M??lisse

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1104 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401

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(310) 395-0881
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M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
M??lisse - Santa Monica, CA
Reviews
( 30 )
( 7 )
( 9 )
( 3 )
( 6 )

Best

fancy restaurant ever,great service ,great environment,I would come by oftenly, if i got money.

Worst

poor lighting (the waiter used his flashlight to help me with the menu); could barely see the food; seating was fine; not crowded...went here on a saturday night; the wait staff w...

A nightmare experience at Melisse on our wedding anniversary! 1/17/2008

Accosted by Melisse chef/owner Josiah Citrin. We started out by having a lovely evening.\r Once we got to the third course, I took a bite and immediately felt terrible. The chef took offense to this. Upon receiving our large check we noticed that he had charged us for the full price plus a supplemental charge of the dish of which I had only had a bite & had made me sick. So naturally we inquired about this and that is when the chef/owner Josiah came to our table enraged as if he was about to flip it over, and yelled ""GET OUT!"" and continued shouting while leaning over our table, with his hands in our faces, in a very aggressive way that he had to ?throw? his fish out that ?cost? him money. ?JUST GET THE HELL OUTTA? HERE? he kept shouting. We left in utter disbelief. For a moment I thought he was going to attack my husband. I was so choked up, stunned and honestly about to cry, petrified beyond belief at the owner?s body language, I could barely stand ? never in my life had I EVER had an experience even remotely close to that of the night we celebrated our anniversary at Melisse. We are a well-traveled, professional couple who have dined at many upscale restaurants in our locality as well as around the world and NEVER have witness anything close to this either personally or at the restaurant. I couldn?t fathom what was happening. I even tried to tell the chef to calm down, we are celebrating our anniversary and there is no need for him to behave this way ? he shouted in my face ?GET OUT OF HERE ? JUST GET THE HELL OUT!? \r We were so traumatized by this event that I wanted to share this story for those of you out there who are considering dining at this restaurant. Beware, the chef takes any comments or gastro-intestinal difficulties that you may experience while at his restaurant, VERY personally and you may end up cornered and badgered prior to getting kicked out of his restaurant. \r In brief chef Josiah is a creative chef with no class and a violent temper! Pros: Excellent servers Cons: Extremely verbally aggressive, violent and egotistic chef more
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Very Expensive, Good though mediocre at the price point 10/7/2007

I made an 8:30 reservation on Thursday in October at Melissa after reading it was declared the #1 restaurant in los angeles. Reading a few reviews, we decided to take on the tasting menu for $95. First, the menu is quite confusing with a tasting menu that includes a wide variety of meals, many of which have an add-on fee ranging from $5 to $150 (for certain truffle dishes). So your tasting meal could easily turn from a $190 adventure to more than double that. The atmosphere here is subdued, quiet, with a well manicured interior that while clean and neat, is not remarkable. The service was superb, with choreographed serving of all plates (ie. 2 people = two servers time coordinating the plate delivery. The waitress, while quick and efficient was not personable at all. The tasting menu provides for one appetizer, two ""meat"" dishes, and a desert. Once we deciphered the menu, we decided upon the lobster pasta appetizer and a sashimi dish. Both were excellent and the presentation was superb. The lobster dish could be a light meal in and of itself. We chose 2 more dishes each for the main courses - Halibut and Lamb Chops and Salmon and Duck. Too much meat - I don't think there was a chicken option on the menu and the dishes are very busy - we 5 or six different subdishes, sauces, etc....The Halibut was tasteless and looked like it had been sitting, and the lamp chops were slightly gamey, though the lamb ""shoulder"" was flakey and good. The Salmon was well prepared in a pea sauce, though not remarkable or worth of it's a la carte price tag, and the duck while good, was more about presentation than about delivery. I wasn't sure what half of the duck plate contained. The highlight of the meal was the dessert - A caramel dish and ""chocolate, chocolate, chocolate"" - Total bill with coffee and tip $325 dollars ( we also had a short rib dish - which had ground up beef - ok but not great). I recommend this place as a nice dessert experience - but not for dinner... Pros: Exquisite Dessert, Superb Service Cons: Overpriced, More Presentation than Taste more
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Incredible! 8/3/2007

Our expectations were high, considering all that we'd read about Melisse. The dining room, while nice enough, wasn't particularly spectacular, however, their service and cuisine are off the charts. The service staff was impeccably dressed yet unpretentious and anticipated our every need. The hours long experience was perfectly timed, and the service staff coordinated their efforts, ensuring plates were dropped simultaneously and cleared in a timely manner. We opted for their traditional tasting menu. My starter (the crabcake surrounded by a creamy onion/parmesan soup) was nothing short of amazing. The star of the evening - the beef dish. Not only was it beautifully presented, but the sauces (a tomato bearnaise, and a berry/honey/balsamic glaze) took the dish to a level I'd never imagined. The fish course, the cheese course, the desserts - there were no disappointments throughout the entire evening. I can't rave enough, it was truly one of the best meals (along with flawless service) that I've ever had. Pros: Inventive, beautiful food; perfect service Cons: Wish I could dine there more often more
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Yum! 7/15/2007

We love Melisse. I work very nearby and I only wish I could afford to go there everyday! It is always a good experience, and without fail, your tastebuds will be thrilled. Oddly, I have especially grown addicted to the excitement of wondering what intricate and unique amuse bouche will be presented. It is like an initiation into a lovely world of gastronomic delights! I always prefer the prix fixe menu, and the balance is always better than what I could pull from the menu on my own. Great wine list and friendly, knowledgeable sommelier.\r \r Staff is great, always the utmost in class and style, and infinitely accessible. I also enjoy the fact the some staff members are young and kinda hip... maybe because I am relatively young and kinda hip... so it is nicer than being with a bunch of crusties, though they can be cute in their own way... \r \r Highly recommended! Pros: amazing everything, pleasant, comfy ambience, good service Cons: too expensive (and fattening!) for everyday more
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Best French in LA 3/24/2007

Be prepared to have a fine dining experience. Our favorite is the Carte Blanche Menu ($140- ea) but an amazing experience. Pros: Outstanding Food Cons: Dining Room can get very busy more
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Not a great experience 2/8/2007

I didn't have such a great experience at this restaurant. I wrote some other more detailed reviews on some other sites, you can find them on Whizler more
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WOW! Be prepared to be amazed and to pay big. 1/5/2007

Honestly, if this place did not cost and arm and a leg to eat there I would be there every night. I went there for my birthday and it was spectacular. This is definitely a special event place i.e. birthday, anniversary ect. It was actually funny to see how many other birthdays there were! \r \r The wine paring is a must. The service is excellent. We stayed for a 3 ? 4 hour dinner. The bill for two people doing the tasting menu, wine paring and the cheese plate (also a must) was around $400 with a generous tip. \r Pros: Food is great Cons: Cost more
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The Best 11/4/2006

Me and my wife have been to melisse twice - both times on valentine's day... I would say that our trips there were some of the most memorable dining experiences I have ever had. Each dish was like a little work of art, and the flavors were so well matched and amazing. The service is surprisingly friendly for a place that you would expect some snobbishness from, and overall I think a meal here is worth every penny. I look forward to trying melisse on a normal night and trying their regular menu.\r Pros: Amazing dishes, great service, nice ambiance more
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Simply the Best Restaurant in Town. 10/23/2006

My family and I went to Melisse just before leaving town on a trip to France and we still agree Melisse is the best French restaurant we have ever experienced! The interiors are rather plain, but the food and service make up for it. We all ordered (which the entire table has to agree to) the prix fixe menu of 9 courses. Each course got better as the flavors and composition became more complex. We arrived at 8pm and did not leave until 12am. We did not even realize how much time had passed, which I guess was alright with the staff because not once did they bring the time to our attention, they simply allowed us to enjoy our wonderful meal. Pros: Food, Service Cons: Interiors more
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You got what you pay for! 9/20/2006

This restaurant is top notch for the service and dining experience. They do fulfill your request if you have questions or inquires; my servant was able to get me the label for the wine bottle, which was great - both red and white wine. They have good recommendation and suggestions for the wine. Three of us have the carte blanche menu, with addition of wines and cheese; the total comes to be $600 for the night. I do think they can do a better service for the price we paid. The chef comes out to greet us twice and ask if we have speical request since we ordered the ""chef's menu"" - carte blanche. It's a very nice environment and atmosphere. more
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The Best Restaurant I Have Ever Eaten At 9/2/2006

Melisse is the best restaurant that I have ever eaten at. The place is beautiful, the service is perfect, and the food is the best. It is expensive, but worth it!. Pros: The best food ever, and great service and ambience Cons: Expensive more
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thumbs and toes up! 8/19/2006

I dined at the Melisse with friends on a Saturday night. The atmosphere was very romantic and relaxing. We decided to order our own food instead of doing the 3 1/2 hour, 9 course meal. The fish dishes were fresh and cooked, but yet as tender as sashimi. My King Salmon entree was so well done that I was very intrigued to pay a visit to the chef myself and get the receipe. As for desserts, we ordered a variety from the menu and mine was ""creatively"" named ""Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate""! I found the name misleading because when the dessert was actually served, there were four items made in chocolate on my plate. You could even inject your own melted chocolate into the hot brownie. Oh, before I forget, the wine was excellent as well. After the 3 hours meal, all of us were very satisfied. Let's just say that if I had much cash, I would eat there with friends every week.\r * A little tip, if you want the chicken for 2, you might want to call in as it takes an hour to prepare. Pros: Great service, good food and wine, easy valet parking Cons: Takes a long time, you can't go there too hungry more
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Oh my gosh good!!! 6/21/2006

This place is superb! The service is impeccable, the food delicious, and the ambience is to die for!! I dined here with my family for Mother's Day and let me tell you, it was worth EVERY penny!! The chocolate,chocolate,chocolate dessert was fabulous and so was the soft shell crab, well EVERYTHING for that matter! For a special treat head to Melisse!! Pros: waiters(know everything when it comes to food or the wine list) food, ambience, everything! Cons: nothing i can think of more
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Best Food and Service 5/12/2006

Every visit to Melisse has been a delightful and memorable experience. I've never been disappointed. The food is incredibly inventive, flavorful and visually stunning. The service is fantastic, especially David. The atmosphere is always beautiful and calming. I applaud their no cell phone policy. Every meal there has felt like a special occassion, even though I wasn't necessarily going in order to celebrate something. Pros: Superb food, impeccable service more
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Nice presentation, bland food 3/1/2006

My wife and I went for the tasting menu (appetizer, fish, main course, dessert) - her choices were better than mine. Each dish was a work of art and impressive to see, but the flavor was truly missing. My appetizer (scallops) and dessert (chocolate, chocolate, chocolate) were good. The fish dish (tuna) and main course (lamb) were cooked well (nice and rare) but were exceedingly boring and really had no flavor, the sauces, for what they were worth, didn't do anything for me. My wife had the venison which was much better, although still a bit on the bland side. The service was impeccable, and presentation of each dish was great. I had high hopes looking at the other reviews, but your money would be much better spent at Spago for that Wow! factor where you really feel it's money well spent. Pros: Service, Ambience Cons: Food, Price more
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Absolutely the best food I've ever had 2/13/2006

My husband and I went here for my birthday and I was blown away. This is, by far, the best food I have ever had. The flavors were amazing and the service was impeccable, as well. The tables are spaced far enough apart to allow for private conversation without feeling cramped. This is probably not a great place for large groups unless you reserve a private room. Definitely not a place for kids. more
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Heaven on Wilshire Blvd!!! 2/12/2006

This will be my second trip to Melisse in the past few months. I am a bona fide ""foodie"", as is my husband. Everything about this restaurant spells ""success"". From the wine, to the truffles to the OH SO SUPERB cheese cart. As a European I am very excited to have found the only French restaurant in Los Angeles to get it right!! If you are going for the first time, ask for David. He is the most charming and witty Brit who really knows his cheeses!!!!! You won't go wrong with their on-site wine expert either. Enjoy! Pros: Knowledgeable Staff, Beautiful decor, Relaxing atmosphere Cons: NONE!!!!! more
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Quite simply the best in LA 11/13/2005

WHat can I say about Melisse that hasn't already been said? I have been to pretty much all the top rated restaurants in LA. And although Melisse isn't ranked #1 in any dining guide (but it's always in the top 10), I can say without a doubt that it is the best restaurant in Los Angeles. The menu is constantly changing but you cannot go wrong. I have dined here many times and it has never failed to impress and astound me. Whatever you do, do not skip the cheese cart! Be aware that it can get expensive, especially if you start ordering bottles of wine. Plan on spending $100+ per person, or more if you have expensive taste in wine. Pros: Best in Los Angeles, Cheese cart!!, Incredible experience Cons: Expensive more
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My favorite in LA 11/10/2005

Worth every penny -- and that's a lot of pennies. This is a place for special occassions, romantic getaways and to enjoy the best French food in LA. Pros: Food, Service, Atmosphere more
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Disappointed after hearing all the raves 9/21/2005

I am compelled to write this review because I was a bit disappointed with the all rave about this restaurant. Food presentation was excellent. Ambience (the small room) is nice but tries too hard to be quaint. Tries to be stiff and snooty but fails at it. Lacks the snooty professionalism of the Cellars in Fullerton. The salmon bruschetta was very forgettable. The lamb was mediocre. Yes, its overpriced. Passes the napkin-folding test but fails responsiveness on the water and request for the wine list. Waiving the corkage $30 corkage if you buy a bottle is very nice. Chez Panisse only charges $20 corkage. I could only compare this restaurant with places I have gone. Chez Panisse is a 10/10. The Cellar in Fullerton is 8/10. Melisse would be 7/10. Houstons would be 6.5/10. I won't be returning anytime soon. more
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Menu for M??lisse


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Editorial

  • The Scene
    Between the dark green-suited waiters and the hosts, the staff's food knowledge is staggering. Perhaps this is because Chef Josiah Citrin makes frequent appearances in the...

  • 10/12/2005 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Tuesday - Thursday: 6pm - 9:30pm Friday: 6pm - 10pm Saturday: 5:45pm - 10pm
  • Payments: Diner's Club, American Express, Master Card, Visa
  • Neighborhoods: Mid-City, West LA, Wilshire Montana
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