If you have ever been a Wine House customer, you know that the staff is helpful, friendly and always willing to make a recommendation. I had attended tastings in the space that is now Upstairs 2, and it makes total sense for them to open a tapas restaurant there! Best of all, the same friendly attitude and knowledge carries over to this restaurant. I visited once about 2 months ago and found the food to be very good, and the menu is very user-friendly. They recommend certain wines with certain foods (Primitivo in Venice does the same thing), but the servers and sommelier are happy to recommend alternatives as well. The size of the portions and pours were reasonable for the money, and I find myself heading back tonight (need I say more?).
My only complaint about the restaurant is that while the location is certainly easy to get to, the only view is of the 405 Freeway (which you won't see because they wisely keep the shutters closed). I think the lack of natural light kind of hurts the ambience and makes the place feel a little claustrophobic. The crowd seemed to be on the older side, but I'm sure they were wine-lovers all. If you want more of a scene, go to Primitivo instead. Otherwise, sit back and enjoy some great food and wine, because that's what this place is all about.
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