Michael's - Santa MonicaMakeoverNot content with merely remaking California cuisine and developing more world-class chefs than any other restaurateur on the planet, Michael McCarty has remade his own flagship restaurant for a new decade. The completely redone menu trades "haute" for "hip" without missing a beat. The quality is topflight, the invention fresh, the takes original. (Best fish taco in town. The sliders understand the importance of Russian dressing.) Longtime fans needn't fret; their faves are still there (Perfect wild salmon, great New York steak, massive pork chop.) The superb wine list obtains, on an iPad no less. And as ever, the prettiest patio in town. Slug it: McCarty can still throw a party.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMRevamped menu offers a littleRevamped menu offers a little bit of everything, and the food is good. Quite a nice change from the overly French food of before. New pricing structure is much more reasonable and the patio is still the prettiest place in town.6/3/2013 12:00:00 AMMichael's is BACK!It didn't go away, but the new menu, new decor, and new LOWER prices (yes, you read that correctly) make this restaurant the best thing on the Westside. We had small plates and I recommend the halibut tacos, the kale salad, and the truffle French fries. All excellent!5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Mother's Day Brunch wasThe 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.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMTaken back after the check cameWe 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.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways a great partyHow does Michael's still do it after all these years? A new menu, great wait staff and the man himself! Restauranteur par excellence!5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat for business meetings:Great for business meetings: they never interrupt and never hurry you along.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMSpectacularWe 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.4/8/2013 12:00:00 AMI love the casual eleganceI 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!4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways reliable for good andAlways reliable for good and innovative food and lovely service.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMLunch on patio was restfulLunch on patio was restful and new menu enjoyable.3/26/2013 12:00:00 AMI love the new Michael's.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 move3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMHad a party of three and cameHad 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.1/26/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was delicious BetterFood was delicious Better to go when the weather is warm Patio very pretty but needs better heaters1/10/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat outdoor dining experienjce.Great outdoor dining experienjce. The food was very good. Not a good selection of beers11/24/2012 12:00:00 AM