 Michael's Restaurant Review: We've always enjoyed immersing ourselves in the atmosphere of this comfortable and romantic restaurant, with its lushly landscaped dining area that exemplifies the Southern California lifestyle at its best. The garden setting is encompassed by trees, while contemporary art adorns the walls. Restaurateur Michael McCarty is a pioneer of California cuisine and mentor to some of L.A.'s finest chefs, and his establishment has become a culinary landmark and local treasure. The restaurant's adherence to a well-earned reputation for quality market-fresh ingredients and creativity on the plate means that the kitchen, overseen by executive chef John-Carlos Kuramoto, consistently turns out inventive California cuisine. A redo of this Santa Monica destination brings, among other changes, an updated menu that retains Michael’s standards (wild Alaskan king salmon; grilled Jidori chicken) while broadening to take in offerings from a pizza oven (a pie with black truffle cheese, wild mushrooms and Asian pear), small plates and more. A Bar Bites menu available at the bar proposes items like sliders and tacos. You'll probably be completely satisfied long before dessert, but if you've got room, try "Michael's Famous Cookie Plate" with an assortment of sweets. In addition to being a renowned restaurateur, McCarty also has a passion for wine. Selections from his three-acre estate, The Malibu Vineyard, often appear on the sophisticated wine list that is curated by general manager Andrew Turner. Diners browse through the seven hundred options on iPads --- another forward-thinking move. With continuous innovation like this plus lovely scenery, Michael's has made itself a magnet for local celebrities and power players.
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Michael's Restaurant is one of GAYOT's 2013
| Top 10 LA Business Restaurants
| Top 10 LA California Cuisine Restaurants
| Top 10 LA Mother's Day Brunch Restaurants
| Top 10 LA Craft Cocktail Bars & Restaurants
| Top 10 LA Wine List Restaurants
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• For more information on Michael's restaurant, read GAYOT's blog
Watch Michael McCarty talk about his 2007 Pinot Noir wine on GAYOT.com's YouTube channel.
Visit the photo gallery of Michael's restaurant
Splurging at top-rated restaurants is fun for special events, but where can you go for a good quality meal that won't break the bank? Gather the change out of your piggy bank and sofa cushions and take it to one of our selections for the best cheap eats in your area.
