Situated in a tiny jewel-box space in Rustic Canyon, steps away from Giorgio Baldi and hidden behind a discreet rose-colored door, sits Muse Santa Monica, one of the westside’s buzziest new culinary destinations. The brainchild of 24-year-old chef-owner Fardad Khayami—a recent graduate of the University of Southern California who grew up between London and the South of France—the ambitious restaurant marries contemporary French cuisine with richly fabricated interiors filled with a rotating display of world-class art. The debut exhibition highlights none other than renowned Catalan-Spanish painter Joan Miró, whose original works hang over plush banquets throughout the intimate 35-seat room. “It’s a space where we showcase the things that we love,” Khayami says. “Where people can connect, and most importantly where guests can have fun.”
The idea behind Muse began in 2022, when Khayami and a group of fellow students launched a pop-up at USC called Museum, which similarly featured rotating cuisines and museum-quality gallery installations. The underground dining experience became a runaway sensation, serving nearly 3,000 students and reportedly developing a 6,000-person waitlist along the way. Upon graduation, Khayami knew that he wanted to create a permanent spot devoted to this concept, and when he found an available location on West Channel Road, he jumped at the chance. Although most recently Mason steakhouse, locals may remember the address as the longtime home of Sam’s by the Beach, a cozy traditional French eatery filled with character and charm. It feels right to have a French restaurant back in the space.
For the interiors, Khayami tapped designer Marc Ange, whose eponymous studio is based between Los Angeles and Paris (he is also currently working on the upcoming Café Boulud at the Mandarin Oriental Residences in Beverly Hills). “My inspirations come primarily from the elegance of Italian and French traditions,” says Ange of the glamourous jewel-toned décor, which features opulent textural details and unique sculptural lighting, millwork, furniture and accessories that were almost exclusively custom-made. “I’ve drawn from certain elements of the sexy Italian chic of the ’70s, blending it with a timeless and almost classic Parisian refinement.” Ange’s low-slung Fantino dining chairs and curved glass chandeliers add a touch of the fantastical to the more polished main area, while a 12-seat private dining room features a more whimsical, dreamlike scheme. A striking Art Deco-style cocktail bar in the front of the restaurant is the perfect place for a pre- or post- dinner drink.
All of this serves as flawless accoutrement for the cuisine, which has been carefully crafted by Khayami—who is entirely self-taught—in collaboration with executive chef Jason Gonzales, formerly of Juliet in Culver City. The refined à la carte four-course menu showcases an innovative approach to traditional French dining, beginning with delicate canapés and salads, before progressing to pastas and risotto and culminating with exquisite entrées. “I was inspired by the multi-course dinners my grandparents would host,” Khayami says. “Each dish reflects those cherished childhood memories, blending tradition with modern techniques to craft an experience that feels both nostalgic and new.”
Meals begin with pastries prepared by executive pastry chef Nikdad Khayami—who happens to be Khayami’s younger brother—such as brioche feuilletée with softened Bordier butter that literally melts in your mouth. From there, appetizers include small bites like tuna tartlets with red pepper gelée and delicate veal bonbons accompanied by a vibrant sauce verte, as well simple salads of market lettuce and herbs or heirloom tomatoes with sungold vinaigrette and Comté fondue. Pasta highlights range from eggplant cappelletti inspired by Khayami’s mother to a beautiful lobster saffron risotto that is a tribute to Tetou, the iconic Cannes seafood spot that closed a few years ago. Main dishes include rack of lamb encrusted with Provençal herbs and a wild catch of the day with tarragon pistou and beurre blanc. The wine and cocktail program is equally inspired, overseen by general manager and wine director Matthew Rogel, formerly of Felix Trattoria, and bar director David Gelland. And be sure to leave room for dessert, which includes everything from traditional tiramisu and vanilla Saint-Honoré to house-made rosewater ice cream and mango and passionfruit sorbet.
The end result is a one-of-a-kind experience unlike anything found in LA. “Crafting every detail—from the food to the atmosphere—has been an incredibly surreal experience,” Khayami says.
Muse Santa Monica is open for dinner Wednesdays through Sundays from 5 to 10 PM. 108 W. Channel Road, Santa Monica; 424-238-5107; musesantamonica.com
“It’s a space where we showcase the things that we love,” Khayami says. “Where people can connect, and most importantly where guests can have fun.”
“I was inspired by the multi-course dinners my grandparents would host,” Khayami says. “Each dish reflects those cherished childhood memories, blending tradition with modern techniques to craft an experience that feels both nostalgic and new.”