Cassia - Santa Monica

I agree with you about the brilliance of Cassia, yet I’m not sure this is what accounts for the closing. There’s a closure epidemic raging in this city. Operating costs are sinking businesses like never before. The city needs to intervene and assist these businesses (tax incentives, etc…). I don’t see how restaurants like Cassia can continue to operate in this climate.

6 Likes

Always been a place I wanted to go to, but with a crowd. Wouldn’t work with just my wife and her weird dining restrictions. Got a group of 6 for the last Sunday. Looking forward to it and Jade Rabbit.

6 Likes

What I find weird is that Cassia couldn’t make it but Chinois on Main still exists. I can’t figure out the restaurant industry. Or is it just this city?

All chefs want to be creative on their menu but if you go creative routine, you don’t make any money with business.

It becomes nearly impossible to run mid high end model restaurants with investors in LA.

And it gets even more hard when tragedy happens like fire. And like you mentioned small things actually ends up lot together for business owners

11 Likes

Maybe Puck owns the building?

1 Like

I was going to try to make a reservation for 2 for that last Sunday, but it’s completely booked out. :frowning:

Not sure your party size but there’s still some tables left, though once you get to above four they’re a little later in the night and nothing available for parties over six. We’re going earlyish (one little one with us on a school night) with a party of six and also booked shortly after the email went out.

1 Like

Chinois probably attracts tourists & longtime regulars, it’s on Main St, plus its owner is famous. Haven’t been since its heyday but they still get a majority 5-star reviews on Yelp.

Fuck

It was awful when we went in like 2021. I suspect it’s just cheaper rent or something.

Cassia leaving is such a massive hole in Santa Monica dining. Like Tacos Punta Cabras, I fear it’s irreplaceable. What’s the closest place doing similar work, Cobi’s?

1 Like

Whoops. I meant last day service (got Sat/Sun mixed up).

Thanks for checking. :slight_smile:

1 Like

Chinois is consistently fantastic. Full of loyal customers, thanks to Bella who has been there since the beginning. Their Chinese New Year and NYE dinners are legendary. They do a big private party business, also catering.

Cassia is hit or miss, I’ve had more misses than hits. Unlike their other restaurants (Rustic, Birdies), there was always something wrong with my order or with the staff (one time, was completely ignored for 30 minutes and had to get up and walk to the host to get assistance).

I’m not surprised to hear that Cassia is closing.

2 Likes

It was one of those places I wanted to like more than I did. Never felt much hospitality there but maybe that’s just me.

1 Like

Bella is a wonderful host and they have a loyal dedicated multi-decade fanbase that keeps it fairly crowded weekday and weekends.

That said, I love Cassia’s food but I don’t care Chinios’s food very much. Many members of my family adore Chinois, so I end up there more than I ordinary would. I find many sauces goopy and overly sweet, but the protein quality is high. Noodles and dumplings are also not my jam there.

2 Likes
1 Like