The Butcher's Daughter — Restaurant in West Hollywood

I visited The Butcher’s Daughter on Melrose with high expectations, given its reputation for serving clean, thoughtful, and good quality food. Unfortunately, my experience was nothing short of disappointing and concerning, especially considering the specific reasons I chose this restaurant.

I arrived for a late lunch to meet a friend from New York, both of us being long-time vegans and working in the fashion industry. The moment was meant to be special as my friend introduced me to her six-month-old baby. However, the experience quickly soured when the waiter, a middle-aged man whose name I can’t recall, began pressing us to order almost immediately. I requested more time, but when I finally placed my order, what followed was a series of mishaps that left me questioning the standards of this establishment.

I ordered the Mediterranean breakfast, and to my dismay, the plate arrived with no regard for the fact that I have a garlic and onion allergy—a dietary restriction I take very seriously. The waiter never asked if I had any allergies, which is a basic expectation, especially at a vegetarian/vegan restaurant where people often dine specifically because of such restrictions. When I began eating, I found that the cucumber salad under my eggs was not just cucumber, but rather pickled cucumber with an overwhelming amount of pickled onions—about 60% onions and 40% cucumbers. This was never mentioned on the menu. Also their tahini tasted old and like fermented, cheese like, really disgusting. And not proper to human consumption in my opinion… and I cook tahini all the time.

When I pointed out the issue to the waiter, he responded with a rather lackluster apology, admitting that the dish was indeed “fully onion” and asked if I wanted to order something else. Under the assumption that my original dish would be replaced or canceled, I reluctantly agreed to order the avocado toast. The waiter kindly brought it out and even offered two drink tokens, which I politely declined since I don’t drink alcohol. However, what arrived was far from what the menu described: a plain slice of bread with avocado, lacking any salsa, sauce, arugula, or anything else listed. It was an insult to be served something so basic and uninspired, especially for $18.

Adding to the disappointment, when I requested olive oil from another staff member, I was brought what was later confirmed by the manager to be canola oil, despite the waiter mistakenly assuring me it was 100% pure olive oil. As someone who is half North African, with deep roots in Tunisian culinary traditions, I can confidently say that the tahini served with the initial dish was also of very poor quality, tasting oddly like cheese and unfit for consumption. When it came time to pay, the first dish was still on my check. I realized it after paying and tipping. The manager was called and m reluctant to refund me for it, and only after much discussion did she finally agree. The entire experience was a glaring failure in both service and quality control, which is particularly alarming for a restaurant that markets itself as a place for mindful and healthy eating.

In conclusion, this location on Melrose is a place I cannot, in good conscience, recommend to anyone who values quality food and thoughtful service. My experience was far below the standard they claim to uphold, and it left me questioning the integrity of the entire establishment. If you have dietary restrictions, or simply expect to receive what you’re promised on the menu, I advise you to look elsewhere, because as you may know a lot of customers in vegan vegetarian restaurants have dietary restrictions. And having a clear detailed menu would simplify it, if your policy is (like they mentioned) to not ask for allergies. UPDATE AFTER REPLY OF MANAGER The oil that I took a picture of was the one I got served as a side and I can assure you for your continuous learning and education, that this was not pure olive oil AT ALL. My bill and had indeed to suffer to make it happen… And garlic wasn’t noted as an allergy...

If there’s one place in West Hollywood that feels like a warm embrace the moment you walk in, it’s The Butcher’s Daughter. This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a space where good food, good vibes, and great intentions meet in perfect harmony.

From the second I stepped inside, I knew I was in for something special. The décor is straight out of a dream—imagine a cozy farmhouse got a chic LA makeover. Sunlight streams in through the windows, plants spill from every corner, and the entire place smells like freshly brewed coffee and herbs. It’s the kind of spot where you want to stay for hours, whether you’re catching up with friends or just enjoying your own company.

But let’s get to the heart of it: the food. Oh, the food! The menu is a celebration of creativity and care, full of dishes that feel indulgent but leave you energized. Here are my absolute favorites: • Shakshuka: This dish is like a hug in a bowl. The rich, spiced tomato and pepper stew is perfectly complemented by poached eggs, and the crusty bread they serve it with is practically made for scooping. Every bite is warm, comforting, and deeply satisfying. • Breakfast Burrito: If you’re craving something hearty, this is your answer. It’s stuffed with scrambled eggs, plant-based sausage, avocado, and just the right kick of spice. It’s one of those meals that fills you up without weighing you down. • Greek-Style Eggs: Think tangy feta, fresh herbs, and eggs cooked just right, all paired with soft, warm pita bread. It’s simple but unforgettable—a little slice of the Mediterranean right here in LA.

And don’t even get me started on the drinks. Whether you’re sipping on one of their fresh cold-pressed juices or a velvety golden latte, everything feels like it was made with so much care. Even their coffee is next-level—smooth, rich, and paired perfectly with their vegan pastries.

What truly made my experience unforgettable was Haley, our server. From the moment she greeted us, she made us feel so welcome. Her warmth, attentiveness, and genuine enthusiasm for the menu were unmatched. Haley didn’t just recommend dishes—she told us why she loved them, and every suggestion was spot on. She checked in at just the right moments, making sure we had everything we needed without ever interrupting the flow of our meal. It’s rare to find someone who clearly loves what they do, and Haley’s energy truly elevated the entire experience.

This place isn’t just about food; it’s about an experience. It’s where sustainability meets creativity, where every bite feels like a celebration, and where you leave feeling better than when you walked in. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just someone who loves good food, The Butcher’s Daughter deserves a spot on your must-visit list.

And trust me, your taste buds (and your soul) will thank you. Special thanks to Haley for making it an experience I’ll never forget!

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (because six stars...

Restaurant was fine but gets a 1 star rating for price fraud. They add a surcharge of 4 percent on all orders (and then take tax and tip on top of that extra) for "employee health".

This is just a way of being deceptive with prices. Employee benefits are a cost of doing business. Raise your menu prices if you want but don't make them look artificially lower just so you can screw diners with the bill.

Our server pretended that it would be "illegal" to raise prices to cover health care which is obviously false.

Sure if you read the tiny print in time you can see the 4 percent surcharge and maybe take it off but who really wants to tell someone handling your food that you don't want to contribute to their health care. So manipulative.

What's next? A surcharge for clean plates? For garage disposal? Just be honest about your prices and this vegan family (who enjoyed the food) would be back all the time instead of leaving a 1 star review and never coming back.

UPDATE: I'm sure I will get a response saying that the charge is voluntary, disclosed in the menus, etc. None of which is relevant because

1. It's in such tiny print on the menu that you don't see it, or, in our case, saw it after being there a few times.

2. It doesn't matter that it is voluntary. Who is going to tell someone handling your food that you don't want to pay extra for their health insurance?

3. For the last time, if your prices are too low to cover your labor cost, then raise your prices. It's what every other business in the world does. The only reason to do it this way is to make prices seem lower...