Lovely ambiance at this small, tapas restaurant. Felt immediately transported to Europe…read more Lovely Spanish wines by the glass, especially the white on tap. We had: tinned tuna with accoutrements croquetas with manchego cheese chicory salad tortilla espagnola bomba rice with seafood pork morcilla with onion Probably could have ordered one fewer dish between the two of us. Favorites were the chicory salad (refreshing!) and the bomba rice. Tinned tuna was also very good. Least favorite were the croquetta (too rich) and the tortilla espagnola (a little bland). Service was friendly throughout until the end when another server slapped our bill on the table just after clearing it, without offering dessert or asking if we were finished. We had been there under 90 minutes and there was an empty table beside us with no one waiting and plenty of tables outside. Rather than say anything, we were done and left but it was not a good way to end the meal. Focusing on the food though, I might go back and try a few more things. Or I might try another of the many, many enticing restaurants this city has to offer.

A $25 Dine LA lunch that even includes two glasses of champagne; such a great deal…read more The restaurant itself is small and cozy, with a warm, charming atmosphere that's easy to enjoy. There's a wide variety of dishes, the portions are generous, and everything feels very reasonably priced. Parking isn't the most convenient, but that also makes it feel like a bit of a hidden gem. The service is friendly, the space is comfortable, and it's a lovely spot for catching up with friends or going on a casual date.

I was browsing restaurants in Los Feliz and happened to find Casa Leo, a relatively new restaurant…read morethat was very well reviewed. I rarely eat Spanish food, so we decided to try this place. We weren't disappointed. We found street parking nearby easily, even on a Saturday night. However, Casa Leo does have valet available. We were greeted warmly by the hostess when we arrived. I'd originally booked an outdoor table but we were able to switch to indoor. There were several diners both inside and out when we arrived at 6:15 pm, but the restaurant looked less than half full. We were brought menus and asked for our water preference immediately. The ambiance here is minimal but chic and gorgeous, with warm lighting, plush booths and wooden tables, as well as bar seating. Several plants are scattered around the restaurant and one window looks out onto a 76 petrol station, though this adds a unique charm to the vibe. Our waiter was kind, welcoming and efficient. He gave us great recommendations. We ordered a mixture of dishes including the whipped ricotta, gambas (garlic prawns), pintxo, tuna with tomato, lardons and gazpacho. Everything we had was superb, but my personal favorites were the gambas and the lardons, which was like a small pizza. We also ordered the cheesecake for dessert. It looked unassuming on the plate, with a dollop of pink sauce next to it, but it was wonderfully creamy and light. Definitely up there with one of the best cheesecakes I've ever eaten. We also got one sangria each and I'd highly recommend ordering these, they were delicious. Already looking forward to our next visit.

Extremely impressed with this restaurant! The vibe is very intimate, with low lighting and a huge…read moreplus that it's Michelin-rated! The chef sources all of his produce from farmer's markets week to week and the menu changes seasonally. Service was top notch: friendly, informative and incredible recommendations. We enjoyed both agua frescas offered on the menu but they have a lovely selection of wine if you're drinking. We enjoyed the tomato crostinis with cheese - incredible flavor! And the shrimp agua chile was something I would order over and over again if I could! We then ordered the vegetable salad and the oxtail for dinner. The oxtail was a small portion - but the flavor was divine and it actually was pretty filling with everything else ordered. We were too busy enjoying our plates to take photos of them all! I would return to this restaurant over and over again honestly - every menu item was thoughtfully curated and sourced. I truly appreciated my time here!

The food here was absolutely delicious! I came with my sister and we started with the boquerones al…read moreajillo, followed by the mixed paella. Everything was so flavorful and we really enjoyed it. The portions are very generous too. The paella was plenty for the two of us, and could easily be enough for three people if you don't have a big appetite. We both eat quite a bit and it was more than enough for us. The place itself is very simple and unassuming, both inside and out. You honestly wouldn't expect the food to be as good as it is just from looking at the place, but the food really speaks for itself. Service was good, although definitely on the slower side, so don't expect everything to come out super quickly. Overall, the food was wonderful. The paella was amazing, the boquerones were delicious, and I would absolutely come back!

Their paella literally tastes like the one my Spanish family makes…read moreThe chef has been here for 20 years so their recipes are always consistent. Their Argentinian meat platter was really good with so many options to choose from: chicken, steak, sausage and more! Came here for my mom's birthday and everyone was super friendly and service was great. Great place for large groups

Dim lighting, cool vibes, Portuguese small plates and a 13th anniversary (aww my relationship is a…read moreteenager now!). The steak tartare was bright, acidic, perfectly balanced and it's paired with sweet potato chips.. I had to take a moment! SO. GEWD. The bacalhau fritters was another favorite of mine. Crisp outside, soft inside, salty in the best way. Ask for extra lemons to brighten it further and thank me later. The head on prawns were so well seasoned and beautifully cooked and the sauce? Divine. I would bathe in it. The french fries were perfect but the lemon parsley aioli they came with is the real main character and I will not hear otherwise. Aioli of my dreams. Literally. Caipirinha with port float and Rosa margarita were both giving. Bolo do caco and boquerones also ate. Service was a little cold to start but warmed up as the night went on, and they ended the meal by surprising us with bubbles for our anniversary which was the sweetest thing. Pricey but worth every single penny. Date night, anniversary, or some other special occasion, this is your spot.

Overall experience was a 3.8/4…read more I made my partner and I reservations here on a Saturday at 4:30pm so we could take advantage of the happy hour. We were seated indoors a few minutes after checking in and it was HOT. Not to mention there was a fly buzzing around us for pretty much the entire meal. I understand LA is experiencing an unprecedented heat wave right now but the lack of temperature control was really uncomfortable. Our waitress came by to take our drink orders and we both got the Rosa Margarita ($10 during HH) and we both enjoyed them. I liked the uniqueness of the cherry liqueur. Our waitress gave us the spiel of how the recommend 2-3 dishes pp, take the whole order at once, course it out, etc. We ordered the tuna crudo, summer melon salad, cod fritters, charred corn, and the bifana ($15 during HH.) This was plenty of food for us. Everything was good but we felt like some of the dishes just needed ONE more thing to be better - like some sort of aioli or dipping sauce for the fritters, or a pickle/crunch for the bifana. I think the bifana was the highlight though, and I'm usually not into pork. It was cooked perfectly and very well seasoned. We finished our meal with the spiced almond cake which again was good BUT would have been better with a scoop of ice cream. This was the third Last Word Hospitality group restaurant I've tried so far and probably my least favorite. I think it's worth trying once but personally I don't see myself returning.

Covell was such a great experience! I wasn't sure what wine I wanted because I enjoy both red and…read morewhite wines, but the bartenders were incredibly knowledgeable and helped guide me to the perfect selections. Their recommendations were spot on. The atmosphere is intimate, cozy, and honestly perfect for a date night. It has such a warm and inviting vibe that makes you want to stay for hours. Unfortunately, we arrived just after the kitchen had closed, but that only gives me another reason to come back. The service was truly top-tier, and the wine was absolutely divine. I even enjoyed both a white and a red during my visit. Normally mixing wines can leave me with a headache the next day, but the bartenders paired everything so thoughtfully that the wines complemented each other beautifully, and I felt great afterward. I can't wait to return and experience both the food and wine together next time. Highly recommend!

Cute moody wine bar! Tried a mocktail and their pesto Mac & cheese because I was curious.read more

I like this place a lot! I would recommend looking out for special events and specific nights since…read morethere is pretty regularly a cover charge. I've been there for sort of queer latine events and it's fun and vibrant and the space is really nice and big and reminiscent of Latin America

A must for LA residents and tourists, El Cid has endured. The stars of this venue is the show; if…read morethis rating were only for the dancers then it'd be a 5 . Their commitment to showcasing flamenco and their drive was spectacular to watch! On the other hand, the food, although plentiful, was underwhelming. No to the cauliflower soup (and I like cauliflower, but not burnt); and the salmon, a bit dry at the edges. The sangria... weak, with large fruit chunks and too much mineral water. Also, our table for six was petite and service was unenthusiastic. With so many " Meh s" all I could look forward to was the show. Did it and may come back but please give care to your space and dining.

Amalia's is unlike no other ! Flavours can't even be found in our hometown Guatemala ! Such a…read morebeautiful place has a beautiful setting you will be welcomed as if family, such quick and compassionate, consistent service honestly by far 10 out of 10 place I've been coming hear since a child was introduced to this pearl by my grandparents that's how you know it's good lol

This place is located in a seedyish part but don't be deterred there are so many great restaurants…read morearound here! Amalias is one of those gems. Came here on a Thursday night and it was karaoke night! So fun but really loud! Not the place to come if you want to have meaningful conversations! Haha! But you don't really come here for conversations, you come here for the best Guatemalan food in L.A.! Here's what we ordered: Enchiladas- which are nothing like Mexican enchiladas. There's no tortilla. It's actually a really fresh healthy dish and more like a salad. Fresh beets either queso fresco. So good! Cheeseburger and fries - ha! Yes the kid ordered that! He said it was delicious! The grilled fish - this comes with rice, beans and a salad. So filling. The fish was perfectly cooked and so light. The grilled shrimp - one this was my favorite. The shrimp was tasty. I keep craving it and need to go back for more. The thing that I could literally bathe in is there salsas. The green one isn't like regular salsa verde. It's more herbaceous and has just the right amount of spice. The red one is more like a tomato based sauce but I think it has red chilis too although it isn't really spicy at all. It is one of the tastiest sauces. It has a richness and the taste is indescribable. It's just delicious!! I'll be back for tubs of that thank you very much. :)

Sunset, spectacular views, and some seriously good food!…read more We had dinner at Chef Jose Andres' San Laurel at the Conrad Los Angeles, and the setting alone makes this place worth a visit. It's on the 10th floor, with a beautiful outdoor terrace overlooking the Walt Disney Concert Hall and The Broad. If the weather is good, sit outside! We arrived around sunset, and dining with that golden-hour view was pretty magical. We started with cocktails. The Japanese Milk Punch sounded amazing, but it was a little too subtle for me. The Pisco Sour, though? Absolutely nailed it. Refreshing, citrusy, just the right amount of sweetness, and perfectly frothy. Then came the food. My favorite of the night was the fennel soup with Dungeness crab--absolutely gorgeous and packed with delicate flavor. The Hokkaido scallops were another standout: beautifully caramelized on top and perfectly plump and juicy inside. I had the European sea bass, which was crisp, clean, and beautifully prepared. My friend ordered the duck breast, and wow--that was fantastic. Definitely going on my list for next time. We also shared the wild mushrooms with a fried egg, and even though we were already getting full, I'm very glad we ordered them. So simple, but ridiculously delicious. No room for dessert, but honestly, who cared? We sat outside, soaked up the views, and lingered over conversation as the evening settled over downtown LA. Great food and service, gorgeous setting, and that sunset view? A pretty memorable night.

We found our way to San Laurel somewhat in a pinch before an event at Disney Hall, and I was really…read morehappy we did. The restaurant itself has a very cool, upscale feel, modern, open and sophisticated without feeling overly formal. It sits on the 10th floor of the Conrad, and the outdoor terrace is probably the star of the setting, with a terrific view directly across at Walt Disney Concert Hall. We chose to eat inside because it was HOT outside, and while our particular table was nothing special, the overall layout and ambiance still made it feel like a special-occasion kind of place. The highlight, though, was definitely the food. I started with my go-to: a filthy Ketel One martini with two blue-cheese olives. They nailed it, cold, dirty and exactly the way I like it. The standout dish was the Vermicelli "Mac N' Cheese." This is definitely not your typical mac and cheese. It's made with fideuá pasta, Idiazábal cheese, seasonal mushrooms, egg-yolk sauce and crispy shallots. Rich, creamy, savory and very unique. Easily an A+ dish and something I'd order again without hesitation. My wife had the stracciatella salad with strawberries, macerated figs, Marcona almonds and greens. The presentation was beautiful, and the creamy cheese with the sweetness of the figs and strawberries made for a really nice combination. San Laurel isn't inexpensive, so I wouldn't necessarily call it an everyday dinner spot, but the quality of the food, atmosphere and location make it feel like more of an experience than simply going out for dinner. Being directly across from Disney Hall also makes it a great pre-show choice. Four stars from me. I'd definitely go back, although next time, on a cooler evening, I'd want that outdoor table overlooking Disney Hall.

I never write reviews, but I genuinely feel like I have to because I enjoyed this meal so much…read more Listen, this place took me to flavor town!! Everything was seasoned beautifully and cooked to perfection. The fish and oysters were fresh and the drinks were damn good. We also got the charred skirt steak with papas, and it was super tender and delicious. Unfortunately, I forgot to snap a pic because we devoured it so fast. My only tiny critique is that the Kona Kanpachi could've used a little more flavor, but the fish was so fresh and vibrant that I didn't mind. Our server, Denise was super attentive and full of great recommendations! This was one of the best dinners I've had in a long time. I'll absolutely be back. Chef's kiss!!

My family and I decided to stop by Encanto Restaurant while in the area. We took a rideshare there…read more The restaurant is nice. It's has a large bar area with natural light that comes in through the windows. They also have a lot of seating. When we walked in we were greeted right away by the host. He asked if we had reservations. We replied with a no. He took a few minutes and the said that he could seat us. He took us to a booth in the corner and then told us that our waiter would be taking care of us soon. He asked us if we wanted anything to drink. We told him water and he brought us some water fairly quickly. Then another person showed up and he told us that they would take care of us the rest of the evening. Our waiter was very friendly and did an excellent job all evening. After looking at the menu we decided what we wanted. We started with the guacamole chips and salsa. The chips were okay. They were lightly seasoned with salt. The guacamole was fresh and the salsas were tasty. I preferred the green salsa as the red salsa was spicier. For my main meal I ordered the Quesadilla filled with skirt steak, pico, avocado, salsa, and crema. The quesadilla was delicious. I've never had a quesadilla like this. It was rolled up and looked like an egg roll. The steak was very tasty with a lot of flavor and the other ingredients were fresh. It was so good. For my side I ordered the rice and beans. The beans were good and had flavor. The rice was perfectly cooked. Combined the rice and beans had flavor and were very filling. Overall Encanto was a very nice restaurant. The bar area is large, the seating was comfortable, the service was very good and the food was delicious.

A wonderful now seasoned part of our monthly dinners ng rotation…read more Great food & wine. Knowledgeable service in the hip heart of Silverlake enclave.

I have not been to Barbrix in years -- back when it had the orange signage -- and while it was fine…read morethen, it never really stood out to me. That's definitely changed. I went last night with a few friends and we had a really lovely time. It feels like the restaurant has had a noticeable upgrade, both in vibe and overall experience. The menu is family-style with smaller plates that are great for sharing. Prices feel fair -- most small plates are in the $10-$20 range, with larger dishes around $30. We ordered seven dishes plus dessert and left feeling full, but not overly stuffed. Here's what we tried: Bub & Grandma's Baguette -- $6 Roasted Baby Golden Beet Salad -- $12 Blue Lake Green Bean Tempura -- $11 Ahi Tuna Crudo -- $15 Grilled Oyster Mushrooms -- $13 Pork Schnitzel -- $30 Spring Pea Cannelloni (special) -- $17 Basque Cheesecake -- $9 Overall, everything was delightful. The standouts for me were the Pork Schnitzel -- a great portion, well cooked, served with roasted potatoes -- the Blue Lake Green Bean Tempura, which were light, fun, and super snackable, and the Ahi Tuna Crudo, which was familiar but really refreshing. The Spring Pea Cannelloni was very pretty, but the flavors didn't feel totally harmonious to me. There is a small parking lot in front, which is always appreciated, and a nice outdoor patio that was especially enjoyable with the current warm weather. It really feels like a great little neighborhood spot now. If you are nearby, I would definitely recommend stopping by -- it is an easy, enjoyable place to share a drink and a meal with friends or relax at the bar.