Mon Ami - A Savory Trip to the Mediterranean, No Passport Required
Nestled in a discreet alleyway, Mon Ami is a restaurant that will take you on a culinary journey to the Mediterranean with every mouthful. Despite Santa Monica being a bustling tourist destination, visiting Mon Ami will make you feel like you have discovered one of the city's hidden gems.
Photo Credit: Jakob Layman
The Mon Ami experience begins with visitors being greeted with the French expression "mon ami" (my friend), before walking through a chic yet moody atmosphere. The vibe is laidback yet alluring. Pacific Coast Group's Nas Negahban has brought the authentic flavors and rich cultures of the Mediterranean to Mon Ami. Every detail of the hotspot's ambiance, from the inviting pale pink hues to the lush greenery and foliage, is top-tier. As you stroll towards the seating area, you instantly know you've made the right choice.
Just because it’s vegan doesn’t mean the flavor is missed! Photo Credit: Jakob Layman
Although the ambiance and vibe of Mon Ami are notable, the curated menu is next level. Traditional Mediterranean recipes with California twists are seen through and through. Vibrant, fresh, flavors are far from traditional. Start your meal with the house's favorite mezze platter, which Mon Ami dubs “the new charcuterie.” You can opt to build your platter with items such as Whipped Feta, Baba Ghanoush, Calabrian Chili Prawns, and more. The board came complete with typical scoopers such as flatbread, carrots, cucumber, and celery. The real show stopper for the board was the Nao-o-Musir which is homemade yogurt topped with Shallots, Avocado, Tomato, and Onion. The complexity of flavors in this board alone is far from average.
One of the more traditional meals. Grab one for the table! You won’t be disappointed! Photo Credit: Jakob Layman
The entrees do not disappoint. To maximize your visit, I’d recommend sharing everything and enjoying the culinary journey. Unlike most of LA, the portions of Mon Ami are large and made to be shared family-style. The Chicken Tagine is a Moroccan classic. Served in a traditional Tagine Pot, the meal consists of boneless jidori chicken thighs braised in spices and paired with potatoes and carrots.
Photo Credit: Jakob Layman
The lamb dish is an out-of-this-world experience with its fall-off-the-bone tenderness and mouthwatering taste. It is served on a bed of orzo, potatoes, carrots, and parsley, and is truly in a league of its own. Mon Ami's lamb dish is so delicious that it places the restaurant in a separate tier altogether.
If the above wasn't enough to venture to the West Side, Mon Ami has recently launched their happy hour. Guests can now savor nosh delicious local favorites and sip on top-rated drinks at discounted rates. Whether it's after-work drinks or a chic dinner leading to a night out, Mon Ami has got you covered and has revamped the hot Santa Monica scene.
*Photo Credit: Jakob Layman
