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MUSE Santa Monica
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
MUSE Santa Monica
9.0
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
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 9.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Gallery-like French dining where fine art and tasting menus meet.
Who should go: Serious date-night diners and special-occasion Francophiles.
When to visit: Later evening seatings, Wednesday–Sunday, for full ambience.
What to order: Veal bonbons, lobster with pommes soufflées, Vanilla St. Honoré.
Insider tip: Ask about art in the dining room—pieces rotate with exhibitions.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available on Channel Road for around $12; limited street parking fills quickly, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—think elevated date-night attire; stylish jeans are acceptable with a polished top.
Noise level: Low to moderate; music is subtle and tables are spaced so you can easily hear your date.
Weekend wait: Expect a 30–45 minute wait without a reservation; walk-ins are seated only if there's a last-minute cancellation.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—MUSE is dinner-only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several composed dishes can be made vegetarian, and the kitchen is accommodating with advance notice.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 courses may be adaptable, but it’s best to notify them when booking.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many tasting-style plates can be prepared gluten-free; staff is well-versed in modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its candlelit Art Déco room and intimate table spacing create an easy, romantic environment that feels special without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly, but not reliably. Walk-ins are taken only when a bar seat or a cancellation opens up, so booking ahead is strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—this is a slow, multi-course dining experience geared toward adults. Teens are fine, but younger children may find the setting too formal.
Best For
Better for: MUSE excels at mood-driven, intimate French dining with artistic plating and a refined wine program—perfect for romantic milestones.
Skip if: If you prefer loud, lively crowds, large group dining, or crave a fast, casual meal, you may want to choose a more relaxed alternative.
MUSE Santa Monica
9.0
An intimate, art-filled dining room where chef-owner Fardad Khayami serves contemporary French tasting-style menus built around peak-season California produce. Plates like lobster pommes soufflées with caviar and eggplant cappelletti are executed with finesse, and the jewel-box space feels purpose-built for long, lingering dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster pommes soufflées with caviar, Eggplant cappelletti with Gruyère, Saffron lobster risotto
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Fine dining that fuses gallery-caliber art with modern French cooking in a tiny canyon hideaway.
Who should go: Serious diners seeking intimate, destination-level tasting menus.
When to visit: Weeknight late seatings for a quieter, more relaxed room.
What to order: Lobster pommes soufflées, eggplant cappelletti, seasonal fish course.
Insider tip: Book bar seats if you like extra interaction with the team and a front-row view of the room.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is usually available in the canyon ($15–$20); limited street parking can be tight, especially after 7pm.
Dress code: Elevated smart casual—think polished denim, dresses, button-downs; guests tend to lean dressy due to the intimate setting.
Noise level: Low to moderate; ideal for conversation and lingering date-night pacing.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; walk-ins rarely seated and waits can exceed 60 minutes.
Weekday lunch: The restaurant does not typically serve lunch; check for special event openings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—chef can adapt the tasting menu with advance notice; several courses pivot seamlessly to seasonal vegetables.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with pre-arrangement, but expect a more abbreviated or modified menu.
Gluten-free options: Accommodated with ease; many courses are naturally gluten-free, and adjustments are offered if alerted ahead.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its intimate, art-forward room and quietly attentive service create a refined, romantic environment ideal for a memorable first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely; the space is small and fills completely. If you must try, your best bet is a late weeknight arrival and openness to bar seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly; the multi-course tasting format and hushed, adult-focused atmosphere are best suited for teens and older.
Best For
Better for: Ultra-intimate tasting menus, artistic plating, and a serene canyon hideaway experience that feels like a private supper club.
Skip if: You want à la carte flexibility, a lively high-volume scene, or broader menus suitable for large groups or young kids.
MUSE Santa Monica
8.8
A modern French fine-dining room where art and tasting-menu cooking share the spotlight, MUSE feels like a grown-up dinner party in Santa Monica Canyon. Expect tableside flourishes, rare wines, and meticulous plates that lean rich and indulgent rather than minimalist.
Must-Try Dishes:
Veal bonbons with sauce verte, Saffron risotto with lobster and gremolata, Rack of lamb à la Provençal with pea purée
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Art-filled fine dining from young chef-owner Fardad Khayami with theatrical French cooking.
Who should go: Serious diners craving a splashy Westside tasting menu.
When to visit: Prime-time weekend dinner for full buzzy room and energy.
What to order: Veal bonbons, lobster saffron risotto, rack of lamb.
Insider tip: Book counter or banquette closest to the bar for the best view of the art and action.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available for ~$12; limited canyon street parking fills early, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — think polished denim, crisp shirts, cocktail dresses.
Noise level: Moderate — lively buzz but still easy to hold a date-night conversation.
Weekend wait: Usually no walk-in availability; expect 45–60 minutes at the bar if you try.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — dinner-only restaurant.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — chef can build a multi-course vegetarian progression with advance notice.
Vegan options: Limited — typically 1–2 courses can be adapted; best to call ahead.
Gluten-free options: Strong accommodation — many dishes naturally GF and kitchen is careful about cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the candlelit dining room, art-forward setting, and tableside flourishes make it feel intimate without being stuffy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but not likely on weekends; your best shot is early weekday seatings or the bar, which takes limited walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for younger kids due to the tasting-menu format and quieter ambience; teens who enjoy fine dining will be fine.
Best For
Better for: A more artistic, theatrical French tasting experience than most Westside spots — ideal for special occasions and wine lovers.
Skip if: You want a quick, casual meal or lighter, minimalist dishes; choose elsewhere if rich French cuisine isn’t your style.