TOP 40 RESTAURANTS IN THE U.S. 2007 MELISSE

MÉLISSE Santa Monica Read the full review Founded in 1999, Mélisse is owner-chef Josiah Citrin's showcase for his fresh California take on traditional French cuisine. Citrin, whose roots are in this seaside city, once again makes our Top 40 for this restaurant, which is the culmination of his time spent training in Paris, stints stateside with influential chefs, and the opening of JiRaffe with partner Raphael Lunetta. Come here expecting the best products transformed with a classic hand and served in an elegant room befitting the cuisine, complete with purse stands for the ladies.

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