Citrin
The scoop: A one-Michelin-star Californian dinner on Wilshire, with a walk-in bar.
- Price
- $$$$
- Hours
- Restaurant Tue–Thu 6–9 p.m., Fri–Sat 5:30–9 p.m. Bar Tue–Sat 5:30–9 p.m., walk-ins only, full menu. Evening Glass Off at the bar 5:30–7 p.m. Closed Sun–Mon.
- Best for
- Fine dining, Date night, Prix fixe, Happy hour, Reservations
- Address
- 1104 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (entrance on 11th Street)
We may earn a small fee if you book. It never changes our take.
The scoop
This is Josiah Citrin's evening restaurant in the same building as Mélisse — one Michelin star in the 2026 guide, a four-course prix fixe, and a full à la carte list. It's more approachable than the tasting room next door, but it's still a special-occasion check. Enter through the red door on 11th Street, under the awning; Mélisse has its own door on Wilshire and its own reservation.
What to get
The dish reviewers keep naming is the Lobster Bolognese — Maine lobster, handmade capellini, and brown butter truffle froth — and it's on the current official menu, à la carte or as a prix-fixe supplement. The dirty chicken for two is the other plate that shows up again and again. The four-course prix fixe is $165; the menu is marked as a sample and changes.
When to go
Dinner only, Tuesday through Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday. Book on OpenTable for the dining room. Walk-ins go to the bar from 5:30 p.m., including Evening Glass Off, 5:30–7 p.m. OpenTable lists a 5:30 p.m. start every night; the official dining-room start is 6 p.m. Tuesday–Thursday.
Who it's for
People who want a dressed-up Wilshire dinner and are ready for the bill. It works as a date night. Don't confuse it with Mélisse; that's a separate, more formal tasting.
Kids: Not the pick with young kids. It's evening fine dining, and there's no kids' menu on the official list.
Insider tips
- Enter on 11th Street, not Wilshire. Look for the red door under the awning.
- For a walk-in, go to the bar.
- Valet is at the corner of 11th and Wilshire, and there's metered street parking nearby.
- A 4% employee health charge is added to checks and can be removed on request. Corkage is $50 a bottle for the first two, $75 after that, max four.
- Book groups up to 8 on OpenTable; larger parties need a private event.
Skip it if…
You're hoping for a casual, inexpensive night. Recent diners often flag a steep check.