Cardinale du Vin — Restaurant in Los Angeles

I’ve been here about four times since they opened and never once have I been disappointed by the food, the wine or the wow factor of the service. I’ve lived in the neighborhood for four years, and this has become my go to date spot my, now husband and I will wait to go all out here. And tonight we basically ordered 90% of their small and well thought menu. And here, after getting this opportunity, is the result….

The owners, Justin and Jackie are lovely and their head chef, Paul is my new favorite person and what all chefs should aspire to be. He’s young, hip, innovative and brings his inspiring recipes with him. Their burger is based off of the Thailand, classic with teriyaki sauce, cheese, thick ass lettuce, and the perfect blend of mustards, mayo, ketchup (whatever American classic bull crap we dare call it) doesn’t match up. We have nothing on Paul’s sauce… We got a special bun that was a blend of brioche and potato, which was high key iconic - Paul never change the bun! I just wanna tell you that now. Paul blends the perfect amount of sweet and salty, plus a tiny kick that you didn’t expect in every single dish (And I’m a white woman with an Irish background whose complexion matches her spice tolerance a.k.a. heat means burn….) But Paul mellows it out to the most enjoyable hopefully shareable bites!

The oysters have always been noting less than very good (I’m a big oyster girl) the wine is perfect, rare, not always local but impeccably and thoughtfully sourced. Everything from their lunch menu to happy hour and dinner is what you were looking for in a thoughtful high dining experience in LA. It seems like they’ve lowered their prices recently, which fits our neighborhood market, but has made it 10 times more bang for your buck than I would’ve recommended if I had written this review earlier.

Let me end with one of many highlights: the cornbread. which I have now written a story for…. If brown sugar and chili paste had a baby and it’s dominant genes were a sweetened down version of the chili… THEN it had a very long sensual story arc with a sweet candy (that doesn’t have a real flavor, It’s just sweet) THEN by the end of the story, the brown sugar chili baby met its character arc as a sweeten down softer version of itself, and then one day it was found alone in a furnace and was melted on top of cornbread, that was ionically made in your grandma‘s Dutch oven. Now take the sexual out of that so you can enjoy the actual story and go here literally right now as you’re reading that’s just drive there.

BONUS FUN FACTS:

On the last Sunday of every month, there’s a silent book club and they do F1 screenings too! I met at least two or three locals, this time (more last time) who love this place and the owners dearly - so, I always take that as a sign of good marks. I can’t wait to come back. I hope you get the chance to experience this local dime, really is a gem in this bustling friendly neighborhood. And my husband who does not drink was so pleased by their nonalcoholic options ❤️❤️❤️ much love to the owners! Oh and cornbread (and everything came out perfectly) on a hot and sweetly elevated...

This is a great location with easy parking with a neighborhood vibe. I stumbled across this wine bar as I was looking for a place that serves Parisian style sandwiches and this is near perfection with delicious local baked and quality ingredients. They have an extensive wine and champagne selection with something for everyone. It is a trendy vibe with ig worthy pockets and yet boasts a causal vibe. Although I am partial to the Seattle Dog, this place has a great Thai twist on the hotdog served with a brioche bun served with potato chips. If you are looking for a luxurious treat, the caviar comes in an elevated silver plater with delicious crème fraiche and potato chips. If you are on a budget, they have roe with dill dip that is tasty and will keep you on budget. I would recommend order the cheese with the salad. The lettuce comes from a farm and is delivered fresh. Another surprise dish is the escargot that is a filling treat but a bit unexpected than traditional Parisian style. A wonderful place for date night or a group of friends. They have theme nights like Silent Book Club, F1 Viewing Parties, and it can be very popular so make sure to follow them on Instagram or give...

I can't say enough good things about Cardinals du Vin--it's the kind of place that makes you feel instantly at home while elevating your evening to something special. Tucked into the heart of the Pico-Robertson neighborhood, this gem has quickly become my go-to spot for unwinding, catching up with friends, or even enjoying a quiet solo glass after a long day. The owners clearly pour their heart into this spot, and it shows in every detail--from the charming decor to the playlist that's always just right. If you haven't been yet, do yourself a favor and stop by. Five stars, hands down, and I'll be back again (probably sooner than I...