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Michael's - Santa MonicaReservations
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Michael's - Santa Monica Reviews List
Michael's - Santa Monica
Since 1979, Michael's Restaurant has maintained the standard for 'California Cuisine' with its lush, art-adorned indoor/outdoor
setting and elegantly casual meals composed from the finest ingredients, paired with wines from around the world.
See more Michael's - Santa Monica details
102 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Rating Breakdown 102 reviews
5 stars
(34)
4 stars
(31)
3 stars
(22)
2 stars
(9)
1 star
(6)
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- great for outdoor dining(52)
- fit for foodies(46)
- neighborhood gem(44)
- romantic(34)
- special occasion(34)
- notable wine list(19)
Michael's - Santa Monica Reviews List
Review 1 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The Mother's Day Brunch was great. Food was excellent but for the best service you have to be in Johnny D's section who makes the whole dinning experience better."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 2 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"famous restaurant w/ new young and inventive chef"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 3 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Live new menu but miss the white table cloths"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The New Michael's - Not So Much
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I miss the old Michael's where one could get a great meal in a nice relaxed atmosphere. The garden was booked for a private party, so we were sat inside and the noise level was insane! A 45 minutes wait from appetizer to main course was ridiculous. Server was nice and explained the private party was to blame, but don't book a party that size if you can't handle it. When we asked the owner about the problem, all he offered was a free glass of wine and told us to come back on Monday nights when it's less busy. I don't think that will happen any time soon."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 5 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Taken back after the check came
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were a little overwhelmed by the number of different servers that came to our table during our dining. We would have preferred only one that we could have a report with. Takes away the personalsation that you establish with one server. After paying our check, one of the servers came over to tell us that the other couple had an outstanding bar check that hadn't been included in the check that we had just paid. The other couple was confused as they didn't have any drinks before we had arrived. The server was very insistant. Even if they had an outstanding bill that wasn't included, once we paid it made us uncomfortable with the situation. Our last rememberance of the restaurant is left us with a bad taste."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 6 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Not treating the customer right
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We were having a wonderful day until we stepped into Michael's. We were 10 minutes earlier and the front lady was kind enough to sit us. Then another lady in the front said the staff was having a short meeting in the back and they can't sit us until the reservation time. However, she told us to sit in the bar area. Then the very mean bar lady said she is not ready and we can't see in the bar area. We were shock and didn't know what to do. From that point, everything went downhill, from the food to the service. I guess our good mood was gone. They have too many servers and our server kept us waiting the whole time, from ordering the food to getting the check. How can such a good day turned into such a bad night?"
Dined on 5/04/2013
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Review 7 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Always a great party
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"How does Michael's still do it after all these years? A new menu, great wait staff and the man himself! Restauranteur par excellence!"
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 8 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great for business meetings:
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great for business meetings: they never interrupt and never hurry you along."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2010
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 9 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Tables in covered patio very
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Tables in covered patio very close together."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining
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Review 10 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
To be honest, I was disappointed
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"To be honest, I was disappointed in my experience at this restaurant, which I had revered so long ago. I knew it was a redo, and that it had some new ideas at work -- which I was looking forward to experiencing -- but I didn't expect the haphazard and patched together experience that I had. The restaurant doesn't seem to know what it is anymore. One thing for sure: it should not offer a tasting menu, as it is clearly not up to it. Best to just offer itself up as a kind of bistro. Not a restaurant.
More directly, to the restaurant: The service was little better than at a fast food chain, and the execution of the tasting menu was indifferent, at best. I guess It's ok for a night of burgers and mediocre wine, but not much beyond that."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2003
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Review 11 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Never again!
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I was outraged by the experience at Michael's, to the point that I insisted on speaking to the owner directly! The tables were inches from one another, one of my guests was constantly hit by the wait staff going by; no one came to open and pour the wine until I asked; the bread (for which you pay) arrived well after our main courses; and to add insult to injury: the two birthday desserts ordered and CONFIRMED WITH THE RESTAURANT were not served - the waitress explained that "there was nothing in the notes" and then offered the dessert menu.
Mr. McCarty basically blew off my complaints indicating that more large parties than usual were to blame - so too bad for us, an expensive party of 4!"
Mr. McCarty basically blew off my complaints indicating that more large parties than usual were to blame - so too bad for us, an expensive party of 4!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2007
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Review 12 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Spectacular
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We sometimes forget what a fantastic restaurant this is. I cook a lot at home, and we do not go out that much. When we do the meal is just average....but...Michaels has always proved to be such a fantastic restaurant. They filet their own fish, butcher their meat and use local produce. What a gem. The high standards they set for themselves, and we have come to expect, is always maintained."
Dined on 04/08/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 13 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I love the casual elegance
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I love the casual elegance along with with the comfort of dining outdoors on a beautiful patio. The Mediterranean Loup de Mer was amazing, I would return and have it again. I loved the Persimmon and Cavalo Nero Salad to start, it is so unique and flavorful. We had an amazing white wine that everyone at the table really enjoyed. Service was excellent and everyone was very friendly. Overall it was a perfect dining experience!"
Dined on 04/03/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Disappointment
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It used to be a nice place to have a lunch or dinner. Not this time.
Had lunch....the place was almost empty...the food was not great ..the beer was not cold.
The service was nor great, $ 5.00 for Bread and Butter"
Had lunch....the place was almost empty...the food was not great ..the beer was not cold.
The service was nor great, $ 5.00 for Bread and Butter"
Dined on 04/01/2013
2013
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Review 15 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Lunch on patio was restful
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Lunch on patio was restful and new menu enjoyable."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2002
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Review 16 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Always reliable for good and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Always reliable for good and innovative food and lovely service."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The food was not good- such
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was not good- such a disappointment."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2010
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Review 18 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
We had not been to Michael's
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had not been to Michael's for several years - it's a long way from Pasadena, but used to be a place for a special occasion. On Monday we took guests who were staying in Santa Monica, and were very disappointed. Although my food was quite good, the kale salad and pasta ordered by my wife and one of our guests were poor - the salad gritty and dull, the pasta overcooked and under-seasoned. Service was intermittent; it was quite a job getting much needed salt and pepper, and our wine bottle was taken away to an ice bucket and empty glasses were not refilled without prompting. Prices were quite reasonable, but the experience was not one to be repeated."
Dined on 03/25/2013
2006
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Review 19 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I love the new Michael's.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I love the new Michael's. More casual atmosphere is most beautiful dining space in town. The new bistro menu combines best of old and adds a lighter touch with small plates and bistro style eating more Angelino's prefer these days. Good move"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 20 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The patio is pitch dark - dangerous to walk. No one could read the menu without holding a candle over it.
Music was blaring when we arrived, although they did turn it down on request.
Since there were only two other parties there it felt lonely and awkward."
Music was blaring when we arrived, although they did turn it down on request.
Since there were only two other parties there it felt lonely and awkward."
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Review 21 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Michael's has a completely
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Michael's has a completely new menu both for food and the bar. Everything we have tried was delicious and the place was packed. Great prices with the same impeccable service and the same beautiful garden seating. All together, a home run."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 22 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Friends that I was with liked
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Friends that I was with liked their kale salad as well as soup. I had red salmon and it was mediocre. It did not leave me wanting to come back."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2009
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Review 23 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Michael's continues to be
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Michael's continues to be outstanding!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 24 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Michael has removed the Charm,
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Michael has removed the Charm, Elegance & Quality Food to cater to a different Clientele. What was a Truly Special Ocassion Restaurant is now an ordinary 30 - 40's something Hot Spot. I'm sure there were financial considerations for the change, since members of my generation 60's are dying off. I will cherish the memories of the Restaurant's former life."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2010
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Review 25 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
had not dined at Michael's
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"had not dined at Michael's in over 15 years and was looking forward to a fun evening - unfortunately this experience extremely disappointing - in response to my query of what is a 'gumchoke' which was an itme listed on the dinner menu I was advised that 'gunchoke is like an artichoke exccept it is mashed' - that was the most informative repsponse received to inquires an various items on the menu - the food was delivered to the table at a hurried pace with zero fomality - the only saving grace was the floor manager but one cannot compensate for the many - we will not be back"
Dined on 02/07/2013
2008
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Review 26 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service was great but food
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Service was great but food was mediocre. Food was not imaginative and scallop dish was undercooked, blueberry cobbler had no cobbler and tuna poke was nothing special. Cioppino was not up to its namesake. The setting is lovely and our server was attentive and professional."
Dined on 02/06/2013
2000
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Review 27 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Not as special
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is not the old Michael's, with the best fresh-baked bread and sweet butter in the world. Now, the prices are lower but the cuisine is just not the same. It's not bad, per se, just not up to the old fine standards. No more French bread; if you want bread, foccaccia costs $5."
Dined on 02/05/2013
2006
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 28 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The most over-rated restaurant
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The most over-rated restaurant of all that we attended both on the Dine LA program and off the program. Seafood in the cioppino was sparse, the broth almost tasteless, the portion small. The "Cobb salad" was a surprisingly small and soggy mixed green salad, sparsely extended with a few small cubes of chicken, some sprinkles of bacon, sliced 1/4 avocado, 2 eggs,and an almost tasteless dressing. Charging $5 for bread is outrageous and a first for us. The (excellent) ravioli should have been presented with freshly grated cheese; we had to ask for cheese and got a small bowl of dry grated cheese. In the middle room one wall was covered with two breaker-boxes and uygly electical wiring; hardly inviting ambience. tacky"
Dined on 02/01/2013
2007
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 29 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
It was great to have the owner,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It was great to have the owner, Michael, greet you and there to ensure you had a great experience. The restaurant seemed a bit dated and it seems they are trying to be more contemporary. The dining room/ garden setting was unique. The food was very good but not memorable. We were there during the week...I hope it's more exciting on the weekend."
Dined on 01/28/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 30 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I had a wonderful experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"I had a wonderful experience at Michaels. Both the Luminere (fish) and the Beet Salad were amazing. Loved them so much, I would order them again whenever I return. I didn't care for the dessert, and could have done without it, It was a pudding of some type."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 31 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
we made a reservation at 9
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"we made a reservation at 9 so it was a little late for a dinner time.
we had a group of four people.
the table seemed a little small but it was perfect for a bit intimate setting.
we had a group of four people.
the table seemed a little small but it was perfect for a bit intimate setting.
it took them a long time to take an order and bring our drinks.
but the food was great and service was great.
but the food was great and service was great.
i had baby lettuce for the appetizer which was okay (salad can't be too good)
duck confit. amazinggg
my friend had a chicken waffle which was good at least the first couple bites.
duck confit. amazinggg
my friend had a chicken waffle which was good at least the first couple bites.
we ordered four different kinds of desserts.
I liked the espresso brownie thing the most (super sweet)
my friend liked toffee pudding the most (not that sweet)
I liked the espresso brownie thing the most (super sweet)
my friend liked toffee pudding the most (not that sweet)
overall, good service, good food and romantic ambiance. it'd have been better if they took the order"
Dined on 02/01/2013
2010
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, late-night find, romantic
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Review 32 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food was good, the portions
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food was good, the portions truly small. I had only a main course, which is what I usually do, and left feeling I had been put on a diet. We were with people who had been there before and thought their recent changes were not for the better. With so many wonderful restaurants in LA I would go some place else."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2007
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Review 33 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Felt like a I was in the hands
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Felt like a I was in the hands of professionals. Comfortable space, excellent food, service attentive."
Dined on 01/28/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining
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Review 34 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Disappointing experience.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Disappointing experience. Food was ok, but: Had to wait 30 minutes even though we had a reservation; they were out of several items on the menu; service was very slow. Expected more from them!"
Dined on 01/26/2013
2003
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Review 35 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Dissapointed the Dine LA Menu
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Dissapointed the Dine LA Menu was not available."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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Review 36 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Pretentious, overpriced, bread cost
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had been led to believe it would be Dine LA--they said it's Never On The Weekend. Bread was Extra! A refill of coke was Extra!"
Dined on 01/26/2013
2007
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 37 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Had a party of three and came
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had a party of three and came on a Saturday night. We really enjoyed sitting on the outdoor terrace...but would have preferred a little more light on the table - the food tasted great - but I didn't get the full enjoyment of seeing it! The waiter was friendly and attentive, even though he had plenty of tables and they were all full! Will go back again."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2008
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 38 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Took too long to order a drink Ord
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Took too long to order a drink
Ordered bread and despite asking for it repeatedly, it came with the salads. It was dry and not good. The waiter took it off our bill.
Took too long to order dinner.
Took too long to get another glass of wine.
The entrees were not hot when they came out.
The waiter treated us to dessert--he seemed to know we weren't having a good experience.
The desserts (s'mores and espresso tart) were too small--the s'mores were not good at all. The tart was minuscule on the plate."
Ordered bread and despite asking for it repeatedly, it came with the salads. It was dry and not good. The waiter took it off our bill.
Took too long to order dinner.
Took too long to get another glass of wine.
The entrees were not hot when they came out.
The waiter treated us to dessert--he seemed to know we weren't having a good experience.
The desserts (s'mores and espresso tart) were too small--the s'mores were not good at all. The tart was minuscule on the plate."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2010
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Review 39 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We were so disappointed in
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We were so disappointed in the new ambience. The chicken wings were the best I ever had. The cioppino was bland with not many clams and mussels. Dessert (chocolate flan w/ coffee ice cream) was good, especially the ice cream. We used to love the garden setting, but the change of tables and chairs does nothing to enhance. The new china, flatware and glasses don't compare with what was. Even no more of the wonderful rolls.
I will probably come back for those wonderful wings, but I don't think my friends will.
Also, if I came at a happy hour, I would refuse to sit at those high tables."
I will probably come back for those wonderful wings, but I don't think my friends will.
Also, if I came at a happy hour, I would refuse to sit at those high tables."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2004
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Review 40 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Recommended
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was very nice, wine list extensive and ambiance great. Service for taking drink and food orders was very slow though the food and wine delivery service was quick. Management of tables seemed inefficient with our waitress extra busy and the other waiters standing around and avoiding my subtle and then slightly less than subtle efforts to get their attention. would highly recommend this restaurant nonetheless."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 41 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food, ambiance and service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food, ambiance and service was excellent!We had a wonderful meal!"
Dined on 01/25/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining
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Review 42 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I was concerned about Michael's
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I was concerned about Michael's remodeling and new menu. I still prefer the old menu. But the restaurant is as lovely as ever, the service very attentive, and the food on the new menu is yummy. We went early on a Saturday evening and the pretty patio area was charming, casual and quiet. As the restaurant filled up (which we were glad to see, since we want it to be successful) it got noisier. Michael seems to be trying to appeal to a younger crowd. Glad to see the food continues to be first-rate."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2006
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Review 43 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Glorious Glowing Dining Outdoors!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Michael's is one-of-a-kind. In the heart of Santa Monica, yet a quiet oasis from traffic and noise. Superb cuisine, excellent service, great wine list AND wonderful outdoor garden setting that just glows with warmth and charm. The art collection throughout the restaurant makes you want to linger and look. It is a terrific place to have wonderful food in an exceptionally charming atmosphere."
Dined on 01/23/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 44 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Michaels used to be a special
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Michaels used to be a special place with innovative food and the garden was beautiful. The new decor is on the patio is UGLY! The food, although a lot cheaper now, is mediocre. Our waiter had so many tables, he could barely stop to talk to us. This whole concept change is not an improvement and we won't be back."
Dined on 01/23/2013
2007
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Review 45 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Could be better.........
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We did a DineLA lunch, it was good but not extraordinary. Three courses, I had the salt cod ravioli, excellent, the cobb salad, very ordinary, and the chocolate tart, very good. Loved the patio ambiance and good service but the main course of the cobb salad was so very ordinary."
Dined on 01/22/2013
2009
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 46 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
This is no longer the Michael's
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This is no longer the Michael's of old and what a radical change in just one year. What a poor decision...to "dumb down" to try to appeal to a mass audience. It is now neither fish nor fowl. Pizza? Burgers? A waiter who doesn't know the name of a Vineyard versus the type of wine? No table cloths at dinner? Heartbreaking."
Dined on 01/22/2013
2005
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Review 47 for Michael's - Santa Monica
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I tried to write my review,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I tried to write my review, but I guess I had too much to say...it did not fit!
Let me just say this...The food was ok but not great, we liked the chicken livers pate, but not the kale salad which we left quasi untouched...the kale was hard to the bite, we liked the lamb merguez, but could hardly find any in the little plate, we shared another small plate and a dessert, an ice tea and a diet coke. No bread or any little munch on was offered. The service was ok but far from great, the tables redone in formica or something that felt like it, had no tablecloths or flowers on them and the hostess was probably too busy to hold the door or say the usual "thank you ladies!".
All that for 100 Dollars! I don't think we will be back."
Let me just say this...The food was ok but not great, we liked the chicken livers pate, but not the kale salad which we left quasi untouched...the kale was hard to the bite, we liked the lamb merguez, but could hardly find any in the little plate, we shared another small plate and a dessert, an ice tea and a diet coke. No bread or any little munch on was offered. The service was ok but far from great, the tables redone in formica or something that felt like it, had no tablecloths or flowers on them and the hostess was probably too busy to hold the door or say the usual "thank you ladies!".
All that for 100 Dollars! I don't think we will be back."
Dined on 01/18/2013
2010
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Michael's - Santa Monica
Based on the average of (55) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
6 out of 6 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate