Cafe Massilia

I can’t believe this place is closed!!! I was looking forward to visiting today for brunch. I came here last month and was surprised I actually enjoyed the meal. I got the savory crepes filled with brie and prosciutto. My friend got the pastries and bacon and eggs. Presenting was a little lacking but tasted great! Service was slow, had to wait a while for our drinks and food. Hope they reopen somewhere close by.

Steak was tough and rubbery for $ 20 a plate we could have gone to Denny’s for better tasting food.
The waitress also rudely asked if we had a reservation when we walked in even though the place was empty. Go get some french fries for a better french food experience.

I love the food here! Everything that my wife and I have ordered is always great. Important to know… this a place where you sit down and enjoy for a while. Service is slow, and meant to be that way. Sit back, have some wine, and take time to enjoy

Dined here on a Friday evening and arrived 15 minutes early. We were told that we couldn’t be seated until the actual time of our reservations and we were fine with that.
Since it’s a very small and intimate space we didn’t mind waiting, however, there were 2 tables (for 4) that were empty (probably reserved) and one table for 2 that just finished and was paying as we stood there. We waited outside and the couple paying left, one other couple arrived after us and was seated promptly.
We walked back inside at the time of our reservation and stood there for a good 4 minutes before we were seated at the same table, that the couple paying when we arrived, sat. Ok, so why weren’t we seated there in the first place? Why make us wait? Other restaurants are quick to have all guests seated promptly, upon arrival. Café Massilia had no problem making us wait. Perhaps because there was only one person on the floor? Anyways…
Food was delicious, Portions were large, and temperature was perfect. My only concern was the bread in the basket without any lining. Even my carnivor of a husband noticed.
Pricing is pretty much straight forward. You can choose between a set 3 course meal or order separate. All appetizers = one price, all entrees = one price, all desserts = one price. There are also many other discounts available throughout the week.
Lots of free parking on the street and if you plan to dine on a Friday like we did, you’ll enjoy the Monrovia Street Fair going on right around the corner from them on Myrtle.

I used to like this place, the food is decent and the service is attentive. The owner Phillipe could improve on his customer service skills. I specifically asked to break a $ 20 and instead he just gave me change from my bill in $ 5s. This forced me to tip more than I planned, not cool. There are plenty of mom and pop restaurants in Old Town Monrovia. I’d rather give my business to them.

Ooooh the fresh bread tastes so amazing. Mmmmmm… just bring me plate after plate of this tasty delightful bread,
Le pain etait tres bon.
Since I have not eaten all day, this is my breakfast steak and fries.
Je mange un steak et des frites pour le petit dejeuner
I cen’t remember the name of this, but it was so delicious.
The place has a very nice modern french design and some seating outside letting your mind run wild giving you the feeling of dinning outside in France. Well one can fantasize, can’t they?
Excellent service with a cheerful smile and very attentive to our table and refills on the drinks.
Amazing place and I will definitly return.
Endroit incroyable et je reviendrai sans aucon doute.
Have a good day my friends.
Passez une bonne journee mes amis.

I had my bridal shower here last summer, and it was a cute place with good food. I have breakfast here occasionally, but when my husband and I came here for dinner last week, we had a very frustrating experience. It was 6:40 p.m. and there were four open tables on the patio/​sidewalk and most tables were open inside. The owner asked if we had reservations, and we replied that we didn’t. He said that he wouldn’t be able to seat us for 20 min as all the tables were reserved and we would only be able to be seated (in 20 min) if there were no-​shows at 7 p.m. We went elsewhere. Questions:
1. Were there no reservations at 6 p.m. And did all the 6 p.m. diners not arrive?
2. If reservations are required (on a Saturday evening), why is there no mention of that on the restaurant’s website.
My husband and I are foodies, and we would have surely spent $ 50 – 60 on dinner… :/

Many handful of years back we noticed this place, that time our being in town was a short trip so we planned to «come back» sometime. It took so long and our favorite French place had closed down in Newport Beach. The craving persisted that we finally set foot in on this trip. Making the 35+ mile drive is challenging but anyway…
She ordered the La Flammekuche Champignons and loved this dish. I had the La Crêpe aux Epinards and also enjoyed this. Timing of the dishes from order to table was good, about 8 – 10 minutes. The lunch prices we felt were very reasonable and after the first few bites we felt this was a great deal for these tasty offerings.
This little shop was quiet at the 12:30 — 1:30 time we were in with about 6 others occupying the tables. A pleasant lunchtime experience coupled with good service. Water glass filled, a check to make sure we were okay, plates removed as necessary and the final inquiry if we were interested in dessert and such. Good timing overall.
Looking forward to our next time in the area to try more of their menu selections. :)
Food quality –4
Taste– 4
Service– 4
Overall cleanliness– 5
Value– 4

–free parking on street and there is a free public parking lot right past it.
–excellent service, my glass was always filled and very helpful and kind staff
–Food: Quiche was okay… Nothing to write home about, Escargot has a lovely buttery and garlicky sauce that goes well with complementary bread. I chose potatoes as my side but did not like them. Should have gotten fries… Stole some from my sister and they were delicious. I took a taste of my sister’s French onion soup and really enjoyed the flavor. Savory and hint of sweetness of onion. Dessert was disappointing… We tried the profiteroles (cream puff with icecream and chocolate drizzle) the outer shell of the puff was hard and stale tasting. I only ate the icecream in the middle and whipped cream. Sadness. Bright side: unlimited mimosas.
Didn’t realize that when having brunch that Groupon does not apply (stated on their menu) so I will come back and have another taste of their Lunch menu. Overall… Okay, I would come back.

My first time to try this cozy French café.
There was 30+ of my friends gathered to celebrate 3 birthdays.
I love the interiors of the restaurant. The beautiful sound of a live guitarist and singer to entertain us. You are welcomed with a great tasting red wine, delicious assorted macarons.
If was a full course dinner from appetizers to desserts, open wine bar and all the works.
For main course, I ordered La Souris d’ Agneau aux Abricots secs
(Lamb shanks). The meat was cooked perfectly, meat pulls easily off the bone. It was tasty, it had
full and bold flavors but needed a little more salt. I love to cook and I’m not a big fan of salt unfortunately, this dish needed it.
For appetizer, mini paper thin pizza crust needed a little more time to brown the crust but overall it was a delicious treat.
My favorite part is when I get to eat the dessert sampler. It had a little bit of everything. Tasted good but they remind me of desserts in hotel buffets in Vegas.
Overall, I enjoyed my experience! Amazing service. It just needs a little tweaking on the food to make this café unforgettable!

This place really deserves 3.5 stars, but that’s not an option. My boyfriend and I came here for brunch a couple weeks ago and we enjoyed it. It’s a nice atmosphere, friendly service and they’re on top of the bottomless mimosas/​champagne. It’s nice that you can choose to have just champagne too. Neither of us were super impressed with the entrees we ordered, but we would did say we’d come back again to give it another shot and try out their dinner menu too. I was a little disappointed with my Niçoise salad (it didn’t come with potatoes and the sardines were very large pieces that I couldn’t eat). I’m open to trying something else on the menu and I will update my review and star rating, if we are impressed the next time we go.

One of the best little bistros I’ve ever come across.
Great food, very talented Chefs and awesome service. Perfect for a romantic evening dinner date with your loved one.
I highly recommend this restaurant.
*********UPDATE*********
8÷21÷2015
They sold the restaurant… so that explains the downward spiral of food quality and service!
Good riddance. Horrible business owners!

This is an adorable café in adorable old town Monrovia.
With both outdoor & indoor seating, my friend & I decided to sit outside & enjoy the gorgeous day.
Our server whom I want to say is also the owner was wonderful!
I woke up craving a croissant & a café…something light, simple, yet delicious. Unfortunately, he informed me they didn’t have croissants.
My friend ordered the soup of the day (delicious tomato soup!) & a salad, as well as coffee. I ended up only ordering an iced coffee (very tasty).
SO, when my friends food arrives SO did a warm croissant with some strawberry jam!!! Now, that’s what I call AMAZING customer service.
The ambiance was delightful, the food was delicious, the customer service was amazing, try it next time you’re in town!
They also have bottomless mimosas for $ 7.95 (with purchase of a meal). Defiantly going back to have those mimosas!
Merci, again Café Massilia!

Came in for a bite to eat solo today. Had the Eggs Benedict with Bacon… the sauce they use is NOT Hollandaise sauce instead they use a Bechamal and Cheese sauce and for some reason I think I read on the menu Mornay? Eggs were poached perfectly and sat on top of a (i’m guessing) soft crumpet. I didn’t like it but I will definitely return for some of the other tasty items listed on the menu.
BTW very romantic setting. Free parking on the east side of building.
Respectfully Reviewed

And old stand by here in the city of Monrovia. Phillipe is always a joy to come see.
My girlfriend and I came in for a quick bite. Had the pepper sauce steak, mussells, and the dessert sampler. The steak was cooked a beautiful medium rare, and the pepper sauce was excellent.
The chocolate mousse desert was to die for.
Thank you for keeping this gem going Phillipe! And the new menu looks great!

Came here for Sunday brunch with my best friend and much to our surprise they have bottomless mimosas– jackpot! We shared a half order of crepes (can’t remember which flavor something with orange I believe and vanilla ice cream) and each got custom omelettes. Delicious, added Brie cheese, olives, spinach and avocado. Had a little French kick to them.
The portions were just right, couldn’t finish all of the crêpe dish though because we were full from the omelettes. However we left some room for the continuous mimosas. Fast forward a few hours and needless to say, we left drunk. And that is the most perfect Sunday brunch I have ever had. I will most definitely return!

Came back for an early dinner on a beautiful Sunday, I really liked how tiny and cute this French restaurant is, the bench booth with cushions next to the windows is so cozy, perfect spot for couples!
Fixed price menu, apps, entrees and deserts, they have a good list of wines, we tried a few whites, they were tasty.
Starters:
Complimentary French bread: fresh and yummy.
Escargots, without shells: I love escargots! They were salty and tender, loved the sauce, we dipped bread in it, so delicious!
Entrees:
Fresh fish of the day, white fish in tomato sauce, with side of the day, they were rice and veggies: the fish filet was extremely tender, the sauce was amazing, so good!
Filet in medium rare: first one was overcooked, second one was perfect, hubby loved the housemade steak sauce.
Dessert:
Crème brûlée: soft and creamy, liked it a lot.
We took time to enjoy our wines and food, the French server was very attentive, he is probably the owner or manager, extremely friendly! The food was so good, but the portions were very small, prices were fair.
A lovely little French café in the hood, perfect spot for a romantic dinner or brunch date!

The food here is okay, maybe even good, even though some of it does not feel like traditional French. But the atmospeare is nice, there is a small front patio for street front service, and they have a nice pres fix 3 course dinner for $ 30. There are also daily happy hour specials and a lovely Sunday champagne brunch.
Over all a good place… expecially for a date.

I went here with my mom a few days ago. I really love it in here, it’s SUPER intimate, ideal for a nice date. I ordered the filet mignon and it was really good.
The people who work there are very hospitable and nice. The service was awesome. I just love it and I’ll definitely be a regular

On the fence giving 2 or 3 stars but I’ll say more on the 2.5 area.
Came for my birthday dinner with my parents, my dad found the place from opentable and wanted to try it out.
This place is very small with about 6+ tables inside? and an outside area. The décor is nice, gives this little place a quaint cozy feel.
Upon entering there appeared to be no host/​hostess. There was one waiter/​bartender/​busboy who seemed to be doing everything and sat us down. We didn’t receive menus or anything for maybe 5 or more minutes, we had to ask and they were very apologetic. The waiters seemed very unprepared.
I had the 3 course meal for $ 26.99. I had an onion soup for starters and it was just way too salty, I couldn’t even finish it. My parents also tried it and thought it was too salty as well. Then I had the vegetable pasta and it was very bland, had to add a lot of parmesan cheese to it. Dessert was good though, crème brûlée, but how can you go wrong with that?
Overall this place needs to really work out the wait staff, more training? and the food needs to be better. Less salt in the onion soup and more flavor in the entrée.