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Massilia
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
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
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Authentic Marseille flavors with incredible happy hour value
Who should go: Mediterranean food lovers seeking authenticity
When to visit: Weekday happy hour 4-6pm for best deals
What to order: Lamb shank, bouillabaisse, happy hour cocktails
Insider tip: Happy hour offers 50% off all cocktails and wines
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging after 5pm, public garage 2 blocks away ($8 flat rate evenings), valet not available
Dress code: California casual chic - nice jeans welcome, avoid athletic wear
Noise level: Lively but conversational - louder during happy hour rush
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, bar seating often available
Weekday lunch: No wait before 12:30pm, 15-20 min during peak
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - ratatouille, vegetable tagine, and modified pastas available
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options, chef can modify sides and salads
Gluten-free options: Some options - grilled fish and meat dishes, notify server for prep
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for dates - intimate lighting, not too loud, shareable Mediterranean plates create natural conversation. Happy hour takes pressure off the bill.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknight walk-ins usually fine, especially before 6:30pm. Weekends book ahead or try the bar area which serves full menu.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes until 8pm - high chairs available, kids love the French fries and simple grilled fish. After 8pm becomes more adult-oriented.
Best For
Better for: More authentic Mediterranean flavors than typical French bistros, unbeatable happy hour value compared to other Santa Monica spots
Skip if: You want formal French fine dining or need extensive vegan options - try Dialogue or Rustic Canyon instead
Massilia
8.2
This Marseille-inspired brasserie brings South of France charm to downtown Santa Monica with its French-Moroccan fusion menu and lively happy hours. Since 2018, locals flock for the couscous royale, 8-hour braised lamb shank, and 50% off cocktails during weekday happy hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
8-Hour Braised Lamb Shank, Couscous Royale, Steak Frites
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Authentic Marseille brasserie with killer happy hour deals
Who should go: Francophiles, happy hour hunters, brunch lovers
When to visit: Weekdays 4-6pm for half-price drinks
What to order: Lamb shank, steak frites, moules-frites
Insider tip: Public parking lot directly across the street
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Public lot directly across the street ($3/hour), metered street parking available but fills up after 5pm
Dress code: California casual - jeans and nice top perfectly fine, slightly dressier for date night
Noise level: Lively but manageable - can have conversations, gets louder during happy hour rush
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, especially Friday/Saturday after 7pm
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, max 10 min wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several Moroccan vegetable tagines and French salads, plus veggie couscous
Vegan options: Limited - can modify vegetable tagine and couscous, ask server about dairy
Gluten-free options: Some options - tagines and grilled meats naturally GF, no dedicated prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic French atmosphere without being stuffy, reasonable prices, and the Moroccan fusion is a good conversation starter. Request the quieter back dining room.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early dinner (before 6pm) usually fine. For weekend dinner or happy hour, definitely book ahead or expect 30+ minute wait. Bar seating often available for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for lunch and early dinner - they have simple French classics kids enjoy like steak frites. After 7pm becomes more of an adult scene, especially during happy hour.
Best For
Better for: Superior happy hour deals compared to other Santa Monica spots, more authentic French-Moroccan fusion than typical Mediterranean restaurants, better value than pure French bistros
Skip if: You want pure traditional French cuisine, need extensive vegan options, or prefer quieter intimate dining - try Dialogue or Pasjoli instead
Massilia
8.2
This Marseille-inspired brasserie brings Mediterranean coastal flavors with Moroccan and Spanish influences to downtown Santa Monica. The lively patio atmosphere and happy hour from 4-6pm daily makes it a neighborhood favorite since 2018.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bouillabaisse, Moroccan Couscous Royale, Lamb Shank Provençale
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Authentic Marseille flavors meet California produce with North African spices
Who should go: Francophiles seeking relaxed Mediterranean dining
When to visit: Happy hour 4-6pm for half-price cocktails
What to order: Bouillabaisse, Brussels sprout salad, tarte tatin
Insider tip: The back patio is quieter and more romantic than streetside
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging after 5pm, paid lots nearby ($8-15), valet available Friday-Saturday ($10)
Dress code: California smart casual - nice jeans welcome, sundresses to button-downs typical
Noise level: Lively but manageable - patio gets louder during happy hour, inside better for conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, bar seating usually available
Weekday lunch: No wait before 12:30pm, 10-15 min during rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 5-6 options including ratatouille and vegetable tagine
Vegan options: Limited - can modify salads and sides, chef accommodating with advance notice
Gluten-free options: Moderate - naturally GF mains available, but kitchen handles wheat
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - romantic lighting, shareable plates, and the back patio creates intimate atmosphere without being too formal
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights usually yes, weekends tough after 7pm. Bar and communal table are first-come options
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for brunch and early dinner (before 7pm) - kids menu available, high chairs provided, patio preferred by families
Best For
Better for: Authentic bouillabaisse, best happy hour deals in Santa Monica, actually French-owned unlike competitors
Skip if: You want quiet intimate dining on weekends, need extensive vegan menu, or prefer traditional Parisian bistro over coastal Mediterranean
Massilia
8.1
This Marseille-inspired brasserie brings the warmth of Southern France to Santa Monica with Mediterranean influences from Spain, Italy, and North Africa. Established in 2018, the restaurant features high ceilings, exposed brick, and a lively atmosphere perfect for both brunch and dinner service.
Must-Try Dishes:
8-Hour Braised Lamb Shank, Bouillabaisse Marseillaise, Steak Frites with Béarnaise
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Authentic Marseille-style cooking with Moroccan influences
Who should go: Brunch lovers and Mediterranean cuisine fans
When to visit: Weekend brunch or happy hour 4-6pm weekdays
What to order: Lamb shank, moules marinière, weekend brunch specialties
Insider tip: Happy hour offers 50% off cocktails and wines by the glass
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging after 5pm, paid lots nearby ($8-15), valet available Friday-Sunday dinner ($10)
Dress code: California casual to smart casual - nice jeans welcome, avoid athletic wear
Noise level: Lively but conversational - louder during weekend brunch rush
Weekend wait: 30-45 min Friday/Saturday without reservation
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min during peak lunch
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 dedicated options plus sides, ratatouille highly recommended
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 modified dishes, call ahead for best options
Gluten-free options: Yes - several naturally GF dishes, kitchen accommodating with notice
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic French atmosphere without being too formal, outdoor seating creates relaxed vibe, share the mezze platter to break the ice
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch/happy hour usually fine, weekend brunch arrive before 10:30am or after 2pm, dinner reservations essential Thursday-Saturday
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during brunch and early dinner - kids menu available, high chairs provided, outdoor patio gives wiggle room, avoid after 7:30pm when it gets louder
Best For
Better for: More authentic Provençal flavors than typical French bistros, superior brunch to nearby Zinqué, better value than Pasjoli
Skip if: Want traditional Parisian bistro fare (try Petit Trois instead), need extensive vegan menu, or seeking quiet intimate dining
Massilia
7.9
This Marseille-inspired brasserie brings the South of France to Santa Monica with influences from Spain, Italy, and Morocco. The charming patio and late-night hours make it a neighborhood favorite, especially during happy hour when craft cocktails and wines are half-price.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bouillabaisse, Chicken Tagine, Moules Frites
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Marseille meets Morocco in a lively all-day brasserie
Who should go: Happy hour hunters and patio lovers
When to visit: Weekday happy hour 4-6pm
What to order: Bouillabaisse, lamb shank, happy hour tapas
Insider tip: Public parking lot directly across the street
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Public lot across the street ($2/hr until 6pm, free after), street parking available but fills up during happy hour
Dress code: California casual - anything from nice jeans to date night attire fits in
Noise level: Lively during happy hour, moderate at dinner - patio is quieter than inside
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, patio fills first
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating, busier 12:30-1:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - ratatouille, vegetable tagine, and several mezze options
Vegan options: Limited - can modify the vegetable tagine and salads
Gluten-free options: Some options - grilled fish and meat dishes, confirm with server about sauces
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - the charming patio with string lights sets a romantic mood, and sharing tapas during happy hour keeps it casual. Request a corner table on the patio.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes, especially before 6pm. Friday/Saturday dinner walk-ins should expect a wait. Bar seating is first-come and great for happy hour.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) before 8pm. No kids menu but they'll do simple pasta. Gets louder and more bar-focused after 9pm.
Best For
Better for: Late-night dining when other spots close, authentic bouillabaisse, and the best happy hour deal in Downtown SM with half-price cocktails
Skip if: You want a quiet romantic dinner on Friday night or need extensive vegan options - try Gratitude or Plant Food + Wine instead