Michael's Menu

Michael's Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant: Want to see and be seen? This is the place. Famous for the A-list media types who frequent it, this outpost of the Santa Monica restaurant serves up California cuisine. Owner Michael McCarty wins customer loyalty with the restaurant's professional service and style and simple, high-quality cuisine. Striking --- very '80s --- modern art hangs on the restaurant's walls. The atrium dining area feels like one in post-disco era Southern California, which is, of course, where and when McCarty began setting his trends.

Food & Drinks: The California vibe wafts into the kitchen where longstanding credos of wood grilling, minimal saucing and lots of vegetables and greens are strictly followed. Start off with crudo or Michael's gazpacho, then continue with pizza, roasted chicken or grilled branzino. End on a sweet note with banana crème brûlée or chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies. The wine list entices with a first-rate collection of California bottlings, especially older Cabernets.