Carlitos Gardel Restaurant

(323) 655-0891

7963 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046 34.0838 -118.363

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Neighborhoods: Melrose, Central LA

Price:

$$$

Last updated 6.04.11

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Family-Friendly Dining, Live Music, Notable Wine List

Cuisine:

Argentinean, Steakhouse, Italian

What People Are Saying About Carlitos Gardel Restaurant

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

Argentine restaurant specializes in steaks, chicken, homemade pastas, salads and garlic fries; extensive wine list available.

ambiance
100.0% positive
  1. Great food, great wine, great atmosphere.
  2. Live music (a nice duet of piano and violin), and an atmosphere that transports you back to Buenos Ares in the 1940's.
  3. There is a nice, comfortable buzz in the air, the feel of many regulars returning for great steaks and a fine selection of wines.
  4. This cozy Argentine Steak house offers the best steaks in town.
  5. They also have the 48 oz bone in rib-eye which is fun to share at a very reasonable price.
  6. The food is top-notch, the service is wonderful, and the ambience is soothing and just right.
  7. They have a Tango night too which creates a great ambience for dining Argentine style!
  8. warm, inviting atmosphere.
  9. romantic atmosphere great meats and pastas ,elegant and friendly service, if you want to impress people by inviting them out it sure is the place, not to mention the desserts are to die for
  10. No matter what you want in a restaurant, be it atmosphere, great food, fun and warm atmosphere, or wonderful wine selection, you will find it at Carlitos!
  11. Great food and atmosphere, feels like Argentina!
  12. The atmosphere was also great, mood lighting with dark wood panels; there was also music.
  13. The cozy and elegant ambience is great.
  14. The food is amazing, the atmosphere and service is fabulous and they never disappoint.
  15. Small, intimate, romantic.
dessert
100.0% positive
  1. My favorite is the Vanilla Bean ice cream.
  2. The presence of the family running the restaurant is undoubtedly the huge cherry on the cake!
  3. romantic atmosphere great meats and pastas ,elegant and friendly service, if you want to impress people by inviting them out it sure is the place, not to mention the desserts are to die for
  4. For dessert we were offered some unique cakes and tarts created by the owner herself.
  5. Also, make sure to also have some cafe's and dessert at the end of the night, some of the best latte's and desserts in town.
  6. love the round tables, the live music that is kept at the perfect volume, the flavorful Argentinian steaks, the attention to customer service, the varied and fairly priced menu, and the desserts - all made from scratch by Mom.
  7. To top it off the Happy Birthday song played on the piano was most definately the icing on the cake.
  8. Well informed staff, steaks cooked to perfection, regional wine lists and tempting desserts make this Argentine place a local favorite.
  9. The various desserts featured at the end were tempting, but at that amount we could only admire them with our eyes.
drinks
95.2400016784668% positive
  1. There is a nice, comfortable buzz in the air, the feel of many regulars returning for great steaks and a fine selection of wines.
  2. The maitre d and sommelier are suited and there is a serious attempt to present the country's wines, to good effect.
  3. Great food, great wine, great atmosphere.
  4. Well informed staff, steaks cooked to perfection, regional wine lists and tempting desserts make this Argentine place a local favorite.
  5. The wine list is really good, and when we asked for assistance on Argentine wines the sommelier was very helpful and caring in guiding us to a good priced, hearty red wine from Mendozas.
  6. The wine steward, one of the owner's sons, recommended a fine malbec blend, and did not try to push the more expensive or larger bottles.
  7. The service was outstanding and the wine list was amazing.
  8. No matter what you want in a restaurant, be it atmosphere, great food, fun and warm atmosphere, or wonderful wine selection, you will find it at Carlitos!
  9. forgot to mention the wines are exquisite.
  10. The wine list is really put together with great care; I've never had a bad glass of wine here.
  11. The wine selection althought is outstanding and the service is very polite and not pushy.
  12. The Sommelier was serious and knew exactly what wine to suggest when I told him what style of wine I like.
  13. The steaks most of all had nothing to envy the best ones I had in Buenos Aires, and the wines that were paired with our dinner were more than impressive, some of which I do remember drinking in Argentina.
  14. The service was excellent and the wine selection is so huge that it might take a half an hour just to decide which of the delectable wines you will choose with your meal.
food quality
97.39999771118164% positive
  1. The sea bass and the lamb were excellent, as were the side dishes (vegetables) that were served with the food.
  2. The spinach empanada was scrumptious and the stuffed mushrooms were to die for.
  3. The music was nice, the restaurant was crowded, and the fish was terrible.
  4. Feel like eating a great steak?
  5. From the warm greeting we recieved upon entering, to the very friendly and knowledgable wait staff, and finally to the best steaks we've eaten in ages!
  6. Relax, enjoy your meal, and enjoy the live music.
  7. In other words: I'm Italian, and I know food and serveice very well, and I rarely make exceptions on Italian food, but I do everytime I want to have an amazing steak, I go to Carlitos Gardel.
  8. No matter what you want in a restaurant, be it atmosphere, great food, fun and warm atmosphere, or wonderful wine selection, you will find it at Carlitos!
  9. If you love robust beef and savory chicken dishes with the service of a 5 star restaurant then you must must go to Carlito's Gardel.
  10. Overall I highly recommend this place for anyone interested in Argentina and it's food.
  11. Whether you have one of their famous steaks, their fresh pastas, or one of their specials, you will never leave unsatisfied.
  12. had the strip steak with pumpkin-mashed potatos and vegetables - very good.
  13. I'm talking about the empanadas, the MEAT, the ñoqui, the fish and of course el VINO ARGENTINO, served with elegance and honesty by an exceptional family that makes Carlitos Gardel unique.
  14. The steaks most of all had nothing to envy the best ones I had in Buenos Aires, and the wines that were paired with our dinner were more than impressive, some of which I do remember drinking in Argentina.
  15. love the round tables, the live music that is kept at the perfect volume, the flavorful Argentinian steaks, the attention to customer service, the varied and fairly priced menu, and the desserts - all made from scratch by Mom.
  16. The quality and freshness of the food is excellent, the steaks are unbelievable, the Paella is sublime.
  17. Carlitos Gardel is an Argentine Steakhouse, and as so the best steaks are prepared in Argentine style--with tangy sauces, crisp grilled vegetables, and delicious flavored mashed potatoes or french fries.
  18. One of the best chicken dishes I have ever tasted.
  19. The food is just absolutely worth stuffing your face over, although you want to enjoy everything slowly and take your time, food this good deserves it!
  20. truly authentic Argentine Restaurant
  21. This cozy Argentine Steak house offers the best steaks in town.
  22. Not a big steak person, but my friends who are, claim it's one of the best steaks they've ever eaten.
  23. Well informed staff, steaks cooked to perfection, regional wine lists and tempting desserts make this Argentine place a local favorite.
  24. always order Rib Eye, and for me, a good steak should be where when you take the first bite you are in ecstasy.
  25. Fantastic Argentinian food
  26. We had dinner there last week after reading good reviews, is highly recommended to make a reservation because it is a small place, the service was good and the food was above average.
  27. The filet mignon with marsala sauce was exquisite, along with the empanada and shrimp appetizer.
  28. The actual food was very good, but definetaly not worth the price of admission.
  29. romantic atmosphere great meats and pastas ,elegant and friendly service, if you want to impress people by inviting them out it sure is the place, not to mention the desserts are to die for
  30. The food is amazing and the service is great.
  31. had read the reviews and the zagat and this place had a very high rating for steaks at a lower price than the "famous" steakhouses in town.
  32. also highly recommend the french fries - it's a specialty of the restaurant.
  33. You must share a plate of the best garlic fries this old lady has ever come across!
  34. EVERYTHING tastes so fresh, even the tomatoes tasted amazing!
  35. There is a nice, comfortable buzz in the air, the feel of many regulars returning for great steaks and a fine selection of wines.
  36. great place for a steak.
  37. The service was excellent and the wine selection is so huge that it might take a half an hour just to decide which of the delectable wines you will choose with your meal.
  38. In short, for those whom don't have an in-depth knowledge of the argentinian food it may well be an awesome restaurant but not for me.
  39. one of the best steaks that I have had in years!
  40. Besides the food being so good, the restaurant is just so charming, warm, and full of heart.
  41. They have great Argentinian tapas as starters and their steak beats any steakhouse in Los Angeles.
  42. Very full menu, and everything we tried was really fresh and so uniquely tastey.
  43. If you crave a good steak go to a steak house like wood ranch at the grove or stinking rose on la Cienega which are better values, although I would recommend trying Carlitos Gardel at least once.
  44. Afterwards we had the shrimp salad, which was the best salad I've probably had in 5 or more years.
  45. The food is amazing!
  46. My favorite is the filet stuffed with portobello mushrooms.
  47. Great food and atmosphere, feels like Argentina!
  48. am always on the hunt for my favorite steak place and this one is it in LA.
  49. After the meal I found myself outside trying to understand why this food was so good.
  50. Simply order the chicken and be lost in a cavalcade of tastes!
  51. I've often said that you can make a meal with their appetizers: their empanadas are delicious.
  52. Excellent food and sevice
  53. Great food, great wine, great atmosphere.
  54. The food is top-notch, the service is wonderful, and the ambience is soothing and just right.
  55. From our appetizers to the steaks that arrived at our table, the dinner was outstanding and impressive.
  56. The food was delicious, the portions were large, the staff was kind and accomodating, and the live music was soothing.
  57. The Portabella mushroom with Spinach was excellent amongst many of the dishes we ordered that evening.
  58. Finally a home for good food
  59. Amazing food, wonderful service this Argentine steakhouse should not be missed.
  60. The food is amazing, the atmosphere and service is fabulous and they never disappoint.
  61. very good service, I recommand this place for meat lovers, I always order the skirt steak
menu variety
94.44000244140625% positive
  1. Very full menu, and everything we tried was really fresh and so uniquely tastey.
  2. The wine selection althought is outstanding and the service is very polite and not pushy.
  3. There is a nice, comfortable buzz in the air, the feel of many regulars returning for great steaks and a fine selection of wines.
  4. love the round tables, the live music that is kept at the perfect volume, the flavorful Argentinian steaks, the attention to customer service, the varied and fairly priced menu, and the desserts - all made from scratch by Mom.
  5. No matter what you want in a restaurant, be it atmosphere, great food, fun and warm atmosphere, or wonderful wine selection, you will find it at Carlitos!
  6. The service was excellent and the wine selection is so huge that it might take a half an hour just to decide which of the delectable wines you will choose with your meal.
overall
100.0% positive
  1. romantic atmosphere great meats and pastas ,elegant and friendly service, if you want to impress people by inviting them out it sure is the place, not to mention the desserts are to die for
  2. We had dinner there last week after reading good reviews, is highly recommended to make a reservation because it is a small place, the service was good and the food was above average.
  3. This is my most favorite new restaurant.
  4. This place is my absolute favorite restaurant.
  5. very good service, I recommand this place for meat lovers, I always order the skirt steak
  6. great place for a steak.
return potential
100.0% positive
  1. It was a great experience and we will go back soon.
service
89.58000183105469% positive
  1. The food is top-notch, the service is wonderful, and the ambience is soothing and just right.
  2. The food was delicious, the portions were large, the staff was kind and accomodating, and the live music was soothing.
  3. Amazing food, wonderful service this Argentine steakhouse should not be missed.
  4. romantic atmosphere great meats and pastas ,elegant and friendly service, if you want to impress people by inviting them out it sure is the place, not to mention the desserts are to die for
  5. Well informed staff, steaks cooked to perfection, regional wine lists and tempting desserts make this Argentine place a local favorite.
  6. The service was excellent: if something wasn't quite right, even if you insisted that you didn't need it redone, it was redone anyway.
  7. From the warm greeting we recieved upon entering, to the very friendly and knowledgable wait staff, and finally to the best steaks we've eaten in ages!
  8. We had dinner there last week after reading good reviews, is highly recommended to make a reservation because it is a small place, the service was good and the food was above average.
  9. very good service, I recommand this place for meat lovers, I always order the skirt steak
  10. The service is great, if you're lucky enough to have one of the owners wait on you, then you're really in for a treat.
  11. The service was excellent; definitely recommended!
  12. The service was excellent and the wine selection is so huge that it might take a half an hour just to decide which of the delectable wines you will choose with your meal.
  13. hate snooty model- wannabe waitresses.
  14. The food is amazing and the service is great.
  15. The service was impeccable with the level of attention we received and the restaurant was full, yet we felt as if we were their only guests.
  16. Well; perhaps next time I get more lucky with a good service exelence from other more categoried.
  17. The service was top notch - the waiters were attentive without being intrusive and very accomodating to us.
  18. The wine selection althought is outstanding and the service is very polite and not pushy.
  19. The waitress was also very pushy when selling us the water.
  20. love the round tables, the live music that is kept at the perfect volume, the flavorful Argentinian steaks, the attention to customer service, the varied and fairly priced menu, and the desserts - all made from scratch by Mom.
  21. The food is amazing, the atmosphere and service is fabulous and they never disappoint.
  22. The service was outstanding and the wine list was amazing.
  23. If you love robust beef and savory chicken dishes with the service of a 5 star restaurant then you must must go to Carlito's Gardel.
  24. The service was wonderful, helpful, and warm.
value
88.33000183105469% positive
  1. The service was excellent and the wine selection is so huge that it might take a half an hour just to decide which of the delectable wines you will choose with your meal.
  2. The actual food was very good, but definetaly not worth the price of admission.
  3. The food is just absolutely worth stuffing your face over, although you want to enjoy everything slowly and take your time, food this good deserves it!
  4. The wine steward, one of the owner's sons, recommended a fine malbec blend, and did not try to push the more expensive or larger bottles.
  5. If you crave a good steak go to a steak house like wood ranch at the grove or stinking rose on la Cienega which are better values, although I would recommend trying Carlitos Gardel at least once.
  6. The food was delicious, the portions were large, the staff was kind and accomodating, and the live music was soothing.
  7. The presence of the family running the restaurant is undoubtedly the huge cherry on the cake!
  8. had read the reviews and the zagat and this place had a very high rating for steaks at a lower price than the "famous" steakhouses in town.
  9. They also have the 48 oz bone in rib-eye which is fun to share at a very reasonable price.
  10. My personal favorite is their special noquis which they serve only one day a month, but it is worth scheduling around it, even though their regular noquis does the trick as well.
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

01/22/11

Loved it!

by 007 bond at Citysearch

Was in LA the other night and looked this place up on google. I'm so glad i did. they were so attentive and the food was great. i asked for a milanessa with a small side of gnocchi. OMG! they were both done to perfection! I've had these entrees from NYC to Buenos Aires and these were the best yet. oh and the chimichuri was wonderful. desert was Dulce de Leche pancakes, Wow! you've got to go.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

10/11/10

Perfect in ALL Categories!

by Oranges at Citysearch

I've been to this location two times with family and friends, and both times were amazing! Great food! I had the skirt steak and it was made to perfection! The service is incredible, they offer live music during weekends, and treat everyone like family. Hopefully you'll get to hear the entire family sing together (they're great!) There's no way anyone can leave here without a smile! :)

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

02/16/10

Divine

by ejergens at Citysearch

I hope this place expands it is too small and gets crowded easily because it is TOO GOOD! I had such a lovely time at this place. I had read the reviews and the zagat and this place had a very high rating for steaks at a lower price than the "famous" steakhouses in town. I like that, so we went. I had the most tender, juiciest rib-eye steak. We dont usually go out for steak, I grill them at home. But I was in the mood. It was spectacular!!! The service was wonderful, helpful, and warm. This is obviously a family owned place and they were all lovely people. I hate snooty model- wannabe waitresses....this place does not have that! Thank God! The clientele in this place was way cooler too. Not a bunch of youngsters in trashy clothes desperate for attention as is the case often times on Melrose. AND THE DESSERT!!! OMG! You have got to get the signature dessert "Pastery de Gardel" something like that anyway.....it brought me to tears. I want that again!!!

  • Pros: Food
  • Cons: too small
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

11/02/09

BEST DINING EXPERIENCE GUARANTEED!!!

by Sareen C at Citysearch

I absolutely love Carlito's and always look forward to the opptoruntiy to dine there. The food is amazing, the atmosphere and service is fabulous and they never disappoint....my mouth waters just thinking about it!!!

  • Pros: Awesome food and service!
  • Cons: None!
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

10/16/09

Best Dining Experience!

by Collection Queen at Citysearch

Carlitos Gardel makes dining an unforgettable experience. They have great Argentinian tapas as starters and their steak beats any steakhouse in Los Angeles. My favorite is the filet stuffed with portobello mushrooms. They also have the 48 oz bone in rib-eye which is fun to share at a very reasonable price. On weekends there is a piano player that can play any song you request. This restaurant is perfect for any occasion.

  • Pros: Best Steak, Great Music, Quality Service,

The Details on Carlitos Gardel Restaurant

Place Categories:

  • great service
  • amazing actual food
  • best argentinian steaks
  • favorite unique restaurant
  • favorite steak place
  • great atmosphere
  • impressive wines
  • tempting various desserts
  • great ambience
  • great pastas
  • enjoy certain everything
  • recommended highly
  • great dining experience
  • great atmosphere great meats
  • nice live music
  • full restaurant
  • romantic best romantic evening
  • larger bottles
  • simply order chicken
  • savory chicken dishes
  • uniquely tastey full menu
  • knowledgable wait staff
  • impressive dinner
  • snooty model
  • loved entrana

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