Jiraffe Restaurant
(310) 917-6671
501 Santa Monica Blvd
Santa Monica,
CA
90401
34.0172
-118.494
Neighborhoods: Downtown, West LA
What People Are Saying About Jiraffe Restaurant
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
Think stately chateau dining room--but with more tables--all done up in crystal chandeliers, dark woods and velvet tapestries. An equally done-up crowd of coolly fashionable Westsiders and savvy diners crowd the bi-level space.
The Food
Chef Raphael Lunetta has been a shining star in the dining scene since he opened JiRaffe with childhood pal Josiah Citrin, who defected to open Melisse. Lunetta is still turning out clear, French-influenced dishes based on field-fresh ingredients. Pillowy gnocchi luxuriates in a rich lobster nage, studded with Florida rock shrimp, artichokes and roasted pear tomatoes. A thyme-scented New Zealand rack of lamb is set off by a sweetish stack of curried vegetables and deftly fried potato samosa. Make sure to try the organic tomato tart with a balsamic-onion confit, buffalo mozzarella, a sweet garlic emulsion and arugula oil.
User Reviews
Lirod88
January 20, 2009
Jiraffe is a great place to go for several occasions. I have had the most amazing food there and have enjoyed different, yet all pleasurable dining experiences. The ambiance is relaxed and not at all suffocating like other fine dining places. The service is friendly, and very attentive. Overall, however, what wins you over is the food. Generous portions and fresh seasonal products offered in various creative dishes makes you want to go back again and again. Monday Bistro menus are based on Farmers Market finds and are new each week- a steal at a prix fixe price of $38!!
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Anonymous
September 12, 2008
It's a cozy bistro that has 2 floors of dining space. I recommend getting a table downstairs by the windows, so you can enjoy the Santa Monica nightlife. Great food, great wine selection. They'll accommodate special requests before hand for your special occasion. The staff was wonderful and had a great time!
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cydeALL
May 12, 2008
For Mother's Day, I took mine to JiRaffe Restaurant in Santa Monica. We sat by the window overlooking Santa Monica Blvd early enough to catch the sunset. The corn puree I had as my appetizer was delicious and creamy, yet light. My mother engaged in the special poached asparagus salad: enormous, fresh--not at all bitter--asparagus served with pumpernickel toast. She then had the almond crusted trout, a beautiful and generous portion of fish served with greens and a caper sauce. I went for the steak, charred to perfection. Our server was sweet and unobtrusive, following through to dessert. She recommended their lemon souffle that was worth the ten minute wait, simply fantastic! I look forward to visiting JiRaffe soon simply for their ambiance. A great date spot.
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Know Before You Go:
If you want to eat at JiRaffe on the weekend, make your reservation at least two days in advance.
Notable Chef:
Raphael Lunetta
