Larsen's Steakhouse

11/07/09

My new favorite steakhouse...

by PJinCO at Citysearch

After my family decided not to make the trip into LA to Maestros due to Friday night traffic, we decided to try something new. Of course Ruth Chris is not far, but we were in the mood for something a little more upscale. We were the first people to arrive to restaurant. We were warmly welcomed (I'm sure having 8 people in our party didn't hurt). The lighted menus were quite useful in a darker atmosphere.

Since none of us are seafood fans we all ordered the "meats" on the menu. The kids all ordered their various sides (creamed spinach, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes) and one dinner item, the stuffed chicken.

Let me start with the mac and cheese for a second. The reason I'm starting with this item is due to an absolutely absurd comment by another reviewer. They called their mac and cheese worse than Kraft's. I tasted at least 4 types of cheeses in Larsen's version. There was some blue in there as well. It was superb. And this is a side dish.

The creamed spinach was average. I also had a Caeser salad. It was average. Mashed potatoes were excellent (but not many ways to get this wrong). The stuffed chicken was a favorite with all 8 of us digging in.

As for the steaks, we had NY, petite filets, and regular filets. Again, without a doubt, the best steak I've ever had. The table agreed. We passed on using the peppercorn sauce (a little overkill). All of us used the excellent bernaise (perfectly made - no separation).

The service and attention were excellent till about 75% of our meal was complete. The restaurant got packed and our waiter went MIA. Even forgot a scoop of ice cream for my daughter. I would still give him an A, but this is something many restaurants have to work on. Larsen's is not an exception.

I wouldn't say the place is kid friendly, but it was a lot more receptive than Maestro's. All of us had a satisfying experience and will return as often as our wallets will allow.

Expect to pay $60-$75/person with a glass of wine and dessert.

• Pros: Without a doubt best steak ever had...
• Cons: After place got packed, service level dropped...

02/10/09

Great Valley Steakhouse

by nswillets at Citysearch

Larsen's is an exceptional steak house with great service and excellent food. The lighted menus are great for those of us who need reading glasses but always forget them. The ambience is wonderful and the staff is courteous and knowledgeable. The steaks are fantastic and the fish items are just as good. They have a very good wine list and the drinks are generous. The owner/chef regularly comes out and asks how everything is and if there is anything they can do to improve the dining experience. Not common in today's environment. Its not cheap but well worth the cost. Highly recommended.

• Pros: food, service, ambience
• Cons: none

08/06/08

Excellent food with excellent ambience

by nallah at Citysearch

I was in the Los Angeles area back in May of this year on vacation from St. Louis and was looking for a good steak house and knowing that on Ventura Blvd. I would come across something. I saw Larsen's Steak House and in talking with friends it came highly recommended so I dined there. I, nor my guest in any way was disappointed in Larsen's. The hostess was very friendly and we were sat promptly to our table. The decor was very pleasing to the eye, soft in tones with elegance. The waiter was very knowedgable and did not hesitate to offer suggestions (of which were good ones). I had the Filet Mignon with Bernaise sauce and Shrimp which was to die for. The filet melted with each bite and the bernaise sauce was the best I have ever tasted. I have been to Fleming's Steak House and Chris's, to me and my companions on that evening rated Larsen's Steak House higher than any other. The originality of the lighted menus and food that is very thought out and prepared to the delight of the customer, it is worth every penny and more to dine at a restaurant that when you leave makes you want more before you even get to the door. I have not stopped thinking about this restaurant and look forward to the day I return to dine again.

• Pros: Food, ambience, service, menus originality, class, elegence, friendly atmosphere
• Cons: none

08/01/08

This place is horrible!

by shery at Citysearch

Ok...is everyone nuts? This place is horrible! The reviews must be from employees or something. I had dinner here last night and it was just bad. The oysters had sand in them, the spicy tuna tartar was bland and had no kick, the marinated rib eye was way too salty, and the mac and cheese was worst the kraft version you make at home. Actually kraft is much better. This mac and cheese was even burned.

I am a huge foodie and I would first recommend Maestros. But if your stuck in the valley, Flemings is good, Ruth Chris is decent along with Arny Mortans. Save your time and money for a real meal. The CPK in this shopping center would have been better!

• Pros: Menu lights up
• Cons: Really bad food

07/20/08

Very Cool Place

by don16 at Citysearch

What a cool place! The atmosphere is great, the service was wonderful, and the food was outstanding. I have to say that I eat out often and this one is a keeper. I felt welcomed as soon as I arrived and plan to visit often. I have to give special recognition to the hostess and server they were both on top of their game. Well done!!

• Pros: Service

05/30/08

A very welcome addition to the Valley and Encino!!!

by Mickim5 at Citysearch

Living in the Encino area for several years I have to say that Larsen's Steakhouse is a wonderful addition. My husband and I found Larsen's by mistake one evening and have yet to be disappointed. This is an upscale steakhouse and the service, food and atmospere is everything one would except and more! The service from the staff and managment make your evening a very memorable event. Ask yourself, when was the last time the GM or the "Owner" stopped by your table at Ruths Chris or Mortons?

I do however find it interesting that in reading some of these reviews, someone would write a review begining with "let me preface by saying, I haven't eaten at this place yet" - I suggest they actually try this establishment and then comment! Also, the review about the $150 steak, "they didn't care to mention the cost" , not sure where this person has been dining, but again you have to assume a person reviewing the menu, noticed the prices prior to placing their order? Hello, Kobe Beef costs $97.00 at Costco!!!

I strongly suggest you give this place a try and then write your own review. I doubt you will be disappointed. This is the kind of resturant we want in Encino - without having to travel to Beverly Hills or New York!

• Pros: Food, Location and Service
• Cons: None

05/26/08

A new local hot spot!!

by officedownthestreet at Citysearch

I was reading through the newspaper when I came across a review written about a new restaurant in the valley and to my surprise it is right down the street from my office. I decided that I would call a friend and we would give it a try as we usually eat out a few times a week. Upon arrival we were greeted by a lovely hostess, who quickly got us a nice table and let us know that our server would be right with us. When the server greeted us, he was extremely professional and attentive. I am usually a picky eater and he had no problem seeing to my needs. I found that everything was well timed and brought to the table perfectly. I usually find that in this day and age good service seems to be hard to find. I had 20oz New York, black and blue, it was great, and the peppercorn sauce that accompanied it was fabulous. My friend had the Halibut and he said it was one of the best he has ever had. I would also like to note that the wine list is superb and the fact that they had a few of my local favorites is just another reason that I will return. All in all a wonderful experience and I will definitely be back!!!

• Pros: Location, Service, Wine List

05/18/08

REALLY NICE

by lisa97 at Citysearch

I JUST WANTED TO SAY AFTER READING ALL THE REVIEWS AND THEN CHECKING IT OUT FOR MYSELF THAT I REALLY THOUGHT IT WAS A NICE PLACE AND GOOD FOOD. I'M GLAD A NICE PLACE LIKE THIS HAS OPENED UP IN THE VALLEY, IT GIVES ME A NICE PLACE TO EAT WITHOUT HAVING TO DRIVE OVER THE HILL. I HAD THE PORTERHOUSE IT WAS DELICIOUS AND THE FRENCH ONION SOUP WAS YUMMY TOO. ANYWAYZ I SAY GIVING IT TRY FOR YOURSELF IS THE BEST WAY TO EXPERIENCE THIS BEAUTIFUL NEW RESTAURANT.

• Pros: FOOD AND DECOR
• Cons: PRICE IS A LITTLE UP THERE BUT AS THEY SAY YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR AND IT IS A FANCY PLACE

05/15/08

Laresen's Steakhouse

by pubes at Citysearch

Went there on Thursday with my brother. I read good reviews about it. Plus I live close by and we were hungry, so why not. Great place. Had salads to start with. Very classic steakhouse style ceaser. They also bring a really nice poofy bread with butter. Awesome. Both of us got med-well new yorks. Great overall, maybe too charred for some people. Sides were creamed corn and mashed potatoes. Both incredible. Waiter was helpful and nice. I will be going back. Outside patio is a big plus. Some drinks and smokes after a big meal sounds good.

• Pros: Great traditional steakhouse, Encino location rules
• Cons: like all steakhouses, this one costs some good money

05/14/08

could this place stabilize the real estate market in Encino

by 1969Jarrett at Citysearch

I agree with the person who wrote the message re suspicious reviews....most of the "reviews" are initially, I suspect, posted by the owner's friends and employees thus all 5s. Then, I suspect, a would be employee doesnt get hired, an employee gets fired, or a neighboring restaurant doesnt want the competition and posts the 1's. I have absolutely no affiliation with anyone at Larsen's. I never review anything online - lazy. But, the wife sent me out at 9pm a few weeks ago for diapers and some breakfast items -Ralphs at Hayvenhurst. I noticed the banners announcing the opening and I am always interested in finding a new restaurant or nice place for drinks. I went in - I had a drink talked to friendly bartender/manager who was working on recipes. I had a few drinks and crab cakes. They were outstanding (while they cant take credit for the flavor of my bourbon (neat) - the fact that they had Blanton's was impressive and solid pour). I returned three times since. I have tried several cuts of meat - the filet, won - as good or better than any I have had - includes Mortons, Ruth's Chris, Mastro's, Smith & Wollensky, Del Frisco's, Peter Luger's. Nine, the Old Homestead and others. The Asparagus and Mash Potato sides were awesome. I'm not crazy about the mushroom side - soupy. As for the apps the crabcakes win, others were good but not exceptional. I like the lighting and the decor as well, and dare I say the fact you can sit outside by the fire pit and smoke a cigar or cigarette. There is always room for improvement (thus a four) and from getting acquainted with some of the staff there I feel confident that the owner cares deeply and will continue to do what is necessary to make this place a staple in Encino. I hope so because I love the place - like all great steakhouses it is a bit expensive -- four of us - that drink, urrr more than moderately, spent over $400 without tip. Love having this place in the neighborhood- I strongly reccomment it.