Overall was a very good experience! Service was friendly and attentive from the beginning and all…read morethroughout dinner, so that set the tone for the night. We were a party of 6, but 2 were lagging soooo hard for our reservation, and we weren't allowed to be seated until everyone showed up. I think the servers felt bad for us lol so they seated us after 25 minutes or so. By that time, I ordered their Espresso Martini which was delicious! They described it as "smoky and not too sweet." The restaurant itself has a very industrial warehouse kinda vibe to it, which was cool. Very laidback but upscale environment, dress up or dress down, it's totally up to you. My group ordered family style. We ordered... - Appetizers: 'spicy handroll' dip, goat empanadas, goat liver mousse - Veggies: roasted carrots, wood-fired sprouted cauliflower, sautéed green beans, grilled corn - Salad: shrimp & crispy greens salad, - Fish: pan roasted salmon, roasted oysters, - Meat: grilled kalbi-style short ribs, lamb curry - Dessert: matcha tres leches, mango sticky rice Honestly, if I were to do the same family style again, I would make sure I got a good taste of everything again. If I were to choose one of each category though, I'd go with spicy handroll dip as my favorite appetizer, sauteed green beans, I'll try the other salad option (the shrimp & crispy greens salad was really lemon-ey, almost too much), salmon was fantastic and cooked perfectly, the kalbi-style good was impressive and fall off the bone, andddd I can't really complain about either of the desserts. Everyone ended up splitting, it was maybe....$175 per person? Not too bad.

I've been to the Girl & the Goat multiple times for dinner. Unfortunately, I did not have a great…read moreexperience last night. The food lagged and the dishes were not as delicious as they used to be. Green beans: this dish used to be my favorite dish and I always order for the table. Unfortunately, the dish was super salty and did not taste like is has previously. I let the waiter and waitress know but they didn't offer anything besides an apology Grilled Dorade and Naan with dip: these were the highlights of the show and items I also always order for the table. S'mores dessert: we ordered a s'mores dessert and it was a super small deconstructed s'more with one marshmallow. The graham cracker was almost a thin pretzel and had overwhelming cinnamon flavor. This dish was disappointing and the size for a child. The restaurant is beautiful, but the food and service were not up to the same caliber as usual during yesterday's dinner.

The Bottom Line 3.5 stars: Good option when in the area, with some concerns as noted below…read more Location 3 stars: Downtown Los Angeles Arts District, northeast corner of Matteo Street and Whittier Blvd, across the Matteo complex. Coming from the San Fernando Valley, nearest Freeways are the 101 (Exit 2A - Alameda Street/Union Station) and the 5 (Exit 135A - 4th Street). There is limited street parking. We self-parked in a paid ($10 after 6 PM) structure attached to the complex. Venue 4 stars: Huge venue with indoor seating, a large bar area, and a nice rustic and relaxing patio area. Service 3.5 stars: Friendly and helpful but not very attentive. Food 3 stars: We stopped by for lunch on a weekday. They were serving their Brunch menu at that time. It featured a large assortment of offerings including soups, salads, specialty items such as Avocvado Toast and Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, burgers, sandwiches and egg dishes such as Eggs Benedict, omelets, wraps and sandwiches and chillaquiles. We had the Zinc Benedict (Salmon), the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and the Avocado Toast. All were just OK but unfortunately lacked in plating/presentation and taste and were rather small for the price. Also their "poached" eggs are not really poached... they were steamed in molds, giving them more of a rubbery texture compared to a true poached egg. Drinks 3.5 stars: Full bar, specialty cocktails and mocktails, specialty coffee/tea/matcha and juices. I had the Iced White Mocha, which was ok.

TLDR: VERY SLOW dining experience. I recommend a visit only if you have TWO hours to sit down. The…read morefood is also fairly salty. At this price point, there are better restaurants with faster service to visit nearby. - - - - - - Zinc, what an element - pun intended. I've been wanting to visit for a while, not knowing what the interior or exterior looked like, with knowledge only that it was a popular spot. The entrance was difficult to find and may be heavy with that metal gate. I tried relentlessly to find a hostess this Friday night with success finally after five minutes. I ended up sitting outdoors by the calm, rectangular fountain. After about 10 minutes, a server checked in with me for ordering, but they never handed me a menu - awkward! Menu in hand, I ended up ordering their Truffle Fries and their Chicken Pesto Orecchiette. My server ended up bringing out water and generously a cup of ice (it was triple digit heat on this day). Finally after about 30 minutes, I had my Truffle Fries appetizer, and it was good with their dips. They were thin and crisp, though very heavily salted. Around quite literally 30 minutes later, the Chicken Pesto Orecchiette was ready and served. By this time, I was not so hungry anymore, but I still took a few bites. The chicken had potential, but it was super dry, perhaps overcooked. Though I enjoy a chewy pasta, the Orecchiette was pretty hard and not too al dente. My favorite part of this dish was probably the pesto and pine nuts. The sundried tomatoes were nice, though maybe a bit too sweet for this dish. Paying took about 15 minutes to flag down my server, and around another 15 minutes to get a takeout box. I'm not sure what it was that evening, but it was very slow. During my visit, I even saw a table get up and leave because of slow service - sad! I feel this is no fault of the server but rather the lack of staffing OR the large space. Perhaps having a smaller dining area for slower times may improve the dining experience.

If you've ever wondered what would happen if a chill LA patio and a New Orleans street parade had a…read morebaby, The Rising Sun is exactly that child, and it's thriving. The outdoor patio feels like you accidentally wandered into a breezy corner of the French Quarter. Warm lights, casual seating, and that "kick back and stay awhile" energy. Ordering through the app and picking up at the window makes you feel like you're part of a secret club, the kind where the password is "extra napkins, please." * Chicken Po' Boy, WOW...This thing is stacked. Crispy chicken, tangy sauce, and bread that holds everything together like it's doing core workouts. It's messy in the best way, the kind of sandwich that demands respect and maybe a bib. * Fully Loaded Cajun Tots, These tots don't play around. They show up dressed to impress, cheese, toppings, flavor, the whole squad. It's basically a tiny potato block party, and you're invited. * Beignets, very delicious, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and dusted with enough powdered sugar to make you question your laundry choices. One bite and suddenly you're hearing jazz horns in the distance. Their coffee game....Dangerously good. My boogie coffee drink - latter came out smooth, sweet, and caffeinated enough to make me consider running around the block a few times. It's the kind of drink that makes you shimmy in your seat and say, "Yeah... life is good." This place nails the New Orleans vibe without trying too hard. Great food, fun energy, and a patio that makes you forget you're in LA traffic territory. Come hungry, come curious, and definitely come ready for powdered sugar on your shirt. Miguel C.

The rising sun is an interesting spot! It has a cool gothic vibe so if you want to fit in…read moredefinitely come dressed in black. It's a small self served restaurant with a limited menu that changes, since not everything we saw on yelp was available. When we visited the options were crispy chicken/hot link sliders, different variations of tots and beignets. We went with the crispy chicken sliders and loaded Cajun tots and they were both very flavourful and delicious. The chicken was well seasoned and crispy paired with tangy pickled vegetables and a tasty pretzel bun. The combination of flavours packed a punch but we did wish for a thicker slice of chicken. The tater tots were very well seasoned too and the sauces were yummy, something acidic would be a nice addition to cut through the fatty goodness. When we asked for utensils they didn't have any forks so they gave us one spoon and one knife. We made it work. Definitely want to come back to try other things on their menu whenever they rotate it.

This location is a gem! We always use this as a starting point to get our day started if we will be…read morein the LA area.The inside is really nice and there is a lot of seating. It may be difficult to find seating on a weekday in the morning, there are a lot of people here working/studying or just enjoying coffee and a breakfast. Parking is scarce, you may get lucky and find street parking but if that fails, there is an automated ticketed parking structure right next to Verve that is easy to access. For the food and drinks: - Their seasonal drinks are always fun. I had the pumpkin pie matcha and it was very flavorful and creamy. Although it was more a fun dessert drink, the matcha gave me energy that I needed throughout the day. - Breakfast burrito: Consistently good. I like how they put pinto beans unlike most breakfast burritos. - Classic Avocado Toast: Great! I like their avo toast because its not too large or they dont pile it on huge with a lot of toppings which makes it hard to bite into. The pickled radishes and shallots add a great tangy zing to the toast.

OAT MILK LATTE ICED:…read more -- nice balance of creaminess and boldness, maybe just a tad bolder than I like but very good -- quality java, nearly bought a sack -- very smooth -- not sour, nor bitter RATING = A Great interior design inside. So very modern LA. Street parking is vague and leaves you wondering if you will earn a ticket. There is a reference to "permit", but nothing was crystal clear as I recall.

Food, service, and ambience are all 5/5 stars! The only thing that sucked was the parking. This…read morepart of LA just sucks to park at in general. We had to park around the corner in a really disgusting area that was full of trash, dog poop and smelled really terribly of urine and sewage. That being saidddd! The Shepard's Pie was sooo good, it is my new favorite. Served in a skillet, it was a big, piping hot portion that's enough for 2 whole meals! It paired absolutely beautifully with a pint of their Bike Shed Brew. I felt like I was in London, spot on! The only thing I would add is some HP Sauce and/or Tabasco. I waited 10 years to finally check this place out and it was absolutely worth it! I'd love to bring people, my girlfriend even said it would be an amazing wedding venue, we just wish they had a better parking situation.

I went there for a friend's birthday party. The food was pretty decent. The decor was great, and…read morethey had an in-house barbershop. I ordered the Steak Nachos for $32. $22 (Nachos) + $10 (Steak). It was a generous portion. I checked the bill, and it was straight up. I gave our waitress a generous cash tip. The waiters and waitresses were great. What irked me was that, when I looked at my credit card statement, they overcharged me. It was probably because I clicked NO TIP, yet I tipped the waitress. Wow! That's disappointing. I'm never gonna take my friends here. Parking sucked, but not impossible. But you gotta walk the ladies on the darker areas of the street.

Amazing experience. My wife and I decided to celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary at Sampa. Peter…read moreand his staff were super gracious and friendly hosts for the evening. The food was incredible too. The duck and crab rice blew us away. They take a lot of pride in their craft cocktails which also stole the show. Ube clarified drink was 1 of a kind. 10/10 must try!

It's modern Filipino food with portions that are on the smaller side but still didn't leave me…read morehungry afterwards . Started with a mocktail for me. This place is pretty dark they did have these little lamps on the table. Ube horchata was delicious, not too sweet. Love that the clove and vanilla did not over power the ube. Wish it had less ice but this way I will order another. Well played! Of course I ordered another. Ordered the Crab fat rice and the uni kaluga caviar served on sky flakes crackers, fun presentation even if the caviar just slid off right when it was brought to us. It was good l, I'm glad I tried this place.

After a late night out, the hubs and I needed something reasonably close and yummy for breakfast…read more We were staying at the Hotel Per La so I sent my hubs to grab and our food to bring it back to our hotel room. My breakfast burrito was good. My husband's breakfast sandwich was better so halfway through we traded. Service was great. Ambiance was nice.

Never heard of Sandcouch Cafe before, but I definitely won't forget it. Tucked in the bustling…read moreFinancial District, this place is the definition of cozy and bright. A breath of fresh air for anyone needing a spot for coffee, food, and good vibes all day. Came here for a co-working lunch meeting with two co-workers, and we were instantly impressed by the spacious layout. Tons of seating options, big family-style table along with several other table to choose from, and huge windows that let in so much natural light. It's perfect for working, eating, or just chilling out. We all grabbed iced coffee drinks and lunch. I went for the Chinese chicken salad (not something you see everywhere) and was happily surprised by both the portion size and the flavor. I've heard the breads are delicious, but the salad was too tempting to pass up this time. (Next time: breakfast menu, for sure!) Staff interactions were brief. Mainly at the counter and food delivery, but everyone was genuinely friendly and patient, which goes a long way. Parking in DTLA is as you'd expect: some metered street spots if you're lucky, but there are paid structures on every block. Already looking forward to my next visit to try more from the menu. Highly recommended for anyone needing a bright spot to work, meet, or just enjoy a good meal!

This is one of my favorite spots to meet up with friends for a casual get together when in the…read moreDowntown LA area! It's conveniently located to the LA Convention Center, Crytpo.com arena, and LA Live which makes it a must visit before or after an event! I am obsessed with their happy hour, which offers healthy items at discounted prices with generous portions! I have been here so many times throughout the years but most recently found myself here during a busy World Cup match! Regardless, the service and quality of food was not sacrificed! I was greeted as soon as I got there and the bartenders were overwhelmed but still friendly and helpful. I was so tempted to get a margarita, since theirs are amazing, but decided to keep it dry and just get their vegan nachos. I was able to score a table outside on their lovely patio, which felt secluded enough from the main street. My food was brought out quicker than I thought and I was delighted, as I was famished! The vegan nachos here are fantastic and the happy price is only $10, which is a steal for what you get! They are costed in the most magical concoction of a bean puree, cashew cheese sauce, and guacamole which all have the most creamy, luscious and savory flavors. It's so hearty and well seasoned and not only filling, but you feel great after. Parking is pretty easy, as there are usually ample meters available nearby. I cannot wait to return again soon the next time I'm in Downtown LA! I am hoping to try more of their vegan options and next time I will for sure get a drink to go along with their delicious food!

Prank has a fun atmosphere and a great location in DTLA, but my experience was a bit mixed. The…read morecocktails didn't quite live up to expectations. I ordered the Espresso Martini, and it tasted pretty watered down and lacked the bold coffee flavor I was hoping for. On the bright side, the food was definitely the highlight. The mussels were flavorful, the calamari was crispy and cooked well, and the fries were delicious. Those dishes really saved the experience . Overall, I'd come back for the food, but I'd probably steer clear from cocktails and order a real drink. Prank is a convenient place for dtla residents in surrounding apartments to come get some quick bites and drinks and catch a live game

Distrito Catorce is a gem in Boyle Heights that delivers on all fronts. The food was outstanding!…read moreFresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Every dish felt thoughtfully prepared, with authentic flavors and quality ingredients that stood out from the first bite to the last. The ambiance was welcoming and the art was tasteful. What truly elevated the experience was the service. The staff were attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, making us feel genuinely welcomed throughout the meal. They were quick to offer recommendations and ensured everything was perfect without being intrusive. We ordered the tostaditas de atún agua chile negro, beet salad, carne asada taco and Al pastor taco and watched the World Cup game. Distrito Catorce combines exceptional food, a great atmosphere, and top-notch service. It's the kind of place that leaves you planning your next visit before you've even finished your meal. Definitely plan on coming back to watch more World Cup games.

I knew heading into Distrito Catorce that I wanted to see three things . The closing art exhibit,…read morehear the live band, and finally try Chef Jonathan's menu. It was basically a grand slam. To be honest, I was already biased because his Smorgasburg pop-ups were consistently good. But Distrito Catorce is different , it's like art. My favorite dish was the tacos de papa with salsa macha. The crunch of the potato taco riding into the salsa macha and crema felt like home, but with some extra pop. His salsa game is on point. The scallion salsa on the ribeye taco was also gas. Lastly, I really dug the tostadita de atún. It hit perfectly on these hot summer days. Low-key, I still want to try the El Rey de Noche. Tacos de beef trompo are starting to hit LA, and dude was ahead of the curve making picanha-brisket tacos de trompo. Service is smooth too. The servers are helpful, and solid at the bar. Overall, it's a cool spot with a menu that feels unique to LA.

Absolutely beautiful spot to take brunch with lots of shopping and activities close by. We were…read morehelped promptly and by very knowledgeable staff who kindly answered our every question. I cannot recommend the tomato cocktail enough! I forget the name, but it was just wonderful and I thought it to be very unique. The cornbread was of course great, as well as the heirloom tomato salad. The heirloom tomato salad was absolutely delicious, and their croutons somehow soaked up all the dressing while remaining super crispy!! I highly recommend!

We enjoyed a solid Friday night at Manuela in the Downtown LA Arts District, with a 7:30 PM…read morereservation, before heading to a concert just down the street at the Moroccan Lounge. This is a GREAT launching point for an evening in the area. Dinner, drinks, live music... what's not to like? First, parking. There's plenty of parking in the surrounding area, but finding a spot on a busy Friday night might require some patience. Fortunately, Manuela offers valet parking for $22, which instantly solves that problem! Finding the restaurant is part of the adventure. Tucked away within the Hauser & Wirth art gallery complex, you make your way through what feels like a little alley before discovering this hidden gem. The atmosphere is idellic! Manuela has a cool industrial-meets-rustic vibe, with exposed brick, interesting artwork, warm lighting, and plenty of greenery. The open kitchen adds energy, while the beautiful outdoor courtyard offers a more relaxed setting. A terrific combination of art, architecture, and dining! Our waiter, Luke, did a great job shepherding us through the evening. Truth be told, I never even looked at the menu! I put my trust in Luke, and he certainly didn't steer us wrong. The chicken was OUTSTANDING! Beautifully roasted, exceptionally moist, tender, and loaded with flavor. The accompanying sauces added just enough kick, and the portion was GENEROUS! My wife and I split the chicken, and there was plenty for both of us. We paired it with a delicious arugula salad featuring fresh pears, creamy goat cheese, spiced pecans, and aged balsamic. A wonderful combination of sweet, tangy, and crunchy. The pecans were particularly good! To wash it all down, I enjoyed their refreshing white sangria. Light, fruity, and VERY tasty. I could have easily enjoyed another! Now, a couple of observations. The atmosphere can get LOUD. We had a long table for six, and those seated at either end occasionally had to strain to hear the conversation. Of course, maybe I'm just getting old? LOL! Either way, it's a lively restaurant, so don't expect a quiet, intimate evening when the place is hopping. Another interesting twist: the restrooms aren't directly connected to the restaurant. You'll need to step outside and head across the way. Not a big deal, just something worth knowing. Speaking of the restrooms, ladies, apparently there's some rather unusual wall art awaiting you. Keep your eyes open for what looks like a chocolate-colored garden gnome crossed with Chewbacca. And take a CLOSE look at the interesting adult toy he appears to have discovered in the garden. Let's just say it's definitely NOT a carrot! LOL! Apparently, even the bathroom art has a sense of humor. Bottom line: We thoroughly enjoyed our evening at Manuela. Excellent food, terrific service from Luke, a unique atmosphere, and an ideal location for a night out in the Arts District. The chicken alone is worth coming back for! Great food, good friends, live music afterward, and apparently a naughty garden gnome. I'd call that a successful Friday night!