Our next dining adventure took place during my wife’s and my anniversary trip from San Francisco to San Diego. In Santa Monica, Mélisse offers a two–Michelin-star menu focused on French cuisine. When we arrived, the host greeted us warmly and seated us in an intimate room with no more than five tables. The open kitchen gave us a full view of the chefs at work.

We opted for the wine pairing, and the meal began with a series of small bites. The standout was an aji tart topped with caviar—a refreshing bite and a great way to start the evening.

Next came a celebration of the tomato. We enjoyed an orange tomato soup, cherry tomatoes with burrata, and a chilled tomato consommé. The course was well-rounded and showcased the versatility of the tomato. My favorite was the soup, which was topped with a strawberry sorbet. The combination worked surprisingly well and was incredibly refreshing.

Several smaller courses followed, including uni cromesquis (similar to a croquette), caviar in a corn custard, and wild turbot with saffron. The turbot stood out for its flakiness and the beautiful balance of flavors.

The highlight of the night was the chicken course. The waiter brought out the whole bird and explained that it had been baked in hay, imparting a smoky and unique flavor. Each part of the chicken was used in a thoughtful, distinct way: the breast was served with a delicious sauce, the dark meat was incorporated into a ravioli, and so on—truly celebrating the entire bird.

The final savory course was lamb with cucumber, eggplant, and other vegetables. The lamb was blackened on the outside and cooked beautifully.

Dessert followed, and the standout was the honey crèmeux with peach and sheep’s yogurt. It was a stunning dish that tasted just as good as it looked.

It was a memorable night for us. The food, ambiance, and wine all came together to create a unique experience and perfectly round out our California trip. I would highly recommend Mélisse to anyone looking for an exciting culinary journey that celebrates French cooking.