Max
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Phone: (818) 784-2915
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Dixie Canyon Avenue
- Best of Citysearch:
- Fine Dining 2005, Pan Asian Food 2005
- Hours:
- Sun-Thu 5:30pm-10pm, Fri, Sat 5:30pm-11pm
Editorial Review for Max – by Jennifer Schwartz
The Scene
Area code aside, there's nothing 818 about Max. The small, sophisticated space gleams with an off-white palette and New York-chic design scheme. Daters beware: Crammed tables fill up on weekend nights and resonant chatter bouncing off mirrored walls can be a conversation-killer.
The Food
Adding Asian, French, Latin American and Indian influences to standard dishes, Chef Jason Mattick knows no boundaries with his seasonal menu. Settle in with the tea-smoked salmon appetizer, smooth strips of house-smoked fish served with baked-in egg brioche; or the exquisite ahi towers, slices of crimson tuna atop crispy rice circles. Move on to a luscious New York steak, a generous cut festooned with feisty peppercorns. Pastry Chef Jan Purdy deserves mention; her tantalizing flourless chocolate cake is worth the Valley schlep alone.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
What To DrinkMax features an impressive wine list, with 10 by-the-glass selections.
Happy HourLounge during weekdays from 4pm to 7pm.
User Reviews for Max
06/22/2008 Posted by chachartis
I used to love this place. It was a hidden gem in the valley. Not so, anymore. I've given it-- hate to admit it-- 3 chances since a bad experience there, thinking it would get back on its feet to where it used to be. Nope. The attitude of the guy on the phone was unwelcoming when I called to ask about the hours-- he said they'd close 'around 9.' He hung up without saying goodbye. Against my better judgement, we went in for dinner that night. The service was super-rushed... to the point that it was just embarrassing. The food lacked the flavor and innovation it used to have. The prices were high, the portions were smaller than ever. And as for the server... let's just say he creeped my date out with strange comments and a wandering eye. Avoid Max.
Pros: None anymore
Cons: Too many to count.
11/19/2007 Posted by traceyharris
Max is a fantastic little find in Sherman Oaks. Owned by the same man that has Senor Freds down the street, Max is quaint so never too loud, however I would recommend sitting on the outside heated patio. It is covered in little white lights and can be very private. The food is fantastic. The seared ahi tuna is amazing, and my date had the ribs. You can never go wrong with what you order because it is always fantastic. The wine selection is good as well. You won't be sorry you went to Max!
Pros: quality, service, and taste
Cons: none
