A pristine beach setting combined with world-class restaurants brought to life by open-air neighborhoods, an active cultural scene and friendly locals—that’s what Santa Monica, Los Angeles’ beach town, is all about. And to keep up with the status of acclaimed dining experiences that the state of California is known for, Santa Monica boasts a Southern California vibe that is reflected in its rich variety of award-winning restaurants.
No wonder, then, that the 2021 Michelin Guide California awarded its coveted stars to three highly acclaimed restaurants in Santa Monica. These include Mélisse, with two stars, and Pasjoli and Rustic Canyon, each with one star.
For an upscale beachside dining experience, Mélisse is an offering from Chef Josiah, who has revitalized his two-Michelin-star institution with an intimate 14-seat restaurant and chef Ian Scaramuzza at the helm.
It provides an ideal setting, where cuisine and food are one, for a leisurely, indulgent 2.5 hour culinary adventure – an 8-course tasting menu of canapés, amuse-bouches and mignardise, all blending international flavors with modern and classic Elements present techniques led by experienced chefs and sommeliers. Chef Josiah works closely with California farmers from San Diego to Napa Valley to source the most unique and highest quality ingredients.
Pasjoli, a French bistro by award-winning chef Dave Beranis, where you can experience standards like onion soup and beef tartare at the highest level. Pasjoli is a reflection of Beran’s thoughtful cooking style, which beautifully utilizes the rich bounty of Southern California produce to bring classic French cuisine to life. This Main Street restaurant will remind you of the Parisian markets and you can choose between indoor and outdoor seating or the private back terrace perfect for family style dining.
Another Michelin-starred neighborhood restaurant in Santa Monica that combines amazing food, exceptional wine, and great people is The Rustic Canyon. This seasonal kitchen and wine bar, helmed by Chef/Partner Jeremy Fox and Executive Chef Andy Doubrava, has the feel of a timeless institution with a menu inspired by the local farmers’ market, highlighting their bountiful produce. The dining room and lounge are cozy and relaxed, thanks to a neighborhood vibe and boisterous local customers. Additionally, the local craft beers on tap and in the bottle, along with a range of classic and seasonal cocktails featuring fresh farmer’s market produce and spirits in small batches, add to the flavor of a delicious meal.
All three of these award-winning fine dining restaurants share a commitment to seasonality, creativity and an unwavering dedication to sourcing the finest ingredients from the Santa Monica Farmers Market and beyond.
Additionally, the Michelin Guide’s 2021 Bib Gourmand List for California was announced, a respected rating that recognizes establishments that serve good food at moderate prices – the list includes restaurants appearing for the first time in 2021. Two outstanding Santa Monica restaurants received awards, including Colapasta and Tumbi – an artisanal Indian restaurant offering a mix of Indian street food and haute cuisine. The Bib Gourmand is awarded to restaurants that have been assessed by the team of Michelin inspectors for both excellent quality and value for money. This means that your meal will not only be delicious, but also relatively inexpensive for three courses.
Occupying a breezy spot just a few blocks from the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, Colapasta packs a huge culinary punch, thanks in large part to chef Stefano De Lorenzo’s considerable talent. His farm-to-table approach to sustainable food and dining creates an unparalleled dining experience using raw ingredients from the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market, supporting the community and serving the freshest organic ingredients. Here you can enjoy delicious organic Italian pasta paired with award-winning wines.
In a city teeming with Italian and Mediterranean-influenced restaurants, Tumbi stands out with its elegant flavors that represent India’s cultural heritage, brought together in an innovative menu that combines authentic Indian street food with haute cuisine. Here, owners RJ Singh and Executive Chef Ram Krishna Naidu take you on a journey across India, offering an array of bold flavors, spices, fresh ingredients and inspired dishes that celebrate the best of each region. This restaurant has a warm and welcoming vibe with an ultra chic vibe.
Finally, ten Santa Monica restaurants also received a Michelin Plate Award: Birdie G’s, Cassia, Chinois on Main, Citrin, Elephante, Fia, The Lobster, Lunetta, Michael’s and Milo + Olive were honored.
Santa Monica is indeed home to an incredible culinary wealth, which is reflected in its stellar dining scene. It has the right type of dining for almost everyone, from casual dining to fine dining, including Michelin-star restaurants.
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