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Orla by Michael Mina
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Orla by Michael Mina
9.1
Chef Michael Mina's oceanfront fine dining temple showcases elevated Mediterranean small plates with bold Middle Eastern spices and dramatic Pacific views. The ever-evolving menu channels aromatic bazaars through dishes like shakshuka, saganaki, and lamb chops, each executed with precision and creative flair.
Must-Try Dishes:
Saganaki with Black Truffle Honey, Wagyu Beef Tartare, Baklava French Toast
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9.5
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Michelin-starred chef's Mediterranean vision with unmatched ocean views
Who should go: Anniversary celebrants, business power diners
When to visit: Sunset hour for magical golden light
What to order: Saganaki, lamb chops, baklava french toast
Insider tip: Request patio seating at sunset for the full experience
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, self-parking in Shutters garage $10 with validation, street parking scarce after 5pm
Dress code: California elegant - nice jeans with dressy top acceptable, many in business casual or cocktail attire
Noise level: Moderate indoor, quieter on patio - intimate conversation friendly
Weekend wait: No walk-ins accepted Friday-Sunday dinner, book 2-3 weeks ahead
Weekday lunch: Bar seating sometimes available, dining room requires reservation
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple mezze options, dedicated vegetable-forward small plates
Vegan options: Yes - chef will modify dishes, notify when booking for best experience
Gluten-free options: Yes - most small plates adaptable, dedicated fryer for GF items
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for impressing - romantic ocean views, shareable plates encourage conversation, but prepare for $200+ for two with wine
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seats only for walk-ins Tuesday-Thursday, full restaurant books 2-3 weeks out for prime times
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens and up - no kids menu, sophisticated atmosphere, though well-behaved children welcomed at lunch
Best For
Better for: Superior ocean views and outdoor ambiance vs Republique, more refined Mediterranean execution than Gjelina, better service than Bestia
Skip if: Want casual beachy vibes (try The Albright instead), need large portions (go to Taverna Tony), on tight budget (try Cava or Mizlala)
Orla by Michael Mina
8.9
Chef Michael Mina's oceanfront Mediterranean masterpiece features Egyptian-Greek fusion with 24-karat gold baklava sundaes and expertly grilled lamb chops with bessara. The beachfront patio offers stunning Pacific views while the mezze platter showcases pistachio-dusted hummus and premium olive oil-drenched Greek salads.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Truffle Saganaki, Lamb Chops with Bessara, 24K Gold Baklava Sundae
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Michelin-starred chef's personal Mediterranean journey with oceanfront luxury.
Who should go: Anniversary celebrants and culinary adventurers
When to visit: Sunset for patio dining magic
What to order: Saganaki, lamb chops, baklava sundae
Insider tip: Request the outdoor patio for ocean views
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $20, nearby parking structures $15-25, street parking scarce after 5pm
Dress code: Upscale casual - collared shirts preferred, nice jeans acceptable, avoid beachwear
Noise level: Moderate - lively but intimate conversation possible
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min typical, reservations recommended
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive mezze options, vegetable tagines, and dedicated entrees
Vegan options: Yes - several clearly marked options, chef accommodates with notice
Gluten-free options: Yes - most grilled items naturally GF, dedicated fryer for falafel
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect if you want to impress - romantic ocean views and sophisticated atmosphere, though the high price point sets expectations
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very difficult for dinner, try the bar for full menu or come at 5pm opening. Lunch has better walk-in availability
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens and up - no kids menu, refined atmosphere. They accommodate but it's designed for adult dining
Best For
Better for: Premium ingredients and ocean views you won't find at other Middle Eastern spots - this is destination dining vs neighborhood favorite
Skip if: You want casual, affordable Mediterranean - try Mizlala or Bavel for equally delicious but less formal experiences
Orla by Michael Mina
9.1
Chef Michael Mina's oceanfront fine dining destination traces Alexander the Great's journey through Greece and Egypt with theatrical tableside preparations. The Black Truffle Saganaki flambéed tableside and salt-encrusted sea bream presentation showcase Mediterranean luxury at its finest.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Truffle Saganaki, Salt-Encrusted Sea Bream, Lamb Shank with Mediterranean Spices
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: James Beard Award-winning chef's most personal Mediterranean project with ocean views
Who should go: Special occasion celebrants and culinary adventurers
When to visit: Weekend brunch for Baklava French Toast experience
What to order: Tasting menu, saganaki, sea bream presentation
Insider tip: Request patio seating at sunset for spectacular views
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15 (worth it), self-park in structure $8-12, street parking nearly impossible after 5pm
Dress code: Upscale casual to business - dark jeans acceptable but lean dressy, no beachwear despite oceanfront location
Noise level: Moderate energy - lively but conversation-friendly, quieter on the patio
Weekend wait: 2-3 week advance reservation essential, walk-ins unlikely even at bar
Weekday lunch: 1 week advance for prime times, bar seats sometimes available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - chef will customize tasting menu, 5-6 dedicated à la carte options
Vegan options: Limited but accommodating - advance notice yields creative off-menu preparations
Gluten-free options: Yes - modified versions of most dishes, separate prep protocols in place
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for a third date or beyond - the $150+ per person price and theatrical presentations create pressure for first meetings. The ocean views and exceptional food guarantee memorable moments though.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Extremely unlikely for dinner. Your best shot: arrive at 5pm sharp on weekdays for bar seating, or try OpenTable at midnight for same-day cancellations.
Is it kid-friendly? Children welcome but better suited for 12+ who appreciate fine dining. No kids menu, though kitchen will prepare simple dishes. The tableside fire presentations captivate younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Theatrical Mediterranean luxury that outshines Republique's bistro charm and Bestia's industrial cool - this is your 'big anniversary' Greek option with ocean views no competitor can match
Skip if: Want authentic neighborhood Greek (try Taverna Tony), need sub-$50 per person options, or prefer low-key casual dining without the ceremony
Orla by Michael Mina
9.2
Michelin-starred chef Michael Mina's Mediterranean temple where beachfront elegance meets theatrical tableside presentations. The baklava French toast alone has generated thousands of Instagram posts, while the sun-drenched terrace offers unrivaled Pacific views.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baklava French Toast with 24K Gold Honey, King Crab Cake Benedict, Greek Yogurt Parfait with Rose Petals
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 9.3
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.6
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Celebrity chef pedigree with oceanfront fine dining
Who should go: Special occasion celebrants and food connoisseurs
When to visit: Sunday brunch for quieter ocean views
What to order: Baklava french toast, saganaki, dungeness crab benedict
Insider tip: Book the chef's counter for behind-scenes action shots
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15 with validation, street parking nearly impossible on weekends. Adjacent public garage $8-20
Dress code: Upscale casual to dressy - think designer jeans with heels or business casual minimum
Noise level: Refined buzz - lively but conversation-friendly, quieter on the terrace
Weekend wait: 90+ min without reservation, often fully booked 2 weeks out
Weekday lunch: 15-30 min for walk-ins, bar seating usually available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - Mediterranean menu naturally accommodating with 8+ dedicated options
Vegan options: Yes - chef will modify most vegetarian dishes, notify when booking
Gluten-free options: Yes - marked menu items, dedicated fryer, staff well-trained on cross-contamination
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for impressing - romantic ocean views and shareable Mediterranean plates create natural conversation, though $$$ price may feel high-pressure for some
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely for prime times - try bar seating or late lunch (2:30-4pm). Sunday-Tuesday evenings occasionally have openings
Is it kid-friendly? Welcomes well-behaved children but better suited for 10+ given the fine dining atmosphere. No kids menu, though kitchen accommodates simpler requests
Best For
Better for: Oceanfront views and Instagram moments that Republique and Gjelina can't match, plus Michelin-starred technique elevating familiar Mediterranean favorites
Skip if: You want casual beachside dining (try The Albright instead) or need options under $30/plate (consider Cava or Mizlala)