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Avra Beverly Hills
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Avra Beverly Hills
8.3
This upscale Greek seafood palace flies in Mediterranean catches daily, presenting them simply grilled or raw to highlight pristine quality. The sweeping indoor-outdoor villa setting with lemon trees creates transportive Aegean ambiance steps from Rodeo Drive.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whole Grilled Branzino, Mediterranean Octopus, Lobster Pasta
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Daily Mediterranean seafood flown in creates authentic Greek experience
Who should go: Scene seekers wanting fresh fish glamour
When to visit: Lunch on the terrace for best people-watching
What to order: Display case fish, taramosalata, saganaki
Insider tip: Prix fixe lunch offers remarkable value at $45
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, self-park in Beverly Hills public garage 2 blocks away ($3/hour)
Dress code: Business casual to dressy - no shorts or flip-flops, jeans acceptable if elevated
Noise level: Moderate buzz - lively but conversation-friendly, patio quieter than main dining room
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min for power lunch rush (12-1:30pm), walk-in friendly otherwise
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - Greek mezze section plus grilled vegetables and salads
Vegan options: Limited - request modifications on mezze plates, staff accommodating
Gluten-free options: Yes - grilled fish and most mezze naturally GF, notify server
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic terrace, shareable mezze create natural conversation, impressive without being stuffy
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch usually yes, dinner walk-ins best at bar or after 9pm. Weekend reservations essential
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young children - no kids menu, sophisticated atmosphere suits 12+ age group
Best For
Better for: Fresher fish than competitors due to daily Mediterranean imports, best Greek wine list in LA, superior outdoor setting
Skip if: You want sushi-grade local catches or casual beachy vibes - try Connie & Ted's or Son of a Gun instead
Avra Beverly Hills
8.6
This Michelin-recognized Greek seafood destination delivers the laid-back luxury of the Greek islands with daily-flown Mediterranean catches displayed on ice. Founded by Nick Tsoulos from the coastal village of Nafpaktos, AVRA excels at simple preparations that let pristine ingredients shine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whole Branzino, Avra Chips, St. Pierre (John Dory)
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Fresh fish flown daily from Mediterranean waters, displayed market-style.
Who should go: Seafood lovers seeking upscale Greek dining
When to visit: Lunch for prix fixe deals, dinner for scene
What to order: Greek salad, whole grilled fish, galactoboureko dessert
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for lunch to enjoy the people-watching
Avra Beverly Hills
8.9
Sprawling Greek restaurant modeled after seaside tavernas with fresh seafood flown in daily from Southern Europe. The 11,000-square-foot space features a market-style seafood display where diners can handpick their catch for charcoal grilling.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whole Branzino, Greek Salad with Barrel-Aged Feta, Grilled Octopus
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Daily seafood imports and authentic Greek charcoal grilling techniques
Who should go: Power lunchers and seafood connoisseurs
When to visit: Weekday lunch for deals, weekend dinner for atmosphere
What to order: Whole fish selection, octopus, baklava
Insider tip: Ask for the daily catch recommendations from Santorini
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15 (complimentary with validation at lunch), nearby public garage $10-20, street parking nearly impossible after 5pm
Dress code: Business casual to elegant - no shorts or athletic wear, jeans acceptable if dark and paired with nice top
Noise level: Energetic but manageable - can have intimate conversation at most tables, louder near the open kitchen
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available in 20-30 min
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins usually seated within 10 min, peak 12-1pm may wait 15-20 min
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive mezze selection, grilled vegetables, and traditional Greek vegetarian dishes
Vegan options: Moderate - can modify many mezze dishes, staff knowledgeable about vegan preparation
Gluten-free options: Yes - naturally GF grilled fish and meats, can modify most dishes, dedicated fryer for vegetables
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - impressive without being stuffy, conversation-friendly acoustics, shareable mezze creates natural interaction, and the seafood display provides built-in conversation starter
Can I get a table without a reservation? Lunch walk-ins usually fine except Friday. Dinner requires reservations 2-3 weeks out for prime times, but bar and lounge accept walk-ins with full menu
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older children (10+) who appreciate seafood. No kids menu but will do simple grilled fish or pasta. High chairs available but the upscale atmosphere isn't ideal for young children
Best For
Better for: Freshest Mediterranean seafood in LA with authentic Greek preparation - surpasses competitors on fish quality and traditional charcoal grilling technique
Skip if: You want quick casual Greek or are on a budget - try Daphne's or Petros for more affordable options with faster service
Avra Beverly Hills
8.5
This glamorous Greek seafood palace recreates a Mykonos taverna with fresh fish flown in daily and displayed on ice. The whitewashed walls, olive trees, and impeccable grilled octopus transport diners straight to the Mediterranean coast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Mediterranean Octopus, Whole Branzino, Greek Salad
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized Greek seafood with fish market display for tableside selection
Who should go: Power lunchers and special occasion diners
When to visit: Prix fixe lunch for best value at $39
What to order: Fresh catch selection, octopus, Avra chips
Insider tip: Request the fish market tour before ordering
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15 (complimentary with validation at lunch), street parking nearly impossible during peak hours
Dress code: Business casual to dressy - no shorts or flip-flops, jackets common at dinner
Noise level: Energetic but refined - can hold business conversations comfortably
Weekend wait: Reservation essential - walk-ins unlikely even at bar
Weekday lunch: Usually accommodated with 10-15 min wait, bar seats often available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive mezze selection, Greek salads, grilled vegetables
Vegan options: Limited - request modifications to mezze platters, staff accommodating
Gluten-free options: Yes - grilled fish and seafood naturally GF, can modify most dishes
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic Mediterranean ambiance, shareable plates encourage conversation, and the fish market tour provides a natural icebreaker. Request a quieter table away from the entrance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very difficult at dinner. Best bet is arriving right at 5pm opening or trying the bar area. Lunch walk-ins have better odds, especially Tuesday-Thursday.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older children (10+) who appreciate seafood. No kids menu, but they'll prepare simple grilled fish. The formal atmosphere isn't ideal for young children.
Best For
Better for: Superior fresh fish selection and authentic Greek preparation compared to other Mediterranean spots. The tableside fish market presentation outclasses Catch LA or Connie & Ted's for special occasions.
Skip if: You want innovative fusion or sushi-grade raw preparations - go to Nobu or Matsuhisa instead. Also skip if you're looking for casual seafood - Water Grill or Son of a Gun offer better value.