🌟 Los Angeles Michelin 🌟 | Mélisse Restaurant

As a long-standing French restaurant in California and a multi-year Michelin two-star holder, Chef Josiah Citrin truly masters the blend of French elegance and California flair~ But after visiting, I have to say: the starters are divine, but the main courses... a bit of a letdown? 😅 (Check out the real bill at the end!) 🎢 A Culinary Roller Coaster The starters are absolutely heavenly! 🥚🍯 The caviar egg custard bursts with oceanic sweetness; the sea urchin chawanmushi combines Hokkaido + Santa Barbara uni, paired with fermented yuzu honey—it’s so fresh it makes your eyebrows dance! 🍙 The lobster and pine nut risotto is rich and aromatic, with lobster so tender you’ll want to applaud~ 👏 But the main courses… way too salty! 🧂😵 From the scallops onward, the salt levels spike. The signature hay-roasted chicken is tender but overwhelmingly salty; the lamb chops with spring rolls are a salty-bitter duet (the next table kept asking for water refills, lol 😂). Thankfully, the dessert—chocolate ganache and pineapple sorbet—saved the day! 🍫🍍 💸 Bill Shock Alert: Hidden costs + tip culture sting! The base tasting menu is 399 per person, truffle upgrade +175, wine pairing +280, tax 101.80! 💳 ⚠️ Note: So many extra fees at CA Michelin spots—way more straightforward in Europe… Service is attentive (they even escort you to the restroom), but noticeably warmer to those ordering wine or upgrades. 🍷 Wine Lover’s Dream: Pairing will have you stumbling out! Sake IWA 5, Dom Pérignon champagne 🥂, Napa Cabernet… glass after glass, you can’t possibly finish! Better to order Krug champagne by the glass ($150) or go for a bottle. The pairing isn’t the best value~ 🌿 Vibe & Ambiance: Cozy but intriguing~ Tucked inside the one-star Citrin, only 5 tables seating 14 total. Super intimate but tight—you might make eye contact with your neighbors. 🎶 Retro music is okay, but not as luxe as expected. Good for dates, but don’t expect spacious romance. 📌 Honest Take: Worth it for the starters and wine list! ✅ Pros: Creative starters, epic wine list, detailed service. ❌ Cons: Salty mains, extra fees, cramped space. 💡 Tip: Go for the base menu + à la carte wine, skip the lamb and heavily seasoned mains! Note your anniversary—you might score a free dessert~ 💡 Pro Tips: 1️⃣ Reserve 2 weeks ahead on their website—dinner lighting is more photogenic! 📸 2️⃣ Dress code: Business Casual—no flip-flops or shorts. 👔 3️ Valet parking: $30. Street parking is tough—better to rideshare! 🚗 4️ Budget hack: Try the lunch menu ($150/person) if you want a taste for less~ 📍 Mélisse 1104 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401 #Michelin #LA #LosAngeles #Foodie #DateNight #FineDining #MonsieurBananeEats #EatPretty #CaliforniaCuisine #FrenchFood #WinePairing #FoodReview #MichelinGuide #SantaMonicaEats #SplurgeWorthy