Reviews & Ratings for California Canteen

02/25/11

GREAT MEAL AT "THE CANTEEN"

by MARIEPEA

LOVED IT!! I'm tired of reading how "uppity" the wait staff is, dear ones - that is called professional!! AND the food was delicious - we had escargot appetizer, yummy, buttery, garlicky and tender. I had beef bourginone, tender slow cooked, melt in your mouth comfort food. My partner had the chicken breast with mushrooms, again - tender, tasty, great portions with plenty to take home!! The Creme Brulee served

in a big warm bowl, was simply the best we've ever had!! 5 stars - GO now!!!

02/04/10

They don't need your business

by changeforabuck

Ate here once before, totally forgettable experience. But today I can't even comment on the food because out of principle I will never come here again. Who has ever heard of a restaurant refusing to make change for a dollar so a diner can put money in a parking meter so he can eat at aforementioned restaurant? Especially in LA where parking meters are ubiquitous, one would think restaurants would do what they can to encourage diners to eat at their establishments. Well, apparently the owners of California Canteen don't want your business.

On a quiet Thursday lunch, as I was being seated for a table for two, I was told by the curmudgeon I assumed was the owner or manager that he would not "give me money." Now, I wasn't asking for a handout, I wanted CHANGE FOR A DOLLAR. Even as I held the menu he said I could be lying to him for all he knew, and how did he know I was really going to eat here? Seriously? I thought he was joking, but no, he refused to give me change for the meter so I could SPEND MONEY at his restaurant. He kept telling me I should use his valet, who I assume lines his pockets.

I laughed, went next door to the convenience store and got change and when my friend arrived I told him we'd be going somewhere else for lunch. So, in the midst of a recession when people are cutting back on their dining out, this [insert your own expletive] at California Canteen lost a $30-$40 lunch tab (and all my future business) because he lacked the common decency to make change for a buck.

Baffling, unreal, stupid and petty. If you want French bistro food in the neighborhood, go to La Poubelle on Franklin. I bet they'll give you change for a dollar...

• Pros: Nothing
• Cons: Everything

06/17/07

A hidden gem in Universal City - Deeeelicious!

by margotblack

What a rare treat to find a such a neighborhood gem. I love this place. Extraordinary food and fabulous decor. Reminded me of being in Basque Country with all the Spanish and French influence. Comfortable and stylish without and pompous pretense, it made me feel like I was in a great neighborhood cafe -- in Europe. A delight to the senses and the palate. Has a great feeling for a professional lunch (eclectic, creative) and at night it's both understated and romantic. You would never guess what's inside from the outside, I thought we were going to a burger place when we first stopped by. I highly recommend it, in an age of cookie cutter, copy cat restaurants -- this one is unique.

• Pros: Delicious food, great decor, love the European influence.
• Cons: A little confusing to figure out how to enter the valet at first.

European-inspired neighborhood hangout with an eclectic menu and colorful decor.

by Contributor

In Short
This lively cafe features three dining rooms packed with Parisian kitsch: posters of cancan dancers and bullfighters, mirrors, clocks (all set to 10 minutes till eight) and dusty wine bottles add color and character. European menu influences aren't limited to France, though. Plates of antipasto overflow with marinated artichokes, eggplant and mozzarella; green Spanish olives accent chicken stuffed with veal and pork. Traditional tiramisu and espresso are fitting desserts or afternoon snacks.

• Pros: good atmospheregreat wine list
• Cons: spotty service

09/07/06

Not unless you like it hairy...

by unoriginalbrand

The sangria here is great. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The ambiance is really cool. Very relaxed, but nice. The food was passable, but 2 of our dishes came with hair in it. Not acceptable for a highly rated restaurant. They were very nice and gave our table an extra dessert, but I would have rather enjoyed my ordered food minus the hair.

• Pros: SANGRIA
• Cons: Hair. Ick. Parking.

08/20/06

Good food, BAD service.

by musey

I have been twice now, one on a weekend night and once on a weekday afternoon. The food is good, and recommendable, but not really anything special with so much else to choose from. I would go back again except that the service, both times, was TERRIBLE. I am a waitress so I know how hard it is--and how hard it ISN'T--to be a good server.

Our waiter today didn't show up to give us menus (ever). We went and got our own after about 10 minutes. He showed up after another 10 minutes or so to take our drink orders and then disappeared again. The good thing is that the food came out very quickly, under 10 minutes. After he brought our food, we never saw him again until 20 minutes after we had FINISHED eating, and he seemed miffed when we asked for the check.

Overall, if you're in a patient mood, I would recommend it for the food. But if you're a person who ever gets annoyed at sub-par service staff, it will happen here... so be forewarned.

...P.S. I had my dog with me (we were sitting on the patio) and imagine my shock when I checked what he was chewing on and pulled a piece of BROKEN GLASS out of his mouth. Yum. He picked it up from the shards that I later found under my chair.

• Pros: Food, cheap valet, ambience
• Cons: Horrible service F-

12/29/05

Paris in LA

by vsernas

I have been hooked since the first time I visited ten years ago and have returned many, many times! A side from the food they have the best service in L.A and Fredo is the best waiter. He's always available for suggestions if you're a new comer and makes you feel right at home. The New Year's menu is always my favorite. In October try their pumkin creme brulee...you will lick the spoon, the plate and be tempted to order another.

• Pros: Food , Wine , Service

10/03/03

Best-kept secret in L.A.

by waddley

A true French restaurant amid the strip-malls of Universal City, the Canteen is an oasis of French cuisine and culture. The servers are friendly and helpful, and the cuisine can't be beat -- especially at the Canteen's reasonable prices. Try the soups, the spinach balls, the quiches, and be sure to sample a glass off their long wine list! The desserts are great too. A perfect restaurant for a romantic meal with that special someone, at a price that lets you pick up the tab!

• Pros: Excellent food, Excellent service, Inviting atmosphere

01/12/03

delicious

by amyg

Had a LOVELY dinner here at this gem of a restaurant. Fabulous seafood in a luscious lobster sauce & yummy french onion soup. Really good service & a comfortable atmosphere. I highly recommend it!

11/14/02

OLAY'O'LAY

by barhopfly

Yes! Hands down one of the best kept secrets around Universal City. Although you can't just have drinks at the bar, but you wouldn't want to miss out on the appetizers and the main dishes. Also, you must order a pitcher of the San Gria, you'll feel like your in Italy!