Located in the heart of West Hollywood area, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Lots of bar you…read morecan go to after dinner to check out. Parking can be a little challenging, but valet service is available if you prefer the convenience. The seating is outdoors, so I'd recommend bringing a jacket or sweater, especially in the evening. The ambiance is perfect for a first date or a romantic date night with your significant other. If you can make it Monday through Thursday, don't miss their happy hour--it's one of the best deals in town. Everything we ordered, from the appetizers and entrées to the desserts, was absolutely delicious. You can tell the chef takes great pride in every dish. Overall, I give this place 5 stars. Great atmosphere, amazing food, and a wonderful dining experience. I'll definitely be coming back!

This restaurant is very dear to me, I celebrated my 70th birthday here with 25 of my closest…read morefriends and family. I had lunch last week with a friend and was so disappointed!. The outdoor space is still beautiful, but , unfortunately the LOUD music ruins the ambiance. People have to scream to hear their table mates. So we asked to be transferred indoors. Music still loud but less people screaming. the indoor space has been poorly maintained, floors are worn out, everything looks, well, old. Food: fried calamari... well cooked, tender, totally flavorless. Caesar Salad with chicken... VERY little dressing (we had to request more as well as salt and pepper, the chicken... dry as cardboard. The only good thing about this experience was the attentive waitress, unfortunately I didn't ask her name. What a disappointment!

Darling was on my list to try ever since I read about it on Eater. It eventually became one of 2…read morerestaurants 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.

We came here on a suggestion from a friend who is a fan of Sean Brock. The setup is really cool -…read morethe 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.

Rafael was amazing. He really made sure our table was well accommodated. He was attentive,…read morerespectful, and precise. I will be back solely because of him!

Thanks to my daughter for making dinner reservations. It was fabulous!!…read more Since we came here on a Sunday, we were lucky to find free street parking. We got there early for dinner, so we beat the crowd. So many nice and interesting places to sit outside. The seating inside looked nice as well. We had calamari which came with a tasty dip. I've had calamari at many different restaurants, and this one was really good, but I have to admit I've had better. I would still order it again though. I ordered a pasta dish which tasted so good and was filling. My drink had just the right amount of alcohol in it. I should have asked for another one!! It was that good. The restroom was so nice and clean. There's a really large mirror in the restroom and the lighting was actually good. Some restrooms are way too dark. Great place for dinner with family and/or friends. The customer service was good as well as the service. Really nice vibes.

Luis at the bar was exceptional. The drinks were great and conversation was hilarious. Shoutout…read moreOceanside

We chose Employees Only for a special occasion because we were looking for an authentic speakeasy…read moreexperience before an event in Beverly Hills. After reading the reviews and seeing the photos, we had high expectations. Unfortunately, it didn't quite deliver the experience we were hoping for. The entrance felt surprisingly ordinary and didn't create the sense of mystery or excitement that's usually part of a great speakeasy. Inside, the space is attractive, but the atmosphere felt a bit confusing. It wasn't quite a speakeasy, it wasn't quite a fine dining restaurant, and it wasn't casual either. It seemed like it was trying to be several different things without fully committing to one identity. The food was good, but nothing particularly memorable. Everything was enjoyable enough, but considering the reputation and price point, we expected dishes that would leave a lasting impression. The service was pleasant, although not especially attentive or polished. One unexpected disappointment was the lighting. We were excited to capture a few photos to remember the evening, but the lighting made that nearly impossible. None of our pictures turned out well, which was unfortunate since we had planned this as part of a special night out. The restaurant was also surprisingly quiet, with only one other couple dining during our visit. They were also discussing the food and seemed to share some of the same impressions we had. Overall, Employees Only wasn't a bad experience--it simply didn't live up to the expectations created by its reputation. For such a special occasion, we were hoping for an immersive atmosphere, standout food, and a memorable experience. Instead, we left feeling underwhelmed. I'm glad we gave it a try, but it's probably not a place I would choose to visit again.

Located in lovely Larchmont village bright beautiful restaurant we came for breakfast!…read more Nice breakfast menu with all the favorites. Delicious coffee. Bon appetite!

This restaurant in Larchmont Village exceeded all of my expectations!…read moreFrom the moment we walked in, I fell in love with the beautiful interior. The atmosphere was warm, stylish, and inviting. As each dish arrived at our table, we couldn't help but admire the presentation. It was absolutely stunning. We ordered the shrimp pasta, mushroom pizza, avocado dip, and banana bread, and every single dish was delicious. The flavors were fresh, well balanced, and beautifully executed. You can truly tell they put great care into both the food and the presentation. The service was just as impressive. Everyone was welcoming, attentive, and genuinely kind, making the entire dining experience even more enjoyable. This is definitely a place I'll be coming back to. If you're in Larchmont Village and looking for great food, beautiful presentation, and exceptional service, I highly recommend giving this restaurant a try!

Had a lovely dinner here last night before a screening around the corner at the Academy…read more The menu is full of comfort food favorites ranging from the always-available happy hour menu up to full-on main course fare. So it's easy to mix and match and customize your dinner. Charming co-owner Chancy takes great pride in her double espresso martinis, and we'll have to head back soon to try them out.

My husband, I used to frequent this in Covid - unfortunately, not only has the food gone down and…read morequality. The service also followed. There's a lot on the menu, but there are only a few things that really stand out. Unfortunately not everything is wonderful on the menu. The drinks are 5/10 they are not very generous with them since they are in such small glasses - this was another negative. Overall, this is a mediocre restaurant that tries to help you think they're going over and beyond for you, but they're really not far better places to eat on the west side and this would not be one of them we room set up that makes the ambience not that comfortable. It's great that they're a family or company. I just don't think minor should be making my drinks. For that reason I won't be coming back.

Here's the refined version:…read more --- We have been devoted patrons of Laurel Hardware for years, and our loyalty has only deepened with time. The newly appointed chef has masterfully restored the cuisine to the exceptional standard this beloved institution is known for, each dish a testament to craft, intention, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Yet it is the soul of this place, its people, that elevates Laurel Hardware from a remarkable restaurant to something truly transcendent. For those who love their dogs as family, Laurel Hardware is nothing short of a sanctuary. The sun-drenched patio welcomes four-legged companions with the same grace and warmth extended to every guest. Fresh water bowls appear without asking, tails wag freely, and the staff lavishes our pups with genuine affection, a rare and beautiful thing that speaks volumes about the character of this establishment. And then there is Thabi. To call her exceptional would be an understatement. Thabi is the heartbeat of Laurel Hardware, the constant, luminous presence around whom everything beautifully orbits. She possesses that extraordinarily rare gift of making every single person who walks through the door feel not just welcomed, but truly seen. Her warmth is effortless, her grace unmistakable, and her dedication to this space and its guests is without equal. Laurel Hardware has endured and flourished because of people like Thabi, and there is simply no one quite like her.

Came into Laurel hardware for the first time last night and absolutely loved it! Dida took such…read morenice care of us and helped guide us through the whole menu to make sure we got a good taste of everything. The ribs were my favorite. The inside was really nice and a great space to catchup with my friend we will be back!

Met Him At A Bar absolutely delivered. From the moment we walked in, the immaculate decor and…read moreadorable patio created such a warm, inviting atmosphere that made us want to stay awhile. The food was just as memorable. The chicken Parmesan was everything you want it to be: crispy, flavorful, and topped with a rich, perfectly balanced marinara and plenty of melted cheese. The Rigatoni Vodka (we added a meatball) was equally impressive. The vodka sauce was creamy without being overly heavy, and the meatball was tender, well seasoned, and packed with flavor. One thing to know before you go: parking can be a nightmare. There is valet in front, or you can opt for parking in the surrounding neighborhood. You're better off grabbing a rideshare if you can. It makes the experience much easier, especially if you plan on enjoying a few drinks. Between the beautiful ambiance, generous portions, and delicious food, this is an easy recommendation. We'll definitely be back.

As we are Italian Americans, Italian food, pasta specifically is a rather delicate matter in which…read morewe may or may not enjoy there fourth the pasta From Met Him At A Bar is no other. As we walked in, nothing caught our attention more than the brilliant lively atmosphere. As we took our seats we awaited what would surely be a culinary journey. We ordered the margarita pizza, the calamari, the meatballs, garlic bread, and the pasta pomodoro. Fortunately and unfortunately, our first dish of the night happened to be the garlic bread. The bread locked. It's garlic butter flavor, or that of flavor at all. if it was all we had ordered, Met Him At A Bar would surely be given one star, but thankfully they had more to offer. The meatballs for one held our attention much longer than that of the garlic bread. The flavoring in the meatballs themselves brought us straight back to our childhood straight back to our roots, as the creamy marinara sauce brought the dish to life. A simple yet elegant dish truly. For us, the calamari was simply there. It's maintained everything you want in a calamari yet added nothing new. It stood out to us not in a world of flavor, texture, and culinary experiences. The Margarita Pizza, however it was quite small. What it lacked in size was made up for in flavor. The melted mozzarella mixed with pizza sauce on the pizza to create a pool of flavor, lingering in the middle of the pizza until one slice is picked up and eaten. Lastly, the pasta Pomodoro. The sauce was thin, the pasta was overcooked instead of al dente. In the singular basil leaf stood atop the pasta, not for flavor, but to save the appearance of a disgraceful pomodoro. It's safe to say, Met Him At A bar may or may not be "Meating" us again... Most Sincerely, yours truly: Henry Pollock & Hayden Kalebic