MELANIE, in the bustling W 3rd Street neighborhood in Los Angeles is an intimate space for guests to enjoy wonderful food offerings and to learn about wine from across the globe. The concept from Sushi Note & Sushi Note Omakase co-owner, Andy Paxson, Melanie is a refreshing restaurant wine bar that celebrates curiosity among wine-enthusiasts in an approachable environment. At Melanie, the team encourages guests to be adventurous and taste new-to-them varietals from both unfamiliar and well-known wine regions. Melanie aims to transform the traditionally intimidating wine bar experience to be more approachable and enjoyable for both avid wine enthusiasts and novices alike. As a nod to the commitment, patience & unique position held only by the spouse of a restaurateur, Melanie is named after Paxson’s wife of over 20 years.

Head Chef Jorge Simental’s dinner menu is inspired by French and Italian flavors. Menu highlights include Whale’s Cove Mussels prepared with Vadouvan curry, coconut milk, heirloom tomatoes, and garlic breadcrumbs and Sweet Corn Risotto with parmigiano reggiano, chipotle aioli and cilantro. Larger plates on the menu include Prime Hanger Steak & Frites with au poivre sauce and hand cut french-fries, Crab Fettuccine with bay scallops, lobster stock & thai basil and the Melanie Smash Burger served with pepper jack cheese, onion jam, arugula, pickles and chipotle aioli . Reservations are accepted through the Tock link at the top of the page and all efforts are made to seat without delay and to maintain the essence of the neighborhood place to call your own locale.

Melanie’s wine program has an emphasis on wines from France and Italy and is built to allow for a regular rotation of new wineries and varietals to be offered. The wine menu begins with bubbles and features sparkling wines such as Domaine Rolet Crément de Jura from France and the Italian Zanazi Lambrusco Di Sorbara. Rosé and orange varietals include La Spinetta “Il Rosé di Casanova” from Tuscany and Raft Wines 'Jonquille' Viognier from Madera, California. Highlights from Melanie’s white wine selection include Maison Lispaul Sauvignon Blanc, Tenuta Tascante “Buonora” Carricante and Christophe Et Fils Petite Chablis.  Stand-out reds, such as Denis Carré ‘La Perriére’ Pinot Noir, Manzone ‘Le Ciliegie’ Dolcetto and Les Vins de Vienne Syrah.  Wine Director, Stephen Sherry, focuses on keeping a weekly rotation of new wines to keep the experience fresh, even for our most reliable neighborhood guests. The bottle list, curated by Sherry, offers guests a chance to open a celebration-enhancing selection.

Melanie’s vintage décor creates an elevated and inviting atmosphere for guests. Reminiscent of a moody café, Melanie is adorned with nostalgic memorabilia like photos, books, and mementos of days gone by from Paxson’s personal archive. Additional décor elements include vintage wine bottles fashioned on steel-piped shelves, dimly lit Edison bulbs and votive candles. Indoor seating options include the cozy, brown leather-upholstered banquettes and “MWB” engraved wooden two-top tables, as well as the pristine white Carrera marble wine bar. Outside, several patio tables and chairs offer an authentic W 3rd st moment for guests with space heaters available for cooler Los Angeles evenings.

That said, just come enjoy Melanie, you need to have some fun.