RESTAURANT ADDRESS

5955 Melrose Ave.

Los Angeles, CA

323-460-4170

RESTAURANT STAFF

Chef Owner: Michael Cimarusti

Executive Chef: Tristan Aitchison

Pastry Chef: David Rodriguez

Sommelier: Drew Langley

GM: Donato Poto

OAD HISTORY

Ranked 18 in 2013; Ranked 23 in 2012.

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Michael Cimarusti has raised his game at this seafood specialist located in the space that once housed the original Patina. A fanatic about high-quality ingredients, Cimarusti installed a special cold room in his kitchen so that his fish can be butchered at a perfect temperature. The attention to detail appears to have paid off, as many of our reviewers feel that Cimarusti serves the best New American seafood in the country. Some of the creations are truly inspired: his Dungeness crab with sweet peas, crispy soba and sriracha mayonnaise; his signature Santa Barbara sea urchin served in a farm egg filled with a Champagne beurre blanc; and his dayboat halibut from Sitka, Alaska, served with burdock, shiso and lemon. Non-fish eaters will find that Cimarusti handles dishes like foie gras ravioli or roast tenderloin of veal with chanterelles and shimeji mushrooms with the same level of skill and aplomb. Partner Donato Poto, a veteran of numerous top L.A. restaurants (including Bastide in its heyday), does an equally good job of managing the front of the house.

The Ugly Bunch - Abalone, Uni, Geoduck, Caviars, Borage Flowers and Herbs on a Smoked Seafood Custard.
Photo Courtesy of: Providence