Darling was on my list to try ever since I read about it on Eater. It eventually became one of 2 restaurants that were the focus of my recent staycation in the West Hollywood/Beverly Grove area, the other was perennial favourite A.O.C. I was familiar with chef/owner (and James Beard Award winner) Sean Brock, having dined at two of his Husk restaurants (Charleston and Nashville), where he first gained fame and accolades. He is no longer affiliated with Husk or some other Nashville restaurants, but still has a pizza place there, so he is still bi-coastal. I can't say what drew him to SoCal, but is clearly enamored of our bountiful produce and purveyors, which he integrates into his "Heritage Southern", often live-fire, cooking. He's apparently quite a music lover also, hence the live DJ all-vinyl booth in the bar/lounge. Darling is on the northern end of Robertson between Melrose and Sunset. Many restaurants of note are nearby, including The Abbey, Craig's, SushiSamba. Many, including Darling, do not have valet parking, so that can be an endeavor you should allow time for. Darling is a pretty large, gorgeous and airy space, divided into an open-air-ish lounge/bar and a dining room towards the rear, which in turn is divided into 2 sections. The space used be the restaurant Soulmate, and looking at old pics still up on Yelp, it is clear many of the design features were repurposed for Darling, including the beautiful wood-beamed ceiling and booths in the dining room, the olive tree and retractable roof in the lounge, and the exterior. The impressive mural in the dining room appears new, as is the DJ booth. The weather was in the 90's during my visits, so the more A/C-controlled dining room was my choice for seating. Darling serves dinner Wed-Sat and brunch Sundays, so of course I had to try both. There's also a small Happy Hour menu Wed-Sat in the lounge/bar. Here's the lowdown: Dinner 1) Deviled eggs. A classic Southern snack, bougied up with bluefin tuna belly. Delish, with a slight kick, but just 2 per order. 2) Abalone and rice stew. Another winner (and smallish portion). Earthy, yet light, topped with a confit egg yolk. 3) The Darling dry-aged steak burger. Just 24 served per day. The stellar meat is a blend of 3 types of beef, mostly dry-aged prime, cooked over the live-fire grill. It was served simply with ketchup, cheese, raw onion and Dijonnaise , allowing the beef to shine. Served without accompaniments. 4) Sliced tomatoes with buttermilk dressing and tomato vine vinegar. A simple and refreshing taste of summer. 5) Blackberry sorbet Eton mess. Delish sorbet that was the perfect blend of sweet and tart. Eton mess is whipped cream and meringue shards. The Texas deer skewers and Anson Mills cornbread were also of interest to me; another time. Brunch 1) Sonora wheat pancakes. Pretty classic, with crispy edges, fancy Maison Bordier butter and maple syrup. 2) 5-fat fried chicken. Also available on the Happy Hour menu. I was told the chicken was heavily spiced, but not heat-spicy. Its red-orange hue made me pause with fear, but it was exactly as described. The seasoning is quite chili powder-forward (Ancho chili?). The chicken is boneless thigh meat (my fave chicken part), just like the Spanish fried chicken at A.O.C. Served with a vinegary hot sauce (didn't use), honey (used it all) and an assortment of pickles. The 5 fats used are chicken fat, lard, country ham, bacon fat and smoked butter. Quite different from A.O.C.'s version; apples and oranges. Try them both. 3) Watermelon sorbet with Bonny melon and lemon verbena. Another sorbet winner, even more refreshing with the melon. Their cocktail and wine offerings seem pretty extensive. My zero-proof pineapple concoction was fine and delish; I had it at both meals. Service and staff was excellent and oh so friendly--hostess, servers, busboys, manager. I wish I remembered the names of my servers for shout-outs; their names didn't appear on my checks. Speaking of checks, you have the option of paying via QR code or with a traditional paper check and table-side hand-held gizmo. I did both and recommend the traditional method to avoid the $3.99 "Platform Fee" for using the QR code. Lastly, I found the music pleasant and mostly retro (the DJ usually puts the album currently spinning on display), but very loud. Guests were yelling in order to converse. Hope to return, and maybe see Chef Sean DJ-ing. read more

See all

We came here on a suggestion from a friend who is a fan of Sean Brock. The setup is really cool - the front half of the restaurant is a lounge/bar area with a partially open air roof that gives way to a tree growing in the middle of the lounge. The back half is a more traditional seating area with booths and beautiful murals. The restaurant has an interesting and creative cocktail list that was difficult to choose from. We tried the Paradis and Marigny No. 2. I preferred the Paradis - it was reminiscent of a tropical tiki drink. The Marigny No. 2 was also nice, floral, and refreshing, but strong. Our waitress recommended 2-3 dishes per person, so we opted for the deviled eggs (snack), cornbread (app), dry-aged steak burger (main), and rockfish with clams and grits (main). The deviled eggs and rockfish were my favorite. The eggs had a really rich flavor, and the tuna added a unique twist on an otherwise familiar dish. The rockfish had a perfectly spicy, buttery sauce, and the grits were the perfect accompaniment. I wasn't a fan of the cornbread; the predominant taste was of being burned, and the bread was flat and dense, rather than being fluffy. The tomato jam was definitely the surprisingly sweet star of that dish. Without the jam, the cornbread isn't very pleasant to eat. I also thought the burger was just ok, nothing standout, but solid. They only make 24 burgers a night, so ask your server if they're still available if that's what you're ordering. For dessert, we ordered the profiteroles with brown butter ice cream, pecan sauce, and dates. It was a perfect ending to the night - the dessert was super rich and decadent. Parking is limited to metered street parking or nearby parking lots. Service is warm and friendly without being overbearing, but can take a while. Overall, the experience was pleasant with some hits and some misses. The menu is certainly unique and overall worth trying if you're feeling a bit adventurous. read more

See all

Came in for dinner on a Saturday night and the vibe was great. Loved the plush booth seating, super comfortable and made it easy to settle in for a long dinner. We ordered a bunch of cocktails along with a few glasses of red wine and champagne. The cocktails were definitely the highlight. We tried the Blackberry, Cucumber, Snow Pea, Tomato, and Daikon. The Tomato cocktail was my favorite by far -- savory, balanced, and not overly sweet. Blackberry was a close second, really refreshing and easy to drink. My first glass of champagne was unfortunately flat and pretty gross but to their credit they replaced it immediately once I mentioned it. Still, for an upscale restaurant, that was a little annoying to begin with. For food, we got the asparagus, burger, fries, abalone, and the bluefin tuna belly deviled eggs. The abalone was easily the standout dish of the night. Everything else ranged from just okay to forgettable. The burger sucked. Overall, I'd come back for drinks and would give the food another shot since the menu changes pretty frequently but this particular meal didn't totally hit for me. read more

See all

Pulled up for one of the first seatings of the new brunch service. Place is flat out beautiful! Open air lounge, nice dining room, great decor and an amazing bar. The staff was amazing, from the hostess, server, to the busser, everyone was friendly and accommodating. Started off with two cocktails and some sparkling water. Don't let the ingredients of some of the cocktails deter you, they're all top notch. All of the flavors complemented each other perfectly and none were over powering at all. We ordered the Burger, which only 24 are made per day, Pancakes, a breakfast platter, the daily special of biscuits and the dish that drew me in... the Five Fat Fried Chicken. Go check out the video on instagram of the chicken and then book a table. All of the food was amazing, came out hot and fresh. Cook on the burger and chicken was perfect, both juicy and full of flavor. The strawberry jam and butter provided with the biscuits was divine and the pancakes were amazing with them as well. All in, one of the best brunch experiences I've ever enjoyed. read more

See all

Great service, amazing ambiance, good food. The fries were delish. The fried chicken was well fried but I wasn't a fan of the seasoning. The pancakes were delish. The burger was super simple and good! Super cool place with great music. Lovely waiters. read more

Darling by Sean Brock - Fries, fried chicken, burger, pancakes, matcha latte - Southern Near Me - West Hollywood, California

Very impressive. Gorgeous and fun layout with a bar, a DJ station, a dining room creatively divided, and an overall casual swankiness to everything. And then there's the inventive food and beverage that awaits. Darling has been open five months now, and they seem like to be breezing at full speed now. We whisked in on the heels of DineLA, which seemed like a perfect way to try a few things and see what's new with Chef Sean Brock. Cocktails are a lot of fun here - and we tried a few. I began with Cabbage, and luxuriated in that patch. Though I tasted a few others, I enjoyed Cabbage's seductive mix of mezcal, smoked red cabbage, chocolate, pasilla, amaro, lemon. Yes, smoked red cabbage! This proved a worthy foil to the mezcal, and it was super smooth. The Blood Orange (gin or mezcal, blood orange, amaro, red bitter, nutmeg, vetiver) was a fun dance for the tastebuds, too. Special shout out to 'Kiwi', too (white peach gin, pisco, kiwi, macadamia, chervil, lemon, aloe). We had fun with the food, too. The Ember Grilled Beets (with Castelfranco and Clothbound Cheddar) was flavorful and just rich enough. The Shaved Country Ham dish was a great complement to it. Beautiful slender rows of the ham met topped with some Apple Butter and Lemon Thyme. For entrees - the Grilled Beef Short rib is a solid choice. It's served with Yellow Grits, Shiitake Mushroom and Raw Onion. Loved it. The intriguing Anson Mills Farrotto (with Grilled Brassicas, Sorrel and Sesame. Loved this dish of ancient grains with vegetables and seasoning. Felt pretty adventurous while its taste was tender and familiar. We also had an audible - and ordered one of their (only 24 each each night) Burgers. Not on the regular menu, but worth trying. Great to share, cooked at a perfect medium rare (without even asking). It was a great addition to our other entrees, and I was thrilled to have it. OK, so, the desserts didn't really work for me. The Chocolate Chess Pie (with Buttermilk Sorbet) struck me as a tad bitter. This from someone who loves dark chocolate. The Koshihkari Rice Pudding with Banana and Soy Caramel was on the opposite side of the spectrum - very sweet. Still, I'm interested to explore on their menu and so my next trip , I will expand into their regular, seasonal menu. They do so much right here already -- from cordial, friendly service to pin-point execution in the kitchen, that I cannot wait to come again to Darling. read more

See all

I couldn't believe I was able to get a reservation on a Friday on the night of, but when I got there, it made sense bc the place is pretty big. The decor is grand, the seating is spacious, it's def got WeHo vibes. The food is excellent in that it's familiar but different. It's bread, but more like an herby pancake, it's celery but actually flavorful, it's BBQ chicken but with a sauce unlike I've ever had, grits but with an untraditional cheese. I love meals like that, that make ordinary items interesting. Now if I can just make it early enough to get that burger... read more

See all

What a wonderful spot. As you walk in, there's a DJ booth with an actual DJ spinning vinyls playing music suitable for dinner at the appropriate sound level for dinner. The place had intimate lighting that is suitable for a romantic dinner with decor that was very artistic and reflecting of the neighborhood. The service was outstanding from the valet to the hostess and waiter. All were very accommodating, friendly and knowledgeable. Our waiter was amazing, as he was able to expand on our questions. The food was absolutely amazing. The dishes were anything but ordinary. The short rib sat in grits with the combination that created a flavor that pleasantly unexpected. The deviled eggs, another surprisingly delightful taste, are a must try. I cannot wait to return and try more items from the menu. read more

See all

Came here for a quick dinner after doing some work at the Pacific Design Center. The ambiance/aesthetic is super cute, feels upscale without feeling too "fancy". We sat in the lounge area and it was perfect. Got the ham appetizer, the burger, fries, and the raspberry sorbet dessert. Everything was incredible, one of the best burgers I've had in Los Angeles. Service was also great. I even called about an hour after I got home because I started getting a scratchy throat and realized I didn't specifically ask if there were strawberries in the raspberry sorbet (I'm allergic and that was completely my mistake for not double checking before I chowed down) but the host that answered was super nice, I could hear in the background her double checking with a server, who then even double checked with the kitchen to make sure they were giving me the correct answer which I really really appreciate. Side note, no strawberries in the sorbet I'll most definitely be returning here in the future. read more

See all

Beautiful ambience, average service, taste and presentation of food and drinks were thoughtless and bad. WAY overpriced. No valet in an extremely busy area, so parking is a nightmare. Won't be returning. read more

Sean Brock (James Beard nominee and winner, "The Mind of a Chef" Season 2 host, "Chef's Table" Season 6 featured culinary artist, among other highlights) has taken his Southern US cuisine to Hollywood in a recently opened restaurant. Darling takes some of Sean's favorite dishes, many of which are grilled, and adds an Asian fusion touch. Will it succeed? Time will tell, but we very much enjoyed our experience at the restaurant. The first two things you will notice when entering Darling is the large shade tree settled in the center of the lounge area and the Hi-Fi DJ booth pumping out the vibes. I really liked the decor, it set a casual tone to the fine dining. And the music jammed, from World to R&B to Jazz with a couple pop hits mixed in, it set an enjoyable atmosphere without distracting from the conversation my wife and a couple old friends were able to have. Favorite dish? It had to be the Deviled Egg topped with Bluefin Tuna. It takes a memorable dish from my childhood and turns it, well, not into something my mom would make but so much better! (Sorry, no photos of the dish, our eggs evaporated before I got to my camera). The Wood-Fired Oysters and the Rockfish (which my wife ordered) were also highlights. Any misses? I thought I'd enjoy the Dry-Aged Burger somewhat more than I did. The patty itself is very large and thick making it highly fat-forward on the palate. A little bit of acid, say, a couple slices of pickle and/or tomato would benefit the dish well. All in all, my friends and I very much enjoyed our evening at Darling. Highly recommended! read more

See all

This was one of my favorite brunch experiences ever. Food was amazing, staff was exceptional, decor, vibes, and overall setting were serene. We tried their first Sunday brunch and it was worth the drive/traffic/cost in every way, even making us think about when we will go back. We actually found decent parking just steps away. The machine to pay was extremely slow, but still worked at least. There is valet service available, so no worries if you can't find a spot. The inside felt calm but lively with plants, all around, chill music/dj, and the center of the building being open to fresh air and enough sunlight to feel perfectly Cali. We ordered too much food for three of us, but it was so good we definitely tried to eat more than we usually would. Their foods seem simple, but use unique ingredients that seem more sustainable and provide fresh takes on old flavors. I give this spot 10/10 and can't wait for an excuse to return. read more

See all

Sean Brock's new spot in West Hollywood, probably more for drinking and the scene, but the food we had was amazing. The move will probably be to come get a drink and that amazing dry-aged burger early in the evening before going out for the night, partly because the food menu is pretty small, but mostly because they only sell 24 a night and it will run out fast. Compared to the other prices here, the burger is an absolute steal at $27, especially when compared to the grilled bread for $21. Definitely worth checking out for some of the great starters and that burger. read more

See all

A chic atmosphere and cool space. I like that their cocktails change and are seasonal. I got the Leek and really enjoyed it. The menu itself is pretty short and concise. There is a flair of southern elements but through a California lens. My favorite dish was the Celery appetizer because of all the textures. Their burger seems to be the most popular since it's limited. It has a slight gamey taste that gives it a robust meaty taste. read more

See all

So yummy! The texture of the steak, the flavor of the burger, the freshness of the salad. I have no complaints. Our waiter Alex was great also. read more

See all

Tucked away on Robertson, without a distinctive sign, my friends and I almost walked right past it. With its low lighting and intimate atmosphere, this is a great spot to grab a cocktail in a trendy setting. We sat on the patio -- though we didn't realize it at first until we looked up and saw the open ceiling. We went on a Wednesday around 7:30, and both the patio and bar were pretty full. While the cocktails looked fun, we opted for a bottle of wine instead. The wine list was solid with some good options. For dinner, we were a little disappointed to find out they were out of the burger (there is a limited number each night). So, we ordered the Market Apple Salad ($26), Red Kuri Squash Mochi Fritters ($21), Hokkaido Scallops ($31), and BBQ Pork Loin ($42). Everything was well prepared, but the standouts for me were the fritters and the pork loin. I'm a mochi fan, so I was excited to see it on the menu. The fritters were fun and tasty, and the pork loin was perfectly cooked and delicious, especially with the sauce. The portions were fine for four people, though we did finish everything and still had room for ice cream afterward. Overall, it's a beautiful spot to grab a drink and maybe a light bite. read more

Food was amazing, especially the grilled bread. If you ask nicely, they will make a white chocolate hazelnut martini for you. That is not on the menu.! read more

Darling by Sean Brock - The famous hamburger and cocktail - Southern Near Me - West Hollywood, California

See all

We came here since we knew it was a newer restaurant that opened recently. When we entered we noticed it was a big space but there was also plenty of seats. Which is fine, the price seemed similar to other restaurants in the area so if you're looking for "bang for your buck" I suggest you skip this place and go elsewhere. We ordered a few things like the steak, the bread, and tartare. The bread and steak were decent. Artichoke was okay. Was expecting the food to be better since the prices were higher. Servers were great though and happy to explain and talk about the food and where they are sourced. Decor is nice, just wish the food was better. read more

See all

The location for a restaurant is so great. Just seems that it can't stick for too long. Hoping for Darling to prove that wrong as the music set an amazing vibe, the server gave amazing suggestions and the dinner was just incredible. The only thing.. when you see Deer Tartare on the menu, you trust the server and get it because wow. read more

See all

My husband and I had a beautiful Saturday evening dinner here last night. The restaurant is gorgeous. Modern, yet warm. Hostess was lovely. Since it was after the rush, and not too busy (8:30), they sat us in a booth, rather than a two-top. Something many restaurants won't do (in anticipation that a party of four might come in). But that didn't bother them. Seemed to care about our comfort first and foremost. The server greeted us quickly and was attentive and friendly. My Old Fashioned was delicious. From our starters (bread and a salad) through our entrees, everything was beautiful (too full for dessert). The only thing we'd adjust is the volume of the music, might turn it down a bit, but even that was fine (especially in our booth). We will go back and definitely recommend. read more

My wife and I were looking forward to enjoying a belated Valentine's Day supper at Darling, primarily because we wanted to experience Sean Brock's cooking since we had heard wonderful things about his other restaurants in the South. We knew that the focus of Darling's menu would not be Southern cuisine, but we were nevertheless happy to venture into Chef Brock's world. First, the restaurant design and decor were modern, warm, and inviting. It is a large space broken up into different areas, with the most stunning being the DJ booth and listening space. There is striking mural along the main dining room wall called "Legal Tender" which appears to uplift the work of farm laborers in bringing produce into fine dining establishments. It was a thoughtful touch to put the face of a female laborer onto currency, which would never happen since we tend not to value her contributions in that way. We thought the cocktails were imaginative and delicious! One of the dinner highlights to be sure. Almost immediately after we were seated we asked that a burger be held for us since the menu states that they only serve a limited number each night. We also ordered the deviled eggs with bluefin tuna belly, chilled hokkaido scallops, and the salad of lettuce, calamansi and blossoms. The dishes as a whole were quite good, with my favorite being the scallops. However, the lasting impression we had was our negative experience with the slow service. While we understand that kitchens can have a bad day, we watched as at least three tables who were seated AFTER us received their burgers before we did! There is no logical explanation for that and we made sure we let our server know how unhappy we were about that. It was 1.5 hours after we were seated that we finally received our entree. What is ironic is that as slow as it took to get our burger, the staff hurriedly bussed our dishes as if their lives depended on turning the table over ASAP. After some tepid explanation from our server as to why our food took so long, it was not until someone else came over to run my credit card that there came an apology and an offer for a dessert. However, by that time, it was too little too late as we were basically paying and putting on our coats ready to head out. There are many humbler restaurants out there, most without the fanfare of this place, where hospitality is practiced and valued. At Darling we didn't feel any of that, which is a real shame. read more

See all

Food was delicious! The burger lives up to the hype. Theres a cool dj booth and the ambience is quiet and refinded

Exceptional service, food, music and atmosphere. I've dined here several times since they're opening and tell all my friends how special the experience is each time. Every detail - from the interior design to the food and presentation - is thoughtful and curated in the best way possible. I highly recommend the darling burger (sells out fast!), yellowfin tuna tartar, the mochi fritters and scallops. Oh, and anything from the cocktail menu is worth trying. My friends ordered the celeriac, almond and I had a delicious mocktail (apple) I believe it was called! Sean Brock and his team know what they're doing and have found a way to bring some added soul to West Hollywood without sacrificing service. The music and DJ hits every time too. Can't wait to come back read more

See all

Such a neighborhood gem! Exquisite space that's unmatched in LA. Absolutely loved the listening lounge as we ate dinner. tasty & unique cocktails, food was stellar (we got bone-in rib eye steak), and our server was outstanding & very knowledgeable. Can't wait to come back here. read more

I have had the pleasure of dining at 2 other Sean Brock restaurants (Husk in Savannah and Audrey in Nashville) so I was very excited to read he was opening in LA. Went to Darling last night. Granted it was the Sunday night before Thanksgiving, but it was not very crowded. The food here is outstanding. Our table of 6 had: Burgers (we ordered 2 and then ordered 2 more!)- simple and well-executed. Highly recommend. Just a delicious burger on a plate - can cut in two to share Oysters - grilled with lots of flavor - mmm good Bread - kind of like a Johnny Cake almost - really good Both salads - delicious - loved the one with the chicories, figs and blue cheese Shaved ham- one of the best things we had Scallops and beets - not a traditional combination, but boy did it work BBQ pork - was good but the pork seemed a little bit dry, maybe just slightly overcooked, but very good flavor Both desserts (profiteroles and apple sorbet with meringue and a sauce - caramel Apple vibes) - both desserts good, preferred the profiteroles. Given he clearly sources from farmers market, would like to see a seasonal fruit-focused dessert. Also had 2 cocktails - the bergamot with gin and the pear. Ice cold and both delicious. Music by the DJ was excellent - not too loud but loud enough to create a good vibe. We ate in the dining area. Pretty cold in there. They had heat lamps going in he bar. Bring a sweater just in case. They have valet. There is also a lot about a half block away - $15. My sister got street parking. All in all - this is a great restaurant. Surprised there aren't more people going. The menu is not a typical LA menu so maybe that's why? Sean Brock definitely trying out some new angles to his cooking here and it is fun to try this food! read more

Came here for to celebrate my husband's birthday dinner middle of the week. We liked each of our dishes individually (highlighting the tuna tartare and the steak) but felt a lack of cohesion. On us for doing a mix and match but with such a limited food menu I was surprised by the lack of cohesion. That said, the server was nice and the ambiance romantic. It's spacious but I did feel at the two top in the dining room that I was closely sat next to other parties. read more

From the moment you step into darling you're taken to a completely different space. The music and vibes were 10/10 with the live DJ she kept things fun and smooth. We were greeted and seated right away in the perfect booth. While we have to come back for the burger since they only sell 24 daily, what we did get was amazing. The surf and turf was great but the Cod blew us away! We will definitely be back for more. read more

Darling by Sean Brock - Surf and turf & Cod - Southern Near Me - West Hollywood, California

Staff is very nice and knowledgable at this beautiful restaurant. It is simultaneously light but in a more bright way which I enjoyed with very nice decor. The bar is part of a sealing opening for that indoor/outdoor vibe. Food is different. The best item is their bread. Portions are as expected but a little more pricey than I would like. A small menu that I ordered everything I could want, with such a bill no one felt satisfied. 3.5 stars that I will round down as it was good but not worth the cost. read more

First time at Darling, ambiance is cool. They have a live DJ spinning music with their hifi audio system. Cocktails are seasonal, interesting and pretty good. Service was friendly, not overly obtrusive and sufficient. Food was hit and miss, nothing was amazing, nothing was bad. I think the best dishes of the night were the Black Bass (Very good), green salad and tuna tartare (very simple, not much going on, but good). The burger was definitely not worth all the praise it gets, it was not memorable for the right reasons. Our bill was over $300 with tip, I just don't think it was worth it. Would be back if someone else planned it, but likely wouldn't go back on my own. read more

Try the deviled egg************************************************************************

Darling took over what used to be a great restaurant space, but unfortunately, the new operation really misses the mark. The menu is shockingly limited, with only a handful of options to choose from. The food itself was average at best the salmon had no flavor, the bread was crumbly and oddly off, and the apple salad was completely drenched in dressing. The strip steak came soaked in an overly sweet sauce that overwhelmed everything else on the plate. Desserts didn't redeem the meal, the apple dish was an odd mix of textures, and the other dessert was just drenched in chocolate. There was no real artistry or attention to balance, and the pricing felt way out of line for the quality. Overall, it just felt like a missed opportunity and honestly, by the end of the night, we left feeling overcharged and underwhelmed. read more

The people with the negative reviews must be competitors or morons. The food is amazing here. The burger is one of the best in LA - can argue the best. It's a dry aged beef burger. It's arguably underpriced for what it is. The rest of the menu and apps are flavorful and well executed. Yes, the restaurant doesn't run full but it's because the rest of LA doesn't know what it's missing. The chef walks the restaurant and speaks to diners. All the service staff has always been nice to us when we've gone, but maybe others have a different experience. The one thing I can say for sure - the food is great and unique for LA. The ambiance isn't your typical pompous Hollywood place, but there will be music and the place looks modern and new. Highly recommended read more

Had such a great experience at Darling. From the moment we walked in, the service was on point across the board. Mia, the manager, really stands out--super knowledgeable, friendly, and you can tell she runs the place smoothly. Nadia at the front set the tone right away with a warm and welcoming vibe. Colleen, our waitress, was polite, efficient, and knew the menu inside and out, which made everything easy. Mark, who helped deliver the food, was equally impressive with his knowledge, and Melanie, the back server, was incredibly attentive throughout the meal. And of course, the food was delicious. Everything we tried was spot on. Definitely a place I'd come back to and recommend. read more

When a restaurant can't get a burger right it really can cloud one's entire perception of what they did do right. Lovely oysters, good cocktails interesting mochi fritter, lovely green salad. The abalone-turnip stew really missed the spot. The music was bad. The lighting too dark. We're not clubbing! We're dining. And FFS - if you say a burger is served medium rare, deliver it to the table medium rare. It was overcooked and frankly there are great burgers all over this town. You gotta do better. read more

See all

Darling on Robertson Boulevard is an absolute gem in the heart of Beverly Hills--think chic vibes meets soul-warming comfort food, without the pretentious attitude that can sometimes plague this neighborhood. I stumbled upon it during a weekend stroll (hello, prime people-watching spot), and it quickly became my new go-to for that perfect blend of glamour and genuine hospitality. From the moment you step inside, the ambiance wraps you in a cozy embrace: soft golden lighting, plush velvet booths, and fresh florals that scream "effortless elegance." The staff? Total pros--our server, Mia, anticipated our every need with a smile that felt like catching up with an old friend. She nailed the wine pairing for our apps, steering us toward a crisp Sauvignon Blanc that cut through the richness just right. Now, the food--oh, where do I even start? We kicked things off with the truffle arancini: golden, gooey orbs of risotto bliss that melted in your mouth, dusted with just enough earthy funk to keep it interesting. The star of the show was the roasted half chicken, brined to juicy perfection and served with a herb-infused jus that had us fighting over the last drips (in the cutest way). Sides like the charred broccolini with lemon-tahini and the creamy polenta were elevated without trying too hard--farm-fresh ingredients shining through every bite. And don't sleep on the desserts; that chocolate lava cake with sea salt caramel? It was the kind of indulgent finale that makes you forget calories exist. Portions are generous but refined, prices hover in that sweet spot (mains around $28-$42, worth every penny), and the cocktail menu is a revelation--try the Darling Mule with ginger-infused vodka for a spicy kick. We lingered for hours, and not once did we feel rushed. If you're in Beverly Hills craving a spot that's as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious, Darling delivers on every level. Five stars aren't enough--I'll be back next week! Highly recommend for date nights, girl boss brunches, or solo splurges. Parking's valet-only, but hey, that's BH for you. read more

Fantastic- every bite, sip. Excellent service. Great vibe. Loved the DJ - fabulous hits- fun energy.

The vibe in this restaurant is immaculate. I don't say that lightly.. The steps up to the hostess stand from the entrance slowly reveal the high, open ceiling with a single tree surrounded by comfortable u-shaped lounge seating facing the hi-fi system, opposite of the welcoming bar. Every detail is intentional, which extends to the food itself. A succinct menu isn't a negative, it's a huge positive. Every dish we had (bread, artichokes/corn, steak/chard, & sorbet) was complex but balanced. The cocktail program itself was strong & creative. I'm very happy this spot exists, so much so that I have gone twice since its opening. read more

See all

There's a DJ spinning vinyl. A retractable roof overhead. Exactly 24 burgers available per night. There might be a celebrity. There will definitely be people acting like they are. And it is "live fire" which you might google to make sure it's just a new way to say "cooked with fire" and not something actually new. It would be very very easy to write it off as just another one of the forgettable, stunty, gimmicky restaurant/lounge/Hollywood hotspots that pop up every few months. One problem with that: the food is just flat out great. So Darling can't be dismissed quite so easily. Is the food so good that it forgives all the trying-to-hard sins? Maybe? Almost? Kind of? The standouts: - The artichoke, corn, and uni dish is so inventive and it all works so well together I can't believe I haven't had this dish before. Easily one of the best things I've eaten this year. - The Baja Kanpachi doesn't need frills--its quiet simplicity makes it perfect. - The abalone stew is a justifiable crowd favorite. - And then there's the burger. The limited-quantity stunt. You'll need to order before 7:30--or be an actual celebrity--to snag one. But if you do, you'll be rewarded with something shockingly elemental: bun, ketchup, cheese, patty, raw onion. That's it. And yet it's good enough to crash the "Best Burgers in LA" lists any day now. I truly wish this good was being served at a straight forward no-frills substance-over-style restaurant instead of a marketing gimmick/Hollywood cliche... but I am also glad that this food is being served somewhere. read more

See all

Food and cocktails are very good. The physical restaurant is stunning. Cocktails are creative, delicious, and the price point is consistent with the physical restaurant. Food was very good. Standout was the abalone rice stew. Having been to McCready's Tavern and Husk SC maybe I was expecting something a little more memorable for the price. Also surprisingly less meat focussed than I expected. read more

Loved everything we got. Would definitely be back especially since the menu changes every month. Only, negative is they need to not run out of the burger since it's supposedly amazing. Would've loved to have tried it!! read more

See all