With a reputation for coaxing exquisite flavors out of unlikeln pairings and embracing fine dining in the casual culture of Southern California, Los Angeles' rising star chef Josiah Citrin continues to be one of the most watched and written about restaurateurs.

He and wife Diane Citrin opened Mélisse restaurant in Santa Monica on July 23, 1999 amid much critical anticipation. The restaurant quickly became established as one of the top special event dining establishments in California. It earned the coveted Mobile 4-Star rating after just 18 months and has maintained the prestigious designation each year since.

Mélisse was voted "Best Restaurant in Los Angeles" in Zagat 2006, "Best New Restaurant" in July 2000 by Food & Wine Magazine, "Best Newcomer" in the collector's edition of Gourmet Magazine's, Guide to America's Best Restaurants, and one of "The World's Most Exciting New Restaurants" by Conde Nast Traveler.

Mélisse is named for a lemon-scented herb from the Mediterranean. Mélisse offers contemporary American/French cuisine with hearty French influences and exciting special chef's selections and a menu stuffed with finds from the local Santa Monica Farmers' Market. Its interior has a European feel, like visiting a warm, French country home. The cuisine exudes the passion and flair Citrin is known for with his food and an upscale dining experience.

Josiah formerly was co-chef and owner of the famed JiRaffe, which he opened eight years ago with his good friend and fellow chef Raphael Lunetta. When he left, he opened Mélisse with his wife and partner Diane, who is in charge of the business side of the restaurant.

As a young schoolboy in the Venice/Santa Monica school district, Josiah found a passion for food. He had grandmothers who also liked good food and a mother who ran a catering business. With their knowledge of food, and his instinct and desire for more, Josiah made good food his focus.
After graduating from Santa Monica High School, Citrin moved to Paris, where he began his culinary journey at a fine restaurant, at the bottom of the ranks. He obtained a good position and his stay in Paris satisfied his love of travel, his French heritage and learning traditional French cooking.

This experience shaped the next several years of the young chef's life. Josiah returned to the United States and went on to cook in some of LA's finest restaurants with one of LA's most famous chefs: Wolfgang Puck at the renowned Chinois on Main Street and Granita in Malibu. After two years, Josiah left to cook with LA's other famous chef and restaurateur, Joachim Splichal at Patina and Pinot Bistro. From there he went on to Capri restaurant in Venice, CA and then Jackson's in West Hollywood. With a flair for food, a passion for everything French and lots of family support, Josiah went on to excel in the culinary field.

A local restaurant owned by a local, Mélisse has become a favorite for those in the neighborhood, diners celebrating special occasions, and business and leisure travelers from all around the world. Citrin can be seen nightly in the grand Mélisse kitchen, and he also participates in many cooking and charitable events both in Los Angeles and through the country. On a recent cooking demonstration the front row had Josiah's own fan club -- his two grandmothers and his great aunt who was visiting from France.

In 1997 Citrin was named to the prestigious group of "Top Ten New Chefs" by Food and Wine Magazine (April 1997) and "Rising Stars --1997" by Restaurant Hospitality Magazine (May 1997). Both are national food and beverage awards and both recognize the new leaders in the culinary and restaurant industries. In addition, Citrin has been featured on several television food shows and his restaurant and his recipes are seen in food publications of all kinds.

Josiah has made fine dining again popular and the restaurant is a local favorite. He and his wife Diane are also parents of two young children, a son Augustin Mattaeus and their daughter Olivia Mireille. Both can be seen often at the restaurant and surrounded by family and friends.

Mélisse is located at 1104 Wilshire Blvd. in Santa Monica, CA.