11/07/09

My new favorite steakhouse...

by PJinCO

After my family decided not to make the trip into LA to Maestros due to Friday night traffic, we decided to try something new. Of course Ruth Chris is not far, but we were in the mood for something a little more upscale. We were the first people to arrive to restaurant. We were warmly welcomed (I'm sure having 8 people in our party didn't hurt). The lighted menus were quite useful in a darker atmosphere.

Since none of us are seafood fans we all ordered the "meats" on the menu. The kids all ordered their various sides (creamed spinach, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes) and one dinner item, the stuffed chicken.

Let me start with the mac and cheese for a second. The reason I'm starting with this item is due to an absolutely absurd comment by another reviewer. They called their mac and cheese worse than Kraft's. I tasted at least 4 types of cheeses in Larsen's version. There was some blue in there as well. It was superb. And this is a side dish.

The creamed spinach was average. I also had a Caeser salad. It was average. Mashed potatoes were excellent (but not many ways to get this wrong). The stuffed chicken was a favorite with all 8 of us digging in.

As for the steaks, we had NY, petite filets, and regular filets. Again, without a doubt, the best steak I've ever had. The table agreed. We passed on using the peppercorn sauce (a little overkill). All of us used the excellent bernaise (perfectly made - no separation).

The service and attention were excellent till about 75% of our meal was complete. The restaurant got packed and our waiter went MIA. Even forgot a scoop of ice cream for my daughter. I would still give him an A, but this is something many restaurants have to work on. Larsen's is not an exception.

I wouldn't say the place is kid friendly, but it was a lot more receptive than Maestro's. All of us had a satisfying experience and will return as often as our wallets will allow.

Expect to pay $60-$75/person with a glass of wine and dessert.

• Pros: Without a doubt best steak ever had...
• Cons: After place got packed, service level dropped...

02/10/09

Great Valley Steakhouse

by nswillets

Larsen's is an exceptional steak house with great service and excellent food. The lighted menus are great for those of us who need reading glasses but always forget them. The ambience is wonderful and the staff is courteous and knowledgeable. The steaks are fantastic and the fish items are just as good. They have a very good wine list and the drinks are generous. The owner/chef regularly comes out and asks how everything is and if there is anything they can do to improve the dining experience. Not common in today's environment. Its not cheap but well worth the cost. Highly recommended.

• Pros: food, service, ambience
• Cons: none

08/06/08

Excellent food with excellent ambience

by nallah

I was in the Los Angeles area back in May of this year on vacation from St. Louis and was looking for a good steak house and knowing that on Ventura Blvd. I would come across something. I saw Larsen's Steak House and in talking with friends it came highly recommended so I dined there. I, nor my guest in any way was disappointed in Larsen's. The hostess was very friendly and we were sat promptly to our table. The decor was very pleasing to the eye, soft in tones with elegance. The waiter was very knowedgable and did not hesitate to offer suggestions (of which were good ones). I had the Filet Mignon with Bernaise sauce and Shrimp which was to die for. The filet melted with each bite and the bernaise sauce was the best I have ever tasted. I have been to Fleming's Steak House and Chris's, to me and my companions on that evening rated Larsen's Steak House higher than any other. The originality of the lighted menus and food that is very thought out and prepared to the delight of the customer, it is worth every penny and more to dine at a restaurant that when you leave makes you want more before you even get to the door. I have not stopped thinking about this restaurant and look forward to the day I return to dine again.

• Pros: Food, ambience, service, menus originality, class, elegence, friendly atmosphere
• Cons: none