Spice Season (Studio City)
11402 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604, United States
Very good asian fusion restaurant. I like their fresh coconut juice and chicken cashew with jicama. The server was really nice and helpful.
LA LA Sushi
12415 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604, United States
My visit to this establishment was prompted by its advertising which boasted a Premium dining experience. However, what unfolded was a series of disappointments that starkly contrasted with their high-quality claims.Upon entering, I harbored high hopes for a culinary journey highlighted by exceptional dishes. Yet, the reality was a series of culinary missteps. The food, which was the centerpiece of my anticipation, failed to deliver on the advertised premium quality. The portions were oddly balanced, with an overwhelming amount of rice that seemed to have lost its freshness, overshadowing the scant servings of fish that were devoid of any distinctive flavors. This imbalance was evident across the board - from appetizers to rolls, and sushi, none managed to leave a memorable imprint. Particularly, the rolls seemed to rely heavily on California fillings, lacking any real fish content, and were topped with minimal fish portions that did not compensate for the overall lack of flavor. The sushi, albeit adorned with a reasonable size of fish, similarly failed to ignite the palate. Even the tempura, which I hoped would redeem the meal, was served lukewarm, further adding to the disappointment.The service did little to alleviate the growing sense of dissatisfaction. The near-empty restaurant could have been an opportunity for attentive, personalized service, yet what transpired was the opposite. Orders were not only slow to arrive, but the process of placing an order was also unnecessarily delayed as they refused to take new orders until the current ones had been fully prepared. This lack of efficiency was compounded by a disinterest in maintaining the dining area or addressing our needs proactively. An unfortunate incident involving a spilled water cup, which resulted in both the food and myself being doused, was handled with a surprising lack of professionalism. In their attempt to manage the spill, my phone was inadvertently thrown away with the trash, leading to a stressful retrieval process. The culmination of these service failures was their neglect to take our final round of orders, leaving us with the impression that our dining experience was of little importance.This dining experience was, unequivocally, one of the most disheartening all-you-can-eat sushi experiences I have ever encountered. The stark contrast between the advertised premium experience and the reality of what was delivered was jarring. The food lacked the quality and finesse I expected from a restaurant boasting such high standards, and the service deficiencies only amplified the overall disappointment. It became apparent that better quality sushi could indeed be found at a supermarket, offering more value and satisfaction than what was experienced here. Consequently, I am compelled to advise against dining at this establishment and will certainly not be returning. The memory of this visit serves as a reminder that premium advertising does not always equate to a premium experience.
Sweetfin Studio City
12050 Ventura Blvd C-104, Studio City, CA 91604, United States
Negative: they have completely screwed up my order. I did not ordered onions and they have drained everything in sauce ? when I have specified - sauce on the side. Also some ingredients were missing! Portions are very small to begin with the Large bowl is by no means large compared to other poke places like 8 0z. POKE. AND I have added some fish on top of the two proteins already included but my bowl was tiny. Compared to their photos you will not get anything that closely resembles a bowl filled to the top and above. Btw I have paid over $ 25 for my not so large bowl.Positive: the ingredients they use are good and the fish is fresh just the execution is sloppy.
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Sushi Katsu-Ya Studio City
11680 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604, United States
I returned here tonight after my first visit about 13 years ago.I remember back then, I really havent been exposed much to great food that I really loved the sushi experience here. Returning 13 years later, I would say that I am a fan, but this is not the best sushi in LA.I left their sister restaurant tonight, Kiwami, really close by due to their horrible service. I said to my sister, lets finish our meal at Katsu-ya. So, off we went and drove a few minutes down the road to eat at Katsu-ya.I usually avoid this place because it is always so packed and so Hollywood as celebs dine here such as Gwyneth Paltrow.Prices here are lower than Kiwami and the other fancier Katsu-yas (partnership with Philip Starck and Sam Nazarian). The quality at this original restaurant is said to be better than the other locations.Of course, people have differing viewpoints on the best sushi in LA. Id say the people who havent been around think this is the best sushi in Los Angeles. Ive had conversations that Katsu-ya is at the same rank with the best of them -- Matsuhisa, Nobu, etc.As Ive gotten older and my palate has gotten to be a bit more sophisticated (sorry to sound like a food snob), I prefer my sushi traditional, fresh, and simple. No rolls. No sauces.If you love fusion sushi or sushi with sauce slathered all over it, youll love the Katsu-ya restaurants.I highly recommend taking sushi novices to Katsu-ya. It is much easier on them to eat sushi here because they can order some of their most popular dishes and sushi rolls. You can get simple traditional sushi, but it seems the emphasis here is the popular and fusion dishes.I find that the best sushi places refuse to serve California rolls. This place does.What Ive heard that the best sushi restaurant in LA is Urasawa, which is on a whole different level than the sea of great sushi options we have in the city.
MAZZA
12050 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604, United States
I would have been inclined to leave a more positive review, especially because the waitresses were so kind and friendly; however, this restaurant is NOT enforcing COVID guidelines among their patrons.The servers are wearing masks and shields, but there was a huge party that continuously kept walking across the restaurant to go smoke (which was another issue) and of course, all of them shouting and talking with no masks on. It's already stressful enough to dine out during COVID, but not a single server or manager told the people that they had to put their masks on.There is also a terrace next to the restaurant with a “No Smoking” sign. Clearly, that doesn't matter because there were about 15 people from the restaurant going out to smoke. My husband and I were forced to eat our dinner inhaling clouds of cigarette smoke that lingered there. Completely ruined and lost our appetite.Definitely not a place we'd come back to.
Gokoku Vegetarian Ramen Shop
4147 Lankershim Blvd, Studio City, CA 91602, United States
Regrettably, I had the singular most negative experience as a Uber Eats driver at this establishment out of 2,323 deliveries I have completed over the course of the last 15 months (where I currently hold a 100% customer/vendor satisfaction rating as a driver).At approximately 9:00 p.m. on Monday 7/5/21 I arrived at Gokoku to pick up a small order of one ramen + a cucumber salad for their customer Victoria.I was repeatedly advised by various staff that the order was forthcoming in 10 minutes, almost ready, theyre packing it up now..... after 35 minutes, the owner finally approached me to see whether I had been helped (during which time a large party of 7 also experienced their order failing to be placed despite already waiting for 30 minutes).When I expressed to the owner for a second time my frustration at having been misled regarding the status of the delivery, the owners wife who runs the kitchen actually took time out from all the orders she had thus far failed to serve up and peeked over her partition while pointing to the door demanding: YOUR ORDER IS CANCELED! WE WILL NOT SELL TO YOU! GET OUT! IF YOU HAD EVER WORKED FOR SOMEONE YOUD KNOW HOW TO BEHAVE!In his attempt to minimize the fallout with other patrons, the owner stated to a couple while shaking his head snickering: ... and shes JUST a Uber driver, HA!!!I advised the owner I will remain on the premises while on hold with Uber Support to report the unprofessional ill treatment I received and he was free to call the police if my presence was a problem for him - and he did as such.The owners spouse fails to understand that delivery drivers are not employees under her command to abuse, but essential business partners who facilitate her relationship with her paying customers. By the time I spoke with Uber Support, there were 3 missed calls from the very hungry customer whose order Gokoku accepted but failed to complete.The owner himself fails to realize that delivery drivers are not JUST A UBER DRIVER, but they themselves are consumers in the neighborhood with family, friends and colleagues who will receive either an endorsement or a complaint about their business - the best (free) advertising (or negative feedback) for any business is word of mouth.The owner fails to realize that this just Uber driver is a semi-retired former restraunteur (who dines out every single day) and is a current owner of multiple shopping centers who has Jersey Mikes, Shake Shack, etc. as her tenants (one center locally in NOHO). The arrogant superiority of shes just a Uber driver is not only abusive and defies common decency and courtesy, it made a forgivable situation in a poorly run business inexcusable.EDIT: Response to Owner/Shanshan,I am pleased to know there is video record of my experience at your establishment. Your account confirms the fact that a delivery service provider contracted by YOUR customer to facilitate your business with her is characterized as a trespasser and is just a (lowly) Uber driver. My post is a 100% accurate description of what transpired during my attempt to perform this service where 45 minutes later, you showed utter disregard for my time, disrespect toward me personally and your customer was left hungry without the food for which she had tendered payment.As stated, it was I who reported your business to Uber Eats for investigation and requested the police be called. Ultimately, it did not deserve any more time investment on my part at the scene, and even less so now. You have a good day as well. I hope you come to the understanding as I conveyed at the time of pick up that by virtue of being your customers designated representatives, we just Uber drivers ARE your customers. The appropriate response for your failure to deliver as a business and wasting peoples time and money is I apologize, not get out!!!.
Firefly
11720 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604, United States
We Ordered All the Vegan Options at Firefly (with Photos)Our mission was to savor every vegan dish offered, while I also couldnt resist sampling one non-vegan plate to understand the depth of flavors.Firefly, a non-vegan restaurant in Studio City, surprised us with a diverse range of vegan offerings, mostly found in side dishes and appetizers. Eager to experience the executive chefs take on vegan cuisine, we booked a reservation and indulged in all the options, ordering more than we could eat.Dish 1: Farmers Market SaladA perfect balance of acidity, nutty richness, and a touch of sweetness from the green grapes surprised us in the most delightful way. Each bite offered a harmonious fusion of flavors, making it an instant favorite and a must-order to kickstart your appetite.Dish 2: Heirloom Tomato & Burrata (minus the burrata lol)Customizing the Heirloom Tomato & Burrata to align with our vegan preferences by omitting the cheese, we indulged in a vibrant plate of fresh, semi-dried, and fermented tomatoes, adorned with sweet black olive jam, fresh basil, and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. The absence of burrata didnt dampen our excitement as the tomatoes offered bursts of flavor, harmoniously balanced by the sweet olive jam and the refreshing touch of basil.Dish 3: Baby CarrotsThese Baby Carrots, served with hummus and kaffir lime kosho, proved to be a ‘holy cow, YUM' experience! The hummus was creamy and perfectly balanced and the kaffir lime kosho was the bell of the ball - it elevated the entire experience with its mind-blowing sour and salty taste. Whether youre a hummus lover or a vegan enthusiast, this dish is a must-try that will leave you craving for more.Dish 4: Hand-Cut FritesDespite this small indulgence, it was undoubtedly a side dish that should not be missed. Each thick-cut fry boasted a golden brown hue and a satisfying crunch that paired perfectly with the parsley and garlic seasoning. Throughout the meal, we found ourselves reaching for more, savoring every crispy bite.Dish 5: Garlic Smashed PotatoesThe Garlic Smashed Potatoes were a unique and impressive vegan side dish. The perfectly cooked potatoes offered a savory experience that pleased our palates. The true star of the dish, however, was the luscious saffron aioli that the potatoes sat atop. We were very pleased as creamy sides are a rarity at non-vegan restaurants.Dish 6: Brussels SproutsThe Brussels Sprouts were a surprising and captivating fusion of flavors. Enhanced with sweet and sour chili sauce, roasted grapes, and vegan bacon, this vegan dish showcased the brilliant combination of vegetables and fruit. The pleasant bitterness of the Brussels sprouts paired surprisingly well with the roasted red grapes, creating a symphony of flavors that delighted our taste buds.Dish 7: Fried EggplantThe Fried Eggplant, drizzled with date syrup and served with green chili cilantro sauce, left us in awe. The green chili cilantro sauce, with its earthy, bright, and beautifully spicy kick, quickly earned its place among our top three favorite dishes of the night.Dish 8: Atlantic Salmon (non-vegan dish, for me)Fireflys Atlantic Salmon, served with eggplant puree, king oyster mushrooms, crispy sesame leaves, ginger relish, and dashi sauce, stood out as a culinary masterpiece that even delighted the vegan palate. The salmon was cooked to perfection, juicy, and full of flavor, while the vegan elements of the dish proved equally sensational.Overview:At Firefly, the exceptional service from our server, Haily, added to the dining experience. Her sweet and engaging demeanor, combined with her attentive care throughout the night, made the evening even more memorable. The ambiance of the restaurant, especially on the patio with the roof retracted, embraced the lovely LA summer night, setting the stage for a remarkable dining adventure.The chefs ingenuity shone through each plate, and we extend our appreciation to the entire team for a truly unforgettable experience.
City Wok
10949 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604, United States
Let me start This review by saying the food here is really good. That being said there are serious problems with customer service here. I came here to eat yesterday and encountered yet another problem. And they always seem to stem around one employee in particular.I did not get his name but he is a white male with a little bit of a scruffy beard and wears glasses.Every time I come here and order and he is the one taking the order I know theres going to be a problem. And guess what, I was right.I put my order in for an order of chow main and a 1/2 order of city wok chicken. I was told my order would take about 10 minutes. About 8 minutes later I saw them put food up on the counter near the bagging area. I thought it might have been mine but I decided to wait a little longer until I was called. Another 10 minutes go by and that is when I approach that employee to ask the status of my meal. He then went to that food that was dropped 10 minutes ago and started bagging it and then he asked me what exactly I ordered. It turns out he didnt even put the order in for the city wok chicken and I was told it would take another 10 minutes to make that part of the order. So my chow mein sat there for an extended period of time waiting for the chicken.So it ended up taking me twenty eight minutes to get my order. This type of thing is a frequent occurrence when having to do with this particular employee. Even when I walked into this place this day I saw him working behind the counter and I said to myself, s I wonder what the problem is going to be to day. This guy is inattentive to guests and obviously cannot multitask.Management take note: This is how you lose customers. You just lost this one.
Feu Pho Kitchen
11310 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604, United States
What an amazing place! I was craving some refreshing food and this place was our best option close by. As soon as we entered, we were received so nicely, when we mentioned it was our first time we were recommended some dishes (shrimp spring rolls, egg fried rolls, boon) so we did order that. The egg fried rolls came with a delicious mint vinaigrette and the smoked pork belly Banh mi came with a basil vinaigrette out of this world! We loved this place, the food was really good (try their feu chicken dumplings) and the customer service/attention was on top, we were treated like friends/family. We cannot wait to come back and order some pho, our experience was awesome and didnt find anything we didnt like, at the end we ordered a Vietnamese iced coffee that was really good as well! I didnt finish my food, they packed it really good in a to go box and even gave me extra mint vinaigrette. I dont think its pricey because to us, food was worth it.