LEMONICA🍋 — Restaurant in Hollywood

Tourists, BEWARE! We live nearby and we decided to go to a Italian restaurant on Dec 28th. I usually look at Google reviews and decided to go back one more time. The last time we were there in Dec 23, menu items were very reasonably priced and the food was delicious which made it a memorable experience. This time, it became a memorable experience for different reasons. I believe the original owners sold the business last year. We sat beside a table that a couple was filming for a YouTube review. Needless to say, we were a little surprised by the prices but, hey, this place has a Google 4.8 star rating. We ordered homemade salad, 2x pasta alla carbonara with chicken and 1 L of house lemonade. They had homemade bread that you can dip in olive oil, had to request the balsamic vinegar though. The salad plate was a small bowl with some sliced cherry tomatoes, onions, greens, enough for one person, not two. Ok, then came our pasta dishes. They came in a large bowl that had a huge rim and in the center was a small bowl. We then realized that the chef prepares artisanal dishes, which means that its more about the presentation, not the quantity. The carbonara sauce was not your traditional Italian variety but his own homemade version. The pasta was very fresh, but the end result was it gave me a lot of gas and indigestion for the very first time. So, it was a medium portion, disguised by the fact that it was a huge plate with a small bow. We ordered ice tea but were told they don't have any, a very good ploy to make us order their lemonade. We ordered a 1 L bottle of freshly squeezed lemonade which cost $18.00 plus tip. The service was a little slow, waitress brought us the bill and if I didn't open it up, I realized that a 20% service charge was added already, and I was about to leave a 18% tip, again. Deception as nowhere did it state that gratuity would be automatically added. So, for 1 small garden salad and two medium pasta dishes and a bottle of lemonade with tip, $108.00. WOW. The look on our faces, shock. This has become a huge tourist trap, and we are locals. So, as they say in Italian, Basta, never again! The pizza is superb and if you want pizza only, then I highly recommend this place. Otherwise, there are a lot of better Italian restaurants that give provide value for your money, like a real dinner sized potion Italian meal...

A Sour Note at Lemonica: A Tale of Lemons and Letdowns

When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. But when Lemonica gives you lemons, well… you might just end up with a sugar bomb in your mouth. My best friend, my ever-enthusiastic pup, and I decided to indulge in a sweet escape at this new Amalfi Coast-inspired spot. The blue and yellow décor promised a Mediterranean getaway, but our experience was more “meh-diterranean.” Emphasis on the MEH.

The Ambience: Walking into Lemonica, the vibrant hues transported us straight to Italy’s coastline. With only 30% of the tables occupied, we anticipated swift service and undivided attention.

The Service: Seated promptly, we were handed a menu that listed “daily dessert” without any specifics. Our waitress, seemingly as puzzled as we were, admitted she had no clue about the dessert of the day. After almost ten-minute hiatus, she returned, only to forget to enlighten us. But hope springs eternal, so we proceeded to order the house special: the “Lemonica Martini.” Assured it was “just a little” sweet, we awaited our drinks with bated breath.

The Waiting Game: Time ticked by. Four waitresses stood idly, perhaps contemplating the meaning of life, as we sat parched. Fifteen- minutes later, a crème brûlée appeared before us. No drinks in sight. Another five minutes passed, and as a new duo was seated and promptly attended to (complete with mood lighting adjustments), our elusive martinis finally made their entrance.

The Taste Test: Eager sips turned into grimaces. The “Lemonica Martini” was less Amalfi elegance and more perfume department mishap—overwhelmingly sweet with a cloying floral note. The crème brûlée? Well , at least that we were able to consume.

The Bill: For one crème brûlée and two house martinis, our wallets were lightened by $65, inclusive of a mandatory 15% tip. A steep price for a less-than-zesty experience.

Final Thoughts: Lemonica’s ambiance sets the stage for a delightful dining experience, but the service and offerings hit a flat note. While the décor sings of the Amalfi Coast, the execution leaves much to be desired. Here’s hoping they can turn those lemons into something sweeter in the future.

Note: This review is based on my personal experience and reflects the situation at the time...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Lemonica, a charming Italian restaurant nestled in Hollywood’s Young Circle. From the moment I arrived, the experience was nothing short of exceptional.

The ambiance strikes a perfect balance between elegance and warmth, creating an inviting atmosphere that immediately sets the stage for a memorable meal. The staff’s attentiveness and genuine hospitality made me feel like a cherished guest throughout the time I spent with them . In particular, especially the lovely Mira, my server, provided outstanding service with her friendly personality and insightful recommendations she was amazingly attentive

Now, let’s talk about the cuisine—simply divine. The menu boasts a delightful array of authentic Italian dishes, each prepared with the finest ingredients and a touch of culinary artistry. I began with the Burrata and Mortadella featuring creamy burrata paired with savory mortadella, ripe and fresh tomatoes, pesto sauce, and pistachios—a harmonious start that awakened my taste buds.

For the main course, I indulged in the delicious branzino , served with a choice of mashed potatoes or homemade pasta. The fish was flavorful while the side provided a rich and satisfying complement. Each bite was a testament to the chef’s mastery and dedication to authentic Italian flavors.

Lemonica in Hollywood’s Young Circle is a gem that promises an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking an exceptional meal, this establishment delivers on all fronts. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who appreciates the art of Italian cuisine and...