pasjoli

"The best place to sip a martini at Pasjoli may be at Le Bar, a walk-in-only a la carte space that offers a more low-key alternative to the dining room set menu. Look for the Mar-Tinys, which offer a smaller version of the restaurant’s martini. The PJ comes with Magellan gin, Dolin vermouth blanc, and Angostura orange bitters, while The Jamie is just gin and olive juice. The Mona combines vodka and gin, adding in Mattei Cap Corse Blanc and barrel-aged onion juice for a punch of quinine and umami. Pair the martinis with bites from the bar menu like the dry-aged burger, deviled eggs, and burnt Basque cheesecake." - Rebecca Roland

"If all you know about French food is that it's buttery and expensive, then you already know something true about Pasjoli. But this Santa Monica restaurant stands out from other indulgent places in town because it encapsulates the Classic French Restaurant thing without feeling tired. Choose from two different tasting menus ($95 and $125), each with polished dishes like caviar-topped canapes and spongy brioche toast with chicken liver mousse in the middle. For something more casual, head to the walk-in bar with an a la carte menu of duck wings, French onion soup, and a marrow butter-topped burger." - brant cox, sylvio martins, arden shore, cathy park

"A casual French bistro where families are welcome, though the staff may politely ask parents to manage their children's behavior." - ByMaggie Hennessy

"Fine dining vet Dave Beran serves up an elevated French bistro experience on Main Street Santa Monica. Favorites like the chicken liver-stuffed foie de canard brioche, steak au poivre, and whole-pressed duck, while the rest of the menu offers California-influenced takes on classic French fare. Recently, the menu has turned into a full-on prix fixe menu in the dining room, offering tables plenty of options spread across five courses priced at $95. There’s also a $125 tasting that includes the famed pressed duck. Those looking for a bargain can get a $65, three-course prix fixe from 5 to 6 p.m., a huge boon for anyone looking to experience the place on a budget." - Matthew Kang, Mona Holmes, Rebecca Roland

"A refined dining spot in Santa Monica, California, known for its French-inspired cuisine." - Rebecca Roland