Rustic Canyon Wine Bar
(310) 393-7050
1119 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica,
CA
90401
34.0247
-118.4916
Neighborhoods: Wilshire Montana, West LA
What People Are Saying About Rustic Canyon Wine Bar
The Editor
Martha Burr
Citysearch
In Short
Heavy dark woods, organic materials and high white ceilings create a romantic atmosphere. Votive candles flicker and a jazzy global beat plays low while the young Santa Monica crowd chills at the wine bar, in the small crowded lounge, or at tables and booths. Owner Josh Loeb spring-boarded off hosting wine dinners in his home, and he personally rotates boutique selections gleaned from small-production vineyards around the world. A seasonally driven Cal-Med menu features ingredients from local farmers and fishermen. Sharing is encouraged and the enthusiastic waitstaff is savvy about pairing wine to each dish (or person). Appetizers include a subtle pizzetta of salami and wild greens, or bolder flavors like sliced filet mignon with silky horseradish cream. Mains are light and pleasing, especially the crispy wild snapper prettily nestled in a bed of shaved fennel, or a meadow-y spring risotto with English peas, asparagus and fresh morels.
User Reviews
senoritabonita
January 04, 2009
A friend of mine recently introduced me to this gem of a restaurant in Santa Monica. Since we had nothing planned for New Year's eve (the holiday is overrated anyway), we decided to celebrate at Rustic Canyon with a small group of our closest friends. What a great time we had! We pigged out on eight exquisite courses -- including succulent oysters, fresh tortellini, and sinfully delicious dessert. Near midnight, the friendly (and good-looking) staff passed out tiaras, hats, horns, and of course flutes of champagne. We counted down and toasted to the ending of a crappy year and the beginning of a new year with promise. By the way, my friend had warned me that the one downside to Rustic Canyon is that when it gets busy (and it's always busy), it is impossibly loud in there. But we were pleasantly surprised to see newly installed sound absorption panels on the ceiling. We had no trouble hearing one another on New Year's. Guess Rustic Canyon is pretty good at taking customer feedback, so speak up. I do!
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kg115
January 02, 2009
My cousins were visiting from manhattan with their two kids, ages 5 and 9. Quite the little foodies! Due to their busy schedules, we had only one night to spend together. As a proud, life-long westsider I wanted to share with them something I felt represented santa monica at its best. It was a no brainer. I took them to rustic canyon! As expected, everything, from the persimmon salad to the special butter pasta hand made to order for a finicky 5 year old, to the perfectly cooked skirt steak and deliciously crisp fries with aioli, was on point. Even the house made pickles that that come with the impressive burger are a delight. The wait staff was amazing. My little cousins wanted to take our waiter, Gabe, home by the end of the night! Not only is he good with kids, he makes a mean latte. As if everything wasn?t already good enough, we ended our night with zoe nathan?s amazing pastries. We ordered the banana cream pie, apple rhubarb crostata and cookie plate! The banana cream pie, with its perfectly flakey crust, slightly salty caramel and rich vanilla pastry cream, is probably the best you?ll ever have in your life. The cookie plate is an experience in and of itself. Just like the restaurant, it has a little something for everyone: tastefully tart lemon bars, caramel wedges, mini chocolate cupcakes, a delightful cream puff, fruit crisps, ginger and chocolate chip cookies galore! Rustic Canyon, thanks for being something consistently good in my world!
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SantaMonicaFoodie
December 09, 2008
I used to be a regular at Rustic Canyon, but the place has really gone downhill since the old chef Samir left. The once great burger is now a sad excuse for a meal. The fries are soggy. McDonald's has better fries! Why did the new chef ruin a good thing? You have to wait forever to get your food and the new chef is always standing by the door flirting with the hostess. It makes the customers uncomfortable and by the looks of it, the hostess is uncomfortable too. Maybe the food would come out faster if he were in the kitchen, not standing around blocking the walkway. I walked by on a busy Friday night, willing to give the place another try, but when I saw the chef standing over the hostess shoulder while paying customers wait for their food, I kept on walking. The owners sure made a mistake and ruined what used to be a great place.
read full reviewThe Details on Rustic Canyon Wine Bar
Where to Sit:
Three booths against the far wall offer the most privacy and sound cushioning (unless one of them is hosting a particularly loud group), while the airy window tables take in the night view of Wilshire outside.
What to Drink:
Besides an ever-increasing list of small-production wines offered by bottle and glass, there's also a list of specialty sparkling cocktails made with artisan ingredients like lemongrass and ginger, organic cucumber juice, and muddled mint.
Parking:
Street parking is highly competitive--save time and use the affordable valet.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Late Night Dining, People Watching, Date Spot, Group Dining, Dine At The Bar, Notable Wine List, Bar Scene
