Santa Monica, CA: Celebrate Bastille Day
Santa Monica CA is home to some excellent French restaurants. So, if you are visiting Los Angeles near Bastille Day, (July 14) and would like to partake in the festivities of the holiday, here are several restaurants that celebrate Bastille Day in Santa Monica. While these restaurants celebrate the holiday each year, I always suggest that you check the websites listed with each mention just to confirm. Of course you will have to make a reservation, so you will need to do that anyway.
Celebrate Bastille Day in Santa Monica
LOULOU
LOULOU is a casual fun French eatery located on the top of Santa Monica Place mall. This past Sunday, July 14, 2024, it hosted a party to honor two important occasions – Bastille Day, as well as its 2nd year anniversary. The restaurant loves to celebrate with live jazz. They know how to get you into the holiday spirit. You never know what to expect there. A DJ may be spinning tunes, or often artists and dancers are featured…you may even encounter a stilt walker. In addition to the performance element, you can of course expect French-inspired dishes!
Visit the website to find out more about the next Bastille day happening. This place has constant events, so be sure to add their website to your favorites and check back from time to time. Loulou, 395 Santa Monica Place #300, Santa Monica, 90401; https://www.loulousantamonica.com
Pasjoli
Pasjoli is a sophisticated French bistro brought to us from James Beard award-winning chef Dave Beran. The upscale restaurant has a gorgeous sleek interior as well as seating in their secret garden. It is known for its elegant duck dishes prepared table side, and for its exquisite traditional French fare.
Each year Pasjoli celebrates Bastille Day with all types of food and spirit specials. Visit the website for additional info and to purchase tickets. The Bastille events have previously required tickets with a 21+ age limit, so check the website to find out about next year’s event. Pasjoli, 2732 Main St., Santa Monica; http://pasjoli.com
Citrin and Mélisse
Touted as a modern Californian cuisine restaurant, Citrin and Mélisse celebrates Bastille Day, because it has a special meaning for them. It is on this exact date that Mélisse opened its doors in 1999. On July 14, 2024, the restaurant had a huge bash to honor both the holiday, and its 25th anniversary with a cocktail party.
Two Restaurants in One
Citrin and Mélisse are actually two different restaurants with the same address and the same owner – Chef Josiah Citrin. However, they are very different. The legendary restaurant Mélisse previously took over the entire space. Then Chef Josiah Citrin moved Mélisse to a more intimate setting within Citrin, while Citrin now occupies the main dining room.
Citrin is a more casual restaurant with a large bar. Walk-ins are allowed. However, Mélisse is by reservation only, seating just fourteen people. Chef Josiah and his partner, Chef Ken Takayama, have created a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. The chefs and sommeliers lead their guests on a culinary journey, preparing the food table side. Be sure to check the website for much more about this restaurant. It has a fascinating history.
Citrin and Mélisse are located in the SAME gray building on the southeast corner of Wilshire Blvd and 11th St. To enter Citrin, enter through the red door off of 11th St under the awning. To enter Mélisse, find the down-step to the door on Wilshire Blvd. Ring the doorbell at your reservation time. Citrin and Mélisse, 1104 Wilshire Blvd Suite A, Santa Monica, CA 90401; https://www.citrinandmelisse.com
Wherever you decide to spend the holiday, have a great one – Joyeux 14 juillet or Happy Bastille Day!
CLICK HERE for more info on restaurants, or HERE to read restaurant reviews.
