This restaurant surprised me... The food is extremely good! Don't let the neighborhood vibe throw you off. They care!! Started with a fabulous deep ruby colored Lambrusco 'Tradizione Zanasi' at $52--incredibly reasonable. The Fried Calamari is highly recommended as it's one of the best I have had!! Fried with spicy red peppers and Italian parsley served with a fabulous homemade Tartar. Next a Gem lettuce Market Salad tossed with a light lemon dressing was perfect! The bread, although $12, was worth it--a quarter loaf of Sourdough Rye with butter. The Minestrone Soup was rich and full of flavor topped with Parmesan cheese. Finally the Entrees were well prepared--a respectable cheeseburger with a fabulous 'special sauce', caramelized onions and amazing parsley fries!! Also a homemade Gnocchetti with fresh mushrooms and finished with Breadcrumps and thyme. Service was a bit slow toward the end of the meal but the bartender jumped in and took over which was appreciated. The ambience inside is "foody" style smaller wooden tables with small candles. I think that table cloths are well deserved here and would be welcomed! There a few tables in the main room where the bar sits and then about a dozen tables in the nest two rooms. There is also a more casual outdoor area that is basically candle-lit wooden picnic tables. But dont worry--they care a lot more about the food than anything else and it shows from start to finish! Will...
Read moreThere are two things Blair's has in spades: good food and atmosphere. If you've been wandering around Silverlake wondering where locals eat, this is the place you've been looking for.
The menu is small, but that doesn't mean it's limited. There are some serious flavors and magical textures on this little page. The deviled eggs are a true treat as are the salads (there's sweet pickles in there!). And do not miss the grilled octopus. The flavor of each of these is unique and precise without being fussy.
The entrees are exceptional as well. The pastas are made in house and the attention shows. The bolognese is sharp with a hint of spice. The trout - on a bed of cauliflower and quiniou - was delicious, while the albacore was just the right texture and temperature and matched so well with the potato below I was surprised.
The wine list is extensive and the two beers on the menu are worth a visit as well.
The space itself is dim, monastic and warm. There's an earthy minimalism to the space that lends itself to intimate conversation. So, if you're looking for a date spot, this is definitely it.
The service was exceptional. The server was warm, friendly and happily answered the questions we had.
This is a worthwhile dining stop if you're...
Read moreThis restaurant is such a cute spot with a great vibe. It is perfect for a casual dinner or a relaxed night out with friends. The atmosphere felt cozy yet stylish, and you can tell there’s been care put into the details. The highlight was definitely the pasta. All the pastas are handmade and had that authentic, fresh texture you just don’t get everywhere. Our group especially enjoyed the spicy ones. They had a great kick and were well-balanced in flavor. The non-spicy options were decent, but a bit more on the plain side by comparison. The pizza was also solid, nicely done with a good crust and fresh toppings. One thing that stood out (in a slightly odd way) was the service. While the staff was friendly, they seemed eager to clear our plates the moment we finished a dish. It felt a little rushed, like they were trying to turn the table quickly, even though the place didn’t seem overly busy. Still, we had an enjoyable time overall. Good food, a great vibe, and a nice little spot to unwind. Would come back, especially for the spicy...
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