Mélisse Restaurant — Restaurant in Santa Monica

I recently dined at Melisse while vacationing in LA. I was a bit torn on this review. I'd probably rate it a 3.5 overall, but I couldn't give it a 4. Only for the fact that I probably wouldn't recommend it against similar restaurants.

First and foremost, 5 stars for service. This is a Michelin rated restaurant, so the expectation will always be a high level of service. Atmosphere was mostly fine. It is a small venue and quite intimate. I just wished the lighting was dimmed a bit for a more intimate feel. Citrin lighting is what I had expected, so for Melisse to be so brightly lit was a bit off to me as the two restaurants are connected. That's really a personal preference, but for a small intimate dining experience, I think it would have been better.

Now onto the most important part, the food. Overall I thought the meal was ok, but not for the cost of the meal. I've had my share of fine dining/Michellin rated/World's Best restaurants, and this probably ranks in the lower quartile. While everything was super well cooked, the progression of courses seemed to go down hill as the meal went on.

First course - Oyster shooter (delicious), Wagyu (delicious), caviar tart (it's caviar, so it was good), Caesar salad bite (a bit too cheesy). Overall starters were quite good. The Caesar salad bite was probably the only miss for me, as I found the cheese to overpower the rest of the dish. The remaining items you can't really go wrong with to begin with.

Second course - sunchoke soup (delicious), kelp consumme (a bit indifferent here. Wasabi was quite overpowering), and saba escabeche (I'm not a fan of saba to begin with, and this dish did not change my mind on it)

Third course - uni cromesquis. It was ok. Probably could have done with a bit more uni to provide more balance to the cromesquis.

Fourth course - Lobster bisque. Probably the best item of the night in my opinion. Absolutely delicious.

Fifth course - scallop ravioli. I found the dish to be a little too tart for my liking.

Sixth course - turbot. Fish was well cooked, but I didn't think it was anything special.

Seventh course - veal and sweet bread. Again, super well cooked, but nothing particular about the rest of the preparation.

Eight course - duck. Cooked to perfection and the vanilla jujube concoction was delicious.

Dessert - overall ok. The first dessert of pear/yuzu was delicious. The pairing with the salted caramel chocolate was not though. The brie tart I think was unnecessary. The fruit of the day was a head scratcher. The strawberry was overly tart and the apple slice was quite dry. Not sure if I just missed the idea of it, or what. Just wasn't for me as something to end a meal on.

Overall, was kind hit or miss. The meal probably could have done with some sort of pallete cleanse during all the protein courses at some point as well.

For over $1k after tax and tip for 2 people on just the meal itself (no wine/drink pairing), I'd look elsewhere to spend that...

Melissa is everything you hope for and more from a two Michelin star experience in Los Angeles. From the moment you walk into the intimate five table dining room, the evening feels special. The ambiance is understated and elegant, the service is warm and deeply knowledgeable without ever being overbearing, and the meal unfolds like a beautifully choreographed performance with every course more thoughtful and precise than the last.

The menu is a masterclass in balance, technique, and flavor. The Miyazaki wagyu first bite set the tone for the night, rich and perfectly marbled with layers of umami that lingered beautifully. The Croque Madame with truffle Gruyère fondue was indulgent yet refined, while the Caesar with smoked anchovy and parmesan was a clever and deeply flavorful reimagining of a classic. The golden tomato soup, paired with pistachio and strawberry sorbet and finished with Portuguese olive oil, was as vibrant and nuanced as summer in a bowl.

The progression of dishes shows a real depth of technical execution, from the delicate Santa Barbara spot prawn with umeboshi custard to the luxurious ossetra caviar course, every element was perfectly cooked, balanced, and plated with intention. The Wolfe Ranch “Dirty” quail was a standout, juicy and bold with apricot carrot curry and black olive caramel creating layers of unexpected harmony. The quail and lobster tortellini in carrot brodo was a study in finesse, and the lamb course and seasonal desserts struck the perfect chord between creativity and comfort.

What truly elevates the experience is the service. The waitstaff were impeccable, warm, intuitive, and eager to share the stories and techniques behind each dish, which added another layer of appreciation to an already remarkable meal.

Melissa is the kind of restaurant that makes an evening feel unforgettable. Highly recommended for a special occasion or simply to experience one of Los Angeles’ most accomplished kitchens at the very top...

Dining at Mélisse in Santa Monica is more than just a meal—it’s an intimate, immersive experience. With only five tables set up the night we were there, the atmosphere was cozy and exclusive. Dinner feels like an event, starting promptly at your reservation time, with all guests served each course together in unison. Over the course of 2.5 hours, we were treated to 10 courses and a total of 22 beautifully crafted plates.

The menu was an exquisite journey, featuring everything from locally sourced produce to veal, duck, and oysters. The menu is a fixed tasting menu, meaning you don’t get to choose your meals or order à la carte. Instead, the chef curates each dish for the evening. Each dish was thoughtfully prepared, with incredible flavor profiles that seamlessly paired sauces, soups, and proteins. Watching the chefs meticulously prep and plate everything fresh right in front of us was a highlight. Every ingredient is sourced with care and prepared to perfection.

One of the fun, unexpected touches was the music. The classic rock playlist added a unique vibe to the evening—on our night, we enjoyed tunes from The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, and Amy Winehouse. It brought a lively yet refined energy to the atmosphere.

To top off the night, one dessert was a decadent multi-layered chocolate mousse, perfectly capping off an extraordinary culinary journey. By the end of the evening, we were fully satisfied—portions may be small per course, but the experience leaves you full and content.

While it is undoubtedly a splurge, the experience is worth every penny for a fun night out or a special celebration with loved ones. Mélisse is a true gem, combining impeccable food, thoughtful presentation, and a one-of-a-kind ambiance. Everything you’d expect from a Michelin-starred restaurant. Save up and go—you...