Jiraffe Restaurant

Fueled by a passion for high quality ingredients, fine technique and the seaside lifestyle, JiRaffe offers market directed rustic California/French food with seasonally inspired classic cocktails in a casually chic environment. The service is relaxed yet articulate and as elegant as the coastal community of Santa Monica. Chef/Owner Raphael Lunetta directs the kitchen nightly.  He is a true local, growing up in the Santa Monica and Venice area, attending Santa Monica’s Washington Elementary School and then Santa Monica High. He is well known and respected in the surf community as one of the City’s top talents, and an active community supporter.  His passion for water and surfing led him to a tour on the pro-surf circuit, but later was challenged by his love for great food and simply presented, clear flavor. He grew up visiting the South of France with his family where they ate fresh, simply prepared foods that anchored his love of creating well-prepared food for family and friends. JiRaffe was born in 1996 and continues to gain attention and praise from food critics, local diners, and food and wine lovers from around the world.  The restaurant sits at the corner of Fifth Street and Santa Monica Boulevard in downtown Santa Monica in a bright, bi-level loft space with soaring ceilings, walls of windows, dark woods, and crystal chandeliers that meld into the feel of a neighborhood bistro.  Comfort, good food and attention to service can all be found at JiRaffe.