Location: Los Angeles
Designer: Marc Ange Design Studio
On Offer: Situated at the intersection of Pacific Palisades and Santa Monica, Muse reemerges as an elegant refuge after the January wildfires temporarily closed its doors. Led by 24-year-old self-trained chef Fardad Khayami, the contemporary French restaurant began as a USC campus pop-up sensation called Museum, whose waitlist ran 6,000 deep. Now established in the former Mason Supper Club space, Muse pairs European cuisine with a design concept described as “French surrealism meets Italian romance.”
Marc Ange Design Studio crafted a sensuous, caramel-hued interior defined by reeded velvet walls, curved walnut paneling, and golden ribbed accents at the bar. Banquettes are nestled within niches softly illuminated by cove lighting, enhancing the cocoon-like intimacy. Graphic pieces by celebrated painter Joan Miró punctuate the earthy palette, part of an art program that will rotate a couple times per year.
Standout Features: Muse’s seasonal menu, a la carte but coursed out in four stages, showcases refined classics such as veal bonbons, Santa Barbara cod topped with an eight-hour bouillabaisse sauce, and Provençal-style lamb inspired by Khayami’s grandfather’s recipe. Wines from Italy, France, and Spain complement produce-driven cocktails like the gin-based Primavera with snap pea, fennel cordial, and chili olive oil, and the apricot lavender spritz. Khayami’s brother, Nikdad, trained as a pastry chef in Paris and runs the dessert program, a hit since opening night—especially the phyllo dough-based vanilla St. Honore and housemade ice cream.
