The Best Restaurants in Santa Monica

In an era when fine dining has dwindled, Josiah Citrin has managed to stay relevant by continuing to push Mélisse forward, and not just the cuisine. In 2008, to celebrate his restaurant’s 10th anniversary, he worked with DEX Studio to create a new color scheme (violet and white), installed a floor-to-ceiling wine case, and accented the space with glass chandelier with a black linen shade and hand-blown crystal sculptures from Saint-Paul de Vence, France. In 2012, Pablo Moix and Steve Livigni complemented a robust wine program with deluxe specialty cocktails. As always, Citrin remains French-inspired, market-driven, and plenty progressive. His “standard” menu includes options like lobster Bolognese and truffle-crusted Dover sole, served tableside. Citrin invites diners to give him “Carte Blanche,” treating guests to a luxurious anything-goes experience.

Note: It has been reported that Mélisse will be closing from March 2, 2019 until Summer 2019 to undergo a change into “something completely different.”