Went here for Valentine's Day. Friendly service, nice experience overall. They didn't have a prix-fixe menu which was nice especially since a lot of other restaurants overcharge on holidays. Ordered a Lamb & Fennel Sausage Flatbread ($19) that would've been better with some more sausage but it was still decent. For entrees we had the Coffee Crusted Kurobata Pork Tenderloin ($37) and the Seared Baja Striped Bass ($36). The pork was surprisingly similar to a piece of steak, smooth and tender. The bass could've been cooked better since it was a bit dry and didn't have much flavor. The skin was tough to chew on. Overall, decent experience at a good price for a Valentine's Day dinner. read more

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Came for dine out LA and left very happy We were warmly greeted by the hostess and manager/owner Farhad. The restaurant is classy but trendy with a large array of wines, cocktails, and spirits. There is a bar area, searing area with tables, and a party room with a projector. Last night was someone's 40th birthday and they were playing the classic movie Greece! When we sat the staff was attentive and friendly despite how busy they were. This place is good for a date or party up to 4. I recommend making reservations in advance. Now for the food - ribs flavorful and well seasoned - crispy chicken was the best appetizer and we got it off the main menu (everything else was from dine LA) -salmon on crunchy cake was beautiful in terms of presentation and flavor. However, I would have preferred the rice to fish ratio to be half of what it was - blackened salmon with Israeli couscous. Again well made and great for seafood lovers - braised short rib was OUT OF THIS WORLD! The meat was so tender it just fell of the bone and was juicy. The polenta was the perfect consistency and balanced with the meat. I highly highly recommend :) The deserts were good too! If you like peanut butter chocolate flavor with marshmallow get the mousse If you like less sweet deserts go with the bread pudding. I know I'll be back! read more

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We had a small birthday dinner here. Thought it would just be some drinks and dinner--what we could get at any other restaurant in LA. But not only was the food incredible, but the *service* was the real star here. Which is saying something as the food was no slouch. Walking in, the whole staff was both warm and welcoming, and that continued throughout the night until we left hours later. The manager in particular went out of their way to call me multiple times, to welcome us by name when we arrived, to check in frequently (but not too much) all evening... just perfect service and a perfect dinner. read more

Wow! Just had an amazing experience tonight. Our server Rob was one of the best servers we have ever had. His recommendations were spot on and we loved all of our food. Great happy hour drink prices and exceptional drink options that taste phenomenal! We had the Honey Rye cocktail, cold peanut noodles, ceviche, and carpaccio. We loved the layers of flavor with each app. Rob made our night, attentive without hovering and very personable. We will be back for dinner soon. read more

Everything in there is delicious especially that carrot cake it's worth giving it a try

Fabulous restaurant and event space...I've been here several times and every time it's better then before... food is always fresh and delicious and best vegan burger in the world... feels like a NYC vibe in heart of LA 5 stars to Elad and entire staff! read more

The saffron mussels are to die for, no fishy taste at all and the sauce is good enough to try not to sip like soup. It comes with perfectly grilled or pan toasted bread. The pan roasted chicken with garbanzo beans and tomato stew was so perfect, I was in shock. I'm not even doing it justice. And my husband loved his perfectly cooked as ordered steak. It comes with Gorgonzola sauce and, believe it or not, delicious cabbage. Our cocktails were delicious and then there was the ambience, you can always tell the food is really good when everyone in the packed space is happy, smiling, laughing. I even discovered my favorite new white wine tonight. Best of all was our friendly waiter Mark and co-owner (I think) Fred. Merci, Fred and Mark! read more

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If I could give more stars to Upper West, I would! I chose this restaurant, randomly, for my father's birthday, and it turned out to be an excellent choice. The food was as creative as the ambience, and the service was exceptional. Our server, Alfredo, was so thoughtful. He brought not one, but two complimentary dessert for my dad. And the manager, Fred, made us feel so welcomed. He came over to our table to talk to us and congratulate my dad. I'm glad I chose this restaurant for my dad's birthday. It was definitely worth the rainy drive from Orange County to LA. read more

Our first restaurant to go to after pandemic the food was fantastic Freddy is the man :) Highly recommend the crispy ahi tuna. read more

Upper West - Crispy Ahi tuna - New American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Came to Upper West on a weekday evening for a birthday dinner. We reached about a half hour before our reservation, but were seated right away. We started off with a couple of drinks - the Strawberry Fields and the Citrus Almond Zest. Both were really good, but the former was a little too fruity. Next we got appetizers - the Braised Lamb Crepes and the Spicy Salmon Crispy Rice. They were both very different but amazing nonetheless. The crepes had well cooked and juicy shredded lamb served over vignarette. The crispy rice cakes were topped marinated Salmon and garnished with a jalapeno and masago. For the main course, we had the chicken tawook. While the chicken kebabs were well cooked and very tasty, I couldn't fully appreciate the chickpea+labneh salad that accompanied it. It seemed that salad was prepared separately from the chicken, so it didn't have any of the flavors from the chicken. Our server was very friendly and helpful, and kept checking back on us regularly. Prices were definitely on the higher end, but I'd definitely recommend Upper West for a nice occasional dinner. read more

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Delicious food! Pitman's chicken is so yummy, my kid loves it!! Not to mention the steak taco box has so much meat!!

Chris makes the best Espresso Martinis! The wait staff is awesome and the gnocchi ciopino was delicious.

Rob, Fonzie, Christoper, Elad, Fred and the entire staff are golden! The food is stellar! The atmosphere is magical. This is the best bar on the west side! read more

Upper West - Charred Avocado & Honey Rye - New American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Upper West is a terrific restaurant with a great vibe and excellent food. We were a party of 7 and it was super easy for us to order some sharable dishes and main course plates. Everything was perfect -- the burger, salmon, short ribs and pork were *chef's kiss.* The service was excellent. Oh, I almost forgot dessert -- the bread pudding was divine! read more

This is my favorite place on the Westside. Always energetic and fun. Food is great and the bartenders are the best.

I'm a restaurant manager and I'm always impressed by this restaurant. My fiancé and I have been coming here once every few months for years and it is, hands down, our favorite restaurant. We order the same amazing things: Drinks: Strawberry Fields and Amber Beer Appetizer: Crunchy Rice; Octopus Entrées: Pork Tenderloin ; Flat Iron Steak Dessert: Key Lime Pie; Bread Pudding The food is amazing and the ambiance is great. They feature local artist by showcasing new art on their walls. Although the food and vibe are 10/10, it's the customer service that keeps us coming back. The staff is attentive. No matter who our server is, everyone there is ready to lend a helping hand. FRED! FRED!! FRED!!! We love Fred! He greets us with a smile every time we come by. I love that he remembers us and takes the time to give me a hug and my fiancé a handshake. He's a beautiful soul and he always makes us feel special. He makes us want to always come back! We recommend this place to everyone! read more

This was the most amazing restaurant great Food, best service and love atmosphere. Highly recommend this quaint, lively, and super friendly restaurants. I want to Thank ALDO for such Amazing Service!!! read more

My wife and I brought our 2 young kids to the restaurant and it was a very pleasant experience. The food was delicious. We ordered the steak tacos and the blackened salmon and both were excellent. The owner was hosting and was very pleasant and welcoming. It was a great experience, the waiting staff was excellent. read more

Ethan's Mac & Cheese had a super creative design, and was very good! It's made with poblono peppers that aren't very spicy, but gave it a distinct taste. It's topped with the right amount of smoked bacon bits. And the three cheese mixture of cheddar, asiago, and mozzarella were excellent. It's great when mac & cheese doesn't contain any bitter Swiss cheese. Order looks kinda small, but looks can be deceiving because it's served in a deep dish. My friend loved her Kale Caesar salad too. Both meals were $16 at lunch time. If you're a "Curb Your Enthusiasm" fan, an semi-recent episode was filmed here. read more

Upper West - Ethan's Mac & Cheese ... yum! Looks small-ish, but it's quite deep. $16 - New American Near Me - Santa Monica, California

I went to dinner here on a Saturday night. I was running a bit late and called in- they were very nice about it and seated me upon arrival. The food and service was amazing. Both the owner and waiter checked on my table throughout the night. I had the blackened salmon, burrata, sweet corn, and ahi tuna on crispy rice. All four dishes were fantastic. The salmon was cooked to perfection. I wish I had enough room for dessert! I had been here once in the past and had their bread pudding, which is great. I will try to come here more often after this particular experience. read more

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Fred and his staff are amazing. From the food to their service everything is top notch. Do yourself a favor and come by

I love, love, love Upper West! I have been here on multiple occasions with friends and coworkers, so I decided that it is finally time to review this gem of a restaurant. The ambiance and atmosphere rock! This place has it all: high ceilings, beautiful modern art (this time around the walls were adorned with Jackson Pollock type mood paintings), and an expansive bar with all of the drinks in the world. It is usually dimply lit, especially if you come in the evening, so it creates an intimate atmosphere, perfect for a date night or a special occasion. If I had to give some advice, I would highly encourage coming here during holiday/Christmas time. The place is adorned with gorgeous decorations and looks so festive and cheery. Let's talk about the food. I have tried so many dishes at this point that I am going to list all of it below. Stars indicate my must-try favorites: *Smoked Blue Cheese Chips - I don't even like blue cheese, but I absolutely love this appetizer. Imagine a plate of crunchy chips drowned in a thick layer of smoked cheese, truffle, and bacon. The holy trinity of flavors, served hot and beaming with taste. Too bad it usually disappears within seconds! I am pretty sure I get this every time I come here, so this is my 1st place winner. Chargrilled octopus - If you are a fan of octopus, this is a dish for you. The yuzu aioli dresses it up nicely, and of course the potatoes and orange add a sweet and hearty notes for an enhanced taste. *Ethan's Mac & Cheese - Please get this dish! I am telling you that this may be the best mac & cheese you have tasted. A blend of three cheeses with bacon and peppers. WHAT! A foodgasm, if I ever had to describe the taste candidly and honestly. You can get to share with friends and make an app out of it, but just go for it! This place knows how to do cheese. *Coffee Crusted Pork Tenderloin - Ok, I don't know how a meal can taste so good, but this is my entree of choice, EVERY SINGLE TIME. The plate looks small when they first bring it out, but the is a good amount of meat and the goat cheese mashed potatoes are straight out of some potato paradise. I have to mention the roasted apple jalapeno sauce because it tastes like grandma's homemade jam. The pork is perfectly cooked, it is so soft and angelic and just melts in your mouth. I am in love with this dish. Grilled sweet corn - Who doesn't love corn? If you are one of those aliens, go and try this dish, it may just change your mind. Seasoned with avocado butter and cotija cheese, it screams "EAT ME". The combination of sweet corn, fatty avo, salty cheese, and a spice brought out with paprika, gets all of your taste buds activated. The Wedge - Do not discount their salads. First of all, this one looks like a masterpiece, because the chef builds an actual tower out of the salad leaves. The top is adorned with bacon, and cherries & basil act as accent flavors to balance out the meat. *The Burger - A classic choice, except this tastes like it was made my actual burger gods. The Worcestershire onion marmalade is the star of the show + there is a goat cheese spread added onto the toasted brioche bun. Let me tell you, goat cheese + onion are a power couple, and they elevate this burger to create this dynamite of a dish. For alcohol, you won't be bored. There are so many options, and while this place is known for wine, they have an amazing beer selection so I would make sure to check that out as well. The prices are on the higher end but this is a very nice restaurant and it has high quality food so it is expected. Come and experience the magic of Upper West for yourself! read more

// Food The coffee crusted red wattle pork tenderloin was awesome! The roasted jalapeno apple sauce wasn't too spicy at all and definitely added value to the pork. The chocolate mousse crunch cake and carrot cake ice cream sandwich were great too. It was great how they sliced the carrot cake ice cream sandwich so we could share and you don't have that awkward ice cream slide out the back while you take a bite of the sandwich scenario. I'd be interested in coming back to try HH sometime. // Ambiance Cool vibe inside and definitely on the noisier side so it's not your tranquil relaxing restaurant. Definitely more of a vibrant chat it up over some delicious food environment. Good for big parties, just make a reservation ahead of time. // Price Average for new American // Service Service was awesome. I'm not sure if he's the owner but the gentleman at the front was very accommodating and kept checking in to see if there was any way they could improve our experience. We had my nephew along and there wasn't really anywhere to park the stroller so he offered to put the stroller in his locked office. They also offer valet but there's generally plenty of street spaces to find. I also saw the valet and how he handles the cars...I'd prefer to self-park if I have a nice car haha. read more

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Incredible food, drinks and atmosphere! Got the mango mojito and loved it. Ambiance is a 10/10.

Another Dine LA find and it's a gem. We braved the weeknight traffic and dined like kings and queens at Upper West in celebration of Kim T.'s new gold Elite badge and also for her birthday! The venue is beautiful with a big picture window and all those pretty Westside people. There's a good, energetic vibe here. The owner greeted us and we were expertly taken care of by our server, Heather. We chose wisely and began our dining experience with appetizers off the Dine LA menu ($39 pp for three courses): Octopus Carpaccio with yuzu-sambal, fennel, kalamatas and cheddar chips was a stand-out. The octopus was very tender and the accompaniments were different but not in a way that distracted. Next came the creamy and lovely Burrata with a green apple and blackberry panzanella that included tomatoes, black Chai salt and a mustard-dill vinaigrette - beautiful. Last in our trio of starters was the Braised Pork Belly from Lazy S Farms...super flavorful and juicy with Korean BBQ beans, lomo, harissa and a smoked vinaigrette...delicious! Our main courses were also very well-received. Both Kim T. and I (being famously carnivore) ordered the Flat Iron Steaks with a bourbon-balsamic demi glaze and paired with a gorgonzola slaw and Mc Daniel smoked bacon. A very satisfying dish! David W. opted for more pork belly in the form of the Coffee-Crusted Red Wattle Pork Tenderloin. This adventurous combination really worked well with the smokey flavors and tender juices all coming together for insanely flavorful bites. Our cocktail choices pleased everyone as well. Kim T. and I chose the Ginger Cosmo, $11, which is a nice deal for the Westside where prices are usually higher! This was a light and refreshing drink. David W. chose a drink called the Westsider, $11, which was a white sangria with lychee. He loved it. Dessert, last but certainly not least did not disappoint. The gold Elite birthday girl chose the Triple Chocolate Tart with ginger crust, marshmallow fluff and coffee ice cream. No extra charge for the birthday candle! I chose the Brioche Bread Pudding with a whiskey-caramel sauce, creme anglaise and raisins/strawberries. It was very good. David W. indulged in the Carrot Cake Sandwich with cream cheese ice cream. Inventive and wonderful. An amazing and memorable dinner at a new place for all of us. It will remain on our radar! Thank you Upper West! Yelp Challenge 2017: 16/100 read more

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CITY EATS // Check out @theupperwest in LA if you're looking for good food and low key vibes. This is a perfect place for a quiet date night or to host larger private parties. Their menu is always changing (c/o ChefNickShipp) so be advised that what we got may be different than what is locally and seasonally available now. They source their ingredients from local farmers and sellers, including @smfms, @weiserfarms, @nimanranch, @jimenezfamilyfarm, and #HarriesBerries. It is an intimate space with bar seating, indoor seating, and hybrid outdoor seating. Def worth checking out if you're in Santa Monica, CA. WHAT WE GOT... APPETIZERS -- Spicy ahi tuna crunch rice (slightly spicy and sweet with avocado puree), grilled artichoke hearts (citrusy with parmigiano reggiano and herbs), and burrata (fruits and veggies served on toasted ciabatta) ENTREE -- Flat iron steak (steak with smoked bacon and gorgonzola slaw served over a bourbon balsamic demi) DESSERT -- Brioche bread pudding (rhy whiskey caramel bread with local strawberries) PRO TIPS... WEEKLY SPECIALS -- Call or follow them on insta to get the latest specials. HAPPY HOUR -- Wednesday to Sunday from 4:30 pm to 7 pm with deals on craft cocktails and beer. HALF OFF WINE -- Thursday night is 1/2 off bottles of wine. read more

Phenomenal food and drinks. Customer service is also exceptional. Highly recommend this restaurant.

Had a great event for work here. Reserved a space near the front. We had our own servers and ordered buffet appetizer foods. EVERYONE loved the food. People raved. The wine- excellent. The service - impeccable. Booked with Frank- the owner- placed a deposit and he took care of the rest. Super easy and laid back with timing. This place was a hit! I knew about this place as I have come for Happy hour- which is a pretty darn good one. Menu good. Vegan options. Very energetic place. Great crowd every time. Will be back for event planning and happy hour for sure Bathrooms multiple stall- nice read more

10/10 service, food and experience! We had a large reservation of 20 for a grad party last minute and the host was extremely accommodating. The service was very fast and the food was made to perfection! Highly recommended and will be back! read more

Great service, fun ambiance, and delicious food. Parking was a little tight on the day that I went but I would love to go back!

The most interesting food we tried in LA! My husband and I shared: BURRATA-green apple-blackberry panzanella / baby heirloom tomato / black chai salt / basil / dill-mustard vinaigrette (unique flavor profile) WILD MUSHROOM TORTELLINI-beef veloute / tarragon pesto / truffle / baby basil / goat cheese (AMAZING) IVETTE'S SPICY SALMON CRUNCHY RICE-dried soy sauce / wasabi tobiko / avocado puree / lime / jalapeno / baby shiso greens (This was epic, like a big sushi cake!) BRAISED LAMB CREPES madras curry, wilted greens, israeli feta, lavender demi-not my favorite flavors, but still very unique The owner is so friendly, too. He walks around to make sure everyone is happy and satisfied. read more

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Delicious! Decided to come here to celebrate a friend retiring. There was five us and we decided to share plates. We had the flatbread, spicy ahi tuna crunchy rice, burrata, roasted cauliflower and ribs. Everything was extremely yummy. Good portions and great service. Highly recommend. Make a reservation, it was extremely busy. read more

About a month ago I passed Upper West and noticed how busy it was This past weekend I wanted to try someplace new and luckily I was able to get a table for four on Saturday night At 7:30 on the place was packed and vibrant. The decor was inviting. The bar was well stocked with all the libations and heavy on bourbons. ( there was only one TV that I noticed ) Apparently there are two rooms. The main room and the other is separated by a glass window and shows old movies on the wall Our waitress was very nice. The corkage was $20 dollars The following is what we ate: *burrata- it was creamy and delicious with berries, green apple pieces and tomatoes. My friend and I liked it but our wives didn't *wedge salad- loved this. It was a little different but it was substantial and the bacon on it was perfectly cooked *coffee rubbed pork- a bit on the small but tasty with the dollop of spiced apple on top. The mashed potatoes though kind of drowned the meat. Another starch or veggie might be better * short ribs over polenta- delicious dish. Recommend this. Fall off the bone tender and flavored nicely * chicken something or other- very good marinated in spiced yogurt sauce * chicken sandwich - this may be good or not. The chicken was but my friends wife had all the toppings and sauces on the side so it was boring * carrot cake ice cream- if you like carrot cake with vanilla gelato between the carrot cake then you will love this All in all very good and I would come back I look forward to try the ahi tacos, mussels, grilled cheese and the burger read more

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Perfect date night spot. My date and I enjoyed the classy atmosphere. They had a muted Casablanca projected onto the wall. The food was good, but nothing to write home about. Definitely bring your dates here if you want to impress them. read more

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The owner seated us immediately upon arrival on a late Saturday afternoon in October during COVID. Outdoor seating along the sidewalk outside is a little tight, but there was plenty of patio seating just inside as well, which was comfortable and nice. Took a little longer than expected for our three appetizers to come out (about 25-30 minutes), but they were delicious. The Ahi Fried Rice was easily the most delicious, with a slight carmelized outer texture and full flavored tuna rice inside. If you love eloté I recommend the sweet corn appetizer as well. So flavorful. Overall the food was delicious and the staff and owner were very nice and friendly. The only downside was the wait for our food, everything else was nice. read more

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What a great restaurant! Highly recommend this for a special event or just a meal that you want to spoil yourself with great food! To start we ordered 2 plates of the ahi tacos. There were 5 of us so we each got out own taco. They are small, a good three bites, but they were very good! We also ordered the lamp crepes and they were just as delicious as you would expect a lamb and crepe to be! The lamb was shredded and it practically melted in your mouth. For my main course I ordered the sea bass. It was honestly the best I have ever had. The skin was lightly breaded and fried and it came in top of some delicious rice and a side of what tasted like extra creamy hummus. I also ordered a side of the Brussel sprouts which were very good. A little on the sweeter side but still very tasty. Major props to the larger portions. I ordered the Brussel sprouts because I thought the sea bass wouldn't be filling but I was absolutely stuffed after my main meal I barely finished the sprouts and I ended up sharing them with the rest of our group. For dessert we went with the bread pudding and it was wonderful! I liked how it wasn't overly sweet yet very flavorful. Will definitely be back!! read more

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Food was ok. It was like "modern 90's" food trying to make traditional items different -- good if you like style, but it's definitely not for everyone. read more

This place is located right off the 101 so it was easy to find and metered parking was available on the street. We sat inside but by the window so when it started getting chilly, they lit the heat lamp for us. I tried the bramble which was a gin blackberry cocktail. The blackberries were muddled and came with a full blackberry as topping. For my entree, I got the chopped salad with blackened chicken. It was a pricey salad coming to $24 but it was large and had really good flavor. The chicken was juicy and cooked well. read more

Great PIzza. Super thin crust and crispy. I used to go on a daily basis because it was right up my street. Now I'm on a diet.

I recently went back. Still a underrated restaurant in LA in my book but really good food. I loved their crispy rice tuna and we tried their mac and cheese which was better with bacon so I reccomend adding it! Not too crazy about their beer selection even though they are cool selections. I tried their allagash from Maine (not my favorite) and my husband tried the one from Iceland (also not our favorite). read more