If you think you’ve seen everything Santa Monica has to offer, Mon Ami is here to politely prove you wrong. On September 19, the hidden courtyard restaurant launches its immersive “First Class to Spain” dining experience, an evening designed to transport guests straight to Catalonia, without TSA, jet lag, or a cramped middle seat.
This isn’t a theme night. It’s a thoughtfully curated, flavor-forward journey inspired by Barcelona’s energy, cuisine, and sense of joy around the table.
Led by restaurateur Nas Negahban, the experience blends Mediterranean soul, polished hospitality, and just enough playfulness to remind you that dining should be fun. For anyone craving a memorable night out in Santa Monica, this is one boarding call worth answering.
Mon Ami: Santa Monica’s Hidden Mediterranean Escape
Tucked just off Ocean Avenue, Mon Ami feels like a secret you’re almost selfish about sharing. Lush greenery, indoor-outdoor seating, and an intimate courtyard create the kind of ambiance that immediately slows your pulse. It’s the sort of place you stumble into once—and then quietly return to again and again.
Under the Pacific Coast Hospitality Group, Mon Ami draws inspiration from across the Mediterranean, Spain, Greece, Italy, France, Morocco, while sourcing many ingredients from the Santa Monica Farmers Market.
The result?
Dishes that feel worldly yet grounded, elevated but approachable. Relatable in the best way.
Reservations to the Barcelona First Class Series Event: https://resy.com/cities/santa-monica-ca/venues/mon-ami?date=2024-09-19&seats=2&query=Mon%20ami&activeView=list
The “First Class” Concept: Dining as a Destination
The First Class Series launches September 19 with an Extraordinary Journey to Barcelona, offering a four-course menu designed to feel indulgent without leaving you weighed down. Pricing is $95++ for food only, or $125++ including two drinks, plus tax and gratuity. Guests are also welcomed with a complimentary taste of sangria—because every good trip deserves a proper send-off.
Nas Negahban explains the philosophy simply:
“I’ve always had a passion for building new concepts and brands across various industries.
We currently have a few restaurants in Spain and other countries,
but Santa Monica is home.”
Nas Negahban
That sense of home-meets-abroad defines the evening. It’s immersive, but never gimmicky. Thoughtful, but still fun-loving.
A Menu That Travels Bite by Bite
This is a multi-course experience that unfolds naturally, encouraging conversation and connection.
Amuse Bouche
Iberian Jamón with burrata, Calabria chile, and crustini. Light, crunchy, and instantly engaging—an ideal icebreaker for the table.
First Course: Tapas Trio
Truffle mushroom, chicken mousse with pickled onion, and spicy tomatoes with pepper. Each bite delivers a distinct texture and flavor, offering diversity without chaos. It’s also unapologetically Instagrammable—plates arrived to phones lifting in unison.
Second Course
Grilled octopus with patatas bravas. Tender, smoky octopus paired with crisp potatoes and red sauce that keeps you leaning forward, already excited for what’s next.
Third Course (Choice)
Marinated skirt steak with Spanish rice and roasted zucchini or a pasta option. The steak—often a tougher cut—arrives beautifully tender, deeply flavored, and clearly handled by a confident kitchen.
Dessert (Choice)
Crema Catalana or sorbet. The Crema Catalana hits the sweet spot: not too sugary, not too heavy. Five perfect bites of pleasure—exactly how dessert should end a great meal.
Flavor-forward, satisfying, and indulgent without compromise.
Mon Ami’s Blackberry Mojito
Mon Ami’s Catelonia Margarita.
The dinner started with a light appetizer, perfect to ignite your appetite.
Why This Works (Especially in Santa Monica)
Mon Ami’s First Class experience is ideal for date nights, celebrations, casual business dinners, or anyone craving something more memorable than another reservation-for-the-sake-of-it. You leave comfortably full, energized, and still smiling days later—which says everything.
Born and raised in Santa Monica, Negahban brings global polish back to his hometown. The result is hospitality that feels elevated but unpretentious, sophisticated yet warm.
Mini FAQ: Mon Ami First Class to Spain dinner
Q: When is the First Class to Spain dinner?
A: Thursday, September 19, 2024.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: $95++ for the four-course menu or $125++ including two drinks.
Q: How do I reserve?
A: Book via Resy or email events@monamism.com.
Mon Ami’s First Class to Spain isn’t just dinner—it’s a shared memory in the making. If you’re craving bold flavors, effortless hospitality, and a night that feels transportive without trying too hard, September 19 belongs on your calendar. Grab a seat, raise a glass, and let Santa Monica take you to Barcelona.
