Enjoyable Birthday dinner for my daughter. Parking wasn't easy for us to find so we opted for valet which was friendly and fast. Service in the restaurant was friendly as well, extremely fast and attentive throughout most of the meal, but slowed down near the end. We did have to flag our server down and ask for more water and dessert, but again, the rest of the meal service was like a well-oiled machine. My daughter decided upon a few dishes (for the table) for her celebration: the filet, dirty chicken & lobster bolognese for mains...the scallop and bread for start. She also had espresso martinis, which she said were the best she'd had...and a soufflé for dessert. All of the food was fabulous. The filet cooked to perfection, melt in the mouth. The chicken was a table favorite, so tender and flavor perfection. Zero complaints on everything we sampled, it was a great meal. My daughter really enjoyed her night. It was a great spot to celebrate! read more

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Highlights: Nice ambiance, not too noisy, easy street parking or valet ($16), thoughtful food presentations, yummy food flavors!! Came with a group of 4 and while we thought we ordered too much, it actually ended up being the perfect amount as the dishes are very much on the small side. That said I'm glad we all got a little sampling of their dishes but if you're going for big portions and value you should probably look elsewhere. Citrin is a Michelin star restaurant after all so quality is of the utmost importance. They won't take the food orders until everyone has arrived and one thing that was sort of annoying was that they wouldn't let us order bread until everyone arrived because "they don't want people getting full." Service was also lacking in the beginning even after our full party arrived and it took them almost 20 minutes to take our orders. Once we finally started ordering, the waitress also kept getting confused about what was still available in the kitchen and double backed a few times. The waitress also seemed to be overwhelmed by our order at first stating "this is a lot" and immediately started proposing how all the dishes would be paired when coming to the table. We eventually just told her how we wanted everything to come to keep it simple. As the food came they coordinated placing dishes down at the same time and gave a very detailed overview of all the dishes and how to eat them before you dig in which was nice. Crowd favorites included the Lobster Bolognese (their signature dish), Truffle Pasta, Duck Ragout, and the Truffle Egg but everything was honestly so tasty and packed a lot of flavor. If you like truffles this is the place for you! There are multiple truffle dishes on the menu and I wish I could have tried them all but would definitely recommend the Pasta and Egg dishes which were very rich. The Intro the Vegetable Garden salad was also a surprise hit with a very unique mix of veggies and distinct tastes in every bite. For our main protein we got the Dirty Chicken for Two which is literally an entire chicken crusted with a yummy layer of breaded crunch and cooked to tender perfection. Before they cut it up they also brought it to the table for everyone to look at whole which was a nice touch. This was actually the one sizable dish we got (enough for 5 people) and had plenty of leftovers. It also came with a mashed potatoes and a mushroom sauce topping which everyone at our table loved. For dessert we got the Chocolate Soufflé and Strawberry Pavlova. The Pavlova was soooo good!! It has Earl Grey and Strawberry Sheep's Milk Yogurt and they shared the chef was inspired by a ballerina when they created the look of the dish. Would come back for this! read more

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The following is an honest account of our recent experience at Citrin. Much of the information in the reviews below regarding the food quality seems fair and true and Im not here to take away from what are likely well deserved praises. Below is a brief but true account of what we experienced during a celebration of our friend's birthday with out party of seven. Quick Reference: Ambience: Very nice, modern yet elegant, calming, low noise levels, intimate and somewhat private feel. Drinks: Excellent. Many unique choices and well crafted. Food: Excellent. However, portions are too small to feel satisfied and when paying a premium, you should want your guests leaving satisfied Bathrooms: Very clean, nicely decorated. Staff: Friendly but socially uncouth in certain ways. Never, and I mean Never speak over someone who is in the middle of a sentence. Kitchen: Make sure food is served in proper order and sync. No one should have to wait 15 mins before the others receive their food. Bar: Look around and pay attention to your guests who may be waiting to be attended to. No one should have to wait OVER 45 mins Manager: Don't ever make your guests feel they have to argue with you and take responsibility when your staff even possibly may have erred. Make sure they are satisfied that you understood the issue, that you applied good judgement and left them feeling restored. Longer Detail: True that the atmosphere was lovely, felt somewhat private, modern, not noisy, and was comfortable. Bartenders offered a variety of interesting and delicious cocktails and spirits. However, as I waited at the bar for my group to arrive, I was not asked not once if needed anything else, including the check, and that was over a 45 minute period roughly. I had to raise my voice a bit to get someone's attention before I could pay my bill and join my guests. The table was fine and the staff was friendly and quickly took our order. What was not okay is that the staff would continually interrupt us mid-sentence and speak right over us rather than to wait a moment for a pause. This happened over and over again and I finally complained to a staff member, asking her to make sure the rest of the staff knew not to continue with such unsophisticated and disrespectful behavior. I don't imagine anyone else here would enjoy being interrupted so obnoxiously as we were. I blame the manager who is either not paying attention to his staff interactions with guests or shares the very same low standards of etiquette. Entree's arrived at different times. Yes, of seven total guests, it took approximately fifteen minutes before I had to summon the waiter to inform them that we had only received half of the dishes, which precluded the ones that had their food, from eating without others being served. I had to hail the waiter and inform them of the obvious problem. She apologized and in an effort to avoid blame, tried to suggest that she thought we wanted the order delivery in that manner as if the first few entrees were like appetizers. This is absolutely untrue. They were all entrees and should have arrived simultaneously, OBVIOUSLY. The manager never apologized when he learned of the situation nor took any responsibility. As a manager he seemed to lack good intervention and problem solving skills. I informed him that we had placed an order for our entrees and ordered. one extra one (steak) to share in addition to our own. Thats it. Nothing in that request means bring us 4 entrees and delay the other 4. By the time the remaining food arrived, some of the first entrees were no longer warm. I should have taken a picture to share of the half served table. The food is delicious. Thats is absolutely true although the portions are very much on the meager or small side so if you are hungry I recommend you think twice before ordering anything other than the burger which seems substantial. Bill was approx. just over 3k and about 1k of that was champagne so this is expected. What was not expected was the poor service. If you have a Michelin rated restaurant, you'd better nail it! I mean every detail better be addressed with the highest standards applying. How else are you rightly being distinguished from the masses, or deserving of such exclusive esteem??? I hope this was helpful. read more

I've been wanting to come to Citrin for a while, and I finally got to go the other weekend. At the bar, there's a happy hour menu, but you also need a reservation because it's a very popular place. It's a very beautiful restaurant, which I'd expect from a place that has a Michelin star. First, we ordered the sweet pea agnolotti which was divine. Light, refreshing and delicious. The lobster bolognese came highly recommended, but this wasn't my favorite. Good not great. The burger was divine. Absolutely amazing. Would order this again and again. Overall Citrin was a delightful experience, and one I'd recommend. I'd love to try out the main dining area next. read more

Citrin - Rockfish - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Worth visiting this 1 star Michelin restaurant for a special occasion. Reservations are a must. Restaurant is located on the corner and street parking can be found but otherwise valet parking is available. Inside is dimly lit, with round and rectangular tables. Service was amazing, staff being very attentive. Menu includes pre fix menu as well as à la cart options. We opted for à la cart, since there were some picky eaters. I would recommend the lobster bolognese as well as the sole. The sauce on the sole was incredible, buttery with the fish cooked and seasoned perfectly. Scallops were also a great hit. The portions are small but that's what expected. Price is also on the higher end. Will absolutely come back! read more

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The service was so professional and the staff was very friendly. They are attentive and clears the plates between courses in a perfectly timed manner. The setting is romantic and would be perfect for a couples dinner before a night on the town in Santa Monica. The Egg Caviar was made with the ingredients layered. I don't know how to describe this tasteful work of art. The John Dory had competing flavors of the olives and the tomato confit. Very good mix of flavors. The beef was prepared just right and to top it off, the Red Berry "Vacherin" was delectable. read more

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V-Day dinner at Citrin is the perfect mix of romantic elegance and a smart choice. Well, we actually went the day before actual Valentine's Day because I don't like to be out when everyone else is. The bar offers a great selection of spirits. The menu was set but we still had options. Some highlights from the meal: The Basil Brioche was delicious- you could really taste the basil, and the bread's soft texture was addicting. The Hamachi crudo was light and refreshing- love this dish. The star was the Lobster Bolognese- I do like my pastas and this one was a win. The whole staff was amazing and a delight. A shout out to our server Tom that has given us amazing hospitality and made our dinner special. I had requested something from him and he was pleasantly accommodating to make it happen. I went home with a signed menu from Chef Josiah Citrin -- something I like to do (I collect famous chef's autographs on their menu for memento). Thank you. Highly recommend. For the experience, the service, the ambiance --the vibe. read more

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Service was decent. I didn't like that there were quite a few servers coming by multiple times to ask how I'm doing - might've overdone this a little bit by being too attentive. Food overall was good but nothing was outstanding. Melisse next door is fantastic but somehow this sister restaurant is a bit underwhelming. Food: Amuse - oyster was good Egg caviar - delicious Scallops - good Lobster bolognese - decent; wouldn't order again; thought the sauce could've been creamier instead of so acidic and there wasn't much lobster either Persimmon salad - decent Pineapple soufflé - very good Tapioca ice cream dessert - decent read more

Citrin - Persimmon salad - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Citrin is the younger brother, Une Étoile Guide Michelin, to Trois Étoiles Grand Dame decades old Mélisse. Kind of like Atelier Crenn is to the more casual Bar Crenn. Long bar to also allow more casual dining as well as a formal dining room for larger parties. It was a Friday evening at 6pm, start of the weekend and DineLA was in full swing. House was humming and servers were busy as honey bees, but they managed to stay friendly adding a bit of short, amiable interactions. DineLA 4 Course Tasting Menu $99 was a great introduction to the regular menu. 0) Amuse Gueule: Yuzu Panna Cotta firm, watermelon, perslane, summer fruits, lime juice 1) Bluefin Tuna Crudo: Green Mango, Avocado, Pineapple, Pouring of Leche de Tigre/Tiger Milk made of lime juice, red onion, touch garlic & cilantro, Ají/Peruvian puréed Chile sauce. The Bluefin is Hon Maguro Chū Toro grade, plush, sweet fattiness with red meatiness. 2) Vermillion Fish: Ikèjimè (ee keh jee meh) means a long needle is pierced into the back brain & spinal cord to painlessly kill the fish and paralyze it so its freshness is retained. Tranche of butter pan grilled fish so the skin is lightly crispy, meat is sweet, moist yet toned. Tan summer beans, zucchini bits, all in a shallow pool of Lemon Basil Beurre Noisette. 0-2a) Chablis Bourgogne, Louis Moreau, Appéllation Chablis Controlée 2023: Lemon, pear, apple, nail polish, clean, crisp, acidic, stone minerality, 'salty' 3) Wolf Ranch Quail: Oven baked huge meaty breast for a quail, thigh, drum stick, and the claw is still attached for aesthetic authenticity. Slice of Mission Fig, finely puréed beet, pomme purée. Looser Sauce Demi-glace made from au jus and sweet, port like Banyuls from the Banyuls region in Languedoc-Roussillon, known for its fortified wines. It's made primarily from Grenache grapes. 3a) Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Saint-Joseph Offerus, J L Chave Sélection, Appéllation d'Origine Controlée Saint-Joseph, France 2020. A northern Rhône Syrah: Juicy, cherry, red & blk plum, barnyard, sweet, acidic, old oak barrel, bit madérisée, Toasty cream of & wheat couscous. 4) Poached Yellow Peach, Yuzu Japanese Citrus Pie. Sheep's milk yogurt, Lavender, Graham cracker sand, Quenelles of Crème Fraîche, sparkling Peach Gellée, dollop of Panna Cotta, white chocolate Tuile. DineLA 4 course menu at $99 was a great deal comparable to the regular $165 four course Tasting Menu. Sitting at the bar was entertaining since the servers busily ebbed and flowed around us exchanging occasional bons mots while they presented the ordered dish. Chef Ken Takayama adds a soupçon of Japanese technique to Nouvelle Cuisine Française. 5 stars due to accomplished cooking and generous DineLA offer. read more

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Citrin was terrific. Both the food and the service were impeccable. Citrin offers both a tasting and an a la carte menu. The tasting menu is four courses (a starter, two mains, and dessert) where you pick among a number of offerings for each course. For example, for the starter, I could have chosen either the Egg Caviar, Butternut Squash Soup, Stonington Maine Scallop, Kanpachi Crudo, or Truffle Egg. Both the Egg Caviar and Truffle Egg had a supplemental fee. The server also mentioned that I could substitute a course or add a course from the a la carte menu, which had a few more offerings. Food: I chose the Stonington Maine Scallop for my starter, and my date chose the Truffle Egg. The scallops were perfectly cooked, each with a golden-brown sear, barely translucent center, and tender yet firm texture. The scallops were served with a delicate Romanesco sauce incorporating bits of almonds, cauliflower, and olives ... the olives paired so well in this dish. The Truffle Egg was super decadent. It is served as a poached egg covered with foam, then topped with generous shavings of white truffles (which was done tableside). The truffles melt into the foam and yolk to create a rich, delicious goo that cries to be mopped up with the toasted brioche bread. For the first main, we chose the Truffle Pasta and Truffle Risotto. The Truffle Pasta was delicious. It likely would have been the best dish of the evening if it wasn't for the Truffle Risotto. The risotto was perfectly cooked, with a creamy texture and yet al dente. The Truffle Risotto was, for me, the best dish of the evening. For the second main, we chose the Brandt Beef Filet and Short Rib and Millbrook Farm Venison. Both dishes were great. The beef was exactly medium rare, tender, and flavorful. The Venison was also well cooked and had an earthy flavor, but didn't really have any gaminess. Finally, for desert, we chose the Dark Chocolate Tart and Pear Pavlova. For me, the chocolate tart was just okay, with flavors that I've had often before, but my date loved it. In turn, I loved the pear pavlova ... loved it. Service: As I previously mentioned, the service was impeccable. Our server, Michael, was attentive, friendly, and professional ... A+++. Our table also had a second server (unfortunately, I missed her name) who made sure that our water glasses were never empty and we had everything we needed ... attentive without being intrusive. Valet: I should add that they offer valet parking. Our attendant was also great. Bottom Line: I'll say it again ... Citrin was terrific. read more

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We went for restaurant week. They had great items on the menu. They had lots of gluten free options as well. My favorite was the short rib. The meat was so nice and tender... however my complaint is it was only one bite. It was a nice tasting menu leaving us wanting more. The server was also very nice and knowledgeable read more

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Citrin is one of my favorite restaurants in LA because I love the flavors. I'm the type of person who loves trying new restaurants, but 90% I try a restaurant, I never go back because I want to try other new restaurants. Citrin is one of the 10% of places where I return to eat. I've been at least 4 times now, and would love to go more but Citrin is on the expensive end. Every now and then I daydream about the food from Citrin. Also I'm the type of person who normally orders meat dishes - steak, duck, pork, etc. But Citrin does fish so well, that I will always order the fish at Citrin. My partner and I ordered the halibut (may have been a special) once because the waitress recommended it and because I wasn't in the mood to order a meat dish, and it was a great decision. My favorites include the truffle egg, lobster bolognese, and ribeye. If you're wondering whether to try the classic truffle egg or lobster bolognese, it's so worth it! I love their ribeye, and I'm pretty hard to please when it comes to steak. So many times, I have been disappointed by "21 day dry aged rib eye" at steak houses, and the steaks I cook at home taste better. Citrin's steaks have my approval though! I would love to visit Citrin again if I have the opportunity! read more

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This is the most I ever spent on dinner and it almost was worth it. More later. We had a reservation during Dine LA. Street parking is difficult due to permit requirements, so we went with valet. Ambiance and service were great. We had the 4-course tasting menu and a couple of drinks. The drinks were solid but the real star was the food. Dishes ranged from super delicate and subtle, like their Egg Caviar, to more bold like the Quail. Initially we were most looking forward to their signature dish, which has been on their menu since opening, the Lobster Bolognese, but we really loved the underdog on the menu, the Rockfish, which was absolutely amazing. Growing up with Italian food, as prepared by Italians from Italy, I have always had a fondness for al-dente pasta (really al-dente with a bite). Unfortunately, the signature Lobster Bolognese lacked that. The dish had a rather soft mouthfeel and the consistency overall paired with the supplemental charge for the truffle and lobster left me slightly disappointed. But arguably, our expectations were very high and all the other dishes definitely more than delivered. read more

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We went last night and the food is still delicious but I am taking a Star away for the poor service. At this caliber of restaurant we should not have ask for water 5 times and get up from our seats to flag down help multiple times. They over charged us 3 additional items on the bill and never once apologized. We literally had to go to the parking lot across the street to get our own car at the valet. read more

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AMBIENCE: (5/5) - Greeted immediately with a smile - We booked for a table of 4 but 2 of our friends couldn't show up and they accommodated us well SERVICE: (5/5) - Server introduced themselves and served water right away - They put the napkin on our laps at the start of the course - The pace of the dishes came out well FOOD/DRINKS: (4/5) - Amuse bouche (5/5): Very refreshing oyster served with a citrus bubble foam, the perfect pallet cleanser to open up our appetite - Citrus Cured Hamachi Crudo (5/5): Can't really mess up a crudo but the blood orange just brings a flash of brightness that I just absolutely loved. The fish was fresh, of course, and the perfect texture. - Scallop with Beans and Butternut Squash (4/5): Scallop cooked to perfection. A little on the salty side for the broth that even the beans couldn't quite balance out. - Broccoli Risotto (4/5): Was kind of sad they changed the menu as this was supposed to be a mushroom risotto. Overall the broccoli was a nice surprise, loved the tartness of the lemon that cleaned out the plate. Once more, a little on the salty side and the risotto is just half a minute too al dente for my liking. - Cassoulet de Lotte (4/5): Fish cooked to perfect flakes and the garlic asparagus green sauce was fresh and added a crunchy texture but still a bit on the salty side of the palette for my liking. - Sirloin (5/5): My god that peppercorn sauce is to die for. I can probably eat this every single night for a week. The steak was so tender that the knife cuts through it like butter and it just melts onto the tongue. - Duck (5/5): This is one of the best cooked duck I have ever had. Just the perfect texture with the scoring of the skin almost like artwork. Most duck is cooked too tough or overly salted but this was perfection once again. - Red Berry Vacherin (5/5): One of my favorite two flavors of elderflower and yuzu. The little meringues are so cute and light with the perfect shell. Every component made for a perfect bite each time. OVERVIEW: (4.5/5) - Great service as expected of a Michelin star restaurant, just wish every single dish was a knock out of the park given the pricing but a great deal to take up if you want to try it for DineLA! read more

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My experience was for Dine LA. Reservation process was easy online. The restaurant is the sister restaurant of Melisse which is a 2 Michelin star restaurant. Citrin has one star as well. When I saw they were on the dine La list we had to come by and try it out. Because of its location in the residential streets there's a lot of street parking available. But if you want they do have valet parking available for $16. I'm actually very surprised by how low the ratings are for this restaurant. Our group of 4 had a great time and thought the service was amazing. When I checked in the reception staff were welcoming, walked me to my table where the rest of the party were already seated. Ambiance is simple modern. Most of the seats were booths and it creates a private ambiance even when you're dining with others which I liked. The service was phenomenal. They were warm, introduced the menu and each dish. And they were very patient when there were additional questions from the group or if we had a hard time with decision paralysis. When I asked the location of the restroom the server personally walked me there which I thought was quite thoughtful. Amuse bouche - 5/5 very refreshing with fresh fruit and herbs. Definitely opens up your palate for the rest of the meal. Citrus cured kampachi - 10/5 this was my favorite dish of the night. Fish is so fresh and the citrus notes throughout complement the flavors of the fish without being too sour. Lobster bolognese - 5/5 for $35 dollars extra you can upgrade to the lobster bolognese. This is one of their well known dishes for a reason. Flavors are delicious and I loved the foam on top of the pasta. Fun presentation. And the chunks of lobster are cooked well. Snake River farms sirloin - 8/5 you get a filet and short rib. My lord short rib is so flavorful, melts in your mouth and very well cooked. The filet is definitely outshined by the short rib but still well cooked and quite delicious. Yellow peach and yuzu pie - 4/5 not my favorite dessert because it is more on the tart side. But the sheep milk yogurt was definitely the highlight of the plate. Super light but flavorful, good closing for the meal. Really nice dine la menu. Enjoyed the dinner thoroughly. read more

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My husband took me to this restaurant for my birthday, and we went with the tasting menu. Overall, it was a really nice experience. The restaurant is sleek and modern. Service was excellent throughout the night. Immediately, I noticed that they had even left a little "Happy Birthday" sign on our table, which was a sweet touch and made the night feel special. One of my favorite dishes was the lobster bolognese. It was really tasty and had great flavor. There was some froth on top that I didn't think added much, but it didn't hurt the dish either. Most of the courses were really good, r. Nothing was bad, just not all were super memorable. The pacing between dishes was nice, and the portions were just right. For the quality and amount of food, I thought the price was pretty reasonable for Santa Monica fine dining. I'm giving 4 stars because while it was a great night and delicious overall, a few dishes could've been a bit stronger. Still, I'd definitely go back for another special occasion. read more

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Citrin feels like Mélisse's younger sibling who still went to a good school, but actually knows how to have fun at a dinner party. Came for Dine LA and loved the vibe right away. Small, intimate, and warm without the stiff "fine dining theater" thing. We lucked out with a super comfortable booth and the room has that low-key, date-night glow that makes you sit up straighter and also order a cocktail. Started with the Beast of Bourbon, which shows up with burnt rosemary and smells like someone just walked past with a fancy campfire. Super smooth, easy cinnamon warmth, and it honestly got better as it sat for a minute and mellowed out. The amuse was a standout: oyster with apple and foam. Great textures, really balanced, and gone in two bites like it never happened. Hamachi crudo was the one "meh" moment. Beautiful fish, lots of ingredients listed, but it somehow landed a little flat flavor-wise. I did appreciate the cilantro, but I wanted a bit more pop overall. Broccoli risotto was cozy in a nostalgic way. It reminded me of that broccoli-cheddar soup vibe from chain restaurants back in the day (compliment-ish). For my taste, it could've used a touch more salt to bring it all the way home. The duck was the star. That turnip puree alone was incredible, and the duck sauce was dialed. There was also this crunchy, nutty topping that gave "Dubai chocolate" texture energy in the best way, plus a layered, almost Mediterranean bastilla vibe happening underneath. Unexpected, but it worked. Dessert was dangerously good. Tons of berries, especially strawberry, with great textures and flavors. I wanted a second bowl and had to pretend I had self-control. One gripe: the employee health charge. I hate these little surprise line items. Just price it in and pay people properly. What really pushed it into "come on, guys" territory was seeing tax applied on top of it. I asked them to remove it and they did immediately with zero attitude, which I appreciated, but still. Overall, Citrin is polished but approachable, and the room makes you want to linger. I'd come back even outside Dine LA, and next time I'm ordering the duck and "accidentally" getting dessert again. read more

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Super disappointing. We sat in the back patio; considering the location, etc. I was so underwhelmed by the fake turf, patchy rugs, and plastic woven dividers. The bathroom, which is located inside and requires you to go through the sidewalk to access through the main restaurant, needs a complete overhaul. All that aside, it's not quite clear as to how they achieved the Michelin star. Service makes a strong attempt but doesn't compare to other high end restaurants. The food was good, but just good.. The tomato soup was really nice, but the hot/cold experience was not necessary. We really enjoyed the peach dessert... lots of layers/textures... memorable. I'm really glad we reserved for Dine LA, otherwise, totally not worth it. read more

Citrin - Peach dessert - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Citrin offers excellent service and a very polished dining experience. I didn't realize at first that it shares the space with Mélisse, which was interesting. Citrin's entrance is the red door near the valet, while Mélisse is around the corner on Wilshire--you ring a bell to enter, which feels more discreet and formal. Portion sizes were perfect for me, and everything tasted clean--not salty, not greasy. The filet and short rib were very tender, and the mocktails were soothing and well-balanced. Their signature lobster bolognese truly stood out and lived up to its reputation. Desserts were fine but not really my style--I prefer less sweet. The palate cleanser at the end was a bit too hard to bite, but I appreciated the thoughtful gesture. Overall, a very clean, refined taste, great service, and a place I'd happily return to when in Santa Monica. read more

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We were here for their Valentine's Day tasting menu and combined it with their wine pairing. Absolutely amazing especially the egg caviar and lobster bolognese. The host was ok, but our server was top notch attentive. We'll be back. read more

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One of my running-turned-Yelp friends and I are both self-proclaimed foodies, so when Dine LA rolled around earlier this month, we made a plan to treat ourselves. On August 7th we made our way to Citrin - chosen specifically because it holds a Michelin star - and it pretty much lived up to the hype. I picked my friend up, we lucked out with street parking, and we were seated right around our reservation time. Our server, Michael R., set the tone with attentive and thoughtful service. He gave us time to review the extensive menu but was also ready with recommendations when asked. At a restaurant of this caliber, there's no shortage of staff, and it felt like each dish was presented by a different person. The ambiance was fine and a bit on the darker side, but comfortable, not overly quiet or too loud. The restaurant was packed, yet we never felt rushed. In fact, our four-course dinner unfolded slowly, incredibly slowly, over the evening. We started with the bread service before diving into the prix fixe Dine LA menu (which was, in my opinion, very reasonably priced given the restaurant's Michelin status). For my first course, I chose the Bluefin Tuna Crudo - light, fresh, and further enhanced by a sauce so good I used bread to soak up every drop. I could have been tempted by the tomato soup and especially the egg caviar but knowing I wanted the Lobster Bolognese as my second course (which carried its own supplemental fee), I decided to save room. The bolognese was rich and delicious, though I'm not sure the supplement was entirely necessary. My friend wasn't as impressed but I was more than satisfied with mine as I love a good pasta. For my third course, I stepped outside my comfort zone with the Wolfe Ranch Quail. It was tender, flavorful, and beautifully plated. This was one of those dishes that will stay with me, even now, nearly a month later! Dessert was the Yellow Peach and Yuzu "Pie," the only option on the Dine LA menu and it was a refreshing and tangy finale that rounded out the experience. Some reviewers have mentioned not leaving full, but let me be clear I was stuffed by the end of the night. The attentive staff and the quality of the dishes made for a memorable Dine LA outing. I did, however, think that the pacing was incredibly slow. Even so, Citrin lived up to its Michelin-star reputation while still offering an approachable and somewhat reasonably priced prix fixe experience. Do note, however, that there is a 4% "health charge" which is a bit crazy, in my opinion. Personally, I left full, happy, and tired (food coma loading). For foodies, special occasions, or anyone curious about Michelin-level dining in Los Angeles, Citrin is worth a visit. read more

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Always five star every time. Dirty chicken is a must! The morels are life changing! Get there early to get a spot at the bar and take advantage of the food on bar menu; Citrus cured hamachi crudo, brandt beef tenderloin and beef cheek, peeky toe crab risotto, artichoke agnolotti are all can't miss items. Bar service is just as attentive and helpful as tableside. Low light and good music make for an excellence dining experience. Can't wait to go back! read more

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What a meal!! First the ambience is amazing. You are definitely in for a treat once you step in. We were guided to our table and it seems as if we were never left alone longer than a few moments. The bread rolls were amazing and we split the salad which was phenomenal, but our entrees!!! I had the marrow crusted steak which was incredible!!! At first I wasn't sure if it was going to be nearly enough and then I ended up struggling to finish it! My wife had the lamb and it was DELICIOUS!! Topped if off with a wonderful desert. The bill is not for the faint of heart but you get what you pay for! Absolutely will be back! read more

Finally tried Citrin for dineLA. My favorites were the crudo and panna cotta and the dessert. The portions were pretty small, the beef came with only 2 pieces. Despite the $35 add on, the lobster bolognese was also pretty small with not much lobster though the presentation was nicely done and there was a foam layer on top of the pasta. The vacherin dessert was beautiful with the edible flowers and different elements, lemongrass ice cream and panna cotta, merengue, and raspberries. I'd come back to try their happy hour menu and other desserts I saw other guests order. Parking is restricted on many side streets but there are meters on Wilshire that end at 6pm. read more

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Citrin has been on my list to try for a while--ever since I ordered their take out for thanksgiving a few years ago. The restaurant didn't disappoint. Starting with ambiance. The restaurant has an unassuming exterior with colorfully painted doors. Inside is a beautifully appointed bar which sits across from an open dining room. The dining room is a good mix of booths and standalone seating. A diverse library of art adorns the walls, ranging from abstract to photographic. More interestingly, the restaurant smells wonderful do in part to the custom candles the restaurant sells (we bought two). Service was impeccable. Our waitress was funny and easy to interact with. Food came out timely and well coordinated. However one of the more special moments however was getting to meet chef/owner Josiah Citrin, who came to our table twice to chat. Drinks were phenomenal. I enjoyed the wine pairing. which I would describe more as "wines that blend but don't overpower the food." Further, I particularly enjoyed Citrin's take on an old fashioned with burnt wood on top. Food was incredible. Top 5 Michelin starred restaurants in SoCal in my opinion. The corn risotto with truffle and the filet with caramelized bone marrow. My wife also loved the caviar egg they are famous for. The price is high. With wine pairings expect about $400pp. That said, the total package and the added bonus of meeting a celebrity chef make it worthwhile. Ambiance: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Drinks: 4.5/5 Food: 5/5 Value: 3.5/5 Consistency: N/A read more

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I am not at Santa Monica, much. So when I am, I try to hit the spots that make the trip worthwhile. Additionally, on this particular day, Conrad and I were close enough to Citrin to visit the establishment during their Glass Off time-block, which is 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. I had an opportunity to visit Citrin and spare my wallet the damage of a tasting menu, so we walked to the joint ready to experience a happy hour at a fine dining establishment. It sounds like a paradox but bargain price fare, can be enjoyed by all- from petty thiefs to pouty princesses. But would we get a sit? Glass Off, is a first- come, first-serve kind of situation and I feared that we would not get seats--- it was Friday at 6:00ish, after all. But when Conrad and I got there, we were able to get seats. It was my first time at Citrin, however, I have been to Melisse and have had their Carte Blanche menu. Conrad on the other hand, had not been to Melisse or Citrin, and in fact, it was Conrad's first time at an Avant Garde restaurant. Thus, Citrin had the honor (once again) to showcase the beauty and awe of fine dining to one who had never experienced it before. That is a responsibility I hope this restaurant takes seriously because on any given night they can take a regular eater and convert them to one that sees food as ingestible art. I did not fully grasp the responsibility of being a partner in dine for Conrad's first time but, I am only one part of the dining scene, the greater responsibility falls on Citrin and its crew. And at the end of the dining experience, I have to say that they did a good job, not a superb one. When we entered there were two seats in front of them. There was a purse, near one of the open seats. "Are these seats taken, I asked the bartender?" The woman who owned the purse, heard my question, and instinctively moved her purse. I made a point to Conrad to communicate that sometimes you have to speak up for your space? He sat next to the woman with a purse, I at next to another woman. Her elbows and mine bumped into each other twice. She looked at me, kind of annoyed after the second. Now I wonder what is the etiquette protocol? A bar is full. There are seats but maybe not space. Was the woman correct in assuming that she could put her purse in the counter? Was I correct in offering a my question loudly for her to hear? Should I have not sat down even though there were seats open because I would touch elbow with other eaters? Conrad did not want to think much about these questions but here I am, thinking that I am brining forth questions that challenge societal etiquette around bar sitting. After the woman with the purse and her partner left, Conrad and I moved to the seats they occupied, now my elbows and I would not have to suffer annoyed stares from a bar neighbor. Conrad and I started our excursion with the Citrin burger which is a whopping 15.00 dollars. The price point scrams accessible price point, it is elite food for all. But the hamburger, although flavorful, is still just a basic hamburger that is good plus. It does not stand buns above other burgers. It is just good but plan. But given the price point, and the chic and elegant space of Citrin, the burger is a blessing. It is like eating a hamburger with a view. As we left, Anthony, one of the Valets explained that sometimes he brings his girlfriend to the spot--- they eat the hamburger, maybe two drinks each and they are set. So this can be the center piece for a baller who wants to impress someone, and they are conscious but active with their funds. Oh, when we first sat, we were given empty plates. Conrad touched it, and he said the plate was warm. He was not discussing it, but he was drinking in the quiet glamour of the space. The rest of the food was better than the burger. We had sweet corn agnolotti and the crab risotto. When the staff members that did not work in the bar, brought the food they explained the dish. I always appreciate someone taking the time to educate me on what I was about to eat. That is a fine dining trait that never gets old, and I miss when I do not hear it. I also felt really glad to show Conrad that food can come as foam (espuma). The crab risotto had carrot foam. The agnolotti was delicate and had a. deep corn taste. Its sweetness was wonderful and was made by artisan hands that knew the power of sweet corn, meaning that they knew how to use the corn with restrain so its sweetness remains subtle yet confident enough to know its the star. However, the crab risotto was the best in night for me. The risotto was a bit too hot to eat when it arrived. Conrad ate in spoonfuls. I followed suit. I forgot myself. Then I told him to eat a bite, and focus on the tastes that followed. I firmly believe that places like the crab risotto have the power to slow down time. The bill was 150 for three dishes and four drinsk, and tip included. It is a show of a meal! read more

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I visited this place yesterday, and I absolutely loved the food presentation--the plates were amazing. as well as the staff; as for the fish I ate, I had never tasted anything like it anywhere before. read more

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did you know that you could sample the menu of this michelin-star establishment without a reservation if you walked in during their happy hour "citrin glass off"? it's an excellent time and place for a date night with its luxurious a la carte offerings, impeccable service, elegant decor, and moody lighting. tasteful house music is played at a low volume but can still be heard since seating at the bar is very limited. my partner and i tried the following items in the summer of 2023: 01. LOBSTER BOLOGNESE ($19): fresh capellini pasta, brown butter truffle froth 02. MÉLISSE BURGER ($15): lettuce, tomato, grilled onion, cheese, pickles, house sauce 03. READY FOR LOVE ($13): tequila, kings ginger, shishito shrub, yuzu, reagan's orange 04. JUST WHAT I NEEDED ($13): vodka, passionfruit, creme de peche, yuzu read more

Citrin - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

This was my second visit to the restaurant. The first time really impressed me. The food was delicious and beautifully presented. Unfortunately, this time the experience fell short. The dishes didn't stand out, and I was especially disappointed by the service. The staff didn't feel particularly welcoming or warm, which took away from the overall experience. read more

Citrin - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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There was just something a little off about the service here that made us feel like the night was disingenuous - We stopped by Citrin on a Saturday night to celebrate a birthday. They have valet parking up front or you can easily find street parking on the next block over. The staff were able to seat us right away - our server welcomed us and we were able to get our drinks and food order in (dine LA) within 10 minutes. Let's discuss the service before the food: 1. Our server asked us how our drinks were and I really did not like mine. It was overly sweet and just left a bad taste, so I asked for them to water down with soda water and he noticeably hesitated 2. We really enjoyed the housemade ketchup but when we asked for more, he noticeably hesitated again 3. And maybe the most awkward of the night, we went to the restroom and they were out of toilet paper. We notified the front and someone went to refill asap, but when I went to use the restroom, she waited for us to finish. Maybe she wanted to clean up, but it was just super awkward knowing that she was standing out there by the door and waiting - even more awkward as we were all standing in the tiny restroom washing our hands and making small talk. We thought maybe she was going to open the door for us, but she just slid by us when we left. 4. One person in my group experienced some stomach bugs after the meal and she was the only one who ordered the egg caviar (which she noted was raw when she was eating. Also totally not worth it - would not recommend with the extra $35 add on). When we called to inform them, they told us the manager would call us back and ghosted us lol Now the food: we ordered the dine LA package and really enjoyed the food for the most part (drinks not included). The amuse bouche was a lovely way to start the night; the kampachi was flavorful and fresh; the rockfish second course was slightly salty but paired nice with the sauce; and the sirloin was cooked nicely and paired with the most delicious lemon glazed carrot. Some notes on the table order, like I mentioned before, the egg caviar was a single egg and raw and the wagyu add-on was of not the greatest quality. I will note that the cut you get really depends on luck (or is it who you are): we all noted that the man sitting at the table next to us got a significantly larger sirloin cut than we all did (and he was eating the dine LA package as well). Dessert was fine but the yuzu pie was warmer than expected and the whole dish was too creamy instead of that tart you expect from yuzu flavored desserts. Overall, it was okay and I can see how they attract a crowd for a Michelin restaurant with a $99 ish DineLA menu...though I wouldn't go back due to the service. read more

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Overall, the food was beautiful, but majority of our savory dishes were juuuust over salted and there was an issue with our experience, but I appreciate that the manager tried to make up for it. We ordered all our food at the beginning and the amuse bouche, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd course all came out about 15-20 mins after we both out our utensils down and the busser cleared it. However, our issue came for our dessert. We noticed that we were waiting some time... even to the point that the tables next to us left (and they came in after us)! We asked the server how much longer it would take for the dessert, and instead of apologizing that we've already waited some time, he kind of rudely says, "I'll check on it." The manager then comes and lets us know there was an issue with the printer (turns out we waited 45 mins). And dessert was good, but definitely tainted by such a wait. Because the manager let us know that's he's happy to remediate the issue, we asked for the mushroom risotto, since that was a dish we were eyeing but didn't get. After another 20 mins, the dish comes out but it's super undercooked. It's not crunchy, but definitely way more chewing than necessary for a risotto. So though the manager tried to remediate, the food wasn't up to par. In all, underwhelming for a Michelin star restaurant and the price tag. read more

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I chose to go to Citrin for Dine LA week when they were offering a 4-course tasting menu for $99. Citrin has 1 Michelin star as of February 2025 for their high quality cooking, however my overall experience at Citrin was lackluster mainly due to the service. I made a dinner reservation at 8:30 and when we arrived at the restaurant it was very clear they were running behind on reservations. We finally were seated around 8:50 and the waiter gave us some time to peruse the menu. My group all ordered cocktails and our meal from the Dine LA menu. I chose the Hamachi crudo, Lobster Bolognese (Upgraded for $35), and roasted duck. The last course was a preset dessert. On top of the courses, Citrin also serves you an oyster shooter and bread rolls as part of the meal. The oyster was fresh and one of the best I've ever had. Hamachi Crudo - This dish was beautifully presented with slices of Hamachi rolled into a rose shape. The vinaigrette adds a nice acidity to the dish with a slight hint of sweetness. Lobster Bolognese - This is one of Citrin's signature dishes, I chose to upgrade my 2nd course for an additional $35 so I could try this dish. The capellini is tightly rolled up with the lobster sauce set on top. The waiter recommended we slice up the pasta in cross sections and eat it like slicing a piece of meat. The overall taste was good but I wanted more lobster in the dish. Duck - The duck was my favorite dish of the meal. The plate is full of different flavors and I had to savor my last few bites wishing I had more. By the time we had been served 2 of the courses it was already 10:20pm. I surely thought we would finish dinner before 11:00pm, but I was wrong. The time it took to be served between each course was around 20-30 minutes. The server at one point commented the kitchen was running behind, however even getting our check seemed to take forever. By the time we had paid for our meal it was 11:30. Overall, the experience at Citrin really hindered my rating of the restaurant. I wouldn't recommend anyone go to this restaurant unless they have the patience of a Saint and 3 hours to spare for dinner. read more

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This 1 Michelin star restaurant is located in an unassuming building on the corner of 11th and Wilshire in Santa Monica. Named after the Chef's last name, the restaurant gave off a comfortable and modern vibe. We were there on a Tuesday night to celebrate my birthday. Nathan, our server provided us with excellent service. The food was delicious. This is what we ordered: 1. Black sea bass 2. Steak 3. Chocolate soufflé The basil brioche was very good ! It was filled with herbs, savoriness and softness. The bread was simply divine! I loved it . All the food was well cooked and well prepared. They hit all the marks in terms of texture, flavor and presentation. I highly recommend this restaurant for a quality meal. read more

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I came here with my family to celebrate a couple of birthdays and we ended up staying 4 hours for a 4 course meal. The food itself was decent, the space itself looked chic, but the speed at which the kitchen was serving food was unacceptable. What baffled me is that we all ordered from the set menu so it's not like we were ordering anything outlandish that should've tripped the kitchen up. I could see that the waiters were visibly embarrassed about how long we were waiting between courses, but there were no accommodations made to apologize for it. Overall it was an unforgettable meal, not because of the food, but because it was the longest we've ever waited for our food at a restaurant. If you do decide to come here, bring some good entertainment because you might be waiting a while. read more

My friend and I were here for a birthday dinner and we both went with the tasting menu. We loved the amuse bouche and the basil brioche bread. The gentlemen serving us the bread was very generous and kind. Our first courses were the Kombu Cured Hamachi Crudo and Stonington Maine Scallop; those were awesome! Our second courses were the Lobster Bolognese and the Potato Crusted Alaskan Halibut, which were good as well. The third courses were Bone Marrow-Crust Filet of Beef and Koji Aged Liberty Duck Breast. The meats were tender and the dishes were unique. However, for our dessert courses, we wanted to see if it was okay to substitute their tasting menu options for another dessert on the à la carte menu. Initially, our waitress went to the back to confirm that it was okay to substitute the dessert because all the à la carte dessert options were the same price. When she came back, she said it was not possible. We still really wanted to try the Grand Marnier Soufflé, so we ordered two strawberry pavlovas to complete the tasting menu and the Grand Marnier Soufflé in addition to our tasting menu. When the desserts came out, the chocolate soufflé was served instead of the Grand Marnier soufflé. When we pointed it out that we had ordered the Grand Marnier soufflé, our waitress responded "I could've sworn you said chocolate." Neither of us like chocolate so there was never a question about ordering the chocolate soufflé. It rubbed us the wrong way when she said that she could have sworn she heard us say chocolate. I don't think it's about what she heard, it is more about what we wanted. For a fine dining restaurant, this response was unacceptable and even if it innocuous, her statement felt like a passive way of telling us that we were wrong. She offered us the option of just eating the chocolate soufflé since it was already on the table and after our first bite, we found what appeared to be a coarse piece of hair presumably from a pastry brush. When we told and showed her the hair, she said she would look into it. When she came back, she confirmed that it was the pastry brush and playfully laughed off the situation. It was disheartening to see the way she responded to that situation because we could have ingested without knowing since Citrin's ambience is quite dim. We felt that she was not taking our concern seriously. For the palette cleanser at the end of the night, there was cherimoya with mandarin sorbet and a dark chocolate with a caramel center. Our waitress mentioned to my friend that even though we don't like chocolate, it was worth a try. My friend ended up not eating the chocolate. I, however, did take a small bite of my piece and left the rest in my bowl. When my friend went to the restroom, the waitress came back to check on us and made a comment about how she saw that there was a missing piece of chocolate. I pointed out that I only took a small bite, but she made it seem as though she was surprised that the chocolate was eaten. These events by itself may seem trivial and harmless, but combined made us feel like we weren't taken seriously. This is, after all, a Michelin star restaurant. It isn't just about the food that is highlighted, it is also about the service. She could've apologized for the misunderstanding or acknowledged that the hair from the pastry brush was an oversight and move on. Instead, our concerns were dismissed. To sum up, the food was awesome, the ambiance was interesting, but the service was not satisfactory. read more

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A restaurant that is 100% worth its Michelin star. Came here earlier this year to try their Tasting Menu during LA restaurant week (which was honestly how we discovered them). They had spoiled guests that week with a special tasting menu for only $99/person, and we got to try a good sample of their menu. Everything we tasted was as delicious as you would expect - well-prepared with the freshest ingredients. The Kampachi Crudo, Maine Lobster Bolognese, and Prime Brandt Beef were our notable favorites. So full of flavor and made even better with the wine pairing. Reservations are a must. You might be able to get bar seating with a walk-in, but if you want to sit down and have a full dining experience, make a reservation. Just be prepared to wait a bit as they are not the most timely with honoring the reservation time. Valet parking is an option, and I would plan for it. Street parking is rough. After trying their LA Restaurant week, I would 100% return to try their regular tasting menu anytime. read more

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Food was incredible. We went there for the DineLA restaurant week. Everything was delicious. Our server was incredibly sweet and very knowledgeable about the food and wine. The ambiance was nice and quiet. read more

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My wife and I celebrated our anniversary at Citrin for DineLA and overall--it was an incredible experience with one minor hiccup that was more than made up for thanks to the exceptional service. We had an 8:45 PM reservation and were told to wait, which we totally understood given how popular the restaurant is--especially during DineLA. We grabbed seats at the bar and ordered two drinks: Comfortably Numb for me - a beautifully balanced cocktail with a fruity, citrusy profile that didn't overpower with alcohol. Midnight Margaritas for my wife - a playful twist on the classic with just the right tart punch and a smooth finish. Both drinks were straight-up bangers. While waiting, we noticed another couple who arrived after us got seated first. A little frustrating, especially since only one other party was also waiting. I brought it up to the front-of-house manager, Fabian, and he immediately took ownership. He was kind, professional, and apologetic. He came back shortly after and sat us himself, checking in regularly throughout the evening to make sure our experience was back on track. Huge shout-out to Fabian--his service was nothing short of top-tier and made the night feel special again. Now the food. Oh man... Tomato Gazpacho - bright, silky, and finished with a roasted cherry tomato that brought out such deep, sweet flavor. A refreshing opener. Lobster Tagliatelle - rich, delicate, and topped with a light foam that didn't overpower the seafood. Every bite was buttery and luxurious. Beef Duo - hands down the star of the evening. Perfectly cooked filet, tender short rib, carrot purée, and a reduction sauce that was chef's kiss good. Stone Fruit Dessert Plate - a beautifully plated finale with seasonal fruit, panna cotta, and sorbet. Sweet, tart, and refreshing--presentation was elegant and on point. (See pics!) read more

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By far the worst Michelin 1 star dining experience. No dress code. Next door was wearing red converse. Wine didn't come before the appetizer. Waiter interrupted me to ask me to taste wine while I was in the middle of enjoying the appetizer. When i cheered with my bf to drink, once again interrupted by "excuse me" to take away our plates. Waiter insisted to try each other's first course without giving extra plates or bowls for soup and pasta. Soup tastes like watered down can food. Waiter who still served the bread after we refused bread service even though its included in the fixed menu didn't understand when i said "i'm good on the bread." bc he appears to speak espanol only. Gave us a poker card for our to go order of the desserts bc they cant keep track? Waiters were lost to deliver dishes to which table. Mastro's service is way better. Javier's clientele, restaurant size and organization are way better. This is not a Michelin star level especially on Christmas eve. We've been to Melisse. This is very disappointing. read more