Hatfield's

08/19/2008 Posted by emilyfoxy

We met friends here for an early Saturday night dinner, and I was apprehensive after reading some negative reviews here about the quality of the food and service - one reviewer lamented being brought their check with their dessert. But I was very pleasantly surprised by both the service and food - we were given a great table and were not rushed in the least and we found the menu to be bold, unpretentious, and not overwhelming. Our waiter was attentive and pleasant, the food was excellent (especially the Croque Madame appetizer) and the ambience was understated and very comfortable and attractive. It did seem to be getting crowded as we were leaving (at around 9pm) so I would recommend coming early if you want an exceptionally peaceful dining experience. Don't skip dessert.

Pros: Ambience, Desserts, Service

08/12/2008 Posted by primrose

Well - for all the hype - winner of Best new restaurant in Los Angeles Magazine etc. - we must say , yes the food really is that great . But - we did not like the ambiance at all . I understand - when you open your first restaurant you can go all the way out .... but cozy is not on a budget . Just dont get the lay out - the lightning - the feel of this place . But with that said - man the food is delicious !.

07/13/2008 Posted by worstelf

This is the first restaurant review that I have ever posted on any website. I am not a foodie and I am definitely not a nit-picker, so please read this review with those two points in mind. My wife and I went to Hatfield's last night to celebrate our second wedding anniversary. The food was good -- not at all memorable, but good -- which, at this price point, is the bare minimum. However, the thing that I feel compelled to speak out about is not the food, it is the aggression with which Hatfield's pushes its tables. We arrived on time for a 7:00 reservation. We ordered over $150 worth of food and drinks (an aside -- the drink portions are comically skimpy, basically a ripoff), including desert and coffee. Amazingly, when our desert and coffee arrived, it was accompanied by the check. We had been at our table for just over an hour and twenty minutes. The check tactic was obviously not subtle and, in my opinion, it was COMPLETELY inappropriate for an expensive "fine dining" establishment. Our only solace was that we watched the tables around us get pushed even harder. I feel bad writing this, because Hatfield's is obviously trying hard and does a lot of things right, but we will never, ever return. There are scores of restaurants in LA that are just as good, or better, and that don't rush you out the door.

03/01/2008 Posted by clareh

I am a die hard foodie and fervent fan of the ubiquitous tasting menu, and have tried numerous establishment's attempts throughout the city. So when I saw Hatfield's on Daniel After Hours, I had to go. We started with the Cucumber Gimlet...nice twist on the ever popular Mojito, though just a tad too sweet for my tastes (which grant you, I have a low tolerance for sweet). However, as a result of the evening, we now have a bottle of cucumber vodka infusing in our fridge. Can't wait to play with that! After cocktails started we were served a complimentary starter of velvety squash soup and a creamy deviled quail egg - both very tasty and rich. The tasting menu followed and each course was very good and well executed; however, nothing truly amazed. Service was attentive though scattered, wasn't really sure who our waiter was, since at least 4 people brought our food, and the same 4 cleared plates. The owners/chef were readily available and visible, and we did pop in the kitchen for a bit to express our appreciation, but it was a very busy place so we did not chat long. Their approachability was a refreshing change to the typical LA scene. All in all a very nice evening, but not sure it was worth the $300 bill. I had a little less regret when spending $500 at Sona...THAT was MEMORABLE - One of the few LA places I hope to return. Hatfield's was an experience I am glad to have had, but am looking forward to my next new culinary adventure.

Pros: accomplished chef and well executed, fresh cusine

Cons: somewhat pricey, not overtly memorable

02/16/2008 Posted by CatsbyEatsToo

Hatfields is one of the best restaurants in Los Angeles. The prompt service, the cozy and romantic atmosphere and the food were all amazing. We were early for our reservation so they led us to a waiting area on the patio and sent the bartender right over. The dim lights and sort of beige/gold coloring of the restaurant makes it inviting and warm. Our waiter was very knowledgeable, polite and professional- didn't feel like he hated us for eating there like most LA waiters. The food was unique and simple. We had the scallops, which were delicious. They brought out deviled quail eggs as and a shot of squash soup, fun to eat and complimentary- I had fish- i believe it was trout...it wasn't the most amazing thing I have ever had, but the fish was cooked well with interesting accents- sort of a celery puree- and the presentation was beautiful. My boyfriend had the duck and loved it, it was delicious. For desert we had a molten flourless chocolate cake with a melted peanut butter center and salted caramel ice cream- i don't even like peanut butter, but this was amazing. This place was expensive but worth every penny. A great place for a celebration, intimate get together or any romantic occasion.

Pros: Ambiance, food, service

Cons: There aren't more places like this one!

11/15/2007 Posted by helemanu

We have now eaten at Hatfield's three times. The first time was over a year ago. It was a party of 5. We loved some things, and didn't love others. One of the dishes we were turned off by was among their most popular items ... the lamb. The meat itself was wonderful, but as a main course the sweet crust got to be too much. In fact, it was on my second visit (where we did the 7 course tasting menu) that I realized how good the lamb is. That is because it was served in a much smaller portion ... so my wife and I were able to take a couple bites each, and then on to the next course. Everything about the tasting menu was perfect. We loved the fact that each of us received different items in tiny bite size amounts. So it was really a tasting of 14 dishes for 2. And we chose to share one wine pairing that night. They served unusual varietals, and had something to tell us about each wine ... whether you are an aficionado or just wanna get DRUNK (kidding!) you will be missing out if you don't give their wines a shot. And this is speaking from the point of view of someone who normally brings their own fancy wine to fancy restaurants. Ok so we went for a third time last night. Didn't have room to do a tasting menu, but still had an incredible meal. The croque madame made for an amazing middle course. Truly one of the best things I have ever tasted! And my olive oil poached trout was to die for! Anyhow, we really love it here. By far the best combination of romantic atmosphere, gourmet food, and good service in LA. Oh and to the reviewer who did not like the bread I say ... SHAME ON YOU! Hehehe, ok maybe you were there on an off night. Seriously I don't even like bread that much, and I crave those cheese rolls. Must be eaten right out of the oven, which is how they serve them. And in the spirit of poorly organized scattershot reviews, I would like to also commend this place on how accommodating they are about changes to reservations. Really truly nice peeps. Go Hatfield's go!

Pros: most romantic fancy restaurant in LA, well priced

Cons: limited seating ... but that is kind of a pro!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

10/05/2007 Posted by gdfood

This was my wife's and I best food experience in a very, very long time! The restaurant is hardly visible from the outside, very modest on the inside and the service, very attentative, friendly, knowledgeable, shows some sort of restraint warmth - a perfect setting where nothing distracts you from your dining experience. And an experience it truly was. It starts with a well rounded although condensed menu; there is no similarity but diversification of items instead. One doesn't have to "study" the menu, one can "see" it - how wonderful! And then there is this very interesting wine list, excellent choices with wines off the beaten path, for example exquisite Austrian wines. The dessert menu suggests the most perfect dessert /wine pairings one can think of. The presentation of the food is just beautiful, elegant and colorful but not overdone and the main item is still recognizable as such. Everything is prepared to perfection, the balance and tension between textures and tasts is just sublime! And I mean it. The same goes for the desserts - all of them within a class by itself. Even the twist in my Martini had the perfect size! As you can see from my description I'm still floored and astonished. And for the money - slightly higher priced for LA, but believe me, in Londion you would pay for an equivalent twice the price. And one more thing: aren't you sick and tired to go to a restaurant where the tableware looks like as if somebody dumped a container of "Mix 'n Match" porcellan on your table. At Hatfield's there is none of that. We are finally back to where food reigns supreme and not the plates. Simple and elegant, round, flat white plates. What a joy! Congratulations to the Hatfields!

Pros: Superb in each and every way!

Cons: None.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

09/19/2007 Posted by france111

This place is wonderful. Lovely service, fast but not at all rushed, you can linger over your meal or coffee. Waiters actually converse with you and really know their menu. Generous drinks. Food is exquisite.

Pros: Everything of the menu is great. Service is professional but friendly.

Cons: none

07/15/2007 Posted by socajas

The title says it all. From the moment I walked in, the expereince was amazing. Service, setting, wine, food. It does not get any better than Hatfields. The corn soup, deviled quail egg, the bread, bean salad with baby squid, poached halibut.... every bit was spectacular. Cant wait to go back again, and again.

Pros: everything

Cons: parking??? I dont know, really... even that was pretty easy.

06/22/2007 Posted by janotaro

The service was really cordial and the ambiance was pleasant. The setting is modern and minimal but inviting. The wine I ordered was great ($62 Pinot Noir bottle), but the wine listed was limited. The soft shelled crab appetizer was disappointing, very crunching, not soft and flavors were average. The entree I had was average, Tai Snapper. My friends was much better, halibut. The dessert and dessert wine were yummy. I'd give it a mixed review. I was a bit disappointed, as it was inconsistent.

Cons: Pretty pricy for food that wasn't excellent