Santo Silverlake — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Think dim lights casting warm shadows on sleek wood, a gentle murmur of conversation punctuated by the occasional sizzle of charcoal - blending chic sophistication and cozy comfort. I opted to perch myself at the bar to savor the intimate view of the chef's craft.

Act one is ofcourse shishito peppers, a fiery tango of sweet and heat. While they were good, I quickly realized there were greater delights awaiting. The rock shrimp tempura melts away with each delicate crunch, coated with just the right amount of batter. The seared o'toro sashimi reigned supreme, presenting the richest, dreamiest tuna belly delicately kissed by tableside charcoal flames and releasing an intoxicating smoky aroma. It's a melt-in-your-mouth performance, each morsel a haiku of pure satisfaction.

Equally captivating was the nigiri selection. While a myriad of adjectives could be employed to describe each piece - from buttery to silky, lean to vibrant, smooth to sweet - what I will say is they are equally impressive as every piece slides down your throat with ease. It reminds you the restaurant is executing with precision. Sitting in close proximity to the chef he caught wind of my conversation, skeptical about the plant-based fish options and graciously offered a tasting opportunity. The texture, the flavor – it's so close to the real thing. This is creativity and innovation at its finest.

As the final act, dessert should not be overlooked. Matcha brulee, creamy and comforting, is the gentle lullaby but it was the ube ice cream with its vibrant purple hue and subtle earthiness that is still leaving me wanting more long after the last spoonful. Service remained seamless, attentive, without being overbearing throughout. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just looking for a memorable meal Santo hits all...

Where do I start: the food, the vibe, and the staff is unparalleled!! Don't walk, RUN to try and get a spot.

This is hands down one of the best sushi restaurants in LA and they are just getting started. My husband and I came for our 1 year anniversary dinner. The staff welcomed us and immediately served us drinks. We sat at the sushi bar. They have an extensive list of amazing sakis that is served in a wine glass!

I cannot stress this enough - the fish is so fresh, it's immaculate!

The Food: Everything was so good we ordered it all twice!

-Hiroshito Peppers - so bomb with a great crunch -O'Toro - so buttery and soft and they sear it right in front of you -Hamachi truffle hand roll - the sauce is incredible for this! -Hamachi sashimi - incredibly beautiful and delicious -Salmon - again, so buttery and soft -Hamachi Choco - a s'more without a s'more - incredlbe -Ube ice cream - don't sleep on this, leave the room!!

The Vibes: simply sensational.

The Staff: so friendly and on top of it. They knew what I needed before I knew what I needed. You can't put a price on the excellent service.

You need a reservation for the sushi bar. Outdoor seating and the nook inside welcome walk in's! If there's a wait, grab a drink and chill outside. The coolest people are just hanging outside. You never know who you'll run into ;)

Can't wait until...

While the food, service, and atmosphere were homey and well intentioned, the overall experience was marred by operational inefficiencies at the restaurant. Upon arrival with a reservation, the lack of clear hosting procedures was evident. Though a gracious server assisted us, there seemed to be some confusion. The limited menu was further constrained by unavailable items, leading to a prolonged wait for food that arrived with incorrect orders. Despite the errors, the playful approach of the staff softened the impact, and they kindly comped for the mishaps. Regarding the food, the seared fishes had a peculiar metallic mid-palate texture, offering a unique experience that may not appeal to everyone. The menu's fusion of fine cuts of fish with bold flavors like truffle sparked controversy, catering to both adventurous and traditional palates. While Santo's offerings may not suit all tastes, patrons are encouraged to support this establishment as it refines its operations. It is hoped that the restaurant will streamline its processes to create harmony between the front and back of the house, enhancing the overall...