Whist at the Viceroy

(310) 260-7511

1819 Ocean Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90401 34.008013 -118.490915

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Neighborhoods: Downtown, West LA

VICEROYSANTAMONICA.COM

Years in business

Established in 2002

Price:

$$$

Last updated 5.03.12

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Hotel Restaurants, Romantic Dining, Trendy Dining, Special Occasion Dining, Fine Dining, Brunch, Outdoor Dining, Upscale Casual Dining, Group Dining

Cuisine:

Mediterranean

What People Are Saying About Whist at the Viceroy

Featured Review

Mar Yvette

Contributor

Regarded as one of the coolest dining spots in L.A.,Whist at the Viceroy might first grab your attention with its green-hued mirrored walls lined with row upon row of fine china, but beyond Kelly Wearstler's retro-glam design is a dining experience that stirs a different kind of palate. The arrival of chef Tony DiSalvo in late 2009 signaled a shift from the menu's New American tendencies to a much more progressive direction with fresh twists on coastal Mediterranean cooking. Flavors are combined in expected ways and every dish is presented with architectural precision and artistic flair:…

Editor's Tips

Parking:
Forgo the expensive valet and park on the street. Metered spaces are located just outside the hotel.
When to Go:
On Sunday, the buffet-style jazz brunch runs 11am-3pm and starts at $35. Reservations are a must.
ambiance
100.0% positive
  1. the scene was hip the decor inviting the food - absolutely amazing.
  2. the ambience is nice and you have a choice of dining in or outdoors.
  3. The big white chairs were comfortable but I felt too far away and had to keep leaning in.
  4. Get the Smore's for dessert they are great and fun to make.
  5. The hostess was gracious, warm, and seated us promptly on the patio - which had great atmosphere and was very cozy.
  6. highly recommend sitting outside, it is very romantic and the landscape is very beautiful and elegant.
  7. This place has it all, a great ambience and very tasty food.
  8. Overall, this is the most romantic environment I've yet to experience.
  9. we couldn't stop taking about it - the steaks are fantastic, the tuna fantastic - the heirloom tomato salad fantastic - great wine list, beautiful decor.
  10. This is a great fancy/romantic restaurant.
  11. Whist is an exquistite escape with its fabulously inventive decor, superior service, and a menu that is both creative and delicious.
  12. What can I say, beautiful decor, great food, this place has it all.
  13. The ambience was cool and the food
  14. Next time I would make a reservation for a table outside and also make sure I plan my day better so that have plenty of time to sit there and enjoy the food, champagne and atmosphere.
dessert
100.0% positive
  1. There was everything that you can imagine including French toast, a wide selection of meats & cheese, bacon, sausages, bread, pastries, smoked salmon, a table full of desert, fresh made-to-order omelets to name a few.
  2. The chocolate and vanilla souffles were very nice to top off a great dinner.
  3. Get the Smore's for dessert they are great and fun to make.
drinks
88.88999938964844% positive
  1. The best dish, however is the popover filled with fois grois and covered with a red wine reduction.
  2. thought that this place is a good place for drinks and dinner.
  3. we couldn't stop taking about it - the steaks are fantastic, the tuna fantastic - the heirloom tomato salad fantastic - great wine list, beautiful decor.
  4. All you can drink champagne for $10, and it was good champagne too!
  5. The wait staff were amazing and we also met the Sommelier, who was so knowledgeable about wine and truly showed a passion for what he does.
  6. We had a few cocktails after dinner at the poolside bar - the bartender, Ben, was great - this place is worth every penny.
  7. The server was helpful with recommending the perfect wine based on our taste and was also helpful with suggesting the perfect entrée to match.
  8. had breakfast here with some co-workers and it was really very lovely, they were attentive, the coffee was awesome, the OJ was really good- they were very accomadating about our picky special orders.
  9. On a side note, I tried to go to the bar one night and the valet was quite rude - said the bar was full and told me to move my car.
food quality
96.14999771118164% positive
  1. The food is great.
  2. The food is outstanding.
  3. The beet risotto was not only amazing in flavor but was the most attractive risotto dish I have ever let my eyes upon!
  4. The food was great I had the Kobe Burger and she had the Salmon.
  5. Next time I would make a reservation for a table outside and also make sure I plan my day better so that have plenty of time to sit there and enjoy the food, champagne and atmosphere.
  6. Whist is an exquistite escape with its fabulously inventive decor, superior service, and a menu that is both creative and delicious.
  7. we couldn't stop taking about it - the steaks are fantastic, the tuna fantastic - the heirloom tomato salad fantastic - great wine list, beautiful decor.
  8. There was everything that you can imagine including French toast, a wide selection of meats & cheese, bacon, sausages, bread, pastries, smoked salmon, a table full of desert, fresh made-to-order omelets to name a few.
  9. The menu looked good but the food was nothing special.
  10. What can I say, beautiful decor, great food, this place has it all.
  11. The lamb chops were noteworthy, although I favor Enoteca Drago just a tad more.
  12. It was hands-down the best meal of the week.
  13. The ambience was cool and the food
  14. but the food and service was outstanding.
  15. The food was wonderful and the service was friendly and prompt.
  16. My wife enjoyed the pumpkin cappelletti, maple, ricotta salata to start, followed by the lobster bolognese, hand cut pappardelle, basil, while I devoured the lump crab fritters, chives, caviar, aioli, followed by braised beef short ribs, potato puree, cel
  17. Awesome food - especially the glazed pork belly.
  18. The Kobe burger is divine, and rest assured all of their ingredients are farmer's market fresh.
  19. good food
  20. Great scene, great food, great service.
  21. The best dish, however is the popover filled with fois grois and covered with a red wine reduction.
  22. Avoid Sunday nights but otherwise fantastic food and service!
  23. I've eaten much more interesting food that was much better prepared and cost much less (our water bill alone came out to $48 for 6!
  24. the scene was hip the decor inviting the food - absolutely amazing.
  25. Sunday night's meal was not as spectacular but the food overall is still good.
  26. This place has it all, a great ambience and very tasty food.
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. The menu looked good but the food was nothing special.
  2. According to our sever, Executive Chef Taite Pearson has an extensive culinary background, and has worked among some of the countries top chefs including Joel Robuchon.
  3. There was everything that you can imagine including French toast, a wide selection of meats & cheese, bacon, sausages, bread, pastries, smoked salmon, a table full of desert, fresh made-to-order omelets to name a few.
  4. Whist is an exquistite escape with its fabulously inventive decor, superior service, and a menu that is both creative and delicious.
overall
100.0% positive
  1. What can I say, beautiful decor, great food, this place has it all.
  2. This is a great fancy/romantic restaurant.
  3. thought that this place is a good place for drinks and dinner.
  4. We had a few cocktails after dinner at the poolside bar - the bartender, Ben, was great - this place is worth every penny.
  5. best restaurant in Santa Monica, by far.
  6. The service was good too, boucners seem a bit aggressive, but other than that, great place!
service
91.66999816894531% positive
  1. The staff was attentive and personable.
  2. On a side note, I tried to go to the bar one night and the valet was quite rude - said the bar was full and told me to move my car.
  3. think Sundays are bad because the chef is not in and they have a smaller staff.
  4. the service is nice although not as attentive as i would like.
  5. Avoid Sunday nights but otherwise fantastic food and service!
  6. Whist is an exquistite escape with its fabulously inventive decor, superior service, and a menu that is both creative and delicious.
  7. On one hand the service was great.
  8. The server was helpful with recommending the perfect wine based on our taste and was also helpful with suggesting the perfect entrée to match.
  9. Great scene, great food, great service.
  10. The service was very attentive
  11. the service was impeccable, I never had to ask someone to lift my water bottle and refill my glass.
  12. The service was good too, boucners seem a bit aggressive, but other than that, great place!
  13. the service is fabulous.
  14. Our waiter was very attentive & made sure we were well taken care of.
  15. but the food and service was outstanding.
  16. The food was wonderful and the service was friendly and prompt.
  17. Truly a wonderful setting, with knowledgable and genuinely friendly staff.
  18. Upon arrival, we were seated immediately, our server, April, was wonderful and attentive.
  19. We had a few cocktails after dinner at the poolside bar - the bartender, Ben, was great - this place is worth every penny.
  20. The hostess was gracious, warm, and seated us promptly on the patio - which had great atmosphere and was very cozy.
  21. The wait staff were amazing and we also met the Sommelier, who was so knowledgeable about wine and truly showed a passion for what he does.
  22. Good people watching too
  23. had breakfast here with some co-workers and it was really very lovely, they were attentive, the coffee was awesome, the OJ was really good- they were very accomadating about our picky special orders.
  24. Unlike the other reviews I've read here, we had fantastic service - attentive but not intrusive.
value
66.66999816894531% positive
  1. would highly recommend whist for an intimate evening or with a great group of friends, as the portions could definitely be enjoyed family style.
  2. This was a poor value on every level.
  3. We had a few cocktails after dinner at the poolside bar - the bartender, Ben, was great - this place is worth every penny.
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

09/05/11

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1 Star Rating: Poor

06/17/11

A special day ruined

by Sdancer2

I was there for Mother's Day Brunch. I would call is a "mini" brunch. The food was good but hot entrees could have more choices. It was only one serving station - meat curving. There were no your usual omelet or pasta stations. I would still give 3 stars for a nice decor and quality of food but gave only one star overall because of the limited selections,

poor service and a very unfortunate experience with the manager:

1. Wheat bread was not among the items, only while bagels. I asked for wheat bread. It was given to me in a napkin while I was standing in a buffet line with a plate in my hand. One would expect it to be brought to the table, on a plate. But it did not

matter after all because it was taken away by a waiter/busboy soon after I brought it to the table.

2. Utensils were removed from our table when plates were cleared out but new utensils were not provided. We actually had to hunt for utensils :).

3. Soup spoons were not to be found.

4. No one checked later on if we needed anything.

5. The restaurant employee at the hostess stand was short with me when I asked her a question. It felt like the restaurant was doing you a favor just for letting you in and we should not expect anything beyond that.

The restaurant adds 20% tip automatically to the bill - what is the incentive to be courteous to patrons, to be respectful?

I could almost see their point: if we were foolish enough to come there to expect a nice brunch with a pleasant service, we've got what we deserve :).

6. A waiter brought our bill in the middle of our meal though there were no reasons to rush us because there were a number of tables available. It almost felt like most employees were not aware that they were working in the hospitality industry :).

I have made attempts to reach a general manager or any manager or employee at Viceroy hotel/restaurant on the phone telling their operator that I'd like to relay my comments about my brunch experience - no one was interested in talking to me. I went ahead and left a detailed voice mail for a restaurant manager that she could make some improvements if so desired.

I did not want to be contacted and did not leave my phone number.

The most upsetting part came when the restaurant manager called me. To get my phone number, the manager contacted my son through his reservation info and told him that I did not like my Mother's Day Brunch. It was cruel! She did not have to reveal to him that I did not like the restaurant. This manager happens to be a woman, maybe even a mother herself. She did not offer me an apology.

Now my son is upset, I am very upset... I enjoy and value our time together very much and for obvious reasons I did not tell him about my dislikes about the restaurant..

It was a big mistake to contact the restaurant trying to help them to improve their service. Well, no more good deeds ... at least for a while :).

Followup on June 21, 2011: After 1.5 months of many ignored phone calls and emails to various managers I received a phone call with an apology and was offered a refund.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

10/30/09

$25 Wine Lover's Nights - great deal!

by advicedoc

Saw their ad and decided to check it out. Yep, it is true...over 100 wines on sale on Mondays & Tuesdays for $25 in the restaurant! Love these recessionista offerings particularly at a very swank place like The Viceroy. The wine list includes names like Cakebread, Sterling, etc. Good people watching too

  • Pros: Wines that are priced up to $100 for $25!
  • Cons: Only on Monday & Tuesday nights-but hey!
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

12/27/08

Whist has a new Executive Chef!

by warren2009

My wife and I recently dined at Whist at the Viceroy for our wedding anniversary. We knew there had to be a new chef based on the innovative menu selections. According to our sever, Executive Chef Taite Pearson has an extensive culinary background, and has worked among some of the countries top chefs including Joel Robuchon. Much to our delight our selections were as good as they sounded. My wife enjoyed the pumpkin cappelletti, maple, ricotta salata to start, followed by the lobster bolognese, hand cut pappardelle, basil, while I devoured the lump crab fritters, chives, caviar, aioli, followed by braised beef short ribs, potato puree, celery leaves, horseradish. We were also impressed by the extensive wine list. Last but not least we enjoyed Honey-Pistachio Profiteroles
greek yogurt, saffron, market figs and Cherry Upside-Down Cake
walnuts, vanilla, malt. I would highly recommend whist for an intimate evening or with a great group of friends, as the portions could definitely be enjoyed family style. I have a feeling we were in the presense of future celebrity chef, foodies run don?t walk!

2 Star Rating: Below Average

05/25/08

Definitely not the Best Sunday brunch!!

by puddingyy

This restaurant was rated the best Sunday brunch. The Sunday brunch is about $50 per person and it?s like an all you can eat buffet style. There are not that many selections, my boyfriend and I were the first two that got into the restaurant for their Sunday brunch. However, most of the food weren't hot. Like the egg benidicts, steam clams were all in room temperture. It?s over priced and the food quality is below average. For those who have tried TAPS in city of Fullerton. You would not think Whist has the best Sunday brunch. If you are foodies?.this is not where you want to have your Sunday brunch. For $50, you can spend it at somewhere else and get better quality of food.

  • Pros: Stylish decor through out the restaurant
  • Cons: Not worth of your $50 for your Sunday brunch

The Details on Whist at the Viceroy

Place Categories:

  • great food
  • great fantastic service
  • great place
  • beautiful inventive decor
  • best fancyromantic restaurant
  • helpful server
  • not too salty foie gras
  • creative menu
  • loved whist
  • personable wait staff
  • comfortable big white chairs
  • fun dessert
  • enjoy champagne
  • great atmosphere
  • creative superior service
  • very beautiful landscape
  • amazing experience
  • recommending perfect wine
  • full bar
  • very attentive waiter
  • quite rude valet
  • best meal
  • divine kobe burger
  • nice ambience
  • wonderful april
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