Named after an aromatic, calming Mediterranean herb also known as lemon balm, Melisse is a favorite spot for Westside gourmands. Chef Josiah Citrin opened this elegant but unpretentious eatery in 1999, creating contemporary American dishes with French influences, like the tasting menu’s dry aged Cote de Boeuf Roti with potato-leek torte, wild mushrooms and haricot verts. The dishes here are artfully presented and innovative but not overly intellectual, and ingredients are always fresh, as Citrin takes advantage of southern California’s year-round growing season and frequents local farmers’ markets to find the best produce to soothe those Westside foodies’ most ravenous appetites.

Melisse Information:

• French menu. Dinner. Closed Sunday-Monday. Bar. Reservations recommended.