Cafe Pinot

Doesn't Recommend

citynic

Joined 6 years ago

Terrible Service, Terrible Food. We went to Cafe Pinot before going to the theater. Our waitress was unprofessional, telling me the house wine was"drinkable" (though I found it to be quite good!). She was slow and really didn't know the menu very well. My mother's meal came out wrong, and did not look appealing. My friend's steak was great, but everything else on the plate was nothing special. I had the crab cake which was luke warm and not that tasty. Desert was terrible and stale, and their version of creme brule was aweful! Never going back!!!

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valerie18849

Joined 6 years ago

terrible service. we ate there last night, the food was ok, not amazing. but the service was horrible. the waiter was not attentive, and could not elaborate on the menu items. if it was not for the terrible service, i would think about going back. i eat downtown all the time, they are far better choices.

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smittydan

Joined 6 years ago

Amazing. The best food and service in Los Angeles. Ask for the tall waiter with glasses. Wine selection is amazing, food impecable amd service to dye for.

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mistressa

Joined 6 years ago

Not if You are looking for exceptional French cuisine. We went to Cafe Pinot on Valentine's Day. Searching for "The Best" French restaurants (in LA) online led me to believe that Cafe Pinot would have been a good option. Of course you want to impress your Lover on Valentine's Day, especially if you have taken the responsibility of planning the evening and each part of it is to be a surprise.

Is was not very difficult to get a reservation, though I did call weeks in advance for one. We were seated immediately, with our choice of inside or out. I would definitely recommend outside, for it was a nice setting in the city.

Our waitress was delightful, though not very knowledgeable regarding the special Valentine's menu.

The food was not very impressive at all, but the wine suggestion from our wait staff was. If I can convey, the food was "meh".

The women's bathroom smelled bad and was littered with paper towels on the floor.

Basically the best thing on the predetermined menu was the ravioli, not very 'french'.

The desert was a shared hazelnut something with raspberry sauce....I think, it didn't stick out in my mind.

I remember the desert I had at a french restaurant we ate at 6 months ago better than the one we had last night.

So, in the end, we dropped 3 bills (including wine) on a meal that was so-so. I wouldn't recommend this restaurant, not even for a Tuesday, much less a special occasion.

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jrs847

Joined 7 years ago

Nice. Pleasant and classy, with a nice menu and unusually vibrant street life. It's too bad there aren't more such restaurants downtown.

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fifewolf

Joined 7 years ago

Amazing patio, very good food.. Downtown still seems like pioneer country at night when you see tumbleweed rolling down Main St., but a night at Cafe Pinot can make you forget that LA is still struggling to support an urban core. The food was delightful we had amazing wine with the help of a wonderful waiter and the patio right next to the old library was light with strands and candles. Gorgeous and romantic. It's expensive so maybe it requires an occasion but it was well worth it for a lovely evening.

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ilovesweets810

Joined 7 years ago

beautiful patio, wonderful food, friendly service!. I would highly recommend cafe pinot for a dinner before heading over to the music center. Valet parking was quick, and seating very prompt. Our server was perhaps one of the nicest I have ever encountered, very accommodating and helpful in absolutely everything. Great crab cake appetizer, highly recommended!! I had the osso bucco and my boyfriend had some sort of fish (I already forget!) and they were both well cooked and delicious! Definitely try the panna cotta for dessert if you want something light, it was perfect!!! Right across the street from the music hall shuttle so that was really convenient as well. A lovely start to an evening!

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sweet_indulgence

Joined 7 years ago

Great Place!. The service was great! Our waiter was very attentive and the hostess even kindly asked to take my coat. The Fillet of Beef, Rotisserie Chicken, Tuna Tartar, & French onion soup are not exceptionally great, but decent. However, my friend said the chicken was undercooked. The fries that came with the Rotisserie tasted very delicious though! BTW, use the valet parking. It's only $5. The garage parking is like $7 or something.

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mrpaper

Joined 7 years ago

Great night out. Not kid friendly? Kids eat for FREE! Great wine list with GREAT bottles in the $40-60 range. Best patio dining in So Cal by far. The times I've eaten there the food was always excellent - Mark Gold is a chef to watch. The desserts leave a bit (sometimes a lot) to be desired...but that is the only thing that detracted from the experience. Service was always swift and pleasant. Yes, pre-theatre is a horrible thing, but they do it very well here.

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susanwd

Joined 8 years ago

Location & food were excellant!. I made reservations for Dec 9th and was seated promptly. We walked over from the Biltmore where we were staying so parking was not an issue. The staff & service were courteous & attentive, without being annoying. The patio seating in the gardens outside the Library is the place to sit- a beautiful & relaxing setting. We ordered the duck & lobster bolonese pasta, both were cooked perfectly and flavorful. I was surprised the $12 glass of wine I ordered was even on the wine list because it was horrible and $7 for a bottle of water was a bit extravagant. Other than that, it was an excellant dining experience and I would recommend it highly.