La Monique

Disappointed with the Hostess Experience

My wife and I came in around 6:00pm and were greeted by two hostesses working the front desk at that time. This was on Saturday 2/28, so management should be able to identify who was on shift.

We were hoping to grab drinks and dinner at the bar. The restaurant was fairly quiet, and there were two open seats available at the bar. When I asked if we could sit there (as most bar seating is first-come, first-served), the hostess told us those seats were reserved.

I found that unusual and asked whether the restaurant takes reservations for bar seating. She responded, “No, only for certain people,” which felt unclear and uncomfortable. She took down my number and told us we could wait in the lobby or at the pool bar, with an estimated wait time of “maybe 40 minutes,” despite the visible open seats at the bar and half empty restaurant.

I then asked if we could sit at a dining table inside if we ordered dinner, and she said yes — but that we would need to be quick because of an 8:00pm reservation. It was only 6:00pm at the time, which made that comment feel unnecessary and rushed.

At that point, the interaction left us feeling unwelcome, so we decided to leave. We were dressed appropriately (business casual and a dress), and the restaurant did not appear busy at all. The messaging we received made it seem as though we were being discouraged from dining there.

It’s unfortunate because the interior looked beautiful, and I’m sure the food is great. However, hospitality starts at the front door, and this experience didn’t reflect the level of service one would expect — especially at what I assume would be a $300+ dinner.

I hope management sees this and addresses it so future guests don’t have a similar experience.

Service: 1

Best high-end restaurant in West LA! Such a special and unique space. Highly recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We had an incredible evening at La Monique. The food and ambiance is absolutely perfect. Our server Brian really made the evening. He is attentive, patient and knowledgeable. I can’t explain how nice it felt to be so taken care of. In LA it’s harder and harder to find this combo of quality food, and even better service. Cannot recommend this spot enough!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

First time eating in a French restaurant. The service was professional and the staff knew the menu. It was very busy for such a special day. The cuisine was very interesting and full of flavor. Thank you to the chef for coming to wish my wife a happy birthday. A very successful Valentine's Day.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Phenomenal food and great service! The chef makes an effort to stop by every time I’ve been there.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Nice setting, but too expensive for what you get.

Amazing restaurant with a beautiful ambiance and stylish decor . The food was delicious and the service is excellent . A wonderful experience overall , highly recommend !!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

La Monique impressed me far beyond expectation, but what truly defined the experience was the service. Chrystian set a standard that few places reach. He was thoughtful without hovering, deeply knowledgeable, and carried himself with a level of professionalism and warmth that made the entire evening feel effortless. Every detail was handled with intention, and it was clear he takes real pride in what he does. Watching the room, I couldn’t help but notice how fortunate we were to have him—his presence elevated the meal in a way that made the value undeniable. This is the kind of service that turns a great restaurant into an unforgettable one. A standout, five-star experience in every sense.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Dry Aged Tomahawk Ribeye

Devine! The new new in Santa Monica does not disappoint from the gorgeous decor delicious menu and most importantly, the incredibly thoughtful and caring team! Huge, thanks to Aaron, Truman, Brian, Samir, Alaya, and all the others who truly make for a memorable dining experience!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I love the atmosphere of this restaurant. I admit it's not cheap, but the food quality is excellent and the service is great. I really enjoyed the special this Saturday evening. I'll be back with some colleagues to introduce them to it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Dreamy date spot and the best espresso martini on the Westside. We just had drinks (and the delicious bread with lavender butter) but would definitely come back for dinner as everything that walked by looked delicious. It’s a splurge but looks worth it.
*I believe our bartenders name was Samir and he was awesome.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

I really wanted to love La Monique because the decor is absolutely gorgeous, and that’s honestly the main reason I chose to come here. The ambiance inside the Oceana Hotel is stunning.

Unfortunately, the host experience completely threw things off. When I arrived the hostess asked for my name and when she repeated it, her facial expression and tone noticeably changed. I gave her the benefit of the doubt I was a little late and assumed maybe she was just busy ??? but the interaction felt uncomfortable from the start.

She told me there would be a wait which was totally fine. However, she then tried to seat me outside on the patio to wait even though it was cold. I declined because I didn’t want to be forgotten out there especially since she had already said the bar was full and I couldn’t wait there. I chose to sit in the lobby instead

What really stood out was that shortly after, a group of four girls walked in were told there would also be a wait, and were immediately offered space by the bar to wait despite me being told moments earlier that this wasn’t an option. That inconsistency felt unprofessional and honestly disappointing.

Eventually, a man who appeared to be a manager came by and let me know my table was almost ready which I appreciated. The food itself was good, nothing memorable enough to outweigh the experience.

Beautiful space, but the lack of consistency and class in the front of house service really took away from what could have been a great dining experience.

It’s a beautiful restaurant and lovely experience having dinner and drinks. Sameer and Jasmine took care of me and were very welcoming and warm. Delicious new neighborhood spot!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: French Onion Soup, Monique's Chop

This restaurant certainly knows how to make an entrance. With gold mirrored ceilings, green velvet furniture, and enough animal print and feathered lighting to make a jungle disco blush, the atmosphere is nothing short of seductively theatrical. It’s a fabulous spot for cocktails—luxurious, moody, and perfect for pretending you’re far more glamorous than your bank account suggests.

The service staff deserve their own round of applause. They were everywhere at once: catching spills before they happened, refilling glasses with psychic precision, and appearing tableside the moment anyone so much as thought about ordering more.

Dinner, however, is where the production loses a bit of sparkle. While beautifully dressed, the food feels overhyped and priced as if it, too, were wearing gold mirrors. A delightful destination for drinks and ambiance, but I’d recommend approaching the dinner menu with tempered expectations.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

I rarely take time to write reviews but this place was stellar. All of it - the entrance is gorgeous. We also had a warm welcome. Very sexy interiors - great eye for detail. Incredible food (and I am French myself!) 100% recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5