Massilia
I’ve been talking a lot about patios a lot lately but with the current limitations on dining and it being summer, it couldn’t be a more perfect time to explore. A patio that caught my eye almost as soon as it opened was Massilia, the Marseille inspired coastal French fare restaurant. With a super sleek interior spilling into a breezy open air patio, perfect for a relaxing Sunday brunch or a sexy night out. Opened by the founder of the micro chain French restaurant Zinque, Emmanuel Dossetti brings a little something different to Santa Monica with culinary influences from the South of France, Italy, Spain, and Morocco.
Image via Eater LA
A casual approach to anything right now is positive for our COVID induced minds, as studies have show how much our brain has been on overdrive processing all of that’s going on in our world today. Right now especially, a laid back environment is nourishing for the soul and that’s just what Massilia offers. Open all day, breakfast dishes, pastries, and coffee are offered in the mornings and daytime items ranging from salads to steak frites. Dinner has a range of vegetarian inspired plates, to dishes like the 8 hour lamb shank and the grilled whole branzino (seas bass) and of course, some delicious pastas.
The whole experience leaves you with a lingering sense of inspiration and creativity. From the gorgeous high ceilings, chandeliers, couches carefully curated around the restaurant, a sprawling bar serving as a main centerpiece to the interior and the hunter green plush, tufted banquettes seating the high top tables in the bar area. Though we aren’t able to dine in, (the open air set up makes it easy to feel as though you’re still inside, enjoying all of the incredible craftsmanship of the design.
Happy Hour is still happening from 3 to 6:30pm and after 10pm daily, with a few food items in addition to a couple options for wine, cocktails, and beer. Outside of their happy hour menu, drinks like their Lillet Gin & Tonic (sipsmith gin, lillet rose, fever tree tonic, and thyme) and the La Japonaise ( kikori japanese whiskey, amontillado sherry, cynar, basil and lemon) add to that creative and inspiring experience. To add to the casual, laid back approach, walk ins are welcome and hours are 7am to ‘late’.