Marvin — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Marvin, I want to love you, and I did before COVID. However, the last few times we have been to your spot over the last month, our experience has been far below your prior standards. We usually drop $200 to $300 each time we come, so we are expecting to pay a premium, and I do recognize that you have had to significantly raise prices during COVID like many other restaurants, but my issues are not related to cost. Your service, or the lack thereof is likely why we will not be back. During both meals, we did not have anyone to ask how the food was or even check on us while we were eating to refill water, etc. During the second meal in specific, our waiter actually forgot to put two bottles of wine ($260 in total) on our receipt and we actually had to remind a different server, apparently the one taking care of us had gone home, that we weren’t charged for the wine. We could have, and possibly should have just left without paying for the wine. Lastly, the quality of the food has slipped significantly. Prior to Covid, you guys crushed it. As it stands, the food lacks flavor and seasoning...all 4 guests at our table during our last meal agreed. Undersalted. And that’s in the event we can even order what we came there to order. On both occasions over the last month, you guys were out of multiple menu items during peak dining hours. I understand supply and quality control issues during this pandemic, but if I come there twice and you guys are out of what I came there for both times, the likelihood of me returning is extremely low. As it relates to the attitude of your servers, I think they are wonderful people but just have not been trained how to be attentive to the needs of your customers. A little will go along way in simply saying hello and checking in after the food has been delivered. I get it…you’re going for that passive cold Parisian vibe, but that only works if the food is good. The service in Paris is far better than what you guys offer here in...

After 3 tries? Many loves here - and many disappointments.

MUSIC - way too loud, maybe it's the acoustics, maybe a combination of both. Each visit has been wrought with the inability to hear ourselves - it's almost impossible for a party of 4 to have a conversation that everybody can hear. It's really bad.

BARTENDER - Twice I've been stuck with a woman behind the bar (Alex if I remember correctly) who clearly does not like female customers and additionally, could have cared less that our appetizer (that we ordered before going to our table) never came out. She made the first 2 visits frankly unenjoyable, and I even called for visit #3 and found a time that she was NOT going to be there. I was pleased to be served by another woman with curly pinned up hair who was just lovely. I really enjoyed her.

SERVICE - Overall service is good. There is a young, happy-hipsterish looking dude that maybe owns the place who is laid back, seemingly enjoying what he's doing, and offers customer contact routinely. All servers were fantastic.

FOOD - I love it. I just love it. The Cote de Bouef was ordered med rare and came out very rare but very charred, which tells me there is a grill heat issue; having said that, we all still enjoyed it. The asparagus with burrata and egg is a must, as is the pate. Bring on the bolognese and OMG the chicken - surprisingly inventive preparation and perfectly cooked. Love the jamon toast, and so much more. Desserts are less impressive, though we did not try the house specialties which must be pre ordered and which I hear are fantastic.

I'll continue to go back but not with more than one person, as it's just too loud. I want this place to be my new local...

Sunday was my first time dining for dinner and we all had a great experience. French cuisine is in my top three favorites so I try to go to every single one all over Los Angeles and this is definitely one of the better ones I’ve been to, and I have already been to over 15. Our server Zeke was very polite and attentive. The vibe on the inside is a mix between a traditional French bistro and a casual cocktail bar. The east side of the restaurant is the whole bar whereas the west side is where all the tables are, as well as outside seating.

For my starter I chose the Steak Tartare and it was very good. I wish there was more bread on the side to spread but the taste and quality of the meat was perfect. For my entrée I chose the grilled Branzino and was very impressed. It was two large pieces with smooth mashed potatoes and herb roasted asparagus as sides. I have been having too many desserts recently so I skipped the option last night but they had chocolate soufflé and a toffee date cake on their menu that I plan to get in the future.

All around a good experience and someplace I would return. The pricing is fair and if you’re a fan of French bistros you will like this one as well. Parking is also very easy depending on the day and time but I had absolutely no trouble for my 7PM...