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fundamental LA Reviews List
fundamental LA
fundamental LA is a farmer’s market driven restaurant, where we try to create a bridge between our backgrounds in fine dining, and our affection for a more casual, neighborhood restaurant -- somewhere we’d want to eat…simple, comfortable, tasty.
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73 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 73 reviews
5 stars
(21)
4 stars
(34)
3 stars
(12)
2 stars
(6)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(55)
- neighborhood gem(44)
- hot spot(22)
- good for groups(17)
- great for lunch(11)
- notable wine list(11)
fundamental LA Reviews List
Review 1 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Too loud and too salty
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I had high hopes. It is a tiny modern looking restaurant with a fun menu. However all the cement and hard surfaces makes it really loud even when it isn't that full. Also I'm not a fan of communal tables at dinner. No privacy. The sea bass was salty and it was over beans that were too hard and inedible. The gnocchi was odd; little pieces of French toast instead of traditional gnocchi. The deep fried Brussel sprouts were good. I don't plan to return."
Dined on 5/21/2013
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Review 2 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fundamental is the best!!!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"more care goes into their dishes than anywhere else you'll go --- every bite is amazing!
We've gone 5 weeks in a row....
We've gone 5 weeks in a row....
GO THERE"
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch
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Review 3 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A buzz and a well-curated menu...
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our third time back. The place has a buzz made of great, well-prepared food, energy, and efficient service -- all fitting together to create an incredibly satisfying dining experience. Brussels sprouts, potatoes, carrot risotto, beet melange, black cod were all excellent. We will go back and try the remaining dishes in this well-curated menu."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 4 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
a great Westwood find!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We'd never head of it before but thanks to BBE, we had dinner there last Saturday night and we're blown away. This place is unnlike any restaurant in the area. very hip vibe and really well prepared tasty modern food . We sat at the bar, had a delicious hamburger and outrageous brusslesprouts a couple of glasses of house red. all at the right price! A swell time was had by both. we'll be back!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
dont bother
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"they sat us against a wall and handed us very limited menus with little fanfare. they made no effort to welcome us or explain the menu. items came out fairly fast but were not very good. overall a very disappointing restaurant. more like an overpriced cafe."
Dined on 5/03/2013
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Review 6 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
It's our favorite restaurant.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Fundamental has the best food. So much care goes into every bite. YUM"
Dined on 04/25/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 7 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
incredibly loud and stuffy
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"incredibly loud and stuffy place, tiny menu selection, forgettable food, unremarkable service"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2002
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Review 8 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I really enjoyed my meal.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I really enjoyed my meal. Great burger and the cauliflower was delicious. The community tables can be a bit off putting if you're planning on having any kind of quiet conversation, but the people we sat near were very nice. One couple came in after us, and were clearly not happy with the seating arrangement and having to squeeze in between me and the person one over. We were lucky enough to get the 2 seats next to the wall. The bench can be tricky to climb into in a dress if the ends are full. If you're prepared for the seating, it's worth a try."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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Review 9 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Trendiest Restaurant in Westwood
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
"The food was unusual and tasty, and it was reasonably priced. The restaurant is small and can get quite noisy. They add to the noise by playing music over the speakers, which makes it hard to talk. The menu is limited, and our group had pretty much everything on there. The Hanger Steak was the best--served rare and cut in bite-sized portions, for sharing."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2009
Special Features: hot spot
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Review 10 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Plates were very small.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Plates were very small. None of the food was hot. Communal tables which is ok but they were very deep and you basically could barely hear the person across from you. Veggie dishes were quite good. Fish was just so so."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2004
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Review 11 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Communal Tables. Very loud.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Communal Tables. Very loud. Great food and local gem for quick casual yummy night out."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
There are some things I really
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"There are some things I really liked about this place and some things I didn't, but the things I disliked are not necessarily bad, just my preferences.
The food was delicious - burger, torta, potatoes, carrot risotto, churro - with only a couple exceptions. The torta wasn't as amazing as others reported but I did find it mighty tasty, if very messy. The risotto was excellent but I didn't enjoy the pieces of crunchy carrots on top. I would've preferred if it was just the creamy, cheesy risotto.
I disliked the shared tables and that plates come out as they're ready rather than in a set order but this is just my personal dining preference and not a knock at the restaurant itself."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list
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Review 13 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Really liked the concept;
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Really liked the concept; communal tables and serving fresh farmers market driven fare. The food was good but there were a few misses that prevented it being a 4 or 5 star experience. The main thing that was unfortunate, which a few reviewers have already touched on, was the saltiness; the Burger meat this time was way too salty. The other dishes were good and fresh. We sat at the Bar and watched the food being prepped and it was fun. Could be more enjoyable if the staff were a bit more engaging but not a must as they have a job to do and were extremely busy; may be when the place is slow..."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great brussell sprouts and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great brussell sprouts and cauliflower, hamburger under cooked and still undercooked after further cooking and sea bass was a big too fishy but the beans were great. Service was very good. All tables are family style so if you aren't enamored of others at your table you're out of luck! Interesting wine list and good wines by the glass. Limited menu which restricts choices for those who don't like what's on the menu."
Dined on 04/03/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Some plates are really delicious
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Some plates are really delicious & others lacking. Burger was too salty, hanger steak flavorless. However, the carrot risotto, cauliflower and brussel sprouts were great. $3.00 for the bread and butter was worth it - so tasty. Atmosphere is lacking & extremely loud. Our main server was aloof and even though the host/servers/chef were @ the all gathered as we left, no one said goodnight or thank you. There are many restaurants with this concept in L.A. & if you want people to come back, the food needs to be exceptional as does the service. As a former waitress it hard to overlook service. As a former line cook, I really appreciated the dishes that worked. I would give them another chance, but the rest of our party would not."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 16 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
food is excellent! seating
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"food is excellent! seating is at a counter or communal tables due to small size."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Six of us went there for the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Six of us went there for the Travel zoo local deal. It was a tremendous value. We had cocktail, appetizer, entry and 3 desert to share. Truffle gnocchi was to die-for; tuna tartar was great with Veggie chips. The only lack luster appetizer dish was the malnutrition mussels. For entries we had filet mignon, scallop, stripe bass and salmon, they were all first class quality and taste. You could tell the chef had cooked with not just precision but also his pride in his craft. We were a bit shocked to see many empty tables in a Friday night. Hopefully, business will pick up for them soon. We sure don't want to see them leaving the location."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I love fundamental la. It
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I love fundamental la. It is a great neighborhood spot - love the menu of small plates, delivered delicious and warm, and the wine list - and the happy hour pricing is good. Only problem for me is the noise level - all the hard surfaces and very audible music - even at 6 pm make it hard to have an intelligent conversation. (Does anyone want that anymore?) There is a sense of elegance that is imbedded in its simplicity.
I have been to fundamental probably six or seven times now. I hope that they will venture out with some new menu offerings - in the same style - although I could always be satisfied with the carrot risotto, the short rib, the burger, and the duck in a jar!"
Dined on 03/26/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 19 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
great neighborhood communal dining
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Small restaurant in westwood with all communal table. Food really good & you can watch chef make your dinner if you sit at the counter. Try the homemade vanilla cream soda, YUMMMMM!"
Dined on 02/28/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 20 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Salty and Overpriced
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was way too salty and overpriced. Two out of the 4 dishes we ordered were extremely salty. We even sent one back and it still came out salty. The portions were also extremely small. I'd been wanting to try this place for almost a year now and was really disappointed. Maybe it's better for lunch?"
Dined on 03/12/2013
2009
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Review 21 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was fantastic. Service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was fantastic. Service that night was just fair. Dessert menu was limited and parallel to creativity of the rest of the menu."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 22 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food was quite good and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was quite good and interesting; however, be ready to sit at tightly packed communal tables, with a really high noise level. Service not great."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 23 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Westwood Neighborhood Find
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I have lived in Westwood for 10 years and dine out multiple times/week, and I was shocked to find out fundamental LA has been open for 2 years. If you weren't looking for it you would miss it, it's that modest from the street. It's so great to have a neighborhood restaurant that is more about the food than it is about the student-driven happy hours like most restaurants in LA. You need to be comfortable with communal dining and an energetic atmosphere, but the staff handles the crowds wonderfully and it's part of what makes this place special. Every single dish we tried (and there were about 6 of them)was exceptional. Will not only be back, but will become regular patrons."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 24 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic food at an amazing
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Fantastic food at an amazing price. Late night happy hour menu starting at 9 is a tremendous bargain. One of the best burgers I've ever had. A great wine list of very interesting wines that are all good values."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch
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Review 25 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Try the bone marrow-it's amazing!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Try the bone marrow-it's amazing!"
Dined on 01/30/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 26 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I love Fundamental LA. Even
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I love Fundamental LA. Even though we had a reservation, the place was packed. We waited for 10 minutes in line before we were able to order. After we ordered, it took about 8 minutes to find a place to open up for my party of two to sit down. The food was absolutely delicious and worth the wait! Though they forgot to give me one of my appetizers until I was finished with my meal, Fundamental LA was nice and accommodating. Fundamental seemed a bit flustered with so many patrons from Dine LA but the food quality was superb."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 27 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Foodies dream
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Loved it. Food was fantastic. Amazing service. Great choices. Unusual but great. A foodies dream,!"
Dined on 02/01/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 28 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The place was cozy, with large
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The place was cozy, with large tables where everyone sat together, so don't expect a table for only your party unless it's a large party. The servers are friendly, with a nice atmosphere overall.
The carrot risotto, tagliatelle, and panna cotta were our favorite dishes, everything else was good, but everything had quite a bit of salt (even the dessert), and overall they were very liberal with the sauce and seasoning, to the point of overpowering the ingredients on some of the dishes. The squid and salad had too much sauce, and the panna cotta had too much salt on top.
We were there for DineLA, and were disappointed that the bone marrow and purple cauliflower listed on the site wasn't available, but I guess it did say subject to chang"
Dined on 01/25/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, hot spot
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Review 29 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
DineLA Restaurant Week - Jan 2013
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went for DineLA Restaurant Week in Jan 2013 and the menu was great. Winter Green Salad, Brussel Sprouts, delicious/fresh/light Pasta, amazing Short Ribs, and mouth-watering Churros for dessert. I'll be back again."
Dined on 01/27/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, romantic
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Review 30 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was awesome. I was visiting
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was awesome. I was visiting from Sacramento and my niece recommended the restaurant. There were five of us and we shared several small plates. The restaurant's decor was austere."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 31 for fundamental LA
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The atmosphere and service
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The atmosphere and service are nice, the food was very salty and still needs some work on conception. I think it'll turn into a really nice place when they find their feet."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2009
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Ratings-Only Reviews for fundamental LA
Based on the average of (42) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
2 out of 2 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic