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Ladyhawk
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Ladyhawk
8.7
Top Chef Middle East winner Charbel Hayek's refined Eastern Mediterranean restaurant inside Kimpton La Peer Hotel serves elevated Lebanese cuisine with California flair. The $110 mezze platter on a rotating lazy susan is the star, featuring nine spreads, falafel, and warm pita that easily feeds two.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mezze Platter with Nine Spreads, Shawarma-Spiced Australian Wagyu, Spanish Ahi Tuna Crudo
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Michelin-trained Top Chef winner elevating Lebanese home cooking
Who should go: Business diners and special occasion celebrants
When to visit: Wednesday for 50% off wine bottles
What to order: Mezze platter, olive-crusted lamb, Turkish coffee
Insider tip: Bar seats offer open-kitchen theater views
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15 at Kimpton La Peer Hotel, limited street parking in Design District
Dress code: Smart casual to business - elevated hotel dining room, avoid athletic wear
Noise level: Moderate - intimate enough for date conversations, livelier near bar
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, often fully booked
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating, 15-20 min during peak business lunch
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive mezze options, falafel, grilled vegetables, dedicated entrees
Vegan options: Yes - hummus, baba ganoush, muhammara, tabbouleh, falafel clearly marked
Gluten-free options: Limited - can modify mezze platter, grilled meats safe, no GF pita
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - romantic lighting, shareable mezze creates interactive dining, impressive without being stuffy. The lazy susan presentation is a natural conversation starter.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seats usually available for walk-ins, but dining room books up 1-2 weeks ahead for prime times. Try OpenTable at midnight for next-day cancellations.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for ages 12+ who appreciate elevated cuisine. No kids menu, sophisticated atmosphere. For families, try lunch over dinner.
Best For
Better for: Special occasion Middle Eastern with hotel-level service and wine program that outshines casual spots like Carousel or Zankou
Skip if: You want quick casual Mediterranean - this is 2-hour refined dining. For fast-casual, hit Cava or Tender Greens instead
Ladyhawk
8.7
Chef Charbel Hayek's modern Eastern Mediterranean gem inside the Kimpton La Peer Hotel delivers wood-fired meats and house-baked breads in a vibrant, California-cool setting. The mezze-focused menu showcases bold Lebanese flavors with tableside presentations and theatrical open-kitchen energy.
Must-Try Dishes:
72-Hour Fermented Moroccan Frena Bread, Wood-Fired Lamb Kofta, Whipped Hummus with Pine Nuts
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Authentic Turkish coffee experience and 50% off wine Wednesdays
Who should go: Hotel guests and Middle Eastern cuisine aficionados
When to visit: Wednesday evenings for wine specials
What to order: Mezze platter, wood-fired meats, Turkish coffee
Insider tip: The patio offers the best people-watching on La Peer
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15 through Kimpton La Peer Hotel, limited street parking on residential side streets
Dress code: Smart casual to business - no shorts or athletic wear, jeans acceptable if dressed up
Noise level: Energetic buzz - conversation-friendly but lively open kitchen adds atmosphere
Weekend wait: Reservation essential - walk-ins unlikely Friday/Saturday
Weekday lunch: Usually seated within 10-15 minutes, bar seats often available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - mezze selection plus dedicated vegetarian mains
Vegan options: Yes - 4-5 options, staff knowledgeable about modifications
Gluten-free options: Limited - can modify some dishes but bread-heavy menu
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - intimate lighting, shareable mezze encourages conversation, impressive without being stuffy
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating usually available weeknights, full dinner unlikely without booking 2-3 days ahead
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens and up - sophisticated atmosphere, no kids menu, but accommodating staff
Best For
Better for: Theatrical tableside presentations and authentic Lebanese wood-fire techniques you won't find at Crossroads or Republique
Skip if: Want casual Middle Eastern comfort food - try Zankou Chicken or Carousel instead for half the price