Restaurants: Santa Monica’s Pasjoli restaurant earned it’s first Michelin Star in this year’s Guide. Chef Dave Beran said the restaurant opened in September of 2019 and had a rocky introduction to the world including multiple closures, menu adaptations, staffing challenges and a lot of gambles about the future.
“In all of that, we found our community. We found neighbors that came out to support us,” he said in an email to customers. “We made new friends. We moved our host stand outside and kept a constant supply of dog treats. We softened our service, we smiled with our eyes (because, you know… masks), and we did our best to make everyone feel special. Our dream for pasjoli was to make it a great little neighborhood restaurant. Through the challenges of the pandemic, we did just that. We became a part of our neighborhood.”
The restaurant joins Rustic Canyon and the two-star Melisse as Michelin awardees in the City. Two restaurants, Colapasta and Tumbi, earned Bib Gourmand awards. Ten (Michael’s, Cassia, Citrin, Fia, Elephante, Milo+Olive, The Lobster, Birdie G’s, Chinois on Main and Lunetta) were recognized with the Michelin Plate award.
