(323) 460-4170
5955 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles,
CA
90038
34.0835
-118.3303
Neighborhoods: Hollywood, Central LA
Providence
What People Are Saying About Providence
The Editor
Tara Lis
Citysearch
A veritable institution in L.A., this nondescript structure might not look like much from the outside, but inside you'll be treated to some of the best seafood on the West Coast. Comrpised of a series of separate, elegant dining areas--including a subdued lounge and a private chef's table--along with the main room and the covered patio, the pared down space (think beige-brown hues and absent artwork, save for scattered clusters of porcelain and ceramic seashells along the walls and ceiling) softly buzzes with servers who float about with easygoing charm. Chef Michael Cimarusti transformed…
11/03/09
Amazing Food, Annoying Service
by Goldie M
For the record, the food at Providence is truly incredible. There’s a dish featuring these ginormous langostino shrimp cooked under a mound of piping hot rock salt tableside that truly has to be tasted/seen before your life expires. Too bad the humans who make up the waiter and maitre’d staff aren’t 1/5 as appealing as the crustaceans they’re serving. The best way to sum up our EXTREMELY expensive dinner at Providence – one that we anticipated with excitement for weeks leading up to the meal as friends and family talked up their encounters with the salt shrimp and other delicacies – is to quickly quote an exchange my Grandpa (the nicest gentleman you are apt to encounter this of Gandhi) and our waiter had regarding a menu heading entitled “Hand Corked Beers”. Grandpa: “I’m wondering, what exactly is a ‘Hand Corked Beer’?” Waiter: “Exactly what it sounds like.” Not exactly the kind of ingratiating dialogue you expect when a restaurant is asking you to pay $40+ for a plate of food – and lets just say it set the mood for the type of service that followed. Really really a shame since it was such a culinary delight. But, sadly, not the type of treatment I ever care to have the privilege to pay for again.
- Pros: Best Shrimp You Will Ever Put in Your Mouth
- Cons: Worst Attitude You Will Ever Pay $120 For
11/02/09
Number one in tasting menu
by jrizal
If you've got the money, this is the place to go for tasting menus. Period.
- Pros: the food
- Cons: the price
08/07/09
Great experience
by yat221
My fiancee and I went to Providence to celebrate our engagement, and it was the perfect spot for a special occasion. Great service from friendly, knowledgable wait staff, and the food (i had the prawns and chowder) was amazing. It's definitely pricey but well worth it for a special occasion.
- Pros: great food and service
- Cons: pricey
The Details on Providence
Where to Sit:
The main room is the epicenter of the action, but can get loud on busy nights--request seating in the patio room for a more intimate experience. Don't get relegated to the small, remote alcove behind the bar.
Parking:
Valet parking is available on the Cole side of the restaurant, but street spots can usually be found in the neighborhood.
What to Drink:
The by-the-glass wine selection is generous. Try the $40 Domaine Vrignaud Chablis 2002, great for multi-fish pairings. Corkage is $15.
Notable Chef:
Michael Cimarusti
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