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Gwen
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Gwen
9.0
Gwen, from chef Curtis Stone and his brother Luke, combines a European-style butcher shop with a Michelin-starred, fire-focused dining room built for milestone celebrations and tasting-menu splurges. The Art Deco interior, theatrical open kitchen, and deep wine list make it one of Hollywood’s most serious special-occasion destinations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Housemade charcuterie board, 30-day dry-aged ribeye, Bacon Bolognese pasta
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A Michelin-starred, fire-driven steak and tasting-menu temple with an in-house butcher shop.
Who should go: Dinosaurs of steak, wine nerds, and anniversary-level celebrants.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings for full-room buzz and kitchen theatrics.
What to order: Charcuterie board, dry-aged ribeye, rich Bolognese or pasta special.
Insider tip: Book the tasting menu and arrive early for a cocktail at the bar to watch the open kitchen in action.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the evening (around $15–$20), and metered street parking on Sunset can be tough after 6pm. Side-street parking is possible but competitive on weekends.
Dress code: Polished smart casual. Think upscale date-night attire — dark jeans with a blazer work, but many guests dress elevated for special occasions.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. The open kitchen adds energy, but you can still hold a full conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins may wait 45–75 minutes for bar seating, and dining-room tables are rarely available without a booking.
Weekday lunch: Gwen doesn’t operate a traditional lunch service; the butcher shop is open during the day but full dining begins later.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A handful of composed vegetarian dishes appear on seasonal menus, plus vegetable sides that are substantial enough to build a meal.
Vegan options: Very limited; the menu is protein-driven. Vegan guests may need to rely on modified sides — call ahead for accommodations.
Gluten-free options: Several gluten-free options (steaks, some mains, and select sides) are available, and the staff is attentive to modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, but better for a high-impact first date. The ambience is dramatic, service is polished, and the experience leans luxurious — ideal if you want to make a bold impression rather than keep things casual.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unlikely during peak hours. The bar sometimes has walk-in spots, but for the dining room — especially the tasting menu — secure a reservation days in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially. The multi-course format, rich dishes, and elevated atmosphere skew adult. Teens who enjoy fine dining will be fine, but younger kids may feel out of place.
Best For
Better for: Fire-driven cooking, top-tier steaks, and theatrical tasting-menu experiences in a design-forward room — ideal for anniversaries, celebrations, and serious food lovers.
Skip if: You want a casual, quick meal, or you’re dining with guests who prefer simple menus or vegan-heavy options. Consider alternatives if you want a lower-key or budget-friendly night.
Gwen
9.0
Part European-style butcher shop, part Michelin-starred steakhouse, Gwen leans into fire-focused cooking with house-aged steaks, charcuterie, and composed plates in a soaring, chandeliered dining room. The tasting-menu structure, deep wine program, and polished service make it one of Hollywood’s most serious splurge destinations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Housemade Charcuterie Board, 30-Day Dry-Aged Ribeye, Parmesan Risotto with Bone Marrow
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Fire-driven tasting menus and serious steaks in a Michelin-starred butcher-shop dining room.
Who should go: Steak and tasting-menu lovers ready for a splurge.
When to visit: Later evening seatings when the room feels most theatrical.
What to order: Charcuterie board, dry-aged ribeye, bone marrow parmesan risotto.
Insider tip: Ask about butcher cuts or off-menu specials tied to that night’s aging case.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available on Sunset and is the most reliable option; metered street parking can be scarce and competitive after 6pm.
Dress code: Upscale smart-casual; polished outfits fit best. Dark denim works if paired with a button-down or dressier top.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is possible across the table, but the room has a grand, energetic hum during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; walk-ins may face 45–90 minute waits or be turned away during peak seatings.
Weekday lunch: Gwen does not operate as a typical lunch service; daytime options are mainly the butcher shop and limited offerings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but thoughtful selections—usually a composed vegetable dish and vegetarian-friendly starters.
Vegan options: Very limited; Gwen is meat-focused, though the kitchen may adjust a few sides with advance notice.
Gluten-free options: Good flexibility—many steaks, salads, and sides can be prepared gluten-free; staff is knowledgeable about substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want a high-impact, memorable setting. The dramatic room, attentive service, and shareable steak-focused menu make it ideal for an impressive date. However, it may feel too formal for very casual first-meeting energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unlikely during prime hours. Your best chance is early weekday evenings or bar seating, though even bar spots can fill quickly on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The experience is tailored to adults, with a structured menu and higher price point. Older teens may appreciate it, but it’s not ideal for young children.
Best For
Better for: Top-tier steaks, charcuterie, and a polished, theatrical setting that outshines most nearby steakhouses and upscale dining rooms.
Skip if: You prefer casual dining, need broad vegan options, or want a quiet meal without the grandeur or cost of a tasting-menu format.
Gwen
8.8
Curtis and Luke Stone’s Hollywood flagship pairs an in-house butcher shop with a fire-driven tasting menu built around charcuterie, handmade pastas, and large-format meats. The Art Deco dining room and flexible five-course format make it a go-to for carnivores who want a full evening out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck speck charcuterie, Chestnut agnolotti, Blackmore Farms Wagyu steak
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: A meat-focused tasting menu where housemade charcuterie and wood-fired steaks headline in a dramatic Hollywood dining room.
Who should go: Steak and charcuterie fans planning a full night out.
When to visit: Prime evening seatings when the dining room energy peaks.
What to order: Tasting menu, duck speck, Blackmore Wagyu steak.
Insider tip: Arrive early to explore the butcher counter and pick up charcuterie or dry-aged cuts to take home.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the evenings (around $15–$20), with limited metered and residential street parking that becomes difficult after 6pm on weekends.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual—most diners lean polished. Dark denim is fine, but button-downs, dresses, and elevated outfits fit the room best.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is doable at the table, but expect a buzzy, energized dining room during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Expect no seating without a reservation; the dining room books out and walk-ins face long or unavailable waits.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service is not typically offered; evening reservations are strongly advised.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some pastas and vegetable-forward plates can be adapted, but the menu leans heavily toward meat-driven courses.
Vegan options: Minimal—this is not a vegan-friendly tasting menu, and substitutes are difficult given the menu structure.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—staff can accommodate with GF adjustments for some courses, but handmade pastas and certain charcuterie items may not be replaceable.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a dramatic, high-impact setting and a structured experience that feels special. The room is lively but intimate enough for conversation, making it ideal for a date where you want to impress.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely during peak hours. Gwen books out consistently, especially for tasting menus. Your best chance is early weekday evenings, but reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The menu is structured, the pacing is long, and the atmosphere skews adult. Suitable only for older teens comfortable with fine dining.
Best For
Better for: Exceptional for meat lovers, charcuterie enthusiasts, and diners seeking a dramatic, fire-driven tasting menu that feels both refined and theatrical.
Skip if: You prefer lighter, seafood-forward or vegetable-driven tasting menus, need extensive dietary accommodations, or want a quick, casual meal.
Gwen
8.8
Opened in 2016 by Curtis and Luke Stone, Gwen pairs an in-house European-style butcher shop with a wood-fired tasting menu and à la carte steaks in a dramatic Art Deco dining room. Locals treat it as a splurge destination for charcuterie, big cuts of beef, and a full Hollywood night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Charcuterie Plate, Blackmore Wagyu New York Strip, Chestnut Agnolotti
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Whole-animal butchery meets a fire-focused tasting menu in a glamorous Hollywood dining room.
Who should go: Steak lovers planning a big-ticket Hollywood dinner.
When to visit: Prime evening seatings for the full dining room energy.
What to order: Charcuterie Plate, Blackmore Wagyu New York Strip, seasonal pasta.
Insider tip: Start with charcuterie at the bar, then commit to the tasting menu for the full experience.