Studio Four29 — Restaurant in Upland

This hurts because we sincerely wanted to love it! We tried this place a few different times to give it a fair chance. My overall take is that I feel like all resources were expended on the beautiful ambiance. The food is disgusting and 2 out 3 times was simply inedible. Although gorgeous, seating is super tight that we have been constantly bumped.... like CONSTANTLY! Our 1st server seemed overbearingly annoyed that we had questions about the menu instead of being dazzle by the pretty decor. When asked where they oysters were from and when they were received, he kept saying he didn't know but they must have just gotten them. We asked if he could find out, he sighed and rolled his eyes and gave us a condescending 'SUUUUURE'... (we love oysters and always ask the same questions when we order them because shellfish can be tricky.) Our server came back with the answers to our questions and we ordered 1/2 a dozen. They were in a large plate on ice with 2 lemon slices, ketchup, and marinated onions that was supposed to be mignonette and placed atop a hot pizza rack... our table was tiny so it took up A LOT of space so I removed the rack and placed the tray on the table. I asked for horse radish, hot sauce, more lemons,and an oyster fork. He told us they didn't have oyster forks and where was the rock salt for the ice?... odd. By this time our drinks had come out as well. My lemon drop martini tasted like medicine so I asked for a diet coke instead. Our server insisted more than 4 times that the bartender would just remake the drink. Apparently I NEEDED to drink what he told me to. I took a sip of the remade drink, it was an overly sweet lemonade that ended up just taking up space. We had ordered the half chicken and glazed pork belly (see pictures). The chicken was ridiculously dry yet had disgusting soggy and seemingly fried skin that was doused in some sort of sauce. It was on top of very overcooked mushy rice and topped with dried lemon slices that were inedible and disgusting. The glazed pork belly was 2 cuts of dry pork with a dollop of bbq sauce on top. We were starving and didn't care at this point so we tried to eat but it was literally inedible. I was seated facing the mirrored wall and there was only 3 other parties when we arrived. I got to watch our server complaining about everything to the bartender and then to the general manager. After about an hour and a half, the general manager came over. She told us that our server was informed of our aforementioned menu questions and they did in fact have oyster forks. She informed us of her title of General Manager over SEVEN times and apologized that 'someone of my CALIBER' had a less than great experience. I made sure to let her know that I don't have any CALIBER I just like to eat food. As a general manager of a new restaurant, wouldn't you be sure to quality check orders leaving the kitchen when there was only a handful of customers?

I'm sorry, this food seems cheap and previously frozen with a microwave doing most...

We were served the wrong appetizer, and when the goat cheese with honey finally arrived, it was completely flavorless and confusing. The wine pour was tiny for the price, with no carafe or side pour—just a deceiving glass.

The worst part was the salmon. It was placed over soggy, bland vegetables and burned on the outside. I took a bite thinking it was a glaze—only to gag from the bitter, charred taste. My husband’s wagyu burger had no seasoning either. The staff was kind and did apologize, even removing the salmon from the bill, but the damage was done.

For the high prices, I expect quality and attention to detail. This is the same owner as Bardot in Claremont, but the execution here was inexcusable. I’d rather drive to LA or OC for a proper dining experience. Unfortunately, I...

Opening week for Studio Four29 in downtown Upland. This brand new spot offers a classy dining room and elevated dishes.

I had the tuna tower, deep-fried deviled eggs, king salmon, and lamb meatballs. I have to say, the salmon and meatballs were divine. The dishes were vibrant with color, plated beautifully, cooked perfectly, and full of flavor.

Once this restaurant gets settled and works out their timing issues in the kitchen, this will be a destination dinner spot. I wish them in their...