Designed by Marc Ange, MUSE restaurant in Santa Monica, California, inspires guests with cuisine and artwork in a jewel-box setting.

MUSE, a new restaurant in Santa Monica, California, inspires guests with culinary delights and artwork in a jewel-box setting. Marc Ange, of his eponymous firm, was tapped to envision the space by chef-owner Fardad Khayami as a showcase for his fresh take on French cuisine in the beach city.
The epicure and the designer share similar influences, so for both, the collaboration was an ideal one. The chef melds the tastes of Italy, where Ange was born, with the traditional fare of France, where he was raised. With offices in Paris and Los Angeles, Ange innately understands this cross-cultural aesthetic, and he was eager to capture it for the eatery?s interiors.
His influences were many for this hospitality project, from classic European style to coastal chic, which blend together in the intimate space. ?There are elements of Italian 1970s sexiness and French elegance, with a touch of LA, which creates something completely contemporary,? says Ange.

The main dining room, which seats 35, exudes a relaxed glamour. This central area is enveloped in white oak (the corridors are clad in walnut) and paired with a color palette of warm gold, sienna, and beige tones that enhance the intimacy of the space. This rich backdrop serves to highlight the impressive, rotating collection of art that is exclusive to the restaurant. For its debut, MUSE fe...