Formosa Cafe
7156 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046, United States
I recently talked to restauranteur Adam Fleischman about the Formosa Cafe. He said they are revamping the menu.Inspired by Beverly Hill's Red Medicine's Vietnamese-themed menu and bar bites, Red Med at Formosa Café features some of the most popular dishes, including dumplings, spring rolls, bahn-mi, brisket and whole fish to share.My eyes had to adjust quickly as I walked into the dark restaurant to meet a group of foodies. We frequently used our iPhone flashlights to read the menu and snap photos.The walls are still lined with over 250 black and white headshots of some of the most famous actors in the world. There is still a display case showcasing a collection of Elvis Presley decanters and statues above his old booth.One of the head bartenders, Billy Ray arrived at our table with some of the classic cocktails that have been added to the cocktail menu. Bartender Matthew Boddie created a ginger daiquiri a la Central, pisco apricot Tropicale and the Singapore Sling for us to enjoy.We were told that gangster Mickey Cohen ruled the underground of liquor, women and cash at Formosa Café. His safe was built into the flooring between the two front booths to the left of the front door.Interesting dishes include the entirely green Rock shrimp dish with layers of avocado. The marinated eggplant offers vivid flavors of garlic, sesame, and celery that almost vibrated in my palate.I enjoyed the ethereal Shanghai rice cakes that tasted like little chewy dough pillows dusted with bacon, shishito and Thai basil.The chicken wings are a Red Medicine recipe rolled in flavorful crumbs, fish sauce lime and Thai chile, that spices the wings with aromatic flavors.The crispy spring rolls are deep fried and stuffed with a healthy dose of crab and Asian herbs.Everyone at the table enjoyed the oyster mushrooms with crisp haricot vert beans, and a French chili pepper from Espelette mixed in with the oyster sauce.Large parities may want to go straight to The Group Effort column on the menu for plates of tender Wagyu Beef Brisker braised in a secret plum sauce for 36 hours or a deep fried whole black bass that arrives whole. The server filets it to reveal light colored and moist fish with a crispy crust. These dishes easily feed three to four guests.The Formosa Café is open for dinner at 4 p.m. until the 2 a.m. “last call.” Parking is available in the West Hollywood Gateway parking garage.
Chin Chin West Hollywood
8618 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, United States
We searched for a Chinese restaurant and came across this one, staff was dismissive. Do not order the lemon chicken, its two pieces of chicken fried to death over some rabbit lettuce. How is that Chinese?
Dumpling Monster
7318 Santa Monica Blvd Suite 60, West Hollywood, CA 90046, United States
I ordered from his restaurant on Goldbelly around December 12th . I ordered chose dumpling and wonton combo. The dumplings tasted store bought to me . Or from a Chinese restaurant at best . My sister in law is Chinese and I know good homemade dumplings. I have yet to try the wontons. But dumplings a Huge disappointment.
Kung Pao Bistro
7853 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046, United States
DO NOT ORDER TAKE OUT FROM HERE! COMPLETELY HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE. THEY SENT ME THE WRONG ITEMS. NOT TO MENTION KUNG PAO BISTRO SENT ME SHRIMP AND I’M DEATHLY ALLERGIC TO SHELLFISH. I’m a foodie and go to restaurants in Los Angeles often. I also order out often. I ordered 6 meal items and when I received the order, Kung Pao Bistro sent me 2 items that were completely different than any of the items that I ordered. When I called, they said they couldn’t do anything about sending me the completely wrong items and I would have to re-order. Kung Pao Bistro did not refund me or do anything to rectify the situation. Not to mention, the items they sent me I was allergic to since I’m allergic to shellfish. Worst experience at any Chinese food restaurant in LA, or nationally in the US as I travel often for work.
Queen Violet WeHo
8543 Santa Monica Blvd Suite 5, West Hollywood, CA 90069, United States
Queen Violet WeHo is a stunning Asian fusion restaurant that offers a unique and flavorful dining experience. The restaurant is beautifully decorated with vibrant purple hues and a touch of Thai influence, making it the perfect spot for a special occasion or a trendy night out.The menu features a variety of dishes from across Asia, including Thai curries, Chinese dumplings, and Vietnamese pho. I especially loved the magic noodles, which was bursting with flavor and looked gorgeous.The staff at Queen Violet WeHo is friendly and attentive, and they are always happy to make recommendations. They also have a great selection of cocktails and mocktails, perfect for sipping on while you enjoy your meal.I would definitely recommend Queen Violet WeHo to anyone looking for a delicious and stylish dining experience in West Hollywood.
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Dialog Cafe
8766 Holloway Dr, West Hollywood, CA 90069, United States
Good little local cafe serving up vegetarian, vegan and gluten free wrap, options.STAFF: Very efficient, helpful and friendly.INTERIOR: Modern yet warm (timber and cane seating) interior with outdoor heating and seating allowing for those with dogs, to enjoy.MENU: Reasonably priced around $70 USD for the two of us to each have a meal.I loved that the portion sizes are small, none of the typical large American servings experienced elsewhere.NOTE: We ordered the west side story but never got the strawberry jam or butter. Also it just came with 1 hash brown versus hash browns on the menu. While ingredients werent of a very high standard they were a solid ok. Coffee was pretty good overall and they have a good selection of smoothies/juices.They dont have gluten free bread/muffins etc but do have a really good gluten free wrap, which theyre happy to switch out for you. Id definitely recommend it.OVERALL: Wouldnt go back except to grab a quick coffee.
Sushi Ginza Onodera
609 La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, United States
For anniversary celebration we decided to splurge on one of the 2 Michelin star Omakase in Los Angeles.Located right next to E.P. + L.P.A great roof top bar.Parking structure : right next to the restaurant on La Cienega BlvdRestaurant provides parking validationvalet cost $5 + tip.Right at 5pm we were welcomed by two Japanese ladies wore traditional kimono and greeted by my first name with Happy anniversaryLadies pulled our wooden chairs back for us to sit. Due to covid only 8 out of 16 sushi cherrywood counter seating at this time.Entire dinner we experienced superior quality, delicious, and Umami ingredients and impeccable service Felt very warm and comfortable especially from our server Ayashe made a huge impression explaining all the fish and seafood from Hokkaido Japan.Executive Chef prepared our meal with precision knife skills and artful delicate presentation and took us on an adventurous Japanese seafood tour.The moment we sat down we were immediately served with wine and sake list. We picked 2 bottles of Sake ISOJIMAN Omachi Shizuka and bottle of still water.This restaurant serves traditional Edomae style sushi with fish imported from Toyosu Fish Market and Niigata rice.We were served with our first dish within minutes of being seated.Omakase:Mackerel sashimiUni with Cavier ChawanmushiMarinated TakoAbalone with liver sauceGrilled fish with grated daikonGolden eye snapper nigiriVery rare Okhotsk king salmon nigiriUgly fish nigiriMarinated bonitoAkami Toro nigiriTigar Ebi with caviar nigiriCherrystone clam nigiriHokkaido Uni nigiri* favorite dish - I had many Hokkaido Uni from many fine establishments but this Uni took it to the next level.Exploding with deep flavor, buttery soft, sweetness, also tasted the umami rich kelp it feeds on. Hands down star dish of the night.Hokkaido hairy crab nigiriWhitefish nigiriMiso soupHokkaido Uni with noriOtoro nigiri* second favorite dish of the night,More depth, creamy and richness, falls apart in my mouth and heavy with umami.Seared Ocean perch nigiriAnago nigiri* this is probably the best salt water eel I ever tasted very soft and sweet.Atsuyaki Tamago - A well executed piece to finish our meal. Perfectly cooked sponge, sweet, delicate, umami flavors from the shrimp.My sushi aficionado friend always say that you could judge how good a sushi restaurant is by their Tamago.Roasted Green TeaMatcha tofu pudding* I shouldve taken better notes on different types of fish but we were enjoying every minute of dining experience.Thank youexecutive chef Yohei Matsuki for this incredible true Omakase experienceTil next time. . .Omakase $400 per personSake $130 x 2Still bottled water $10 x 2Total cost of meal $1200Worth every penny consider the exceptional quality of the food + drinks and impeccable service.Time: approximately 2 hours
Tenmasa Japanese Restaurant
9016 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, United States
This Sunset Hollywood Hide Out is serving up Japanese Cuisine in a UNIQUE CHIC understated fashion. With over 100yrs of combined Japanese Culinary experience, this little JEM is Top Notch. You will be welcomed once you've selected your seat as if you were in someone's home. Tenmasa Lobster Rolls are the best in the West and bar none the Best in LA! Their vegetable tempura is delicious too! They have great sushi staples and if you don't find it on the menu just ask. The owners are the Chefs and a established family from Los Angeles. Tenmasa has survived over the decades by word of mouth. Now in 2029 we will keep this gourmet Japanese experience a staple in our weekly online ordering or food delivery speed dial. Be nice and absorb the culture and true Japanese authenticity. Don't let the decor fool you. Okasa, Kumiko is a living legend who tops your experience with love and graciousness. Truly a Family With Rich Culture and Heritage that shows in their delicious menu. Lobster Rolls, will change your life....
LAN NOODLE
7100 Santa Monica Blvd SUITE 130, West Hollywood, CA 90046, United States
The only Chinese restaurant in weho that’s a actually run and cooked by Chinese people!
Rainbow Bar & Grill
9015 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, United States
The Rainbow Rocks, literally and truly. If you are an old school type like me, you will no doubt agree... The Rainbow Bar and Grill (and their other icon The Whisky a Go Go) is one of the handful of places that are still holding on to and carrying forward the long tradition of rock and roll culture on the Sunset Strip. Speaking as someone who was here in the 1980s, I can tell you that hardly anything has changed about the vibe or the buildings themselves - and man that is wonderful! When you step into the Rainbow (which I do as often as possible) you are stepping back to a warm and cozy place frozen in time. You feel the presence of all the legends who have shared this space, which also includes such Old Hollywood icons as Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe, back when it was called the Villa Nova. In 1972 it became The Rainbow and the rest is rock and roll history. And we can all thank the late great owner, Mario Maglieri, for making it all happen. I could go on forever about how my wife and I love to enjoy an afternoon whisky sour, either inside or outside, or the fact we can even bring our kids here for pizza and pasta. The food is f-ing awesome. I have to end this review on a sad note, and pay respects to one of the greatest legends of all time, Eddie Van Halen. Van Halen got their start right here on the Strip and now we must add King Edward to that growing list of people we have lost. Thanks to the Rainbow and all its denizens who still come here, rock and roll will NEVER die. Rock in Peace Eddie!