Melisse
French · Santa Monica
Restaurant in Santa Monica, United States
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Chef
Josiah Citrin & Ken Takayama
Why go
Melisse is the Santa Monica pick for a serious, chef-led French dinner rather than a casual coastal night out. The strongest reasons to book are Josiah Citrin and Ken Takayama's kitchen direction and the restaurant's 2026 Opinionated About Dining North America ranking; choose it when the meal is the main event.
About Melisse
Melisse is a French restaurant in Santa Monica associated with Josiah Citrin and Ken Takayama. The practical read is direct: consider it when you are specifically looking for French dining in Santa Monica, compare it with other local options if your group needs a different kind of plan.
The clearest signals are the cuisine and the chef/owner names. With French cuisine as the frame, think of Melisse first as a restaurant whose identity is tied to Citrin and Takayama.
Choose it for French dining in Santa Monica
Melisse is a better fit for diners who are intentionally seeking a French restaurant in Santa Monica than for anyone simply looking for the easiest nearby table. Santa Monica has other dining nearby, readers comparing options across the city should use our full Santa Monica restaurants guide for a wider scan before committing.
Recognition worth noting is its 2026 placement at #130 on Opinionated About Dining's Top Restaurants in North America list. That does not automatically make it the right booking for every traveler, but it is a useful external signal for diners who track restaurant rankings.
The value is in the French identity and chef association
The strongest reason to choose this restaurant is its combination of French cuisine and the involvement of Josiah Citrin and Ken Takayama. Evaluate Melisse primarily as a French Santa Monica restaurant with those chef names attached.
For planning around a wider trip, compare the restaurant with the rest of Santa Monica rather than treating it as the only possible stop. Use our full Santa Monica hotels guide, our full Santa Monica bars guide, our full Santa Monica wineries guide, our full Santa Monica experiences guide if the meal is part of a larger Santa Monica stay.
Bottom line: consider Melisse when you want French dining in Santa Monica connected to Josiah Citrin and Ken Takayama, with an OAD North America ranking at #130 for 2026. If you need details such as current hours, menu format, prices, or seating style, confirm directly before booking.
Planning details
- Location
- Santa Monica, United States
Planning details
Location
Santa Monica, United States
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What are alternatives to Melisse in Santa Monica?
If you are comparing Melisse with other options, look at other Santa Monica dining rooms based on the kind of meal you want. Melisse is the relevant pick when you specifically want French cuisine in Santa Monica.
What should I wear to Melisse?
Is Melisse good for a special occasion?
Melisse may make sense for a special occasion if you want French dining in Santa Monica from Josiah Citrin and Ken Takayama. It also has an Opinionated About Dining Top Restaurants in North America ranking at #130 for 2026.
How far ahead should I book Melisse?
What should I order at Melisse?
Expect French cuisine, review the current menu directly before deciding what to order.
Does Melisse handle dietary restrictions?
Contact Melisse directly before booking if allergies or dietary restrictions are important to your visit.
