Mélisse

Since opening in 1999, Chef Josiah Citrin’s flagship has been a Santa Monica mainstay. Through its many evolutions, the restaurant has sought to offer a certain kind of fine dining experience that will never go out of style. Slip in through a discreet side entrance to enter the enclosed space that combines a vibe-y underground feel with classic luxury. One can expect the finest cutlery and plates, gorgeous presentations, plenty of tableside saucing, and a level of French decadence that borders on gratuitous. The results are indulgent. Truffles, wagyu, uni, and crab weave their way across intricate canapés and courses, ending with a signature finale of dry-aged duck “Rouennaise” that features a rich sauce made with the help of an antique silver press.