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Santa Monica’s Casual French Newcomer Just Oozes Charm

Massilia is now open in the former Border Grill space

Massilia
Massilia in Santa Monica
Massilia
Farley Elliott is the Senior Editor at Eater LA and the author of Los Angeles Street Food: A History From Tamaleros to Taco Trucks. He covers restaurants in every form, from breaking news to the culture, people, and history that surrounds LA's dining landscape.

Here’s a first look at Massilia, the cozy French follow-up to the longstanding Border Grill in Santa Monica. The restaurant is the work of Emmanuel Dossetti, the founder of Zinqué cafe.

Whereas Zinque is itself a popular French restaurant that first opened in 2012 in Venice, and has since spawned additional outlets in West Hollywood and Orange County (along with plans to land in Downtown LA eventually), Massilia is somehow even more laid back and charming. There’s a ton of greenery out on the front patio and a soaring ceiling inside that lends the entire restaurant an open, airy vibe. Brick work and plush interior banquettes round out the look, while pendant lights hang over the bar and herringbone wood floors run the length of the space.

Massilia officially opened last weekend, with plans to run as an all-day French restaurant. That means coffee and pastries and eggs in the mornings, transitioning into salads and basic daytime staples for lunch, and then into cocktails and steak frites and housemade pasta for dinner. Expect daily hours from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Massilia. 1445 4th St., Santa Monica, CA.

Massilia
Inside seating
The bar
Massilia
The green patio
Massilia
Plush touches
Massilia
Lights at the bar
Massilia
The tall room
Massilia
Even more patio seating
Massilia
Pasta course
Massilia
Snacks and wine

Massilia
Steak and fries
Massilia
Meatballs
Massilia
Signage

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