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Restaurant Reviews for Ortolan

Ortolan

8338 W. 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048

Ortolan, residing on L.A.’s West Third Street corridor, is the first venture for French Chef Christophe Emé who has worked in some of the most recognizable restaurants in the world. With the encouragement of his girlfriend, actress Jeri Ryan, Emé decided it was time to open his own restaurant. Designed by Kristopher Keith and his firm, Spacecraft, Ortolan has a decidedly modernized provincial feel. Casually elegant, the beautifully appointed dining room will serve Emé’s classically inspired French cuisine. Emé serves contemporary versions of French classics that include dishes such as crispy langoustines served with cauliflower puree and beef jus, as well as roast squab and leg confit with compte macaroni and tapenade salad. He comments “I hope to create a place that feels like home where people know they will get a great meal every night of the week, where jacket and tie are not required, but guests can enjoy haute cuisine in a casual setting.

Dining Style: Casual Elegant
Price: $50 and over
Parking: Valet
Cross Street:

See more Ortolan details

Average Diner Rating
Overall Rating		3.8 out of 5 (106 Reviews)

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

Summary of Special Features

Diners classify this restaurant as:

special occasion (75)
fit for foodies (72)
romantic (65)
notable wine list (26)
neighborhood gem (16)
hot spot (13)
good for groups (11)
late-night find (3)
kid-friendly (1)
vibrant bar scene (1)

Ortolan Reviews List

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"This is our new restaurant fav! A well deserved Michelin Star award for the quality, flavor and ingenuity of the food. Christophe is amazing! The small touches are what sets them apart. Creative presentation on unique serveware, ingenious flavor and texture combinations, awesome and gracious crew, little touches such as wax sealed bill and the best part, Christophe checks in on you not just once! We will definitely keep coming back! You have to try it to believe our enthusiasm :)Looooove the seared foie gras w/ mushroom soup and the mandarin caviar panna cotta!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/18/2010

(review submitted 03/19/2010)

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Review 2 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Good)

"Presentation and service was great. Not a fan of the cod with rice and the rib was too salty. Kind of too quiet for a saturday night crowd."

Special Features: special occasion

Food		(Fair)
Ambiance		(Fair)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/13/2010

(review submitted 03/15/2010)

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Review 3 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"I was really impressed with the Ortolan. My table got the Menu Plaisir(11 dishes) and everyone of the dishes was outstanding. If you are old school like me and long for the now defunct Diagheliv or L'Orangerie, this restaurant is the next best thing. In fact, I think Ortolan is better. Make sure you raise your credit card limit."

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/12/2010

(review submitted 03/14/2010)

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Review 4 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"we were seated in a dark area of the restaurant next to the bar. The front room with chandeliers was preferable. Very delicious prix fixe "Seduction Menu" although we were not advised of a change in the menu until after ordering and food arrived. That was a faux pas! We didn't enjoy the substituted item..a pasta dish instead of langoustines."

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/06/2010

(review submitted 03/09/2010)

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Review 5 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Good)

"The food was quite good, but I was expecting much better service from a Michelin star restaurant. When our server place the first dish in front of us he said it was Foie Gras, but in fact it was scallops. What?!? Another waiter came over who had overheard the mistake and corrected him. Unacceptable as far as I am concerned. The servers had little to no knowledge of the food they were serving. The food was good, but , unfortunately, not good enough for me to return after such bad service."

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 03/06/2010

(review submitted 03/08/2010)

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Review 6 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Poor)

"This has to have been the worst experience we have ever had. I would NEVER ever recommend this restaurant to anyone. I had called 3 days before and told them that my husband and I are vegan and if the chef would please prepare something vegan for us. The lady who spoke to me was very polite and she said she had noted it with the reservation that 2 of the 4 of us were vegan. Once we arrived at the restaurant we ordered a bottle of wine. Our server showed it to us and we approved it and then for some reason he forgot about us. I told him of our request. Few minutes passed and then the manager shows up and tells us since they have a small party in the other room the chef is very busy and has not prepared anything vegan for us but we can pick"

Food		(Poor)
Ambiance		(Poor)
Service		(Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/27/2010

(review submitted 03/03/2010)

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Review 7 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"We were incredibly disappointed with Ortolan. The waitress was nervous and acted like it was her first night. Twice, the staff put plates down in the wrong order (something I only care about when I'm paying top dollar). The waitress told us the menu was the new seasonly adjusted menu, yet one of the dishes that listed chanterelles came without. Then we were told they were out of season. Yet the next morning we saw vendors with many chanterelles at the farmers market. The desserts were blah. The pumpkin gnocci were tasteless lumps, yet were featured in two of the dishes."

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Poor)
Service		(Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/27/2010

(review submitted 03/02/2010)

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Review 8 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Poor)

"I was very disappointed with the service I received at Ortolan. I reserved a table for Valentine's Day over 30 days ago. I noticed a missed call from the Manager the day before my reservation. When I called back, she was a little abrasive stating she was confirming my reservation. I arrived early for the prix fix dinner at 8 PM. By 10:15, I received 3 of the 7 courses with no explanation or apology. We decided to leave (very hungry) and we were charged for the wine we had. Had they comped the wine, I would consider returning, but after over 2 hours with only a few tapas-sized plates served coupled with poor service, I will not return."

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/14/2010

(review submitted 02/25/2010)

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Review 9 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Good)

"I have been to this place before and the food is as always amazing and has the service but this time the service was horrible. It seemed like they were short staffed and everyone was running around like chickens with their heads cut off. They did the best the could considering how short staffed they were but the wait between courses was ridiculous not to mention, we did a wine pairing and half the courses would arrive without the wine. Since I have been here before and have had a wonderful experience I will give this place another chance."

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/14/2010

(review submitted 02/25/2010)

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Review 10 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Dining at Ortolan is aways a wonderful experience. We were there to celebrate my husband's birthday. Perfect evening!!!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/20/2010

(review submitted 02/25/2010)

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Review 11 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"This was the perfect place for our Valentine's Day dinner, even though we went the night before V Day. The food was delicious and the champagne and wine were excellent. It was a prix fixe dinner and all the courses were wonderful. You couldn't ask for better French food."

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/13/2010

(review submitted 02/25/2010)

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Review 12 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Poor)

"Couldn't find our waitress all night. Seemed very understaffed. Food came out extremely slow. After waiting over 2 hours to be served 3 courses, we left less that halfway through the meal."

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/14/2010

(review submitted 02/24/2010)

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Review 13 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Good)

"Overall the food was good but too expensive for the flavor and what you got. No real flare."

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Fair)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/20/2010

(review submitted 02/22/2010)

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Review 14 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Dinner was excellent! I liked the champagne cart when we sat down. It was a first visit for me and made a very good impression on my date who hasn't much experience with fine dining such as this. In researching some of the best restaurants in Los Angeles through Various websites, this was consistently ranked very high and it did not disappoint. I was looking forward to the scrambled eggs and caviar and enjoyed it very much, but especially pleased with the yuzu marinated salmon appetizer. I was torn between the braised short ribs and the rack of lamb and told the waitress to allow the chef to decide and cook it however they saw fit and the lamb was chosen and cooked perfectly. I shall make a point to return in the future."

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/20/2010

(review submitted 02/22/2010)

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Review 15 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Poor)

"Although we had requested a booth and several were empty upon arrival, this request was declined. Dinner took over 4 hours, completely excessive. My wife suffers from food allergies, we were assured that changes would be made, only one dish was altered to eliminate mushrooms. All other dishes were the same. All dishes were served without set ups, food was left standing while servers scurried for settings. Our server tried hard but was fighting an uphill battle he could not win.

Having had an outstaning experience experience at this restaurant before, this was quite dissapointing, specially since dinner for two was in excess of $400.00.

Unfortunately, I could not recommend Ortolan based on this experience."

Food		(Poor)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/14/2010

(review submitted 02/21/2010)

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Review 16 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"My partner and I spent 4 luxurious hours on Valentine's evening experiencing a remarkable 7 course tasting menue that was as good as any fine dining I have enjoyed in New York, London or even Paris. The highlight was the scrambled eggs with cavier, though each course was well balanced. The service was attentive, and after we told them to slow down the progression of the courses, we really enjoyed ourselves.This restaurant is not for the faint of heart. We brought our own wine, but had 2 glasses of Champagne and a cocktail. All in, the dinner was $400 without the tip. It was worth every penny."

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/14/2010

(review submitted 02/20/2010)

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Review 17 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Poor)

"Needs to work on customer service. Very poor service for the type of prices charged. Food was fair but not as talked about with many of the critics. Would not return again."

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Fair)
Service		(Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/14/2010

(review submitted 02/20/2010)

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Review 18 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Poor)

"I came to Ortolan after looking for a romantic Valentines day dinner, a friend recommended and lets just say he is NOT my friend anymore ;-)
Issue from the moment we arrived, our reservation was for 9:30PM and we were seated at 10:30PM waited for a menu another 15 minutes just to learn that the restaurant has a 7 course preset menu!!! so why bother with the menu?

Service was BAD food was even worse, it was either blend or salty and took for ever between dishes.

and in the end they have added 20% service for 2 people... WOW

Worst $500 I ever spent.

Stay away..."

Special Features: romantic

Food		(Poor)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/14/2010

(review submitted 02/16/2010)

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Review 19 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"very good food and excellent service.The decor of the restaurant is very elegant and romantic, Highly recommended. I will definitely go back. It is a good restaurant for small groups."

Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/11/2010

(review submitted 02/15/2010)

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Review 20 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"The food was amazing and scallop dish is to die for. I just wished I had a little more scallop...
I saw more of the bread server then I saw our waitress.
Overall I was very pleased and food was amazing and I can't wait to try the scallop again."

Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/04/2010

(review submitted 02/11/2010)

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Review 21 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Good)

"This was my first and probably last visit to Ortolan! The chef is very talented and the short ribs and dessert especially were amazing. The Dine LA price was $44 pp, yet we paid $440 for 4 people!!! The cheapest wine bottle is $85; a glass of champagne is $20 and they automatically add a 20% service charge! which would have been ok had the service been good - it is LOUSY! The staff do not live up to the image nor standard they are trying to create. Dommage! Way too expensie for what you get - I can only imagine what the price would have been had we gone at an ordinary week and not he Dine LA week! There are many better and cheaper restaurants in LA."

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Fair)
Service		(Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/05/2010

(review submitted 02/07/2010)

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Review 22 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"We went during dineLA week and were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food for a very reasonable price. Excellent ambiance - we could hear ourselves talk and tables were set with enough distance that we weren't listening to someone else's perhaps more exciting stories. Service was friendly without being obtrusive - we will definitely go back."

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/04/2010

(review submitted 02/06/2010)

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Review 23 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"The dessert was so good that it would make you blush~!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/02/2010

(review submitted 02/05/2010)

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Review 24 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Consistent performer and one of the very best French restaurants in Southern California"

Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/02/2010

(review submitted 02/04/2010)

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Review 25 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"It was a perfect restaurant to bring 7 friends for a nice dinner. I was surprised that we got the best table in the restaurant in a private area with a roaring fireplace. The food was phenominal. All the dishes were plated quite beautifully and were seasoned to perfection. We all enjoyed the creativity of each dish also. The service was top-notched. We left a hefty tip knowning that it was going to well-deserved wait staff. Overall, 5 stars for this exceptional restaurant."

Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 02/02/2010

(review submitted 02/04/2010)

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Review 26 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Have been to Ortolan several times and I must say this was the most disappointing experience. Service was a bit slow with long waits between courses and the wine pairing did not keep up with the food often arriving several minutes after the food arrived. Food quality was excellent as usual with the exception of the duck which was very bad. Neither I or my friend could finish the duck."

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/30/2010

(review submitted 02/02/2010)

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Review 27 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"The food was phenomenal and the service was great. I am looking forward to eating there again."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/29/2010

(review submitted 02/02/2010)

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Review 28 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"The reduction for the braised short ribs was a bit salty, but other than that, the meal was excellent. It was also cool to catch a glimpse of Chef Eme! On a side note, the gratuity was automatically added to the check for the dineLA Restaurant Week prix fixe menu."

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/29/2010

(review submitted 01/31/2010)

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Review 29 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"Horrible service! I can't believe this is a Michelin-rated restaurant. I would not recommend this to anyone. They even forgot to give us our amuse bouche, and we had to ask for it at the end of our dessert!"

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/27/2010

(review submitted 01/30/2010)

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Review 30 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"We visited Ortolan for Restaurant Week. We had called ahead to make sure it was okay to bring a toddler with us, and the staff was extremely gracious in welcoming him. Our meals were very good- we especially enjoyed the celery root soup, the scallop appetizer, and the passion fruit dessert. Service was impeccable. Our only (minor) complaint was that although there was a small note at the bottom of the menu that gratuity had been added our server did not mention it when he handed us our bill, and we almost added an additional 20%. Not everyone reads the fine print, so we appreciate it when it's pointed out to us. Otherwise we had an absolutely enjoyable and memorable evening."

Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/28/2010

(review submitted 01/30/2010)

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Review 31 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Good)

"a little contrived and a little lackluster...
considering the prices they need to up the ante.
it's hit or miss on the menu."

Special Features: fit for foodies

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/28/2010

(review submitted 01/30/2010)

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Review 32 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Good)

"Had previously dined here a few years back for my husband's birthday and really enjoyed the food. This time, the only menu featured was the 3-course prix fixe menu for the DineLA event. Although it was decent pricing for the event, we were disappointed that an alternate menu was not available. The entrees were not that special. I ordered the beet salad, braised short ribs, and a panna cotta for dessert. Disappointed with the portions and how very simple a meal it was. Flavors were too basic. The only complex & interesting taste was the amuse bouche of celery and tomato soups that we had to share per couple. Still felt hungry after dinner! It almost felt like the restaurant was taking a break during this DineLA week. May not return"

Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/28/2010

(review submitted 01/30/2010)

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Review 33 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Exceptional restaurant. We enjoyed it so much we made Valentines reservations as we were leaving."

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/28/2010

(review submitted 01/30/2010)

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Review 34 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Good)

"We really enjoyed our dinner (the food was really great!)up until we got the check. The server had calculated out his own tip (22%). We thought it was a little odd, but since we were going to pay with credit card didn't think it would matter since we would fill out the reciept ourselves, but when he brought back the slip for us to sign, he had filled that out himself as well. Extremely presumptuous of him and a bit rude. Ruined our evening out. We had planned to some back again for another special occasion, but will probably go elsewhere instead."

Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/27/2010

(review submitted 01/29/2010)

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Review 35 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"The french chef is very talented and the food is awesome!!! Restaurant week had a prix fix only dinner menu and it was absolutely delicious!!!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/26/2010

(review submitted 01/29/2010)

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Review 36 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Poor)

"Abominable service. We requested bread for the table no fewer than four times before our request was honored. The waitstaff seemed to rotate service of our table. The food was uninspired. I will admit that the bar and private room at the back of the restaurant appeared less frenetic and slightly more cozy than the rest, but I'd never return with such poor service and marginal food. I am in disbelief that this restaurant has received a Michelin star."

Food		(Fair)
Ambiance		(Fair)
Service		(Poor)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/26/2010

(review submitted 01/28/2010)

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Review 37 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Good)

"The tasting menu at $80.00 is a bargain with wine pairing for an additional $50. Service was dissapointing with the exception of the sommelier. The amuse was a nice start to the meal. The foi gras/ mushroom soup was terrific with nice foam and great flavor. The scallops were somewhat overcooked, but nice presentation/composition. Lobster spaghetti was somewhat bland, however the herb caviar was a cute touch. The veal was overcooked, however the white sauce and puffed potatoes were nicely done. Wines were perfunctory- the only standout was a nice New Zealand white. There were many service missteps from wine pairings not arriving until the second course had long arrived, to finished plates unremoved. Save your money & go to Fleur de Lys in SF"

Food		(Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/22/2010

(review submitted 01/23/2010)

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Review 38 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"I went in to Ortolan for dinner Thursday with a couple of business associates. The entire experience from walking in the front door, through walking out again at the end of the meal was perfect. Service was attentive without being overbearing. The fod was, as always, amazing. The appetizer of salmon wrapped in a filo dough was to die for. The chef tried out a fig tart on us. I hope that he adds it to the regular menu, as it was one of the best desserts that I have every eaten. When the check came at the end of the evening, I was pleasantly surprised at the amount on the bill, a rarity in fine dining."

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/14/2010

(review submitted 01/18/2010)

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Review 39 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"There is only one thing I can say about Ortolan - 'This is the best restaurant in Los Angeles for all occasions.' This is the best restaurant with great food, service, and ambiance. Totally outstanding and will leave you speechless."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/24/2009

(review submitted 01/05/2010)

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Review 40 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Ortolan's Menu Seduction is one of the best epicurean value in Los Angeles at $80 for 7 courses, not counting the amuse-bouch and mignardises.

Everything is delicately prepared and a delight for the taste bud. Chapampiagn cart is an elegant, if not pricey, way to start the evening. The gnocchi was buttery, scallop perfectly sweet and briny, potato souffle airy, and the mushroom soup intense.

The sauces, especially for the veal, however, is way too salty in my opinion. The lobster spaghetti wins on the presentation but I was not impressed by the lack of lobster or crayfish flavor.

Service was top notch.

Would definitely visit again."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 01/02/2010

(review submitted 01/04/2010)

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Review 41 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"This is the second year in a row that we celebrated New Year's Eve at Ortolan. We know that this restaurant is perfect for every special occasion or celebration. Chef Eme and his fabulous staff ensure a perfect evening!!!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/31/2009

(review submitted 01/03/2010)

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Review 42 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Good)

"Very good, but also very expensive. My husband and I go to fine dining restaurants for special occasions. We have tried most of the top restaurants in Los Angeles. We went to Ortolan on New Year's Eve because of the size of the restaurant and the romantic ambiance. While the food was very good, the service needs improvement. A lot of well dressed service people, but not very organized; they lacked that special synchronization expected of fine dining restaurants. Our servers were not very good at describing the food. On more than one occasion I had to call them back to ask what it was we were about to eat. When we pay a lot of money for a special dinner, we expect the WOW factor which was there only by 75%."

Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/31/2009

(review submitted 01/03/2010)

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Review 43 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"New Year's Eve at Ortolan! That was one of the most memorable dining experiences ever! The nine course meal with the incredibly perfect wine pairings made for an evening that will never be forgotten or surpassed. The only downside was that the evening had to end, but not expecting to spend 4 1/2 hours enjoying dinner, and certainly not expecting to still be there at midnight, we were surprised to still be relaxing, sipping and celebrating the advent of a new year at our favorite restaurant. Our thanks to the chef and staff at Ortolan. Can't wait to entertain guests and clients soon so that we can share the experience."

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/31/2009

(review submitted 01/02/2010)

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Review 44 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Fair)

"Very very disappointing. We paid $250 per person with no wine for a New Year's eve menu and the food was pretty mediocre. Service was nice but did not match any professional standards for that type of a restaurant. Wish we had gone somewhere else and save that money!!"

Food		(Fair)
Ambiance		(Fair)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/31/2009

(review submitted 01/02/2010)

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Review 45 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"My wife and I are Ortolan's biggest fans. Since it opened, we have heralded it as one of the best two restaurants in the USA, t, we were craving the he other being Adour in New York. We would have given it five stars across the board on this trip but we reluctantly admit disappointment in that some of Christophe's signature dishes, which we had come to love, were missing. In particular we were craving the escargot in the shooter glass with the pomme purees. He should have got papal dispensation to remove that from his menu. We gave the food rating a 4.5 because of the missing food gems we had grown to love. Your rating system doesn't allow for half stars so the above rating falls a little short of ours. We will always return."

Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/22/2009

(review submitted 12/29/2009)

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Review 46 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"Food was amazing. Did the larger tasting menu and the chef is brilliant! However, the service was a little casual for the magnificence of the room and the timing was off between the courses and the sommlier...Otherwise it was a real treat!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/23/2009

(review submitted 12/25/2009)

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Review 47 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"The food and the wine pairings were outstanding. Among the best I've ever had. The decor is not very inviting and somwhat pretentious but adequate. The service was adequate but not as attentive as I might have expected in a restaorant with a one star Michelin rating. The winw was not always served at the beginning of the course but had to be requested. However the food and wine more than made up for the other deficiencies."

Special Features: fit for foodies

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Good)
Service		(Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 12/12/2009

(review submitted 12/14/2009)

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Review 48 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Excellent service makes the food taste even better! Thanks Tony!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/28/2009

(review submitted 12/04/2009)

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Review 49 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Outstanding)

"Fabulous food, incredible ambiance, wonderful service. An all around terrific dining experience!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

Food		(Outstanding)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/27/2009

(review submitted 12/03/2009)

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Review 50 for Ortolan

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

"The meal was very nice. I loved the oxtail appetizer and the beet salad was the best I have ever had. Even took a picture. As an Entree, my husband ordered the Nebraska beef which was delicious. the braised ribs were a bit salty for my taste but the fall veggies it came with melted in my mouth. I originally wanted the duck but they were out. I probably should have chose the lobster pasta. Wasn't a fan of the panna cotta desert I chose. I think the saffron threw me off on that one. Should have went for the ganache. The Chef was sweet enough to send along mini macarones & a cheesecake dish with ice cream which was divine. The service was excellent and I would love to come back with another couple or two. Great place for a dinner party."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Outstanding)
Service		(Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user

who dined on 11/28/2009

(review submitted 12/02/2009)

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Ratings-Only Reviews for Ortolan

Based on the average of (56) ratings-only reviews

Overall Rating

(Very Good)

Food		(Very Good)
Ambiance		(Very Good)
Service		(Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level		(Moderate)

Restaurant Reviews for Ortolan

Ortolan Reviews List

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