Tasca Restaurant
(323) 951-9890
8108 W Third St
Los Angeles,
CA
90048
34.0721
-118.366
Neighborhoods: Beverly Center, Central LA
What People Are Saying About Tasca Restaurant
The Editor
Alison Kramer
Citysearch
The Scene
Tiny tea candles glint alongside silver flatware, ornate mirrors, and cinnamon-hued banquettes, adding an elegant sparkle to the small, cavernous space. Enamored couples linger at two-seater tables, while relaxed regulars swirl wine at the sommelier-manned bar. Plates arrive a la carte, sometimes at a slower-than-preferred pace--a shortcoming that is allayed by the earnest, charismatic servers.
The Food
Partitioned simply into small and large plates, the one-page menu offers both classic and inventive Spanish fare. Beyond requisite cheese and charcuterie plates, notable apps include aromatic saffron mussels, decadent black sausage, and a savory--though somewhat chewy--fava bean, ham and sherry saute. House-made angliotti is accented simply with sage, butter and harmonious black truffles. Short ribs are a house favorite, although the accompanying butternut ravioli in mascarpone sauce makes the dish more of a hearty meal than a light, sharable starter. Grilled pineapples and bananas make for a fresh, palate-cleansing finale.
Hits: Unprententious, affordable, flavorful fare is presented by friendly servers, and the wine list is inspired.
Misses: Although some crowds may enjoy the hubbub of a bustling bistro, those seeking intimate dining may feel suffocated on a Friday or Saturday night.
User Reviews
yumyumbk
February 12, 2009
My friend and I wanted to get a glass of wine so we decided to try Tasca the other night. In total, we had an app for $12, four glasses of wine for $7 each and one glass of wine for $9. Our bill was $77. I'm not the best at math but when I calculate this it comes out to $49. The waiter said it was because there were "tasting" charges and "glass" charges. Before we ordered two of the wines, he gave us a miniscule taste (which most good places do) and I'm praying that these "tastes" didn't total $28. He tried explaining the bill but we didn't' understand it and were so annoyed that we paid it and vowed to never go back again. I've had better food and wine at other winebars for less than $77, Disappointing because I really wanted to like this place.
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pisana
January 13, 2009
Walked in for dinner around 7:30 on a Saturday night sans reservation, got seated right away. Nice host, charming waiter. Ambience lovely, good music, cozy lighting. Place filled up, seemed like a fun mixed crowd. But service really slow, food crawled out of the kitchen at a snails pace. The wine was good, but we had to drink a ton of it because our food wasn't arriving. In my mind the thing with Tapas is you order a bunch and the plates all just keep coming. Also food very salty, and honestly not that great - the 'moules frites' was really drab, kinda funky, and the fries were tough and bland. My husband ordered a large plate fish dish; super small portion, nothing else on the plate, no potatoes, no green beans nothing. For what we ended up spending, wouldn't go back. And I know it's 'Spanish Food', but seriously dismissive of vegetables, and practically nothing for Vegetarians. Too bad because we live in the hood...
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Koib
November 16, 2008
Celebrating a birthday at Tasca is just a horrible idea. Our group wasn't seated until nearly 10 PM, which was 40 minutes after our so-called reservation. The service was atrocious! We were very hungry but they refused to bring any bread until after we ordered (which took another 25 minutes). The server was pompous, insulting and could not answer simple questions in a straight forward manner. He was completely inattentive to our needs. Their dishes were overpriced and inconsistent. My brother and his girlfriend described their experience as eating "expensive airline food." The highlight of the evening was discovering a miniature crab in one of my mussels - no joke. I brought our displeasure to the attention of the Maitre D. But rather than try and smooth things over and make us feel appreciated or important he attempted to defend their horrible customer service. It was insulting! He could've cared less when I told him that I would never come back nor recommend the restaurant to anyone. Never before have I left a "nice" meal feeling like an idiot. But after my experience at Tasca I can't believe I wasted so much money and time at a place that clearly doesn't value my business. NEVER AGAIN!!!
read full reviewThe Details on Tasca Restaurant
What to Drink:
Get a big taste of the dozen-plus wines for a fraction of its bottle price. Pair different tastes with varying tapas for a genuine wine bar experience.
Where to Sit:
What the narrow dining space offers in ambiance it lacks in audibility. Grab a seat at one of the six sidewalk tables for cooler, quieter conversation.
When to Go:
Some of the brunch dishes are particularly interesting. Stop by Saturday or Sunday to sample dishes like truffle egg toast, brie and mushroom frittata and butternut squash risotto.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Outdoor Dining, People Watching, Date Spot, Group Dining, Notable Wine List
