Ortolan
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone: (323) 653-3300
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Kings Road
- Hours:
- Tue-Sat 6pm-10pm
Editorial Review for Ortolan – by Tara de Lis
The Scene
Unrecognizable as Linq, this foodie mecca successfully blends progressive and elegant design concepts. A dark-blue Moorish patio gives way to the cream-colored dining room, with low-hanging ornate chandeliers. In the back, a greenhouse lounge features rows of potted herbs on walls and a roaring fireplace. Waiters in pressed white shirts and teal ties provide professional service; sommelier recommendations are spot on.
The Food
Chistophe Eme melds signature dishes from his days at L'Orangerie and a penchant for innovation, creating L.A.'s best French restaurant since the early days of Bastide. In between, the cuisine is superb, starting with rabbit meatballs, bursting with flavor, plated with spicy crawfish, luscious rosemary gnocci, unified by creamy burrata. Crispy langoustines cocoon inside an ultrathin egg roll-mimicking crust, crunching beautifully. Another signature dish, the duo of squab entree, is superbly tender, and the expertly roasted skin-on John Dory tans on a hot river stone. Desserts are universally phenomenal.
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Insider Tips
Look GoodThe dim lighting can make it difficult to read the menu--ask for one of the special mini-flashlights.
Where to SitThe private table in the lounge accommodates up to 12, and can be reserved for special occasions. For a more unusual experience, sit at the long communal table in the raised front room.
What to DrinkAsk the sommelier for by-the-bottle or by-the-glass suggestions. The markup is pretty reasonable.
User Reviews for Ortolan
04/27/2008 Posted by beachgirl2008
I have been to many of the french restaurants in the area and WOW! Ortolan is as good as all the reviews I have read and better! I was there last week, during the spring menu. I had the lobster with morrel mushrooms, I have to say it was absolutely incredible! Chef Christophe and his highly competant cooking staff are truly gifted artists! The presentation is artistic and impeccible. The staff are very well versed in describing the mouthwatering morsels about to delight your tastebuds. Do not forget dessert...definately do not forget any of the desserts! From the first glass of pink champagne to te final sip of coffee, Ortolan is truly a dining experience no true connisuer should miss! I would expect nothing less from the L'Orangerie kitchen, but got so much more! Chef Christophe is a very nice, easygoing, proud new daddy! Congratulations Christophe and Jeri!
Pros: Everything
Cons: Not one!!!
02/27/2008 Posted by crazyforcocoa
I had great expectations for this French restaurant and was very disappointed. The entrees were too salty and my dessert was dry. The wait staff was rude, especially the sommelier. Overall our dining experience was definitely not worth the price! I would suggest going to Melisse instead where you will definitely enjoy a true French fine cuisine.
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