Super friendly & helpful staff, including the valet. Extensive wine by the glass list. Very affordable pricing on food & wine. Menu is small plate heavy, but makes for more options. The arugula salad was decent, the hanger steak & chimichuri was cooked perfectly, but had a little too much garlic, the polenta dish was the stand-out! The pasta with butter, cheese & black pepper was good, but was still missing that little something special that makes a dish magical.
Good ol' Rustic Canyon. I like the place now that they put sound dampeners all around (plus one star!). Take a look around, they're all over the ceilings and walls. So, the place is now much more intimate. I have always enjoyed Rustic Canyon - they specialize in guilt-free quality food offerings. It's fresh, healthy, artistic, and most importantly, delicious. I can bring my veggie eating friends and my meat-hungry zombie pals and we can all leave feeling satisfied. I really love their selection of beers and wines. Their staff is actually important to note, very friendly and courteous (which sadly becomes the exception more than the norm nowadays).
Really this place is just a delightful place to go. I can't suggest any of the foods because the menu changes a lot, but dare to be daring, I'm sure you'll like it. Even if you don't, the friendly staff will be happy to take it back.
Over two years ago, a friend ask what was my favorite Los Angeles restaurant. I replied, "Rustic Canyon."
Recently, another friend posed the same question. My answer remains the same.
The seasonal menu at Rustic Canyon is a joy to explore. Just when I think I have a favorite new dish, the menu will change and present new recipes made with the current produce at the local markets. I signed up for the restaurant email newsletter and enjoy seeing the descriptions of new menu items based on local availability of ingredients.
I have never had a poorly executed dish at this restaurant whether it be appetizer, mains or dessert. Heck, a while back my father asked for the "cookie platter" as our dessert choice. I initially though a selection of cookies would be a bland reflection of the wonderful specialties Rustic Canyon was capable of creating. I was wrong. The inspired "cookie platter" was impressive in taste and selection. When we expressed our appreciation, the waiter replied, "Yeah, we're very proud of them. In fact, we are opening a breakfast/lunch spot in a month to showcase them." That spot is the much beloved Huckleberry Cafe one block south of Rustic Canyon.
I know some reviewers balk at the price of a meal here, but they are comparable - if not cheaper - to any white tablecloth restaurant on the Westside. Here, you are not paying for waiters in tuxes speaking in hushed tones; you are paying for incredible food perfectly done.
In the restaurant, there are a handful of more intimate two-person booths lining one wall which are nice if you can reserve them. The din of the dinning room is loud, but I have never felt that my table's conversation was encumbered.
The wait staff is knowledgeable in both food and wine. They are also attentive.
I accept the loud ambiance of the restaurant and enjoy the thrill of opening up the menu in anticipation of something new and different during each visit. As yet, I have been unable to attend the special Burger & Beer nights and other occasions, so I look forward to those revelations in the near future.
DISCLAIMER: When I started writing Yelp reviews I figured that a personal standard should be set in my Star Ratings so that I don't become one of those people that give only 5 Stars and 1 Star restaurant reviews. Rustic Canyon is that standard. It has earned all 5 Stars. Each future restaurant reviewed will be compared to this excellent place.
Great little wine bar... Nice selection of vino and yummy apps. We had octopus and squash blossoms. Impressed with the ambiance, service, food, wine and celeb sighting... Larry David was sitting a few tables away.
My new fave restaurant on the Westside. Note that the menu changes daily, so if you see reviews for dishes you want to try, it's best to call first to make sure it's on the menu for the night.
Amazing dishes we had include: Fried Cauliflower Squid Branzino Burger - definitely one of the best burgers EVER. And I do love it even better than Father's Office, mainly because you really taste the amazing beef.
The overall flavoring of the dishes reminds me of Babbo in NYC - there's a hint of balsamic in the dishes I tried (which I love).
Service was a bit slow, which is why I'm docking a star. But the food is definitely as good as it gets.
Heard the burger was amazing, had to try it out for myself. I was not disappointed. I still prefer Father's Office, but this was pretty close. A friend of mine also got the burger, and said he prefers it over Father's Office. So we're split. I can't really say anything about the burger that, I'm sure, hasn't already been said. Another friend got the pork chops which he really liked. Another person we were with had the gnocchi with duck ragu, which she really liked, but it was freaking tiny. I think her dish worked out to be $6/bite. Probably the biggest griping point of the evening. Our reservation was for 9:45, because the place seems to be quite popular. Showed up 10 min early, and didn't get seated until about 10:15. Fortunately, it was a really nice evening out, so we weren't too upset, but on another night, this could have been a problem. I'd like to go back, and check out other things on their menu like appetizers or some more wine.
Two yummy-seeking tummies landed on Rustic Canyon for the night - with a reservation at 9pm per a work-related delay on the part of yours truly... on a Friday night, freakin' a... I would've been happy to be just about anywhere outside the office, so a friendly face amidst a warm glow of the atmosphere, needless to say, was extra nice.
Despite our reservation, we still had to wait a little - which was fine by me as we were in no hurry and it gave us some time to study menus and wine selections.
What grabbed at me from the menu was the Cacio e Pepe - it is my favorite way to do pasta (homemade pasta, cracked pepper, olive oil and some butter, and Pecorino). Other selections were grilled octopus, hangar steak with chimichurri, and their much-praised burger. Apparently Rustic Canyon is known for its burger. Great!
We also decided to try wines that sounded familiar to each of us - the Red Car Pinot and Twenty Rows Cab - both Californian so it was a surprise when the Pinot was dry with almost a bite and the Cab was actually the mellower one. Interesting.
The octopus and hangar steak were served first.
The eight-feet were done beautifully - fleshy on the inside, crispy on the outside with creamy (probably buttery) kimchi sauce and, strangely but nicely, chickpeas strewn about. I could just about lick the plate (but instead scooped up the remaining sauce with my spoon).
The hangar steak w/ chimichurri - they said medium rare but it was more medium rare plus which works well for me - was also succulent but imo was overpowered by the uber-garlicky chimichurri. Still pretty good.
Now, the Cacio e Pepe - I've made better pasta (modesty's not a virtue of my taste buds) but theirs was homemade no doubt, if heavy on flour and not enough egg - and the dish itself was delicious. It came with a snow of shaved Pecorino and not-so-ground cracked peppers (the best way, truly). I really enjoyed this dish.
And the Burger - served with piping-hot fries and great garlic aioli to compliment it, and topped with leaves of arugula and a delicious sauce that wasn't as sweet and punch-you-in-the-face as Thousand Island or Ranch but somewhere in between, this burger was delicious. I rate it far over Father's Office's, Counter's, Comme Ca's and Nick and Stef's. Different styles but still. I applaud the Rustic Canyon burger. In fact, if I ever want a burger, I'll go there.
For desserts, we got the Chocolate Financier and a scoop of coffee ice cream. The financier came with a dollop of whipped cream that tasted homemade. This dessert wasn't a repeater for me but it was decent. Now, the ice cream - Sweet Rose's coffee ice cream - was excellent, with a very strong coffee taste. $4 is a little pricey for a scoop esp when Mikawaya's Kona mochi ice cream is also strong and costs $1, but that said, SR's was a clear level above Mikawaya's. Apparently Sweet Rose makes ice creams in that Lexus of an ice cream machine (they paid $65K for it) so perhaps it is to be expected.
All in all - it was a great dinner. Lively, if slightly loud, even past 9pm, great atmosphere - felt slightly like a cross between a wine bar and a gastropub but was nicer - and great service and food. Overall a new favorite in that area!
The food is incredible. Some of the best I've ever had! Their menu changes with the season. So it's always fresh. Squah blossom, salt n pepper pasta and branzino are my favorites
But the cost is high, I wish it was more affordable.
Great service, great wine list, and amazing food! Monday nights menu is fun, my husband had the "garbage pail burger", I think it is possibly the best burger he's ever tasted. It should be on the BEST BURGER in the country list.
based on 40 reviews
27 Comments
Super friendly & helpful staff, including the valet. Extensive wine by the glass list. Very affordable pricing on food & wine. Menu is small plate heavy, but makes for more options. The arugula salad was decent, the hanger steak & chimichuri was cooked perfectly, but had a little too much garlic, the polenta dish was the stand-out! The pasta with butter, cheese & black pepper was good, but was still missing that little something special that makes a dish magical.
A little tight, but the menu is interesting. I'd like to see more salads to choose from. Beet salad perhaps with some pears?
Hint hint....
Good ol' Rustic Canyon. I like the place now that they put sound dampeners all around (plus one star!). Take a look around, they're all over the ceilings and walls. So, the place is now much more intimate. I have always enjoyed Rustic Canyon - they specialize in guilt-free quality food offerings. It's fresh, healthy, artistic, and most importantly, delicious. I can bring my veggie eating friends and my meat-hungry zombie pals and we can all leave feeling satisfied. I really love their selection of beers and wines. Their staff is actually important to note, very friendly and courteous (which sadly becomes the exception more than the norm nowadays).
Really this place is just a delightful place to go. I can't suggest any of the foods because the menu changes a lot, but dare to be daring, I'm sure you'll like it. Even if you don't, the friendly staff will be happy to take it back.
Over two years ago, a friend ask what was my favorite Los Angeles restaurant. I replied, "Rustic Canyon."
Recently, another friend posed the same question. My answer remains the same.
The seasonal menu at Rustic Canyon is a joy to explore. Just when I think I have a favorite new dish, the menu will change and present new recipes made with the current produce at the local markets. I signed up for the restaurant email newsletter and enjoy seeing the descriptions of new menu items based on local availability of ingredients.
I have never had a poorly executed dish at this restaurant whether it be appetizer, mains or dessert. Heck, a while back my father asked for the "cookie platter" as our dessert choice. I initially though a selection of cookies would be a bland reflection of the wonderful specialties Rustic Canyon was capable of creating. I was wrong. The inspired "cookie platter" was impressive in taste and selection. When we expressed our appreciation, the waiter replied, "Yeah, we're very proud of them. In fact, we are opening a breakfast/lunch spot in a month to showcase them." That spot is the much beloved Huckleberry Cafe one block south of Rustic Canyon.
I know some reviewers balk at the price of a meal here, but they are comparable - if not cheaper - to any white tablecloth restaurant on the Westside. Here, you are not paying for waiters in tuxes speaking in hushed tones; you are paying for incredible food perfectly done.
In the restaurant, there are a handful of more intimate two-person booths lining one wall which are nice if you can reserve them. The din of the dinning room is loud, but I have never felt that my table's conversation was encumbered.
The wait staff is knowledgeable in both food and wine. They are also attentive.
I accept the loud ambiance of the restaurant and enjoy the thrill of opening up the menu in anticipation of something new and different during each visit. As yet, I have been unable to attend the special Burger & Beer nights and other occasions, so I look forward to those revelations in the near future.
DISCLAIMER: When I started writing Yelp reviews I figured that a personal standard should be set in my Star Ratings so that I don't become one of those people that give only 5 Stars and 1 Star restaurant reviews. Rustic Canyon is that standard. It has earned all 5 Stars. Each future restaurant reviewed will be compared to this excellent place.
Great little wine bar... Nice selection of vino and yummy apps. We had octopus and squash blossoms. Impressed with the ambiance, service, food, wine and celeb sighting... Larry David was sitting a few tables away.
My new fave restaurant on the Westside. Note that the menu changes daily, so if you see reviews for dishes you want to try, it's best to call first to make sure it's on the menu for the night.
Amazing dishes we had include:
Fried Cauliflower
Squid
Branzino
Burger - definitely one of the best burgers EVER. And I do love it even better than Father's Office, mainly because you really taste the amazing beef.
The overall flavoring of the dishes reminds me of Babbo in NYC - there's a hint of balsamic in the dishes I tried (which I love).
Service was a bit slow, which is why I'm docking a star. But the food is definitely as good as it gets.
Heard the burger was amazing, had to try it out for myself. I was not disappointed. I still prefer Father's Office, but this was pretty close. A friend of mine also got the burger, and said he prefers it over Father's Office. So we're split. I can't really say anything about the burger that, I'm sure, hasn't already been said.
Another friend got the pork chops which he really liked. Another person we were with had the gnocchi with duck ragu, which she really liked, but it was freaking tiny. I think her dish worked out to be $6/bite. Probably the biggest griping point of the evening.
Our reservation was for 9:45, because the place seems to be quite popular. Showed up 10 min early, and didn't get seated until about 10:15. Fortunately, it was a really nice evening out, so we weren't too upset, but on another night, this could have been a problem.
I'd like to go back, and check out other things on their menu like appetizers or some more wine.
Two yummy-seeking tummies landed on Rustic Canyon for the night - with a reservation at 9pm per a work-related delay on the part of yours truly... on a Friday night, freakin' a... I would've been happy to be just about anywhere outside the office, so a friendly face amidst a warm glow of the atmosphere, needless to say, was extra nice.
Despite our reservation, we still had to wait a little - which was fine by me as we were in no hurry and it gave us some time to study menus and wine selections.
What grabbed at me from the menu was the Cacio e Pepe - it is my favorite way to do pasta (homemade pasta, cracked pepper, olive oil and some butter, and Pecorino). Other selections were grilled octopus, hangar steak with chimichurri, and their much-praised burger. Apparently Rustic Canyon is known for its burger. Great!
We also decided to try wines that sounded familiar to each of us - the Red Car Pinot and Twenty Rows Cab - both Californian so it was a surprise when the Pinot was dry with almost a bite and the Cab was actually the mellower one. Interesting.
The octopus and hangar steak were served first.
The eight-feet were done beautifully - fleshy on the inside, crispy on the outside with creamy (probably buttery) kimchi sauce and, strangely but nicely, chickpeas strewn about. I could just about lick the plate (but instead scooped up the remaining sauce with my spoon).
The hangar steak w/ chimichurri - they said medium rare but it was more medium rare plus which works well for me - was also succulent but imo was overpowered by the uber-garlicky chimichurri. Still pretty good.
Now, the Cacio e Pepe - I've made better pasta (modesty's not a virtue of my taste buds) but theirs was homemade no doubt, if heavy on flour and not enough egg - and the dish itself was delicious. It came with a snow of shaved Pecorino and not-so-ground cracked peppers (the best way, truly). I really enjoyed this dish.
And the Burger - served with piping-hot fries and great garlic aioli to compliment it, and topped with leaves of arugula and a delicious sauce that wasn't as sweet and punch-you-in-the-face as Thousand Island or Ranch but somewhere in between, this burger was delicious. I rate it far over Father's Office's, Counter's, Comme Ca's and Nick and Stef's. Different styles but still. I applaud the Rustic Canyon burger. In fact, if I ever want a burger, I'll go there.
For desserts, we got the Chocolate Financier and a scoop of coffee ice cream. The financier came with a dollop of whipped cream that tasted homemade. This dessert wasn't a repeater for me but it was decent. Now, the ice cream - Sweet Rose's coffee ice cream - was excellent, with a very strong coffee taste. $4 is a little pricey for a scoop esp when Mikawaya's Kona mochi ice cream is also strong and costs $1, but that said, SR's was a clear level above Mikawaya's. Apparently Sweet Rose makes ice creams in that Lexus of an ice cream machine (they paid $65K for it) so perhaps it is to be expected.
All in all - it was a great dinner. Lively, if slightly loud, even past 9pm, great atmosphere - felt slightly like a cross between a wine bar and a gastropub but was nicer - and great service and food. Overall a new favorite in that area!
Street or valet.
The food is incredible. Some of the best I've ever had! Their menu changes with the season. So it's always fresh. Squah blossom, salt n pepper pasta and branzino are my favorites
But the cost is high, I wish it was more affordable.
Great service, great wine list, and amazing food! Monday nights menu is fun, my husband had the "garbage pail burger", I think it is possibly the best burger he's ever tasted. It should be on the BEST BURGER in the country list.