Santa Monica Place Finally Opens

After more than two years of road closures, ubiquitous dust, and scores of construction vehicles that reduced the already minimal parking near the 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica Place is finally open.

With a selection of high-end stores including Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch, and Hugo Boss, and much-needed stores like Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom, the mall certainly fills a void for West Los Angeles residents who were too intimidated by the horrendous traffic to venture east for a shopping fix.

There are also a number of new dining options providing competition to the touristy and overpriced restaurants that line the 3rd Street Promenade. From Japanese fare at Ozumo to Italian food at Pizza Antica, even the pickiest eaters will be able to find something to enjoy.

For a less expensive and more casual option, check out the third level Dining Deck which boasts "ocean breezes, spectacular Santa Monica views, and a one-of-a-kind setting."

One can only hope that the shopping plaza's intermittent website is not an indication of the way the new mall plans to run it's operations!

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