The Upper West — Restaurant in Santa Monica

Reopening here means pared down hours (dinner only five nights a week) and a pared down menu from Chef Nick Shipp that is SENSATIONAL! It was like "coming home" to have a dinner in the glassed in patio in front of the open French windows with the partners and chef greetings. We took suggestions and were ecstatic. Chef Nick enhanced each dish with the rest of the ingredients: Sweet & Spicy Spare Ribs with samba-honey glass, watermelon and cilantro. Grilled Artichoke Hearts with an ethereal citrus aioli that is as stunning in color as in the mellowed, tart flavor, fennel pollen, parmigiana-reggiano and herbs. The Coffee Crusted Kurobuta Pork Tenderloin with goat cheese mashed potato, a citrus semi and roasted jalapeño apple sauce proves this hearty dish is just as appealing the summer as any time of the year. And so is the Adelaida Cab (2016) from Paso Robles that just always has to be on the wine list (by the glass and bottle). Welcome back and may the pandemic remain at bay to keep open! We missed you so much!

Still great food and mostly to-go! We LOVED the burger box from Texas chef Nick Shipp -- and ate the entire thing including corn on the cob, potato chips, potato salad (the best!), burgers, watermelon and cookies! A big energy, inspired, glorious rustic space with rotating community art hanging on the wall (open house when it changes seasonally) ... same staff since they started a few years ago who makes you feel at home..a bar the length of one wall has a long list of wine, beer, cocktails...We LOVE the whole fish and the burger, and your vegetarian friends will be even more delighted with their new...

This is my second review of what I believe to be one of the best restaurants in Los Angeles. Being an amateur chef myself, a big foodie, and having a very elevated palette, The Upper West also usually amazes my friends, family, and business associates.

The Upper West has been a gem in the community for about 15 years now. Recently, within the past year or so, they have offered private tastings or pairings to their email subscribers.

So far, we have been to the Glenfiddich and Balvenie Scotch tastings, and just this past month to the Komos tequila tasting. These are elegant experiences that allow guests to sample multiple products from the beverage sponsor while pairing them with the creativity and talents of chef Nick Shipp.

The beverage sponsor sends a knowledgeable representative to describe each drink, how it's made, and what makes it special. Then, chef Nick describes the food plate that has been served to pair with that drink.

It's a wonderful experience, and I've done it three times with close friends, and I will continue joining these memorable events if they have them in the future. There have been rumors of the restaurant closing next month, which is another reason why they deserve the community's support if the community wants them to remain open.

I will say the first two dishes at the most recent tequila tasting were not up to par, but the sea bass entree and dessert more than made up for them. At the previous Scotch tastings, everything was five stars.

A big thank you to Fred and Elad who always make us feel like we are at home. See you again for...

Upper West is an absolute gem. From the moment you step inside, the moody, romantic atmosphere sets the tone: dim lighting, cozy corners, and classic old films flickering on a projector make it feel both timeless and effortlessly cool.

I came here for a large birthday party, and the staff could not have been more accommodating. They were attentive without being overbearing, seamlessly taking care of everyone and making the night feel special. Every detail feels thought through, which makes the whole experience seamless. The staff truly makes this restaurant magical.

The cocktails alone are worth the trip. The espresso martini was flawless. It was smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced. Pair that with their food, and you’re in for a treat. The spicy ahi tuna over crispy rice is a standout. It was fresh, flavorful, with just the right amount of heat. I would order this again and again, every time! The grilled octopus was another highlight, tender and perfectly charred with a depth of flavor that shows real finesse in the kitchen. You can't miss with the way this seafood is prepared.

Happy hour here is also incredible, being so well priced, with delicious bites and cocktails that pair perfectly together. It’s rare to find that kind of quality at such a value.

I can’t wait to go back and try more of the entrées. If you’re looking for a place with delicious food, beautifully made cocktails, and an atmosphere that makes you want to linger, Upper West delivers...