Melanie

At first glance, Melanie looks and feels like many other good wine bars around town. There’s a well-curated list filled with mostly European biodynamic wines, a cute space that feels like a friends’ living room right as the party is starting to peak, and a menu filled with snacks you want to be eating while drinking chilled Beaujolais. But what makes this Beverly Grove spot great are the actual people serving you the wine. Melanie is owned by the same crew behind Sushi Note and Augustine Wine Bar, two of our favorite places to drink wine in LA simply because the sommeliers know how to level with you. No question is a dumb question, even if you ask if orange wine is made from oranges. They’ll also happily keep offering tastes until you find your match. As far as the food goes, the mussels are a standout. They’re plump, buttery, and come bathed in a rich, savory vadouvan curry. We also loved the stone fruit toast topped with Iberico jamon, and though it’s not technically on the menu, be sure to ask for a side of their perfectly crisp tater tots. They’ll go great with your next bottle.