Mélisse Restaurant - Santa Monica (CA)

5 /5 Christopher Metoyer: 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 of its game.

5 /5 Daniel Moody: I have eaten at Melisse twice and both times were absolutely incredible. The staff are fabulous and attentive from the time of setting up the evening through the end of the meal. They are willing to make the evening special and attend to any needs you may have. The food is superb: flawless execution and well balanced flavors. Every bite is meticulously planned and explained by the staff. I even noted to my guest that I’m often disappointed in desserts at high-end restaurants in comparison to the savory courses, but that was not the case at Melisse. Here, the dessert delivers on the same level as the savory courses as an equal: elevated and elegant without being so overly complex or reaching to lose the sweet punch expected in a dessert. The finishing touch of the night was being sent away with a copy of the menu as you specifically experienced it (down to the supplements you selected) for both food and wine complete with the date you dined in an elegant envelope as a keepsake. I have dined at many 3-Star restaurants, and very few have done this: I love that Melisse includes this as a part of its standard practice; it’s a very special touch.

5 /5 Philippe: Chef bring a really refine taste of differents dishes. Everything is made to perfection and meal are well balanced. You feel like you are invited to his house, its a lot of food so make sure you come in with an empty stomach.

5 /5 Andrew Lim: Melisse is an intimate fine-dining restaurant located within Citrin restaurant. The 14 seat dining room is intimate and comfortable and the team services up sophisticated French-inspired dishes. The multi-course tasting menu places an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and refined culinary techniques and dishes are delicate and refreshing. Favorites include the signature "golden chicken" and Hokkaido scallops. Service here is extremely attentive and friendly and staff frequently check-in to address any needs. It was also a treat to see Joshua himself come by the table to introduce himself. Reservations are highly recommended as seating is limited. Note that while the cost is on the higher side of tasting experiences ($399/person), both the quality of the cooking and the elevated service justifies the premium. A special gem to visit if in the Santa Monica area!

1 /5 Liming Dong: One of the most disappointing Michelin dining experiences I’ve had worldwide. After booking a month in advance, the restaurant canceled my reservation without consent but still charged the full amount. Communication was poor throughout. The dining space was cramped, poorly lit with harsh white lighting, and the decor felt cheap — far below Michelin standards. One course was even served with mismatched, stained chopsticks. Food was equally disappointing: nearly every dish featured overpowering sour foam, masking the ingredients’ flavors. Even after requesting adjustments, the taste remained unpleasant. The only enjoyable part was the fresh fruit and the birthday cake I brought myself.Melisse does not live up to its two-star rating.