Michael's
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Phone: (310) 451-0843
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- California Avenue
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 12pm-2:30pm 6pm-10pm, Fri 12pm-2:30pm, 6pm-10:30pm, Sat 6pm-10:30pm
Editorial Review for Michael's – by Jane Tunks
The Scene
When owner Michael McCarty opened his namesake establishment in 1979, it was like a whirlwind through the city's restaurant scene. The chefs in his kitchen were pioneers of what came to be known as California cuisine. Walk through the dining room, with its '80s flashback decor, and revel in the atmosphere of the lush garden patio.
The Food
What was groundbreaking in 1979 is classic in the new millennium. The kitchen still showcases the fresh, local ingredients that are hallmarks of California cuisine. The starters are filled with unique flavor combinations. The seared foie gras is complemented by a sweet and sour vanilla sauce. Entrees are more familiar: fork-tender rack of lamb, poached Maine lobster, and a hulking New York steak with shoestring french fries.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Fun FactSuch famous chefs as Ken Frank, and Mark Peel and Nancy Silverton all put in time behind the stoves at Michael's.
Look GoodTo sample the food of another early pioneer of California cuisine, head to Berkeley's Chez Panisse.
User Reviews for Michael's
07/10/2008 Posted by traveler9
There's really nothing terribly wrong with Michael's, but nothing stood out. Aging decor, plastic seats on the patio. I do not pretend to be a gourmet, but I do know when I'm dining on wonderful food. This restaurant does not provide that. I had the poached lobster, which was just ok, and probably the smallest piece of lobster I've ever had in my life...for $ 46.00! Nothing was served with it. Nothing! No potato, no green vegetable....just alone on the plate. The waiter was adequate, but very full of himself, which is epidemic in LA. Yes, the patio is very nice, but the food and service was mediocre. It seems to be existing solely on it's former glory. My husband and I left the place hungry, which was easy to do when you receive very little food. When you spend hundreds of dollars on a meal, you have the right to expect to be wowed!
Pros: The decor...
Cons: Uninspired food....
11/16/2007 Posted by stella21
For what the prices are, the service was pretty bad. One of my favorite things to do is to go out and have a nice dinner. Of course it is at a cost but when I went to Michael's I was shocked at how we were treated. There was hardly any attention towards us from our waiter. It was like he was too good for us. I felt like we were being judged because we weren't in "suits" on a business dinner. The food was great and I wouldn't mind spending the money if the service matched the price. The decor was also very outdated and made the whole experience a huge waste.
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