Mélisse Restaurant
New American restaurant · Santa Monica
1104 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Highlights
Two Michelin stars, intimate setting, refined French-New American tasting menus
Two Michelin stars, intimate setting, refined French-New American tasting menus
"Two stars. Santa Monica’s stalwart white tablecloth experience is known for wine, caviar, and a pitch-perfect tasting menu from chef Josiah Citrin and his team." - Eater Staff
"Since opening in 1999, Chef Josiah Citrin’s flagship has been a Santa Monica mainstay. Through its many evolutions, the restaurant has sought to offer a certain kind of fine dining experience that will never go out of style. Slip in through a discreet side entrance to enter the enclosed space that combines a vibe-y underground feel with classic luxury. One can expect the finest cutlery and plates, gorgeous presentations, plenty of tableside saucing, and a level of French decadence that borders on gratuitous. The results are indulgent. Truffles, wagyu, uni, and crab weave their way across intricate canapés and courses, ending with a signature finale of dry-aged duck “Rouennaise” that features a rich sauce made with the help of an antique silver press." - Michelin Inspector
"Verdict: In most ways, Melisse is pretty much what you’d expect from a tasting menu-only spot that’s been open in Santa Monica for over 20 years. There are foams, intricate presentations, and servers who have spent a lot of time learning dish placement choreography. And yet, it doesn’t feel stale. If you're down to spend, it's a good option. Reservations are released a month in advance, and we'd suggest booking at least two to three weeks before your dinner. There’s a strict no-cancellation or rescheduling policy, and if either occurs, you’ll be charged full price. Get access to exclusive reservations at this spot with Chase Sapphire Reserve. New cardmembers get $300 in annual dining statement credits." - brant cox, sylvio martins
"Melisse is a Santa Monica mainstay, a deeply fancy restaurant that’s been around in one form or another for over 20 years. A meal here is spectacular, but let’s get one thing out of the way: dinner here costs $800 for two people. Minimum. So, if you’re planning to eat here, you’re probably operating under some very specific circumstances (engagement, lottery win, final day on the job with access to the company card). Once you sit down in the intimate but not stuffy dining room, expect around ten courses (although many have multiple plates or bites involved), attentive servers who fully appreciate how special the night is, and, best of all, absolutely delicious food. Reservations are released a month in advance, and we'd suggest booking at least two to three weeks before your dinner. There’s a strict no-cancellation or rescheduling policy, and if either occurs, you’ll be charged full price." - brant cox, sylvio martins, arden shore, cathy park
"Fine-dining chef Josiah Citrin and chef de cuisine Ken Takayama know how to dazzle diners at this two-Michelin-starred restaurant. Snag a seat in the 14-seat dining room for an eight-course, two-and-a-half-hour culinary experience that can include a seaweed tart with smoked salmon and roe, A5 wagyu beef with morels and pickled ramps, and more. The meal costs $399 per person and reservations are available on OpenTable." - Eater Staff
