208 Rodeo

04/17/09

Take a break while shopping on Rodeo.

by dzagat at Citysearch

This place is a great stop while shopping on Rodeo. They have a great host Fernando, super friendly. He gave us a great table for our group and even gave us directions later and took a picture of our group. Great guy and great place.

• Pros: Great Drinks

12/29/08

We'd steal Chef Mahon to Chicago - yes, it's THAT wonderful!!!

by IrishNoonan at Citysearch

Chef Joseph Mahon is a gem. My husband and I dined at 208 on an overnight layover for our honeymoon. Couldn't decide on what to order, so I asked our waitress, Annette, to ask Chef to cook whatever he'd like. The menu itself is a grand selection of regional California mixed with Tuscan delights. Our meal was phenominal - a perfectly cooked duet tasting of lamb and the chicken spitzel with curry pasta. Bread is warm, crusty outside, tender inside. Excellent presentation - Personal attention, equisite attention to detail, fresh, well-balanced food all make 208 Rodeo a wonderful experience. Go there for dinner - AVOID the "scene" crowd that comes at lunchtime. The night air with a lovely bottle of wine coupled with the twinkling lights of the plaza add to the romantic flavors.

Having dined at some of the best restaurants in the country (from Bolo in NY to Tru in Chicago) we know that some dishes are "owner choices" and not necessarily what a chef would like to cook. The mark of a truly great chef is one who cooks "that" dish with the same passion and attention to flavor and detail as the dishes he holds closest to his heart. Bravo, Chef Mahon!!! You gave away your little secret and we couldn't have been happier - it reinforced our appreciation and awe in your culinary prowess. We'd like to steal you away to Chicago!

• Pros: Exquisite menu and execution of all dishes, reasonable wine list, perfect service.
• Cons: Parking garage can be hard to find - it's off Dayton Way east of Rodeo.

11/17/08

Amazing new chef Joseph Mahon has completely revamped the menu. Delectable food, great service, great place!

by sophiac3 at Citysearch

208 Rodeo recently hired Joseph Mahon to serve as its new executive chef - and he has created an amazing new dinner menu. His salmon with an artichoke emulsion is to die for, as is the kampachi tartare - and many of the other new menu items. Ignore the older negative reviews of this place - I can assure you they are inaccurate and outdated. If you have been here before, it is well-worth another, or multiple visits as it is nothing like the old 208 Rodeo. Mahon has infused the place with a tremendous amount of creativity and culinary expertise. We will definitely be back again! Yum!

• Pros: Food, Service, People watching, Outdoor dining in Beverly Hills, Unpretentious, Complimentary valet parking on Dayton Way off of Rodeo.
• Cons: Can't think of any....