LA | Ardor — Birthday Vibes & Good Feels Maxed Out 🥳

My bestie’s birthday called for a special spot in West Hollywood, and after lots of browsing, we picked Ardor. Ambiance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Located inside the Edition Hotel, with both outdoor and indoor seating. We chose indoors to avoid bugs. The decor is fresh and bright — not too dim like many upscale Western spots. Parking: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Valet parking available. The restaurant validates $25 off valet (which is pricey here). Nearby lots also run $15–20, so valet is the move. Food: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ New American cuisine with some hits and misses — some dishes leaned too sour, but others were absolutely delicious. 👍 Must-Try: Onion Rings ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hands down the best onion rings ever! Crispy outside, tender inside, perfectly seasoned. Our whole table wanted another order. Cleaver Octopus ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Super tender, though the sauce was a bit too tangy. Texture-wise, it’s a win. Prime Skirt Steak ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Exceptionally tender beef, simply salted. Comes with two sauces — one dark and sour — but the steak alone was fantastic. Gooseberry Phyllo Pizza ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A birthday must-order! Flaky phyllo crust filled with cream and jam, slightly tangy — cuts through the richness in the best way. Burst-in-your-mouth goodness! Brioche Toast 🍞 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Not on the menu — ask your server! Soft, buttery, milky-sweet — totally suited for Asian taste buds. So good! ⚠️ Skip These: Pasta — Overly sour sauce, not enjoyable. Half Chicken — Like many Western kitchens, chicken here tends to be dry. Stick with beef if unsure. Lamb Chops — Arrived late and had a strong gamey taste. Not recommended. 📍 Address: 9040 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 #StudentEats #HiddenGemEats #BirthdayRestaurant #LosAngeles #LAFood #Foodie #NoFailFoodRecs #StudentLifeFeasts