05/14/09

Haute Cuisine at Its Best

by meghanbell

We have been hitting the food scene in LA for many years now and were thrilled to find the exuctive chef from L'Orangerie, Christophe Eme, had opened his own gem on 3rd street. The staff aresuperb-French service without being pretentious or overly intrusive. The amuse bouche of soup and eggplant caviar were lovely and a great way to kick off the meal. On our first visit, we went with the 10 course tasting menu and wine pairing and were not dissappointed. The wines were an excellent compliment to every course. We were even more touched that the Chef, Christophe, came out and greeted us and spoke with us. He was charming and it really made us feel welcome and happy to be there. It is part of the reason we continue to come back-he adds a personal touch to every thing and you feel like you are an appreciated customer and diner rather than just another check on the table.

We have since returned many times and have always had a great meal and experience-be it Valentine's Day, a birthday, or just a Wednesday evening having a small bite to eat at the bar. While this restaurant is incredibly romantic, we have had many fun filled family meals or business dinners here as well as drinks and nibbles with friends. The atmosphere lends itself to all sorts of different occasions.

I highly recommend the short ribs-they beat Daniel Boulud's by a long shot. The egg with caviar is not to be missed. Chef Eme's classic fois gras terrine is also a great way to start a meal. I for one, am a huge fan of all he does with his desserts. The souffle is always a good bet, but the seasonal desserts, like the current one, Rhubarb and Raspberry, is to die for.

The staff are lovely and work hard to let you know that you are guests. The sommelier is very knowledgeable, with vast experience-don't let his boyish looks fool you. He is truly an expert. We often put our wine choices in his capable hands.

We can't recommend Ortolan enough!

• Pros: Cuisine, staff, atmosphere, location
• Cons: None

03/24/09

Favorite fancy (and relaxed) dinner spot in town.

by RSP

I've been to Ortolan several times over the last two years and it never disappoints. My dining companions and I always go for one of the tasting menus (6 or 9 course) which are delightful haute cuisine and we usually do the wine pairings too. The menu changes seasonally but the mainstays are always somewhere to be found: some wonderful variation on foie gras as well as chef Eme's soft cooked egg (one of my favorite things), served in the shell with caviar and whipped cream mixed in with the egg (served with a demi-tasse to scoop out every last bit).

On my latest visit the chef graciously adjusted the tasting menu to better pair with some very old, special wines we brought (the cork fee is $25 per bottle, up to two bottles). He added a pork belly confit that was heavenly and short ribs that fell apart when my fork touched them. Eme's signature dessert is a custard topped with 'caviar' size pearls of fruit gelee served in a caviar tin--so fun and always super delicious.

The main dining room is a confection! Gorgeous off-white, high-back banquettes line the room and small chandeliers hang over each table. The room is fancy and inviting and the light is very warm. The floors look like old reclaimed wood so the contrast is wonderful.

The smaller, second dining room just off the main room, looks like an old wine cellar with its brick walls and wood floors. This is a great room for larger parties of 4-8 people.

Deeper into the restaurant is a cozy, dark bar, one wall lined with herbs -- it has a lovely earthy feel to the room and dinner guests often drift to the bar for a short break between courses. An extension of the bar is a lounge room with a large velvet couch and chairs next to a large fireplace. This is a great spot for drinks and dessert if you just want to stop by and check the place out.

• Pros: Perfect service, spot on coursing and food/wine pairings.
• Cons: It's pricey and worth every penny.

10/17/08

Ortolan is Awful - way too full of itself to be good anymore

by apatron1234

I have been to the finest restaurants in France and...This place was awful - We went to Ortolan when it first opened, was nice- We ate there a month ago and it had changed- The menu hasn't changed one bit in 2 years but, the staff and the attitude has. The waiters don't speak English well and can't explain the complex dishes- The portions are so small as to be obscene- The cheese plate includes 3 "TINY" pieces of cheese - so thin as to be translucent- I kid you not. When I mentioned this to the waiter - he told me - "Oh I can be generous" I will give you an extra piece ? Can you Imagine? Christopher Eme comes out and saunters around the dining room and waits for people to tell him how wonderful it is- but, is not actually interested in feedback- I have written to the restaurant directly and received no reply. And all this for only $300. maybe that?s why Michelin guide only awards it one star

• Pros: nice setting if you don't mind the power going on and off all evening
• Cons: too many to list

09/22/08

L'Orangerie alum debuts high-concept French restaurant amid the pedestrian stretch of Third Street.

by Tara Lis

Set among the shopping and dining bustle of Third Street, this foodie mecca blends progressive and elegant design concepts. A dark-blue Moorish patio gives way to the cream-colored dining room decked out in low-hanging chandeliers. In the back, a greenhouse lounge features rows of potted herbs on walls and a roaring fireplace. Waiters in pressed white shirts and teal ties provide professional service while sommelier recommendations are spot on. Chef Chistophe Eme melds signature dishes from his days at L'Orangerie, creating a top French restaurant in the City of Angels. The cuisine ranges from rabbit meatballs plated with spicy crawfish to crispy langoustines set inside a thin egg roll-like crust. Other dishes include the duo of squab and roasted skin-on John Dory, which tans on a hot river stone.

08/15/08

Best Restaurant in Los Angeles, Period.

by ltdangle

I've been lucky enough to eat at Ortolan more than once. Not only is it the best restaurant in Los Angeles, it beats many of the places we've eaten in Paris. If you get the chance, don't miss it.

06/17/08

First Class All the Way

by stacyweho

Chef Eme made Ortolan top the list of our favorite restaurants in Los Angeles. The impeccable service paired with the inventive cuisine will keep us coming back as often as possible. Having only met chef Eme once, my fiance and I were blown away when he recognized us and made sure that everything was perfect for our anniversary celebration. However, you get the feeling that whether you are a regular or not at Ortolan you will be treated like royalty. We indulged in only a shared appetizer, two entrees and dessert, but we were treated to multiple tastings of other dishes courtesy of the chef. The duet of soup was amazing, and I can't stop thinking about the scallop in a squash blossom. Every course was more perfect than the last! If you haven't been to Ortolan, you're missing out. And by all means, order a champagne cocktail when that fabulous cart makes it's way over to your table...

• Pros: Chef Eme, the phenomenal staff, Every Delicious Course on the Menu, the decor
• Cons: None!

06/02/08

Excellent restaurant for special moments

by rtnovoa

I have been to this restaurant a couple of times to celebrate special occasions (finishing med school/ residency and engagement), and it is superb! Food was awesome service was impecable. Even chef Eme came to our table to chat with us.

I highly recommend this restaurant, although just for special occaions.

• Pros: Food, Environment, nice staff and, nice chef
• Cons: Can be quite pricey (but this is not your everyday restaurant)

06/01/08

Horiible service for the price.

by tlebrock

It is hard to review Ortolan...while the food was absolutely amazing, the service was dreadful.

We arrived on time, and were seated right away. The dining room was beautiful...elegant and chic. We has to ask for both water and menus, 10 minutes after being seated. There is no excuse for that.

We ordered an expensive bottle of Pinot Noir, which they kept at a separate table. I had no issue with this if they were attentive in keeping our glasses full, but there were times that we were waiting for long periods of time with empty glasses.

We really never seemed to have a server assigned to us as we were served by multiple servers, so the timing of dishes and the attention to the table was totally lacking.

The food, however, was great, and almost made up for the terrible service. I started with escargot, which was anything but traditional. The escargot were served in little shot glasses, with three layers of diverse flavors. My friend had a foie gras terrine, which was also really good. I had the lobster as an entree, which I found to be very well cooked, but the black truffle in the sauce didn't really come through. My friend's short ribs were to die for.

I doubt I'd return to Ortolan, but there is no doubt that the chef is a very talented

• Pros: food
• Cons: Service, price

04/27/08

The best by far!

by beachgirl2008

I have been to many of the french restaurants in the area and WOW! Ortolan is as good as all the reviews I have read and better! I was there last week, during the spring menu. I had the lobster with morrel mushrooms, I have to say it was absolutely incredible! Chef Christophe and his highly competant cooking staff are truly gifted artists! The presentation is artistic and impeccible. The staff are very well versed in describing the mouthwatering morsels about to delight your tastebuds. Do not forget dessert...definately do not forget any of the desserts! From the first glass of pink champagne to te final sip of coffee, Ortolan is truly a dining experience no true connisuer should miss! I would expect nothing less from the L'Orangerie kitchen, but got so much more! Chef Christophe is a very nice, easygoing, proud new daddy! Congratulations Christophe and Jeri!

• Pros: Everything
• Cons: Not one!!!

02/27/08

Not worth it

by crazyforcocoa

I had great expectations for this French restaurant and was very disappointed. The entrees were too salty and my dessert was dry. The wait staff was rude, especially the sommelier. Overall our dining experience was definitely not worth the price! I would suggest going to Melisse instead where you will definitely enjoy a true French fine cuisine.