Chef Dave Beran is an acclaimed chef known for his work at Pasjoli and Seline Restaurant in Santa Monica. He is a recipient of the prestigious James Beard Award.
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Last updated: 8/22/2026, 5:12:06 AM
Key Information
Seline Restaurant offers a unique fine dining experience in Santa Monica, characterized by its serene and elegant ambiance where the dining room seamlessly blends with the kitchen. The restaurant focuses on artistic presentation, multi-sensory elements, and dishes that often tell a deep story, reflecting Chef Dave Beran's love for nature and out-of-the-box culinary thinking.
Customer Perception
Customers frequently describe Seline as a 'magical' and 'awe-inspiring' dining experience, praising its creativity, outstanding flavors, and visually spectacular plating. Many reviewers believe it deserves Michelin stars, highlighting the thoughtful alcoholic and non-alcoholic pairings. However, some feedback notes the atmosphere can feel cold or too dark, and service occasionally lacks natural hospitality, with some diners feeling rushed at the end of their meal.
Additional Details
Chef Dave Beran is a highly acclaimed chef, known for his work at Alinea and as the owner of Pasjoli, another restaurant in Santa Monica. Seline aims to provide a custom experience from design to cuisine.
Dave Beran is a powerhouse having been head chef at Alinea and won a James Beard award. He also owns Pasjoli.
The Spring menu was visually plated and taste spectacular. There was a rhythm like music to the presentations. The wine pair was top notch and paired wonderfully.
The only nit is that the atmosphere was too black felt cold and not warm or inviting. The waiters were friendly but could be more personal and also felt cold. Beside that they are ready for a minimum Michelin 1-star and maybe 2.
Congratulations to Dave and all supporting staff for winning the James Beard best chef in California 2026
“Magical” is not a word I have ever used to describe a dining experience, but I feel Seline 100% deserves it. I have never been so awestruck by a meal before. I truly felt the creativity and wonder in each dish. The flavors were outstanding and the Chef’s love of nature was evident. This was the first time I felt that the natural world itself was expressed successfully through art. This place is doing something truly special, I have never experienced anything quite like it. LA is blessed to have such an institution
5
Incredible fine dining addition to the west side. The ambiance, food, attention to detail, and overall experience they curate for you is top notch. It almost felt like you were dining in someone’s living room you felt so comfortable.
All of the hosts, waiters, and chefs were incredibly friendly and helpful throughout the meal. The executive chef served us two dishes which is not something you see at a fine dining restaurant often. Gotta respect that.
Every dish has a deep story and well thought out. I wouldn’t be surprised if this place earned a star in the coming years.
4
two main things to make it a six star experience:
drop some mid dishes. some were really fun to eat; absolutely vivid; some I’d rather not eat. fix this then it would be amazing.
the service lacks natural hospitality that is common in (say) Singapore. waiters are very quiet for solo diners. no natural conversation in words or with facial expressions.
tip was solicited before card transaction.
Edit: the *total* experience lasted 1h 45m. The bill was brought out right after the last course. While I was still sipping my tea, there were emotionless peeking at my table, which was like a sign that I have overstayed my welcome. In the middle of the dining experience, I thought it was so nice that I would come every month, but at the end I almost felt that I was kicked out like in a fast turnover restaurant.
5
Magical, multi-sensory dining experience. First you see the theatrical dining room and hear the thematic music evoking imaginations of the season. Then you smell and taste the unique flavors, out-of-the-box thinking in how to let ingredients shine and interact in surprising yet delicious ways. Both alcoholic and nonalcoholic pairings are thoughtful and synergistic with the dishes. Best restaurant in LA and deserves at least two Michelin stars.
