements in favor of an approachable beach house vibe. Guests can expect a menu that emphasizes seasonality and straightforward preparation.
Harper previously operated several successful Westside venues including Amigo Coffee Roasters, El Chuco, and Bondi Harvest Cafe. This latest project allows him to fully integrate his heritage into a broader dining experience. The drink lineup prominently features roasted beans from his earlier coffee venture, ensuring consistency across his brand portfolio.
The kitchen serves a diverse array of dishes tailored to different appetites. Light options include salads, sandwiches, and grain bowls, while heartier selections feature whole-grilled fish, pasta, burgers, and roast chicken. Breakfast offerings cater to morning crowds with burritos and pancakes. Signature items showcase creative cross-cultural combinations.
“We want people to feel like this is a community club and hub,” said Harper regarding the restaurant’s core mission.
Notable standout plates include the Aussie Brekkie, which pairs fried eggs and sliced avocado with sourdough toast and choice proteins. The Brekkie Burrito merges scrambled eggs, avocado, white cheddar, tater tots, pico de gallo, and house hot sauce. Seafood lovers can try the K38 Baja Fish Tacos made with Pacific rockfish, shaved cabbage, mango salsa, smoked crema, and heirloom corn tortillas. Land-focused diners frequently recommend the Bower Burger, a grass-fed beef blend topped with white cheddar, pickles, Dijonaise, and uniquely sautéed onions infused with Vegemite.
Santa Monica continues to evolve as a premier destination for independent hospitality concepts. The Colorado Center already hosts numerous retail and service businesses, making it a natural fit for a high-capacity restaurant. Local authorities have noted steady commercial development throughout the city, supporting small business growth and job creation. This opening adds to a competitive but thriving culinary landscape that consistently attracts visitors from across Southern California.
The Santa Monica dining sector has seen rapid expansion over the past decade, driven by population growth and increased tourism. Restaurateurs increasingly focus on thematic experiences that combine regional flavors with modern sustainability practices. Harper’s previous ventures established a strong reputation for quality coffee and authentic Australian cafe culture within the Los Angeles area.
Bower Surf Club represents a strategic addition to Santa Monica’s commercial real estate and food service markets. With its 200-seat capacity and emphasis on community gathering, the venue aims to become a staple for daily commuters and weekend explorers alike. Visitors can find the location within the Colorado Center complex and explore its rotating seasonal menu.
