Orla by Michael Mina - Santa Monica (CA)

4 /5 Fatima Ghahramani: I visited Orla by Michael recently. The ambience was really nice and made the experience feel elevated. The service was okay, and the food overall was good. The standout dish for me was the lamb shank hummus — really delicious and definitely worth trying.

4 /5 Zara Baghikyan: We tried Orla Michael Mina restaurant — overall it was good, but nothing really “wow.” The server was very nice and very helpful, which I appreciated. The only thing I was a little disappointed about was the view situation. They have very limited tables with a view. I barely got a table with a view, but by the time we were seated it was already dark and I couldn’t catch the sunset, which was one of the reasons I wanted this restaurant in the first place. Overall, nice service, food was good — just not as exceptional as I was expecting based on the hype. I would go again for the experience but I wouldn’t consider it a must for sunset.

5 /5 Lynnette Odd: I brought my bestie here for a special birthday and cancer free celebration. They reserved the best seat in the restaurant for us worth a beautiful view. From the time we arrived at Valet, everyone was so personable and welcoming. The hostess greeted and seated is right away. Our phenomenal waiter Ryan made sure we had everything we needed and helped with menu selections. NOTHING disappointed us. Everything was delicious. We both agreed the lamb chops were the best we ever tasted!! The lemon drops our signature drinks were great and extra cold. The night was memorable and worth the drive to Santa Monica. Thank you Orla and chef for making this day so special.

4 /5 Aitana Blose: A lot times, we are trapped in life. No matter if it is the same routine of work, same people we meet every day, or the same partner that we have to be with. We need escape or maybe just disappear for a while to get away from the dead feeling of boredom from norm and the noise from all the human. Then nature is there waiting for you to have a deep connection with your inside. One of the most powerful moment in nature for me definitely is the sunset. You see the color change from light yellow or pink to deeper red and pink. Sometimes the color varies too. It was a great magic show that I always think the best and free show that does not need to reserve a seat or book a ticket and it is never the same so it won’t get me bored. Ocean beneath, has more stories every day. We don’t know. Yet it does have its own rhyme. On the surface, it is just calm. I really enjoyed the view that I can clearly see on my seat. I do not like the food and honestly I put a high expectation on this Star Chef, however it did not amaze me. The octopus was too sour. Probably my first time had such sour octopus. No any place is better than Otium DTLA when making octopus. The Egyptian food experience that charges $105 per person is not worth the price for me. Nothing really wowed me. The hotel’s style is moderate and similar to its neighbor hotel Sandbourne. However I do feel Sandbourne has a better aesthetic and looks more modern. One more thing I don’t like and I do think the hotel did not think thoughtfully is the food gets cold really fast if the table is on the seaside. The conclusion is I enjoyed my seat and ocean view. That’s all. If just come here to do a happy hour and enjoy the peaceful sunset would be more practical and worthwhile.

5 /5 Hayley Di Naso: You can always expect great service at a Mina restaurant. This location is absolutely stunning. Located in the back of the hotel lobby, with a beautiful large bar, and a charming sun room; perfect for a lunch/sunset escape. The menu was really fun, Mediterranean style fare. We loved the chili oil as a table garnish. Great place for a lunch meeting or cocktail with the girls.