A.O.C.
Los Angeles, CA 90048-4307
Phone: (323) 653-6359
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Crescent Heights Boulevard
- Specialties:
- Small Plates, Wine List
- Best of Citysearch:
- Small Plates 2008
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 6pm-11pm, Sat 5:30pm-11pm, Sun 5:30pm-10pm
Editorial Review for A.O.C. – by Martha Burr
The Scene
This chic dining room is all about subdued modern stylings in beige and white--the action peaks at the bustling wine bar, where a handsome Hollywood crowd flirts and buzzes. Those seeking refuge from the scene can seek out the charming starlit patio upstairs.
The Food
The menu is about great wine--and a landscape of Mediterranean small plates to pair with it. Servers recommend two to three dishes per person, and will adeptly pair them with some 50 wines by the glass. A list of dreamy European cheeses range from Sardinian goat to Corsican sheep; the charcuterie bar shaves tender, moist prosciutto and fra'mani salumi. A culinary journey begins with popular bacon-wrapped roasted dates. Perfectly fried oysters arrive crispy outside, creamy inside, offset with tangy celeriac remoulade. Standouts include halibut on a bed of gorgeously roasted peaches with yogurt and pistachio, meltingly tender squid over black rice bathed in bold saffron aioli, and woodsy chanterelles with gnocchi.
Hits: A huge selection of top wines by the glass and first-rate cheese, charcuterie and small plates makes dining casual yet fun and adventuresome.
Misses: Weekends are crowded, so there may be a wait to sit at the wildly popular wine bar. When it's this busy, it's more difficult to sample wines by the glass.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
What to DrinkA prodigious wine list offers some hard-to-find labels from France, Spain, Italy and the New World; one top feature is the off-menu half-glass pour for half the price, which allows for experimentation or a perfect pairing with every dish.
Where to SitLarger groups can reserve the patio in the smaller downstairs back room, or in the upstairs alcove ideal for one long table.
ParkingStreet parking isn't easy along this stretch--your best bet is the $5.50 valet.
User Reviews for A.O.C.
09/08/2008 Posted by LeDouxNot
I'm sorry, but I have to step in. There are obviously enough great reviews on here to let you know the true nature of this place, but anyone whose review says they'd rather eat Lean Cuisine at home obviously doesn't have the taste buds to even be allowed through the door. This place is fantastic, the servers are all really knowledgeable, and everything is made very well. The beer and wine list are awesome, and while it is a bit loud, most trendy places in LA are, so don't go to a trendy place if you don't like that. Overall, the prices are totally fair for the quality, and if you happen to get an off server, ask for a different one; I've never had poor service. Perhaps another tip for receiving quality service is to refrain from asking for "hot sauce"; despite popular opinion with the Lean Cuisine crowd, it's not Uncle Darrow's.
Pros: Great food, knowledgeable staff, good beer list
Cons: A bit loud, but it comes with the territory
04/26/2008 Posted by salsucks
Actually enjoyed the food but it felt like dining in an airplane hanger. Loud as hell, real losers - t-shirt wearing with no-manner types - dining there, and a pretty lousy attitude by management and wait staff. Baffled about all the 5-stars. Is there some ballot-stuffing going on here? Try some other places, the environment is so awful here that this one's a definite pass.
Pros: Pretty good food
Cons: Jackhammer loudness, t-shirt loudmouth loser customers, weak waiters
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