Los Angeles Michelin 🌟｜Mélisse Restaurant

As a long-standing French restaurant in California with multiple years of two Michelin stars, Chef Josiah Citrin truly masters the blend of French elegance and California flair. But after trying it myself, I have to say: starters were divine, mains were questionable? 😅 (And here’s the real bill breakdown!) 🍽️ A Rollercoaster for the Taste Buds The starters were absolutely heavenly! Caviar egg custard burst with oceanic sweetness; uni chawanmushi mixed Hokkaido and Santa Barbara uni with fermented yuzu honey — so umami it made my eyebrows dance! 🥰 Lobster pine nut risotto was rich and aromatic, with lobster so tender I wanted to applaud. The mains were overwhelmingly salty — from the scallop onward, the salt level skyrocketed. The signature hay-roasted chicken was tender but salt-forward; lamb chop with spring rolls was a salty-bitter duet (neighboring tables kept asking for water refills 😂). Thankfully, desserts — chocolate ganache and pineapple sorbet — saved the day! 💸 Bill Shock Alert: Hidden Costs + Tip Culture Base tasting menu: $399/person Truffle supplement: +$175 Wine pairing: +$280 Tax & fees: $1018+ total 😱 ⚠️ Note: California Michelin spots love adding supplements — feels less transparent compared to Europe’s all-inclusive pricing. Service was attentive (they even escorted us to the restroom), but noticeably warmer toward those ordering wine and upgrades. 🍷 For Wine Lovers: Pairing Till You’re Tipsy From IWA 5 sake 🌟 to Dom Pérignon 🍾️ and Napa Cabernet… glasses kept coming! Couldn’t finish them all. Recommend ordering Krug by the glass ($150) or going for a bottle instead — the pairing isn’t the best value. 🌿 Ambiance & Vibe: Cozy Yet Cramped The restaurant is tucked inside the one-star Citrin, with only 5 tables seating 14 guests. Intimate, but tables are close — you might make awkward eye contact with neighbors. Music was retro-chic, but the space felt less luxe than expected. Good for dates, but don’t expect a spacious, grand setting. 📌 Honest Take: Worth trying for the starters and wine list! ✅ Pros: Creative starters, stellar wine selection, detailed service. ❌ Cons: Overly salty mains, many add-ons, tight seating. 💡 Tip: Go for the base menu + order wine by the glass, skip the lamb and heavily seasoned mains. If it’s a special occasion, mention it — they might offer a sweet treat! 📍 Mélisse 1104 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401 #Michelin #LA #LosAngeles #StudentEats #DateNight #FineDining #PrettyFood