If you’ve ever wondered what a Michelin star meal would be like, then you’d do well to head to one of these top Santa Monica Michelin star restaurants. Here, you’ll discover not only restaurants which offer a decadent feast but those that are also incredible value for money.
How Many Michelin Star Restaurants Are There In Santa Monica?
In Santa Monica, as of 2022, there are 3 Michelin Star restaurants: one Two-Star restaurant (Mélisse), two One-star restaurants (Rustic Canyon and Pasjoli). In this article, we also include a few others that are not Michelin-starred, but recommended and awarded by Bib Gourmand (what Michelin deems to be good value and good cooking).
Two Michelin Stars **
Mélisse
View this post on Instagram
This beautiful 2-star rated 14-seater dining room provides a touch of unhurried old-world charm and attention to detail in a neighbourhood known for being very trendy. In fact, Mélisse is secreted away through a garden entrance within Citrin, a more fast-paced stylish restaurant and bar by the same chef owner, Josiah Citrin.
Once you step into the luxurious setting of Mélisse, which is dedicated to its delicacies, time certainly slows to a more sedate pace. The room is decorated for celebrations with bright artworks and alternating dark and light hues.
Food is sourced from local Californian farmers, keeping it seasonal and fresh and a celebration of flavours. The seven tasting courses begin with canapés, have plenty of amuse-bouches offered between meals and of course end with a mignardise. Take your time enjoying the butter-poached Halibut served with Kyoto red carrots, as well as the Sonoma Lamb crusted in coffee with asparagus Pistou, and Morel.
The intimate fine dining delivered at Mélisse sets it miles apart from anything nearby and gives guests a timeless French restaurant experience that is always in style. Pricing is from $295.
Address: 1104 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica
Opening hours: Wednesday: 6:30pm. Thursday – Saturday: 5:30pm and 8:45pm
Type of cuisine: French.
One Michelin Star *
Pasjoli
View this post on Instagram
With a sleek interior and exposed brickwork and ceiling boards, Pasjoli offers a bistro-style experience with French cuisine favourites in a laid back but très chic atmosphere. Beef tartare is a staple here, as is the French onion soup.
The pâté en croute is a must-try in winter when you need something hearty, while Salade Classique is a great choice during the summer months. If you need to have a Parisian moment, complete with champagne and caviar, then the marble bar is the spot to choose. A private dining room provides a chic boho setting with white walls and plenty of live plants dotted around. Pricing averages around $200 – but all meals also include a tip built into them.
Address: 2732 Main Street, Santa Monica
Opening hours: Open daily from 5:15pm.
Type of cuisine: French, Contemporary
Rustic Canyon
In need of a truly Californian experience? Then the one-star Michelin rated Rustic Canyon is your best bet. This wine bar and seasonal kitchen have a classy atmosphere, complete with a dining room and lounge that provide a laid-back shelter to retreat to with cushioned banquettes and wooden tables. The menu changes often to adhere to the seasonal kitchen principles. If you get the chance though, their Brandt beef consisting of bresaola and carpaccio is a must-try choice for meat lovers, while their sourdough pasta with English peas and anchovy is an elevated experience. Please note a 4% surcharge is added on to each bill.
Address: 1119 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica
Opening hours: Open daily from 5:00pm-9:30pm
Type of cuisine: Californian
Bib Gourmand Rated Restaurants (not Michelin-Starred), but recommended
Colapasta
View this post on Instagram
Colapasta is a fantastic value for money Italian Bib Gourmand choice, and their average meal prices range from $6 to $45. Chef Stefano De Lorenzo is a talented, Michelin star chef and his restaurant partner Lazzaro Marco Ferrari (of Fatto a Mano) serve a specialised Italian menu with antipasti favourites, which include a hearty soup of the day, and artisan-crafted pastas (which you can often watch them make). The meals are served on a small patio and if you need recommendations, then you need to know that their lasagne is a rich layered feast, while their fresh gelato and sorbets are an icy treat on a humid afternoon
Address: 1241 5th Street, Santa Monica
Opening hours: Presently only open for lunch on Friday and Saturday, 11am to 2pm
Type of cuisine: Italian
Tūmbi
View this post on Instagram
A short walk from the famed Santa Monica Promenade you’ll discover the Indian industrial-chic setting of Tūmbi. From butter and garlic rich naan bread to butter chicken and street ‘pot’ choices that have intense curry flavours as well as sides like spicy sambar, you’ll find something to warm you to the core. Meals average $50, and the setting showcases exposed red brick, traditional patterns, vibrant paintings, and a dark wood bar make this a cosy and chic retreat. There are also outdoor tables available.
Address: 115 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica
Opening hours: Open daily 4pm- 10pm
Type of cuisine: Indian
Citrin
View this post on Instagram
After having mentioned Mélisse, the restaurant within Citrin above, it’s time to note that Citrin itself is a Michelin guide rated restaurant, though it offers a decidedly different experience to Mélisse. While it too offers a selection of Chef Josiah Citrin’s favourite French techniques blended with seasonal produce, it does it in a different way, with contemporary flair and global touches. The menu offers both ala carte options as well as prix fixe.
From truffles to caviar, and fresh capellini that has a lobster Bolognese added to it, it earns a mention for the sheer celebration of foods. The setting is fun and contemporary, and the bar is a great place to come with friends. The full menu is also available at the bar.
Price: $145 – $275
Address: 1104 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica
Opening hours: Wednesday-Thursday: 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Friday-Sunday: 5:30pm to 9:00pm
Type of cuisine: Californian.
We can’t wait for you to try some of these famed Michelin star restaurants in Santa Monica.