Wilshire - Santa Monica - calendarlive.com

Wilshire

Search for restaurants:

Or, by ZIP:
Select a type of cuisine:

Find our critic's rating:

Or, by restaurant name:

2454 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica
310-586-1707

wilshirerestaurant.com

Hours: Mon.-Thu., 6-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 6-11 p.m.; Sun., 5-9 p.m. Bar menu available Mon.-Sat., 5 p.m.-1 a.m.; Sun., 5-10 p.m.

Critic's rating:

Read the complete review by S. Irene Virbila

Readers' rating:

Reader reviews: Write a review | Read other reviews

A table in the spacious garden surrounded by fire pits and candles can be hard to come by on weekends, especially when the outdoor bar is in full swing.

In a restaurant landscape where menus all start to read the same, Chef Christopher Blobaum has developed some unique dishes. How about crispy poached egg with baby purple artichokes, black-eyed peas and smoky bacon? As odd as it sounds, the contrast between the crisped golden breadcrumbs on the outside of the egg and the molten yolk, with the nutty artichokes and earthy peas, is beguiling. His duck confit salad isn't shredded duck, but the real thing, salty and moist, a large piece of duck perched on arugula strewn with persimmons and pistachios.

-- S. Irene Virbila
Times Restaurant Critic
Nov. 9, 2005

Cross street: 25th Street

Fax: 310-586-1742

Reader Reviews

January 2, 2006

Gordon Naccarato Tacoma, WA

What a gorgeous restaurant. If you are there for the scene or the food (Forbidden risotto was delicious, as was duck confit persimmon salad) then sit on the gorgeous patio. the waiter was accomodating to my request to split the risotto entree 3 ways as an appetizer (to go with the many others we were unable to resist). For a "scene" type restaurant the food was way more delicious than it needs to be--and I thought the outdoor patio spectacularly & unusually beautiful & interesting great design!

November 22, 2005

VICTOR MAR VISTA, CA

After reading the LA Times review my wife and I decided to try the Wilshire. The place is very relaxed and comfortable. We sat outside in the bar area. Our server could not have been more professional and friendly. We shared a crayfish and mushroom appitizer. Our entrees were salmon, and short ribs. We shared a chocolate crepe for dessert. We really enjoyed our dinner and suggest you try it.

November 4, 2005

Dolly Beverly Hills, Ca

Beautiful .Friendly waiter, good Service. Ordered leg of lamb, which waiter said was organic and extra tender. All came cooked incorrectly-Second attempt still not correct. Smelled and tasted like gamey liver and chewy! McGrath beet salad was tiny little pieces-small portion and pricey. Not great.Short ribs were okay and a fish dish-OK. Not worth $ Dessert selections strange. Chocolate dessert -very average. They spent so much $ on decor, if only the food matched it!

Write a review | Read more reviews

Venue Details

Cuisine	American
Rating
Ambience	High-concept American restaurant with a glamorous two-tier garden patio with an outdoor bar at one end, candles and fire elements everywhere and a focus on organic produce from local farms. The bar menu is served till late.
Best dishes	Red squash and Asian pear soup, beet salad with roasted hazelnuts, crispy poached organic egg, duck confit salad, pork chop with creamy polenta, spit-roasted leg or rack of lamb, braised boneless beef short ribs.
Best table	A dark, corner one in the upper part of the patio.
Desserts	House made ice creams and sorbets.
Of Note	Private dining room in its own little building adjoining the patio can be rented for special occasions.
Prices	Dinner appetizers, $9-$22; main courses, $26-$34; desserts, $6-$9.
Service	Amiable and helpful, if sometimes inexperienced.
Wine list	Good all-around list that covers California, with a nod to Old and New World regions. Corkage, $25.

Update this venue