Magnolia

I tried this restaurant last night and was very satisfied. The ambiance is very low key and comfortable and the staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. The menu is varied but not overwhelming and the prices are reasonable. I got the Organic Vegetable Plate and, aside from the saltiness, really enjoyed it. It was pretty crowded for a Sunday, so it seems like a pretty popular place. I will definitely go back. more

I had made birthday reservations at a club i'll refer to as "Les Don't" months before my actual birthday (dec. 26). Reservations were made, invitations were handed out, I made my very own dress, everything was ready for that night-or so i thought. Three days before the party, the club manager notifies me (via e-mail) they are going to be closed that day. (!!!!!) I nearly died. What now?! I had a party of 12 or so and no where to go. Well after a long harsh e-mail to that manager. I felt like saying "I'm sorry I'm not coming with my BFF Lindsay Lohan, maybe then you would of noticed my e-mails...". I dont know why but I remembered Magnolia, from my Blackbook and remember I wanted to go there. I thought please be open. Please!! I called Magnolia from Disneyland (of all places), got the number off their website (which was helpful & cute) and made my reservations just like that!! They were soo nice. I also asked if they had a corkage fee and they said "yes, they did ($15)" and they even let me bring in my Dots cupcakes i had ordered. I already was happy and I wasnt even there yet. Well the night of my birthday was even better!! I was last to arrive, all my guests were already seated in a lovely long stretch table, the ambiance was perfect I couldnt have planned it better, dim lighting was nice, a very chill vibe. Our waitress Chelsea, was the best!! Someone give her a raise!! She was soo nice, friendly and had a wonderful personality! I never had to ask for more water or more champagne--she was on it! And our food came very quickly, practically all at the same time! And for a party of 11 that was fast. Food was great. I ordered the chicken sandwich with a salad and blue cheese (chelsea even brought me the krumbled kind too!) And last but not least, Chelsea even melted a candle to the plate, so not to ruin my cupcake :) All in all my 22nd birthday turned out to be a success!! All thanks to Magnolia and Chelsea!! Pros: great service (ask for Chelsea!), great atmosphere, not celebrity exposed Cons: you might drive by it! the sign may be a little hard to see. more

I had made birthday reservations at a club i'll refer to as ""Les Don't"" months before my actual birthday (dec. 26). Reservations were made, invitations were handed out, I made my very own dress, everything was ready for that night-or so i thought. Three days before the party, the club manager notifies me (via e-mail) they are going to be closed that day. (!!!!!) I nearly died. What now?! I had a party of 12 or so and no where to go. Well after a long harsh e-mail to that manager. I felt like saying ""I'm sorry I'm not coming with my BFF Lindsay Lohan, maybe then you would of noticed my e-mails..."". I dont know why but I remembered Magnolia, from my Blackbook and remember I wanted to go there. I thought please be open. Please!! I called Magnolia from Disneyland (of all places), got the number off their website (which was helpful & cute) and made my reservations just like that!! They were soo nice. I also asked if they had a corkage fee and they said ""yes, they did ($15)"" and they even let me bring in my Dots cupcakes i had ordered. I already was happy and I wasnt even there yet. Well the night of my birthday was even better!! I was last to arrive, all my guests were already seated in a lovely long stretch table, the ambiance was perfect I couldnt have planned it better, dim lighting was nice, a very chill vibe. Our waitress Chelsea, was the best!! Someone give her a raise!! She was soo nice, friendly and had a wonderful personality! I never had to ask for more water or more champagne--she was on it! And our food came very quickly, practically all at the same time! And for a party of 11 that was fast. Food was great. I ordered the chicken sandwich with a salad and blue cheese (chelsea even brought me the krumbled kind too!) And last but not least, Chelsea even melted a candle to the plate, so not to ruin my cupcake :) All in all my 22nd birthday turned out to be a success!! All thanks to Magnolia and Chelsea!! Pros: great service (ask for Chelsea!), great atmosphere, not celebrity exposed Cons: you might drive by it! the sign may be a little hard to see. more

Where do I began?my boyfriend and I go to Magnolia's at least once a week. I love the ambiance, so romantic yet very inviting. The Manager is great (forgot her name : ). She always greets us with a warm welcome and last week she even gave us a hug! The service is always prompt and the taste of food is very consistent. We can go there at 9p.m. or at 1a.m. and still get the same level of service. A couple of times we were the last couple their and they didn?t even rush us out. If you?re looking for a non traditional, hip, romantic environment, this is it. I LOVE IT!!! Pros: Service, Professionalism, Setting Cons: Parking Staff more

Where do I began?my boyfriend and I go to Magnolia's at least once a week. I love the ambiance, so romantic yet very inviting. The Manager is great (forgot her name : ). She always greets us with a warm welcome and last week she even gave us a hug! The service is always prompt and the taste of food is very consistent. We can go there at 9p.m. or at 1a.m. and still get the same level of service. A couple of times we were the last couple their and they didn?t even rush us out. If you?re looking for a non traditional, hip, romantic environment, this is it. I LOVE IT!!! Pros: Service, Professionalism, Setting Cons: Parking Staff more

My friends and I stopped into Magnolia to get away from the crowds in nearby bars. We were pleasantly surprised by the comfort and the class of the locale and the staff. Our waiter came by right on cue each time we needed a refill, and left us to enjoy our group the rest of the time. The drinks were mixed well, instead of simply to be strong (or weak). In other words, these are professional bartenders. I'd recommend this place for a small group to have a great time. Pros: Ambience more

My friends and I stopped into Magnolia to get away from the crowds in nearby bars. We were pleasantly surprised by the comfort and the class of the locale and the staff. Our waiter came by right on cue each time we needed a refill, and left us to enjoy our group the rest of the time. The drinks were mixed well, instead of simply to be strong (or weak). In other words, these are professional bartenders. I'd recommend this place for a small group to have a great time. Pros: Ambience more

I have lived in lo angeles for 6 years, I am in the entertainment and restaurant business so it is part of my job to go to places and rate them and spread the ratings to many big names in both industries. Magnolia is in a class all by itself. First, the food is excellent! (and i'm neurotically picky with food), try the tuna tartare and smoked mac&cheese!! The vibe is unlike any other in LA, very cool and sophisticated decor but not pushing it. The crowd is a great mix, very beautiful, many recognizable faces, yet somehow without the tackyness that we are all subjected to in this city. The servers were very friendly and very attentive to their customers WITHOUT being too annoying. Overall, i am releived that somebody finally got it right and can't wait to spread the word (which clearly this place doesn't need help with, it was packed 3 night in a row!!) Yes, I went 3 nights in a row, but its that good!!! Highly recommended, Dont miss it!!!!! Pros: everything else! Cons: little too crowded more

I have lived in lo angeles for 6 years, I am in the entertainment and restaurant business so it is part of my job to go to places and rate them and spread the ratings to many big names in both industries. Magnolia is in a class all by itself. First, the food is excellent! (and i'm neurotically picky with food), try the tuna tartare and smoked mac&cheese!! The vibe is unlike any other in LA, very cool and sophisticated decor but not pushing it. The crowd is a great mix, very beautiful, many recognizable faces, yet somehow without the tackyness that we are all subjected to in this city. The servers were very friendly and very attentive to their customers WITHOUT being too annoying. Overall, i am releived that somebody finally got it right and can't wait to spread the word (which clearly this place doesn't need help with, it was packed 3 night in a row!!) Yes, I went 3 nights in a row, but its that good!!! Highly recommended, Dont miss it!!!!! Pros: everything else! Cons: little too crowded more

I went here for my birthday and had an amazing time. We were seated on the back patio, which was cozy and private, and our waiter was very attentive. Cocktails were good....very tasty, with fresh ingredients. We all sampled each others drinks, and I think my favorite was the ginger cosmo. For dinner I ordered the free range roasted chicken, with broccolini and mashed potatoes. This was SO good! I ate everything on my plate. I have been to many restaurants in LA, and a lot are dissapointing. Magnolia will not dissapoint you! Pros: Food, atmosphere, drinks, service Cons: none more

I went here for my birthday and had an amazing time. We were seated on the back patio, which was cozy and private, and our waiter was very attentive. Cocktails were good....very tasty, with fresh ingredients. We all sampled each others drinks, and I think my favorite was the ginger cosmo. For dinner I ordered the free range roasted chicken, with broccolini and mashed potatoes. This was SO good! I ate everything on my plate. I have been to many restaurants in LA, and a lot are dissapointing. Magnolia will not dissapoint you! Pros: Food, atmosphere, drinks, service more

I am used to going out to eat late at night and only having a few options that are typically diner food like 101, Fred's or Mel's. Magnolia is a beautiful high-end restaurant in the heart of Hollywood that just happens to open for service until two. I enjoy having a meal with friends for 2 or 3 hours and this is the perfect place to do so especially if you are on the younger side. For appetizers we had the tuna tartar which was layered avocado and I believe red caviar, the artisan cheese plate, and spinach artichoke dip. Everything was very good but the tuna was the standout dish. Our entree's were the salmon, tuna, and the pork chops. The salmon, whose sides includes jasmine rice and asparagus, is a nice choice if you want to eat lighter. The seared ahi tuna was so tasty. I've had seared ahi and mashed potatoes many times and this one is special. My favorite gastronomical experience of the night was the pork chops with the sweet potato mashed. I can't really describe how good it is, but that's what I would recommend ordering. Dessert was the apple crisp which was tiny and I was thankful for the portion because the three of us were so stuffed we left a third of it over. The service was great. It was exactly what you'd expect. The decor is excellent. All this food plus 3 glasses of wine and a bottle of water came to a reasonable $143. Pros: Pretty much everthing. Cons: can't think of one. more

I am used to going out to eat late at night and only having a few options that are typically diner food like 101, Fred's or Mel's. Magnolia is a beautiful high-end restaurant in the heart of Hollywood that just happens to open for service until two. I enjoy having a meal with friends for 2 or 3 hours and this is the perfect place to do so especially if you are on the younger side. For appetizers we had the tuna tartar which was layered avocado and I believe red caviar, the artisan cheese plate, and spinach artichoke dip. Everything was very good but the tuna was the standout dish. Our entree's were the salmon, tuna, and the pork chops. The salmon, whose sides includes jasmine rice and asparagus, is a nice choice if you want to eat lighter. The seared ahi tuna was so tasty. I've had seared ahi and mashed potatoes many times and this one is special. My favorite gastronomical experience of the night was the pork chops with the sweet potato mashed. I can't really describe how good it is, but that's what I would recommend ordering. Dessert was the apple crisp which was tiny and I was thankful for the portion because the three of us were so stuffed we left a third of it over. The service was great. It was exactly what you'd expect. The decor is excellent. All this food plus 3 glasses of wine and a bottle of water came to a reasonable $143. Pros: Pretty much everthing. Cons: can't think of one. more

The food is so reasonably priced for the location and atmosphere. I had fantastic marinated skirt steak with perfect mashed potatoes for $19! The specialty Gimlet cocktail is worth the $12 - it's a cross between a traditional vodka gimlet and a mojito with a sugar rim. Fantastic! The service was professional and unpretentious. When I ordered my second gimlet and it arrived without the sugar rim which I love I politely mentioned how much I loved it and the server was very sweet and quickly accommodating. I've been here several times, for a date and with girl friend and both times felt like it was a perfectly spent going-out night. Pros: Ambiance, Friendly service, delicious food for good value Cons: speciality cocktails are a little pricey but worth it for the taste, free parking can be tough more

The food is so reasonably priced for the location and atmosphere. I had fantastic marinated skirt steak with perfect mashed potatoes for $19! The specialty Gimlet cocktail is worth the $12 - it's a cross between a traditional vodka gimlet and a mojito with a sugar rim. Fantastic! The service was professional and unpretentious. When I ordered my second gimlet and it arrived without the sugar rim which I love I politely mentioned how much I loved it and the server was very sweet and quickly accommodating. I've been here several times, for a date and with girl friend and both times felt like it was a perfectly spent going-out night. Pros: Ambiance, Friendly service, delicious food for good value Cons: speciality cocktails are a little pricey but worth it for the taste, free parking can be tough more

What a pleasure. My buddy (who is a server at another restaurant) and I (former server, also elsewhere) went in for dinner tonight to Magnolia. From the valet, who was quick and professional, to the hostess, who sat us immediately for a Thursday night reservation at 8:00 (are you kidding-- in LA?) to the busboys, the manager (Kate was her name), and the server (ask for Bobby if you can get him), to the food (which was well-paced and perfectly cooked, dressed, and served), the evening was perfect. We indulged in several cigarettes over the course of the evening in the outdoor, back patio, and were impressed that all of the staff went out of their way to replace the dirty ashtrays with clean ones throughout the meal. Bobby checked in on us regularly and unobtrusively, and Kate did the same. When the party seated behind us gathered together to snap some group photos, their server was there to offer to take the picture for them. We never felt rushed, and stayed for over three hours for an absolutely perfect "buddy night" out on the town. Neither of us had anything but positive things to say, and as we left we thanked both Bobby and Kate for helping to make it the relaxing, enjoyable evening we both needed. Really impressive. Pros: Perfect service; Really great food. Cons: Not a single one. more

What a pleasure. My buddy (who is a server at another restaurant) and I (former server, also elsewhere) went in for dinner tonight to Magnolia. From the valet, who was quick and professional, to the hostess, who sat us immediately for a Thursday night reservation at 8:00 (are you kidding-- in LA?) to the busboys, the manager (Kate was her name), and the server (ask for Bobby if you can get him), to the food (which was well-paced and perfectly cooked, dressed, and served), the evening was perfect. We indulged in several cigarettes over the course of the evening in the outdoor, back patio, and were impressed that all of the staff went out of their way to replace the dirty ashtrays with clean ones throughout the meal. Bobby checked in on us regularly and unobtrusively, and Kate did the same. When the party seated behind us gathered together to snap some group photos, their server was there to offer to take the picture for them. We never felt rushed, and stayed for over three hours for an absolutely perfect ""buddy night"" out on the town. Neither of us had anything but positive things to say, and as we left we thanked both Bobby and Kate for helping to make it the relaxing, enjoyable evening we both needed. Really impressive. Pros: Perfect service; Really great food. Cons: Not a single one. more

I'm puzzled by the negative reviews below, because I found Magnolia to be pretty much the perfect date restaurant. It's beautiful, so it always feels special to eat there, but it's also relaxing. The food is very good (loved the burger). The martinis are ice-cold. The prices are low enough that you don't feel like you have to have the most incredible night to make it worthwhile. Granted, I've only been there once, but on that occasion I found both hosts and waitstaff to be warm and professional. I really enjoyed it and plan to go back. The only thing I didn't like was the ginger cocktail on their specialty drinks list - avoid that one. more

I'm puzzled by the negative reviews below, because I found Magnolia to be pretty much the perfect date restaurant. It's beautiful, so it always feels special to eat there, but it's also relaxing. The food is very good (loved the burger). The martinis are ice-cold. The prices are low enough that you don't feel like you have to have the most incredible night to make it worthwhile. Granted, I've only been there once, but on that occasion I found both hosts and waitstaff to be warm and professional. I really enjoyed it and plan to go back. The only thing I didn't like was the ginger cocktail on their specialty drinks list - avoid that one. more

After dining at too many Los Angeles restaurants that have chic and trendy decor, but mediocre food, I have to say that I didn't have high expectations for Magnolia. Luckily, I was wrong about this place. Three of us went into Magnolia early on a Sunday afternoon. The restaurant was only about half full. We were seated right away. The decor, as I said is trendy, but cozy. Lots of black and beige. The service was attentive, although my friend did have to ask a couple of times for vinegar (granted, it's not something that everyone asks for when dining). The food, I have to say, was the highlight of the experience. Two of us ordered the B.L.A.T. sandwich, while my boyfriend ordered lox and bagels. The B.L.A.T. was terrific, and came with yummy shoestring fries (or a choice of salad). According to my boyfriend, the salmon seemed really fresh too. Overall, this is definitely a place worth coming to for lunch, especially if you want to check out the ArcLight for an afternoon movie afterwards, since it is within walking distance. Pros: Good food; close to the ArcLight Cons: Parking may be a nightmare .... more