To preface and be completely fair, if you can find a place with mussels better than Tasca, I'll blow your dad.
I have never been the greatest fan of mussels but ever since having the perfect mussels at Tasca I say this is a must order at any restaurant. Unfortunately, the mussels at FIG (though the portion was huge) was a miss. The mussels were small, slightly overcooked, and dry. The broth was not as tasty and the bread was meh.
With that ONLY negative aside, FIG is a great choice for after work drinks, romantic dinner, GNO, and small get togethers. The customer service here is phenomenal. From us wanting to change our reservations from 8 to 2 tables of 4 to avoid set menus, to letting us stay WAY after closing, FIG is gracious and quick on their feet. We literally went from one table to putting FOUR tables together AND ordered off the regular menu. (Thank you.)
I thought the bread in the little packet pre dinner was a nice touch. Love the arugula butter. Though it's better when it's frozen.
Besides the mussels, the other appetizers we ordered was a great choice. In fact, everything on the menu is something I'd order. Great selections. The chef focuses on fresh ingredients that are seasonal and incorporates that into the menu (like JiRaffe but WAY better). We shared the braised tongue with 'tomatillo and breakfast radish'. The tongue was so moist with a spicy kick. If you love lengua tacos or just tongue in general, get this ASAP.
For my main, I got the fourteen ounce Entrecote (which the waiter explained to me was a Ribeye) with Blue Cheese Butter. If you know me, then you'd know there's not a steak I can't finish. FIG's portions are humungous. As delicious and perfectly cooked as my steak was, I barely finished half and less than half my fries. The fries are delicious.
Tried my friend's duck and it was perfectly cooked as well.
Staff is really super nice and I can't stress enough how efficient and accommodating they are. Huge portions, fair prices, delicious food. FIG is my new fav in Santa Monica.
Pros: Best ribeye.
Cons: Parking. Mandatory valet.
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