From the archives: L.A. Times restaurant reviews from 2008 and even earlier
- 1
Suddenly, the Venetian actually feels like Italy. B&B is grand but not fussy, with Italian whites to dream over.
- 2
Bistro classics get special treatment in Costa Mesa.
- 3
Two creative chefs bring their personal best to new San Diego County restaurants: Addison and the modern bistro Market.
- 4
Chef Mark Gold, who most recently ran the kitchen at Cafe Pinot downtown, is turning out some terrific food. Who knew he could cook like this?
- 5
There’s something so sensual about Silverton’s relationship to food and her aesthetic that’s entirely her own -- direct, focused, uncompromised.
- 6
At Cut, Wolfgang Puck shows beef’s serious side in a smart, sophisticated setting. What a thrilling addition to the scene.
- 7
Michael Mina masters the art of the unexpected at Stonehill Tavern. It’s so urban chic, you’d never dream you’re in a Dana Point luxury resort.
- 8
Joel Robuchon was at the pinnacle when he retired 10 years ago. Now he’s back.
- 9
At Triumphal Palace in Alhambra, each dish is flawlessly executed. The dim sum is meticulous, the roast pig sublime.
- 10
With subtlety and finesse, Michael Cimarusti hits his stride at Providence.
- 11
With some of the most inspired food around, chef Craig Strong quietly thrills palates at Pasadena’s Ritz-Carlton.
- 12
For those who really know Chinese food, New Concept Restaurant in Monterey Park is the place of the moment.
- 13
At La Terza on 3rd Street, Gino Angelini and his two partners make serious Italian food and wine not just accessible, but irresistible.
- 14
Hiro Urasawa, once Masa’s assistant, masters the art of intricate and exquisite sushi at the former Ginza Sushiko.
- 15
Florida chef Norman Van Aken brings his global palette to L.A. diners.
- 16
At Jar, chef-owner Suzanne Tracht thrives on the discipline of repetition. After two and a half years, she’s hit her stride.
- 17
Vibrant, sexy and relaxed, the new Patina at Disney Hall attracts a lively crowd before and after concerts.
- 18
Whether for omakase or sushi from the menu, Morihiro Onodera delivers a singular experience at Mori Sushi.
- 19
A new chef and sommelier have added energy to Santa Monica’s beloved Valentino. Yet it is still very much a classic.
- 20
At one time, French restaurants were the epitome of fine dining in L.A.
- 21
An amazing artichoke soup with gnarly black truffles and marvelous aged Parmesan shaved over the top.
- 22
The food at the hotel’s restaurant is down-to-earth but contemporary, with big, bold flavors.
- 23
The casual new Japanese restaurant, specializing in skewers of grilled meats and vegetables, is a departure for chef Mako Tanaka.
- 24
Carolynn Spence unveils a homey new menu, but the true dining standout is the romantic courtyard garden.
- 25
Once you get past the quirky way Father’s Office operates, you’ll find a bigger selection of high-end pub grub at its second locale.
- 26
The Wilshire Boulevard restaurant has affordable daily specials, an attentive staff and a talented chef in Sabu Hoshino.
- 27
Paul Shoemaker adds an a la carte menu to the elegant French restaurant.
- 28
Chef André Guerrero smartly transforms his restaurant and puts everyday appeal squarely on the menu.
- 29
Sorry, Charlie, but your Costa Mesa restaurant needs help.
- 30
The new restaurant has a smart seasonal menu, great atmosphere and delicious food.
- 31
The Wine Cask’s ambitious menu reflects the new regime at the restaurant and wine shop. The results? Mixed, but promising.
- 32
Chef Alain Giraud, late of Bastide and before that Citrus, is back in town with a brasserie.
- 33
The low-key bistro packs in the locals with its fresh, seasonal menu and its killer desserts.
- 34
The ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ chef offers sophisticated fare in a glamorous setting.
- 35
Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo from Food Network’s ‘Two Dudes Catering’ show open a restaurant that focuses on meat dishes. They don’t hold back on the sugar and salt.
- 36
Octavio Becerra’s new Glendale bistro-wine bar is just revving up. Its fresh and polished food celebrates California’s great bounty of local ingredients.
- 37
Chef Joshua Siegel took a DIY approach to open his neighborhood place, then built a menu with integrity and charm.
- 38
New chef Julia Wolfson has recharged the original menu with inspiring seasonal dishes in a conversation-friendly setting.
- 39
Chef Nicholas Weber has a way with crudo -- Italian-style raw fish -- and plenty of other smart ideas besides.
- 40
With chef and co-owner Nicola Mastronardi, the queen of the Brentwood Italians offers an authentic dining experience with fresh ideas and classics.
- 41
The beachy restaurant’s scene, an L.A. institution, is home to surf, scene and sunsets. But it may leave you dining adrift.
- 42
The wine-centric restaurant on PCH puts chef Michael McDonald’s kitchen center stage.
- 43
A little ouzo, a lot of mezes, the ocean breeze. You could be vacationing in Greece -- but it’s Malibu.
- 44
The dining room by designer Michael S. Smith and the Cal-Ital menu by executive chef Michael Reardon both emphasize casual simplicity.
- 45
New owners of the Fair Oaks institution have beefed up the menu with comfort food at affordable prices, including more barbecue.
- 46
Beso in Hollywood has the sexy allure of its owner, Eva Longoria Parker. Diners watch and wait for a star sighting.
- 47
Laurent Tourondel’s West Hollywood steakhouse knows the drill: expertly cooked meats and a menu to accommodate all tastes.
- 48
West Hollywood is the latest landing place for Nobu Matsuhisa’s global brand of restaurants
- 49
Chef Marco Cavuoto offers classic Italian cooking at his sleek, contemporary-designed restaurant in Long Beach’s Naples area.
- 50
Akasha proves that a green restaurant can offer healthful comfort food and an appealing urban vibe.
- 51
A chic newcomer to bohemian Silver Lake, LA Mill is outshining every other cafe in town.
- 52
It’s the newest sushi bar on the block. But you’re better off looking beyond the raw fish to Bond Street’s salads, vegetables and main course seafood and meat dishes.
- 53
Chef Michel Richard stages a virtual return, bringing artful cuisine to the menu at Social Hollywood.
- 54
At this French brassiere in West Hollywood, it’s actually quiet enough to talk in.
- 55
Dominick’s offspring in Los Feliz has a warm, welcoming vibe. But Little Dom’s is still finding its way.
- 56
With a new chef at the helm and the bar scene toned down, Wilshire restaurant has reinvented itself.
- 57
The nostalgic restaurant near San Luis Obispo takes pride in homey favorites with a sophisticated flourish.
- 58
With Bar Pintxo, Joe Miller of Joe’s in Venice gives the Westside its closest thing to a true tapas bar: great Spanish wines, ham and fun.
- 59
Flat, round, shell. On the menu at Paperfish, the latest restaurant from the owners of Patina and Cafe Pinot, no fish is safe.
- 60
Former Piccolo chef Alberto Lazzarino’s Hollywood ristorante features Piedmont’s distinctive cuisine.
- 61
In Huntington Beach, chef Takashi Abe ups the ante on Japanese pub-style dining.
- 62
Deft young chef Brien Clements brightens his creative tasting menus with garden-inspired flourishes.
- 63
Co-owned by club entrepreneur Shereen Arazm, it has a scene as hot and heavy as its affordable southern Italian food.
- 64
This twentysomething local favorite has a casual vibe and a healthy heart.
- 65
Chef David Myers’ West Hollywood brasserie is fashionably French and bursting with life. Reservations are a must.
- 66
I heard about it from an O.C. friend: a new restaurant and lounge just opened in Costa Mesa.
- 67
The prime location, vast sushi-fusion menu and white-on-white décor up the ante.
- 68
Time for that important holiday dinner out? As always, Suzanne Goin’s got your back. Nine years in, this chef’s chef continues to delight.
- 69
Alive with vibrant colors, this Restaurant Row newcomer packages Indian cooking with a bit of panache.
- 70
A $250 pizza, black ‘muscles’ in spicy red sauce and an outdoor sushi bar. Honey, we’re not at Schatzi anymore.
- 71
Service is as good as it gets in Los Angeles: From amuses to chocolates, the experience at Bastide is seamless.
- 72
Chef Antonio Mure rides again -- as chef and owner of the casual Il Carpaccio in hungry Pacific Palisades.
- 73
The former Doug Arango’s wakes up and goes casual, with down-to-earth prices and a terrific wine list.
- 74
In Claremont, a passionate chef goes beyond the expected.
- 75
Grab a seat at the bar and jump right in at Silverton and Batali’s lively, high-spirited new spot.
- 76
The landmark terrace restaurant promises a glimpse of the good life.
- 77
Tucked into a graceful converted cottage is a new neighbor worth getting to know.
- 78
Tom Colicchio brings his gutsy, mature cooking and New York style to L.A.
- 79
The party continues six years later. The wine flows, the oven roars, the gang’s all here.
- 80
The crowd is different, but the food at Suzanne Tracht’s new chophouse-under-the-stars hits her same serious marks.
- 81
At the Santa Monica restaurant where Dominique Crenn is chef, you might find mustard frost or merguez foam. Isn’t that romantic?
- 82
Chef-owner Antonio Tommasi, who helped introduce L.A. to northern Italian cuisine, is back in the house.
- 83
The restaurant hits Santa Barbara with a fresh attitude and a Hollywood reputation. Is it ready to settle in?
- 84
Its young chef is reeling in Central Coast locals and wine tourists alike.
- 85
Part of the cityscape for 10 years now, Traxx is a soothing oasis in a splendid architectural setting
- 86
Santa Monica spot has an elegant vibe with an imaginative menu.
- 87
With a new chef and former management back on the scene, the Chateau Marmont’s namesake scorese with lusty pub fare.
- 88
At the poolside terrace, a new chef’s updated chophouse menu brings a grown-up liveliness to the classic Sunset Strip setting.
- 89
Eric Greenspan’s small but changing menu delivers polished California-French, including some especially yummy appetizers.
