Best Date Night Magic French Restaurants in Santa Monica
3 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
MUSE Santa Monica
Gallery-like French dining where fine art and tasting menus meet.
Essential Picks
9
An intimate, art-filled modern French dining room from chef-owner Fardad Khayami, MUSE turns Channel Road into a destination for multi-course date nights. Tasting-style plates, a serious wine program, and candlelit Art Déco interiors make it one of the most romantic rooms on the Westside.
Must-Try Dishes:
Veal bonbons with sauce verte, Lobster with pommes soufflées and caviar, Vanilla St. Honoré
What Makes it Special: Gallery-like French dining where fine art and tasting menus meet.
Notable Picks
#2
Citrin
8.8
One Michelin-starred modern Californian by Chef Josiah Citrin blending French technique with seasonal California produce. More approachable sister to Mélisse with à la carte options alongside prix fixe, plus a lively bar scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Artichoke Agnolotti with Comté, Crispy Rouget with Bouillabaisse, A5 Wagyu with Truffle
What Makes it Special: Michelin-starred dining with flexible format and bar scene
#3
Pasjoli
8.8
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Business Lunch Power Players
Instagram Worthy Wonders
James Beard Award-winning chef Dave Beran transformed his Michelin Plate bistro into a more accessible French experience while maintaining exacting standards. The pressed duck carved tableside remains legendary, but cordon bleu chicken wings stuffed with prosciutto and a French onion soup with explosive gruyère show the kitchen's playful mastery of rich, butter-forward bistro classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cordon Bleu Chicken Wings, French Onion Soup, Pressed Duck ($350, reservation required)
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized bistro from Alinea alum serving technically perfect French fare with California produce