Michael's — Restaurant in Santa Monica

We decided to go here for New Year's and also because we had heard good things about the place. We walked in and loved the ambience, we were shown to our table and everything was great except that guests and people who worked there kept bumping in my chair. Our server was nice and helpful, he quickly took our drink orders and explained how the dinner menu works. It was a 5 course meal starting with bread. We got our drinks and shortly after started receiving our meal. Our 2nd course came first, then came the 1st course and bread and then within 5 mins came the 3rd course. The 3rd course was hot meal so by the time we got to it, the hot dumplings we're turned into one giant sticky ball. We we're looking at the other tables and noticed that everyone was getting all of their food in the order they should, for some reason ours was the only one completely out of order. The 4th course came after we had finished all that we could eat, the steak was good but the ravioli was really sad. It tasted like baby food.

I would have given 1 star but gave 2 just cause of the server.

For a place that charged you $130+/- per plate the quality was really bad.

Will not recommend or...

Michael's is a hidden gem and gourmet heaven - discrete but accessible - on Third Street just a couple doors north of Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica. The cuisine is farm-to-market fresh and sophisticated, providing pops of flavors that dissolve into yummy subtleties. Michael's provides an elevated dining experience without deafening acoustics - such a nice departure! Its lovely garden seating is alluring but for those who prefer inside seating - you will have a front row seat to this slice of green oasis. Chef Jeff presents an innovated fresh menu with extraordinary flavors and appeal -- his big talent well-honed. Shout-out to Michael's host and waiting staff who are all welcoming, professional and the right touch of friendly - providing quiet perfection. The bartender is similarly accommodating and skilled. Not be forgotten, we tried wine by the glass pursuant to our waiter's suggestion which did not disappoint - both glasses were liquid divine - complimenting dishes selected. In sum - check it out! You will not be...

The food was good but the service was awful. I went there for Valentine's Day and they literally just forgot about us. After sitting there for about 90 minutes we flagged our waitress down and asked her if maybe they had forgotten about our food. She assured us that it was on the way. About 30 minutes later, we finally got our pasta dish, but we still had not had our salad as they had forgotten to serve that dish. After 3 hours, it was getting quite late and we had to leave so we asked for our check an did not even get the dessert that we had paid for. I understand sometimes service is not great, but if you are pre-paying a 20% gratuity you should at least get served your food! On top of this, they offered to comp a glass of wine for the wait but when I got the bill the glass was there! I would not have ordered it if I knew I was going to have to pay for it. We needed to leave so I did not dispute it. Food was excellent. Service was the worst I have...