(310) 473-2222
2024 Sawtelle Blvd
Los Angeles,
CA
90025
34.0407
-118.4432
Neighborhoods: West Los Angeles, West LA
What People Are Saying About Sawtelle Kitchen
The Editor
Nicolas Rabinovitch
Citysearch
In early 2007, this once kitchen-sized Japanese restaurant was converted into a higher-end eatery but still retains the warm, homey atmosphere of the original. The crowd has an eclectic feel, with local businessmen eating alongside artists, families and ladies who lunch. The romantic patio is a couples-favorite in the early evening, when the western sunset dimly shines on its candlelit tables. Blurring the lines of cultural cuisine, Italian and American dishes are prepared with Japanese ingredients. Plump, shell-clad black mussels are steamed in sake and seaweed, and a cold, lemony-fresh whole…
11/28/07
good lunch spot
by famousblueraincoat
never went when it used to more casual, so can't compare but i had a nice lunch here one day with some coworkers and tried diff stuff. lunch specials are good value, usually about $8.50 each and include soup, salad and rice. i like the 1/2 chicken best, very moist, while the snapper was ok but not remarkable. my spaghettin with roe was interesting, not sure i'd repeat, more of a novelty. wine list is very good, obviously someone knows what they are doing. i think corkage is reasonable. it's gets crowded at lunch. i don't think they take rez, so get there early or be willing to sit solo at the bar. service is good. patio is nice on pretty days.
- Pros: good food, value lunch deals, nice wine list
- Cons: busy at lunch, not as cheap as it used to be
11/18/07
Why is this place so busy?
by marpop
I've only been to this place once, but for me, all it takes is one bad impression. Though it's probably the cutest looking restaurant on the Sawtelle strip, the food is not good. I had the chicken lunch special and just as I had feared, the chicken was all nerve-y and cartilage-like. Gross. The cold artichoke appetizer was unusual but not necessarily tasty. All I kept thinking was, why is this place so busy??
- Pros: Cute exteior with a cottage-like setting
- Cons: The cartilage-filled chicken
09/29/07
Yum!
by role
Very cozy, and tasty. Our server was pleasant and the food came out very quickly. Pastas were great and for dessert, I had the blackberry champagne sorbet, which was tasty.
The Details on Sawtelle Kitchen
Look Good:
When it gets busy, service tends to be rushed. If you are having several courses, ask your waiter to pause between them so the table doesn't get too crowded.
Save Time:
At lunch, they only take reservations for parties of five or more. To beat the rush, arrive right when they open at noon, or when the crowd starts to dwindle after 1:30pm. The small counter usually has free spots even during the rush.
What to Drink:
The restaurant serves an impressive array of domestic and foreign wines tailored to the Asian-inspired food. Corkage is $15. There's also a small selection of Japanese, European, Tahitian and American beers.
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