Raphael is a family-owned casual fine dining restaurant in the heart of Studio City. Raphael aims to provide Studio City with a dining experience unlike any other in the area, as can be seen from its casually luxurious and elegant décor and attention to detail.
The full small plates menu is also available in our lounge, where Mixologist Chris Parke creates one-of-a-kind cocktails highlighting fresh juices and herbs. In addition to full bar, we also have an extensive wine list with a diverse selection of wines by the glass.
"As usual, Raphael's food is always great. Sad that they removed our favorite mac & cheese from the menu. A STRONG suggestion to the chef to put that back on. Hint hint."
Dined on 5/15/2013
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"We went here for Mother's Day dinner. They have VERY small plates and even though they state the small plates are for family style dining so everyone can share, I don't know how you can share a plate with a thin 4 inch piece of fish with some greens. Though the fried chicken plate was not as small compared to all the other ones we ordered. But it is a fancy restaurant, so plate content is bound to be small. However, the food is very good! Very delicious! So if you have men in your party who like to eat a lot, this is not the place for them. They would have to order several plates for themselves. Otherwise, we were satisfied for a one night special occasion dinner."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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"How frustrating it has been to find a real upscale dining experience in the Valley, until we discovered Raphael's! My son and I had the most amazing dinner last week. Everything about Raphael's was first rate, and the food is presented like art! Especially loved the roasted beet salad! We are both world travelers and he is a wine expert at redwinelovers.com. Without question, we will recommend this gem to everyone we know!"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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"This was a first-time visit for my husband and I, but we went at the suggestion of the other couple who was joining us. We were seated in a quiet alcove (per my request for a quiet location) which was just perfect, though the room certainly is lively. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu, the ingredients, the quantities of plates that should be enough for the four of us (we had 9 plates plus dessert and that was a good number), and checked back with us several times to make sure we didn't need more or that everything was to our liking. While it wasn't an inexpensive dinner, it was good value for the quality of foods we had and the choices that were on the menu (which apparently change fairly often)."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"We went for my birthday and enjoyed both the cocktails and the food. The only issue is that the food took a VERY long time to start arriving at the table. We were all on our second drink by the time food started to come out from the kitchen, which is far from ideal. But the waiter warmed up to us and made some great recommendations regarding food and wine and the decor is fun. I think my friends were disappointed that nothing was done by the restaurant to note it was my birthday even though it was noted when we made the reservation. It didn't bother me any, but just an FYI..."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion, hot spot
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"The menu is what is called a small plate or Tapas menu .. It is meant to be shared by the table .. 2 or 3 plates each diner !!! The food was great and our server David was incredible !!! The restaurant has numerous alcoves so you feel like you are dining by yourselves !!! It was a great chance to try things outside of the box .. Their Brussel sprouts dish was a wonderful surprise !!! Libations are amazing as well !! And even though they are small plates they are not so small that you only get a bite or two !!! A must visit !!! We will go there again .. It is not inexpensive but well worth it for a fun night out on the town !!!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2009
Special Features: romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"A variety of plates worked wonderfully for the 4 of us, we didn't feel rushed by the wait staff at all when we tried different plates over several rounds of ordering. When we declined the amuse bouche (pork bellies) because we don't eat meat the kitchen prepared a special quinoa amuse bouche - very thoughtful!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"Good restaurant with a strong neighborhood presence. We sat at the bar and ordered what might be described as small plates. My steak tartare was good, but my date's tuna tartare was bland and left unfinished. Drinks were very good and a well made vodka Martini was a plus. The staff is personable and attentive. Highly recommended."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"There must be a new chef. The dishes have changed in subtle ways and not for the better in my opinion. The tuna tartare that originally had a wonderful teriyaki flavor now has too much heat (chile oil??). Several of the dishes came slathered with creme fraiche or sour cream....a little goes a long way...too much on too many dishes...not so good. The kobe steak was served cold. It's like the restaurant has slipped a cog. I still like it enough to go back and hope they restore the recipes that were so good when they started the small dish program. If it continues on this path it will have transformed from something interesting and different to something very ordinary. This is a good example of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2004
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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"We were there for a birthday celebration. The noise level was over the top. The food never came. We waited 2 h dishes and we finally ended up canceling it. The entire evening at Raphael was a very unsatisfactory dining experience."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2013
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"Excellent experience. Knowledgeable/congenial wait staff. We ordered and shared 6 dishes and all were excellent. Duck breast, Brussels Sprouts, 48 Hour Rib Steak, Kale Salad, Sweet Potato Gnocchi and Salmon. Would order any/all again, but look forward to sampling other offerings. Highly recommended."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"It looks so good on paper, but Raphael was a disappointment. The wine list is very limited and of the 4 choices we made, the cauliflower was the only one really worth eating. The duck confit was mushy and the Brussel Sprouts were drowned in a vinegar and salt reduction that haunted me throughout the night as I kept gulping water way into the wee hours. The ribeye was very tender but flavorless. I get the sense that Raphael has "Firefly" envy, but until they get their recipes in order, I wouldn't waste the time or money."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2004
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"Our waiter clued us in on wonderful choices Friendly, but left us alone appropriately . Very romantic dinner. It is a bit loud once it gets crowded , Definitely would go back for Brussels sprouts and cauliflower dishes."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2011
Special Features: special occasion
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"Second visit, first was a few years ago, since then they enlarged and have a full bar. This is a highly stylized restaurant, it gives the feeling of a private dining club. The entire staff, from hostess to waiter to busmen are spot on! The food is great, adventuresome, and fun! We didn't have wine, instead we chose a number of the various house cocktails. I was impressed!"
Dined on 02/22/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"From the reviews on here I would've expected really bad service and a chaotic noisy atmosphere. However, everyone before me did say the food was outstanding. Easy fix: I went on a Wednesday at 6:30PM. No crowd, minimal distraction and the service was fantastic.
The food is served "small plate" style, so it's somewhat like tapas when it comes to potion but every plate still has a central "larger" item. We ordered the steak tartar, duck confit and a salmon plate. The tartar is probably the best I've ever had. The duck was also quite good. The salmon was a tad overcooked, but it really wasn't a problem.
In all, I had a great dining experience and would have no problem recommending Raphael to a friend."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"Valentine's dinner seems an impossible task for restaurant's to pull off without a hitch. Raphael did a good job at making it work, but my husband and I expected slower service because of it, and we had a lovely dinner. We plan to return to taste the regular menu soon. The food and presentation was delicious, and the strawberry rhubarb cobbler was dangerously good."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"We had a great Valentine's Day! My husband and I both agreed that the atmosphere is perfect for a nice dinner and drinks kinda evening. And best of all, its within our neighborhood!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"The service was terrible. the food tasted very good, but the portions were so small that all four of us left hungry. We are not even big eaters. We ordered 8 dishes, which is what is recommended, one of the dishes never came and the waiter never once came to the table to see how we were doing. In the end we cancelled the last dish (after sitting there for two hours!) We did have a $40.00 bottle of wine, and the bill was over $150.00. I would not go back and I would not recommend this place."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2009
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"Tapas style food (lots of smaller portions). Good tasting food in general. Good service, though the wine list wasn't accurate, and our group was brought wine from an incorrect year. Not a dealbreaker though - would recommend."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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"Loved the place. The menu was interesting and creative. The food was terrific; very flavorful and well prepared. Each dish was unique. We loved the quail and the brussels sprouts were to die for. The cocktails were generous and so was the pour for my glass of wine, which was excellent. Our waiter and support staff were very attentive and helpful. All in all in was a wonderful evening."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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"Fabulous restaurant. The food is creative, delicious and unique. Our service was excellent. The design of the restaurant provides multiple private dining. It is intimate and a great value."
Dined on 02/09/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Food was well prepared, interesting - and small plates are a great way to eat. We loved the food. Yelp was right - the service was poor, and almost proudly so. The waiter barely paid attention, didn't know the menu and showed little enthusiasm about the place, the food - or life in general. Not sure I would recommend - too bad, the food is great."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups
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"Everything the server recommended was amazing. The brussel sprouts and Mac n cheese were my favorite. Peanut butter ice cream was delicious. Can't wait to go back."
Dined on 01/30/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Always a great experience. The small plates approach is great for small groups and allows one to sample many more of the delicious items on the menu. The Brussel Sprouts are fantastic!"
Dined on 02/05/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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"what a find! go with like-minded folks who share small plates nicely or you may spend your evening watching each other eat! best ever freshly-shucked clean-tasting oysters, deliciously spicy lemon cocktail, took waiter's challenge to order sweet and sour brussel sprouts for people who dont like brussel sprouts (honestly they dont look so appetizing but are delicious - just think caramelized! so so tasty), vietnamese pork belly was meaty & minty tossed with loads of fresh cilantro sprigs - yummy! mac&cheese had its own flavor with a mix of parmesan and gouda, crispy white fish was portioned small but prepared perfectly, missed tasting banana pudding/peanut butter ice cream, but nearly licked the bowl of strawberry rhubarb crumble!"
Dined on 01/30/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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"Went to this restaurant for DineLA. Between the 3 of us in our party, we were able to try a variety of the appetizers, entres, and desserts. Overall, the restauant has a very beautiful decore, the front desk staff were very hospitable, but we found our server to be a bit cold/snooty (and none to pleased that we did not order alcohol, which given the automatic 20% gratuity for DineLA was unfortunate).
The menu is, at least on paper, a really good one. However, we found the excecution to be lacking. The artichoke appetizer was over boiled and all of the other dishes were oversalted. Maybe it was an off night in the kitchen, but for the price point, unacceptable."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2006
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"We went for Dine LA, and the restaurant was about half full and while the food was very good it took just over 3 hours for dinner. We had to wait almost an hour in between courses"
Dined on 01/30/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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"Had a wonderful DineLA experience at Raphael. Enjoyed the kanpachi very much, as well as the brussel sprouts. There were many different options, so I will be returning to try other things on the menu. Oh, and the banana bread pudding with tempura battered bananas and peanut butter ice cream was outstanding!!"
Dined on 01/29/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"NO BREAD!! NO BUTTER!! Otherwise it was a very good meal. Sampled because of DineLA promotion and was happily surprised. They put their most popular dishes on the prix fixe so we got a good idea of what Raphael presents."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"We LOVE Raphael. The DineLA menu is a blast, particularly if you bring a few friends and share the appetizers. The beet salad is stunning perfection. The 48-hour Steak is over the top. Really excellent dinner! This is a beautiful high end place for a special occasion!"
Dined on 01/22/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Excellent food, presentation, and decor. A great place for a quiet and enjoyable meal. Most important, you control the pace of the evening by ordering one or two dishes at a time or picking up the pace if needed."
Dined on 01/20/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies
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"We came here the other night with a gift card and had the most wonderful time. The cocktail menu is to die for and the food is absolutely magnificent! We will definitely be back.. It's a little on the expensive side but totally worth it!"
Dined on 01/20/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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"Creatively elegant atmoshpere. Very good spot for dinner where you want to interact with your table guests. Sharing unique, tasty dishes adds to the opportunity for intimacy. Great for catching up with friends or a date with some you enjoy talking to."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"This is truly a *find* in Studio City. The Menu is very creative and the foods served are done with style. The bottom line, all that showmanship and the taste is fantastic!"
Dined on 01/18/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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