Melisse

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, it's a lot of food so make sure you come in with an empty stomach.

We’ve eaten at a few Michelin star restaurants, but this has by far been my favorite. Each dish was delightful both in flavor and presentation. The staff was so attentive it felt like having a personal service throughout the experience. We had eaten at another Michelin restaurant the night before and while the food was great, it was no where near this level. This deserves more stars than it has, for sure. I was stuffed after all the courses bc you want to eat every bite of each serving. The flavors work together and you can watch the entire kitchen work meticulously on each serving platter. The main course presentation was a treat, and as you leave they are so gracious to have you as a guest. Even the chef and kitchen staff can be caught occasionally smiling bc they love their art. By far one of the best dining experiences I’ve had, especially for a Michelin dinner.

The chef's dining room is upscale, but cozy with only 5 tables, all located across from the open air kitchen. The chefs and servers partner in serving you each course, telling you about the ingredients for each dish... like little stories. Such a special experience! The food was fresh, precisely made, and each had blends of interesting components. The plate before dessert, they had a performance using an 18th century press for the duck sauce on top of in-house 21 day dry-aged duck. I strongly recommend their mocktail pairing menu, they are creative in a way that doesn't compare

All ways the best . Great time and delicious food!! Thank you Fernando !

I never knew food was capable of giving me chills and bringing me into complete ecstasy. I have been to several other michellin-rated restaurants, but still none come close to Melisse. This restaurant will always hold very special place in me and my girlfriend's hearts. I have been here a handful of times and every single dish has amazed me with both exceptional taste and immaculate presentation. Thank you Josiah, for this wonderful gem.

I am convinced that Mélisse is one of the most intimate restaurants in LA where you can enjoy various sophisticated fine delights. The creativity of renowned Chef Josiah Citrin shows in every dishes, served in astonishing presentations with scrumptious delicacies. Pairing champagne & wines with the tasting menu here achieves perfectly-balanced components, harmoniously. Located in a serene ambiance, stylish and classy seating area, yet private scene in the heart of Santa Monica, I love that we are able to see how chefs prepare our mains in the most exquisite ways, plus a wonderful sommelier who pays meticulous attention to detailing & displays extraordinary service. If you’re a discerning food connoisseur like me, this 2 Michelin starred place is suitable for a pleasantly charming date night. Overall, my boyfriend and I are satisfied from start-finish, indulging our finest palates properly with the bite-sized portions.

I’ve been to so many underwhelming fine dining restaurants in LA that I was beginning to wonder if I should take a break from the ultra refined, high end dining altogether. Mélisse was a surprising delight and solidified itself as one I hope to visit regularly. The welcome cocktail, a yuzu grapefruit situation with the best foamy egg whites, was so good that I requested another. They had non-alcoholic versions as well. Starters (or “one bite wonders” as I like to call them) tend to be the best part of the meal in many cases, but the mains (most notably the duck) were memorable as well. Two issues: 1) several items were too salty (Chawanmushi and the fish course), and 2) the Koshihikari rice course could totally be skipped - presentation and taste felt out of place. Strong execution, friendly service, and a cozy, fun atmosphere made this experience enjoyable. I hope to be back to try future menus!

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.

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.

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!

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, it's a lot of food so make sure you come in with an empty stomach.

Mark Concannon

...wow...so many amazing dishes served with care and amazing flavors! The wine pairing was expensive, but worth it. Same for the truffle addition. We loved the intimate environment and kind staff. The "hidden door", was fun! The whole thing was worth going at least once!

Jake Rakov

We’ve had a lot of special occasion meals but this one is far and away the best we’ve had. From even before you get to the restaurant, the service is on a whole other level. We celebrated our wedding weekend with a meal here and the staff took such amazing care of us, they made it a meal I’ll remember forever. The menu changes with the season, but you will absolutely be blown away by almost every bite. The chicken main course dish was unlike anything I’ve ever tasted. Save this place for a truly special night.

Henry Ting

We celebrated our 30th anniversary here. And though my wife doesn't eat any raw (uni) or rare (tartar) she sampled them. Haha. But I loved them! We did not have the wine pairing for each course, which was another $250/pp, but we each enjoyed a glass of fine wine which our sommelier recommended to us. Perfect. Book your reservation a month in advance, epecially for a Friday or weekend evening dining experience. Expect 2-2.5 hours. My only gripe is that when Chef Josiah Citrin finally came out to greet the small room of guests, he only greeted 2 tables and ignored the rest of us. Geez. After you pay nearly $1000 for dinner, you don't even get a thank you from the Head Chef.

Sean Stillion

This dining experience ranks among the top three I have ever had. The ambiance was superb, with a delightful selection of vinyl records playing in the background, enhancing the culinary journey. We opted for the wine pairing, fresh truffle, and wagyu supplement. Approximately twenty plates were served, each equally impressive. The staff provided exceptional service without the pretentiousness sometimes associated with fine dining. Chef Josiah Citrin personally visited our table during the tomato course, explaining the dishes and answering our inquiries. The entire experience was truly remarkable. I express my sincere gratitude for such an exceptional dining experience.

Larry Yu

Nelisse definitely deserve their Michelin 2 stars restaurant status. the service is absolutely wonderful and the staff had help set the atmosphere to a really relaxing and comfortable feel that one won't get too nervous over it. and the food is just excellent, needless to say. even thou I missed the previous seasonal menu, but the new winter menu is just as scrumptious as expected. I look forward to trying their duck when the next opportunity arises.

Paul You

Alright, better late than never. The menu has probably updated since I ate back in August, but still worth sharing the beauty. This is my first 2 Michelin restaurant experience and I gotta say, it was worth the experience. I was not disappointed by the flavors. I was not let down by the portions. In fact, I almost couldn’t finish dessert. I was genuinely surprised and delighted with some of the dishes, like the scallop chips and baos. How?! Def come here on a special occasion!

Leslie Fletcher

We’ve eaten at a few Michelin star restaurants, but this has by far been my favorite. Each dish was delightful both in flavor and presentation. The staff was so attentive it felt like having a personal service throughout the experience. We had eaten at another Michelin restaurant the night before and while the food was great, it was no where near this level. This deserves more stars than it has, for sure. I was stuffed after all the courses bc you want to eat every bite of each serving. The flavors work together and you can watch the entire kitchen work meticulously on each serving platter. The main course presentation was a treat, and as you leave they are so gracious to have you as a guest. Even the chef and kitchen staff can be caught occasionally smiling bc they love their art. By far one of the best dining experiences I’ve had, especially for a Michelin dinner.

Katelyn

I've wanted to dine here for a while and I finally made it back in June. The intimate dining room has only 5 tables, and a close up view of the kitchen. One of my favorite dishes was the Caviar Deviled Egg, it even had heart shaped waffles on the side! I also enjoyed their pine milk bread and blossom butter that was served with a mushroom broth. There were three main savory dishes. The Red Bream & Scallop "Farci", was my least favorite dish of the menu, it was cooked perfectly, and the sauce looked good, but somehow it all tasted completely flavorless, which was really disappointing. The A5 Wagyu with a ramp stuffed Morel mushroom was amazing, but the main highlight of the meal for me was the Liberty Farm's Duck "Rouennaise". It was delicious and the presentation was really unique. One of the desserts was a cherry sorbet with "dip n dots" which was one of the most flavorful sorbets that i've ever had, and a perfect way to end the meal. This was such a fun and unique experience but it was probably the most expensive 2 star i’ve been to and I don’t think it lived up to the price tag compared to other restaurants i’ve dined at with the same Michelin rating.

Habib Al Mulla

Melisse is a fine dining restaurant in Santa Monica that has two Michelin star (one of the few in LA). Josiah Citrin's chic French-New American restaurant, known for its season-driven prix fixe menus. When Michelin first arrived in 2008, it bestowed two stars upon Mélisse and again in 2009. The restaurant inhabits a small dining room with only 14 seats. The design is sleek, modern, very elegant. Being half French, born and raised in California and partially trained in Paris, Citrin with Chef/Partner Ken Takayama has integrated the two cultures to create his own modern melody. Collaborating with California farmers from San Diego to Napa Valley, Chef Josiah sources the most unique and exclusive ingredients available. The format is prix-fixe, with a vegetarian version of the menu also available. The signature Egg Caviar features a soft poached egg and smoked lemon crème fraîche crowned with Golden Osetra caviar. They has an add on A5 Japanese wagyu which was spoiled with the unnecessary over sauce.

Helen Hassan

The chef's dining room is upscale, but cozy with only 5 tables, all located across from the open air kitchen. The chefs and servers partner in serving you each course, telling you about the ingredients for each dish... like little stories. Such a special experience! The food was fresh, precisely made, and each had blends of interesting components. The plate before dessert, they had a performance using an 18th century press for the duck sauce on top of in-house 21 day dry-aged duck. I strongly recommend their mocktail pairing menu, they are creative in a way that doesn't compare

Luis Zamora

I never knew food was capable of giving me chills and bringing me into complete ecstasy. I have been to several other michellin-rated restaurants, but still none come close to Melisse. This restaurant will always hold very special place in me and my girlfriend's hearts. I have been here a handful of times and every single dish has amazed me with both exceptional taste and immaculate presentation. Thank you Josiah, for this wonderful gem.

Paulin

I am convinced that Mélisse is one of the most intimate restaurants in LA where you can enjoy various sophisticated fine delights. The creativity of renowned Chef Josiah Citrin shows in every dishes, served in astonishing presentations with scrumptious delicacies. Pairing champagne & wines with the tasting menu here achieves perfectly-balanced components, harmoniously. Located in a serene ambiance, stylish and classy seating area, yet private scene in the heart of Santa Monica, I love that we are able to see how chefs prepare our mains in the most exquisite ways, plus a wonderful sommelier who pays meticulous attention to detailing & displays extraordinary service. If you’re a discerning food connoisseur like me, this 2 Michelin starred place is suitable for a pleasantly charming date night. Overall, my boyfriend and I are satisfied from start-finish, indulging our finest palates properly with the bite-sized portions.

Christine S

I’ve been to so many underwhelming fine dining restaurants in LA that I was beginning to wonder if I should take a break from the ultra refined, high end dining altogether. Mélisse was a surprising delight and solidified itself as one I hope to visit regularly. The welcome cocktail, a yuzu grapefruit situation with the best foamy egg whites, was so good that I requested another. They had non-alcoholic versions as well. Starters (or “one bite wonders” as I like to call them) tend to be the best part of the meal in many cases, but the mains (most notably the duck) were memorable as well. Two issues: 1) several items were too salty (Chawanmushi and the fish course), and 2) the Koshihikari rice course could totally be skipped - presentation and taste felt out of place. Strong execution, friendly service, and a cozy, fun atmosphere made this experience enjoyable. I hope to be back to try future menus!

Jiacheng Liu

Exceptional experience from start to finish. Each dish felt like a masterpiece, meticulously prepared and bursting with flavor. Mélisse has an intimate vibe and it feels like a well-kept secret.

Amazing food, lovely interior and nice people. Had a course and got very full by the last dish and hardly could eat the dessert, but I had to taste it. All dishes were awesome and would make a great special day if you are treating someone for an occasion.

Eunbi Cho

Amazing food, lovely interior and nice people. Had a course and got very full by the last dish and hardly could eat the dessert, but I had to taste it. All dishes were awesome and would make a great special day if you are treating someone for an occasion.

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.

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.

This was the worst dining experience in a Michelin star restaurant! I don’t know how they have any stars at all! The bill came to $1200 for 2 persons Only one glass of wine for $90 Every course was so disappointing! The only tasty dish was the Wagyu beef which was an additional $125 I won’t be returning or recommending! Melisse used to be great… It was a major disappointment! There was no tablecloth on the table and the room was so bright- terrible ambiance!