Best French Restaurants in Santa Monica
6 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
8.4
This hybrid wine bar and gourmet market offers California-French cuisine with over 100 wines by the glass in a sophisticated space featuring communal marble tables and a wine-cave inspired private room. The establishment seamlessly blends fine dining with curated retail, offering artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and specialty products alongside their seasonal menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffle Pizza with Shaved Black Truffle, Steak Tartare with Quail Egg, Wood Oven Baked Brie
What Makes it Special: Combining fine dining with gourmet retail and exceptional wine program
#5
Massilia
8.1
Marseille-inspired brasserie since 1997 blending French, Italian, Spanish, and North African influences. Known for exceptional happy hour with 50% off drinks and authentic bouillabaisse that transports diners to the Mediterranean coast.
Must-Try Dishes:
8-Hour Braised Lamb Shank, Traditional Bouillabaisse, Clams with Merguez Sausage
What Makes it Special: Authentic Marseille flavors with incredible happy hour value
Worthy Picks
Vibes:
Rooftop Views Revelry
Birthday & Celebration Central
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Brunch Bliss Spots
Perched atop Santa Monica Place mall, this French Riviera-inspired rooftop combines Mediterranean flavors with California flair, featuring ocean views and a vibrant DJ scene. The open-air patio and festive atmosphere transport diners from Santa Monica to the sun-drenched coast of Southern France.
Must-Try Dishes:
LouLou Pizza with Truffle, Beef Cheek Bourguignon, Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes
What Makes it Special: Rooftop ocean views with French Riviera party atmosphere