Bora Bora

10/11/08

Favorite restaurant in Manhattan Beach

by brandilynr at Citysearch

This was my absolute favorite restaurant in Manhattan Beach. Great Food. Great atmosphere. Excellent service. The owner was amazing, warm and friendly. The Mac and Cheese was the absolute best thing I have ever tasted!! I just read that it is now closed. What a terrible shame. One of the things I was going to miss most when we moved last year was that Mac and cheese. What a great place it was.

• Pros: Mac and Cheese, The owner, service
• Cons: none

07/14/08

It closed its doors. A very sad day for El Porto

by OskarsDad at Citysearch

Wonderful place, wonderful food, wonderful owner....very sad to see them go. The building is still empty, a sad reminder.

• Pros: None anymore
• Cons: It's closed

04/23/08

Hidden Gem

by krazytrails at Citysearch

I've been coming to Bora Bora for years now and every time I go, I am reminded as to why I believe this restaurant is the best in the south bay (some restaurants start off good and then go downhill...i.e. Mama D's and Towne in manhattan beach). I've been so pleased over the years that I became overwhelmingly compelled to write this review. Every dish that is served is here is delicious. Hands down they serve the BEST mac and cheese dish. It is made with at least 4 different cheeses and comes in a cast iron skillet....warm and yummy with enough for 4 (the half portion is more than enough for 2). I've tried their steaks, fish, chicken in addition to their appetizers and all are delish! The service is friendly, the place is quaint as well as cozy and not crazy packed. If you are driving down Highland you will pass right by it and that's what makes it a hidden gem. All the locals love it here. Everyone that I bring is very satisfied and impressed. When I was waiting for my friend to arrive, I was approached by 3 different staff members and asked if I needed help. This is good customer service. If I had to find one negative it would be desert selection. They only serve 1 desert (chocolate torte) that appears to be pre-made because it arrived at our table quite chilled as if it has been in the refrigerator. If they offered more selection in that area, it would be perfection. Thanks Bora Bora for being consistent throughout the years.

• Pros: Great Service, Delicious Food
• Cons: Limited desert selection

08/18/07

A Buzzing Review --

by dirtymartinii at Citysearch

We went there at around 6:30 on a Thursday night anticipating a great dining experience because we heard good things about the restaurant. However, it didn't turn out as we expected. Besides us, there was one other patron. In the heat of the summer, the a/c was not turned on, flies and gnats were flying about, hovering above our foods and drinks for more than an hour.

A little more than an hour later, a few other tables were filled. Some cool air from the a/c was finally felt... but by then we were done with flies, gnats and food.

We spent most of the night swatting flies and didn?t really appreciate what otherwise would have been a great meal. We were very disappointed with the selective service.

Although the staff was aware of the annoying flies and gnats, they didn?t do anything to make our meal enjoyable. This is a one and done place for us.

• Pros: Prompt seating
• Cons: No a/c with flies and gnats

06/27/07

Amazing cocktails..oh, and the food is amazing too

by laverita at Citysearch

Went here for my birthday with some friends and had the Peach and Pomegranate Martini with a star fruit placed on top, one of the best martini's I've ever had. Great steak and salmon as well as a fantastic atmosphere. Worth the price (expensive, but not a rip off). If you like good food in a lad (put an i in between the a and d...city search said it was an inappropriate work) back atmosphere this is the place for you. Call ahead for reservations though because there can't be more than 10 tables (all booths) in the entire place.

Enjoy looking at the dried blowfish lamps hanging over your table too, you can't find those in too many restauants.

• Pros: Amazing food and drinks
• Cons: I can't eat here every night

06/17/07

My #1 favorite restaurant in LA

by veggieppl at Citysearch

This restaurant is a great place to go for something exotic. I really love salmon and I get it everytime I go here. The Bora Bora salad is also the most amazing salad I have ever had!!! From what I hear they have the best ribs too.The owner, Ron does an excellent job of making sure that you are enjoying your meal. He really makes you feel comfortable in his restaurant. Everyone I have gone there with has absoultely loved it and everything they have eaten. I strongle recommend the flourless chocolate cake too.

• Pros: wonderful staff, excellent food romantic atmosphere
• Cons: I really can't think of one

03/26/07

Totally Satisfied

by kailua913 at Citysearch

My Wife and I just had our first visit to Bora Bora but it will certainly not be our last. A visiting business colleague spoke so highly of the ribs and macaroni and cheese that our curiosity got the best of us and boy are we glad. We were warmly greeted by the owner Ron when we arrived and were quickly served by Yvonne, who could write a book about how to totally satisfy your guests. We couldn't choose between the rib-eye and the ribs so we ordered both along with the creamed spinach and macaroni and cheese. We also ordered the lettuce wedge salad. "Melt-in-your-mouth" is so over used but I can't think of a more descriptive phrase to express how great the food was. So well seasoned that neither my wife or I reached for the salt/pepper. The prices were very reasonable and the ambience made us feel as if we were guests in Ron's home. We found both Ron and Yvonne very personable and extremely hospitable. I would go on but my wife is calling me to say she's warmed up what we brought home(the portions are very ample) and I can't wait. I've already called my friend from back East to thank him for the recommendation. I have little doubt that you are in for such a treat.

• Pros: Ambience,Customer Service
• Cons: Parking

Trendy Manhattanites gather at this lively island-style bistro.

by Contributor at Citysearch

In Short
A sheer curtain leads patrons from the bar back to a dimly lit dining room where intricate woodcarvings lean out from blood-red walls and schools of illuminated blowfish lamps drop down from a bamboo-lined ceiling. Pan-Asian and other eclectic creations drive the menu. House-favorite entrees include shellfish-stuffed filet mignon served with cheesy broccoli-studded risotto, seared ahi with sticky rice, and baby back pork ribs rubbed in Polynesian-Cajun seasoning and smothered in spicy barbecue sauce.

11/28/06

Best Rib-eye ever!!! Hot Bartender!!

by dtrunzo at Citysearch

The ambience is amazing and the food is ten times better. The prices are reasonable compared to how excellent the food is. An added bonus is the very attractive weekend bartender that greets you as you come in!

10/25/06

Best Steak in Los Angeles

by dkronfli at Citysearch

This is by far the best restaurant in Los Angeles. The service is excellent and the food is the best I have ever had. There is a nice selection of wine and at least 15 different unique beers to choose from. The Rib Eye steak melts in your mouth and the ribs are amazing. Everybody that works there are really friendly and the bar tender is by far the coolest guy I have ever met. Ron (the owner) does an excellent job of keeping a perfect ambience and being extremely friendly with all the customers. Overall, I would recommend this restaurant for its excellent food, drink, and service!

• Pros: Food, Service and personable staff.
• Cons: NONE