Two SM Restaurants Earn Michelin Stars

By Alyssa Erdley, Observer Staff Writer

10/13/21 - Of the 90 California restaurants making it into the exclusive Michelin Guide California, 3 are in Santa Monica. Mélisse earned two stars and Pasjoli and Rustic Canyon each earned one star.

The 2021 Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand, which rates establishments serving food at moderate prices, recognized Santa Monica restaurants Colapasta and Tumbi.

Michelin Plate awards were bestowed on 10 of the cities' restaurants: Birdie G's, Cassia, Chinois on Main, Citrin, Elephante, Fia, The Lobster, Lunetta, Michael's, and Milo + Olive.

Santa Monica offers more than 100 sidewalk dining areas, according to Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT).

"The 2021 Michelin Guide Awards continue to recognize Santa Monica as a culinary dynamo in a landscape of diverse restaurants that populate the greater Los Angeles area," said Misti Kerns, President and CEO of SMTT. "Michelin Guide award recipients have much to be proud of for the prestigious recognition, which is a reflection of the hard work it takes to succeed in this competitive industry and culinary talent needed to standout above the competition throughout the city."

Here is more information about the awarded restaurants:

Mélisse - Chef Josiah Citrin's iconic dining room is back up and running – even thriving. His expertise lies in delivering a fine-dining culinary experience that never goes out of style. The 8-course tasting menu is a global journey for the senses – a chance to slow down and indulge.

· Pasjoli - Chef Dave Beran has upped the ante with cuisine rooted in classic French cooking. This captivating French bistro features standards like onion soup, roast duck and beef tartare, which are elevated to their highest reaches with quality Southern California ingredients.

· Rustic Canyon - Chef/partner Jeremy Fox's and Executive Chef Andy Doubrava's seasonal kitchen and wine bar already has the feeling of a timeless institution. The market-inspired menu is a celebration of local farmers, ranchers and fishermen with sustainable practices.

· Colapasta - Nestled into a breezy locale just a few blocks from the Pacific, this modern trattoria packs a big culinary punch, thanks largely to the considerable talents of chef Stefano De Lorenzo.

· Tumbi - Just a block from the bustle of the Santa Monica Promenade, Tumbi feels worlds away, offering inventive Indian cooking in an industrial-chic setting.