Saddle Peak Lodge
Calabasas, CA 91302
Phone: (818) 222-3888
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Piuma Road
- Best of Citysearch:
- Proposal Spot 2008, Romantic Dining 2007, Romantic Dining 2006
- Hours:
- Wed-Sat 5pm-10pm, Sun 11am-3pm, 5pm-10pm
Editorial Review for Saddle Peak Lodge – by Tara de Lis
In Short
Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains just north of the Pacific Ocean, this rustic carnivore's haven is unique even among L.A. restaurants. First opened over 100 years ago as a place for hunters to bring their kill, it was transformed into a special-occasion favorite in the 1980s. The menu consistently provides gourmet spins on meat and fish dishes like poached line-caught Alaskan salmon, roasted elk tenderloin and mesquite-grilled black angus coute de boeuf.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Where to SitBask in the glow of Hemingway's favorite hunting lodge hearth by reserving table 5.
Look GoodThis is a "fancy" lodge--no sandals, sneakers or jeans.
Know Before You GoHolidays and weekends can book up months in advance. Reserve early to ensure your table.
The ExtrasA beautifully landscaped patio proves popular for weddings and parties; if it's big enough, they'll cancel Sunday brunch for your event.
User Reviews for Saddle Peak Lodge
04/24/2008 Posted by foodfest4life
"Living on its reputation! One big disappoinment! I have been wanting to come here for years now, I thought my fiance's birthday would be the perfect occasion to visit, seeing how he loves game. Anyway, I made a reservation and requested a nice table and let them know it was his birthday. I guess that part didn't register. We were sat next to a crying baby (not there fault, but wouldn't havent taken too much commom sense not to seat us there). My view was of the ladies room door with a bright florescent light shining my way. We could barely talk above a quiet whisper because of the atmosphere. We tried to let the table situation go. My salmon reminded me that they were clearly having an off night. It was served luke warm at best. The salmon I got at trader joe's last week was more tasty than this pitiful 3 oz peice. I will say my fiance liked his elk. We ordered dessert thinking maybe they could redeem themselves at this point. We could barely get it down. The smores themed dessert was worse than the something my 8 year old cousin bakes out of the box. The brownie in it must have been 4 and a half years old. Gross. The Kicker and the reason we are giving it only one star: I called today to tell the manager about my experience because it was bothering me so much. (I didn't want to say anything last night because I really couldn't have wanted to leave more.) I told him how excited we were about coming and basically everything I just wrote. He was welcoming of the information but respoded with, "oh well next time you come in I'll buy you a dessert and get you a great table" . You are going to buy me a dessert. I just spent $170 on cardboard and cold fish and you are going to buy me a dessert? Your dessert stinks! I thought some sort of compensation other than another desset would have redeemed the situation and I definitely would not be on yelp venting about this place. Anyway, I really think this restaurant is overrated.
Pros: Good service for LA
Cons: Atmosphere on 2nd floor, FOOD
01/26/2008 Posted by dvdbosch
I am also amazed at the Michelin star. We went there last night for a friend's birthday dinner, so we kept the complaining to the staff at a minimum (did not want to spoil the evening), but this was a very mediocre experience with an extreme price tag. I agree with the previous review; it's the small things. Things like opening a second bottle of the same wine, then pouring a taste in the previous wine glass (minor faux pas), then pouring the new wine into everyone's half full glass of the previous bottle (major faux pas). It's just one example of a night full of mediocre service. The food was bland, the portions small, the meat tough and there were no interesting appetizers. Seriously, the meat in the main course (buffalo NY steak, tiny portion, $44) was tasteless and extremely chewy. Deserts were especially sad. On the plus side, their wine list is fun, full of hard to find US wines. They claim the average per person dinner price (appetizer, main course and desert) is $55. That's plain false advertising. The cheapest app is $14, the cheapest main $40 and all deserts are $12. That's $66 for the cheapest option. Expect $200 - 300 per couple with wine. This place COULD be great! I really hope they read these reviews and shape up. The Michelin star is a very high honor, and they need to do a major overhaul to truly deserve it.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
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