0 Followers
Le Grand
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Le Grand
7.9
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Trendy Table Hotspots
A relaxed coastal-California bistro that’s easy to book and easy to talk in, making it a low-friction business lunch play. The menu leans into small plates and shareables with enough range for groups, and service keeps things moving without pushing you out. Best for casual-polished meetings that don’t need a steakhouse tempo.
Must-Try Dishes:
Unlimited tasting small-plates option, Seafood plates, Seasonal chef specials
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Flat-price small-plates format that suits meeting-length lunches.
Who should go: Teams who like variety.
When to visit: Early weekday lunch.
What to order: Tasting option, seafood plates, rotating specials.
Insider tip: Start light, then repeat the best plates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking is the most reliable—use the Grand Avenue structures or The Music Center garages, which usually have open spots during lunch hours. Limited metered street parking exists but turns over slowly.
Dress code: Smart casual. Office attire fits naturally, but jeans with a polished top work fine for business-casual meetings.
Noise level: Moderate. Conversation-friendly at lunch with enough background energy to feel lively without drowning out discussion.
Weekend wait: Not typically relevant for business lunch, but evenings can see 20–35 minutes without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait if you book or arrive close to opening; walk-ins are often seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several small plates and salads can be ordered vegetarian, plus rotating seasonal veg dishes.
Vegan options: Limited—usually a couple of plant-forward options, but confirm with your server for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Good support—many dishes can be made gluten-free, and staff are accustomed to making adjustments.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? More practical than romantic—better suited to casual meetups or early-stage dates where conversation and variety matter over ambience drama.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes during weekday lunch—walk-ins are usually seated promptly. Peak evening windows benefit from booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably. The menu has shareables that work for most ages, though the room skews adult and business-oriented. Best for older kids or teens rather than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Variety-driven business lunches, flexible small-plate ordering, and meetings that need an easy, low-pressure environment.
Skip if: You want a classic steakhouse power-lunch feel, ultra-quiet rooms, or white-tablecloth formality.
Le Grand
8.0
A coastal-California bistro that runs an unlimited small-plates tasting format, letting you sample wide across the menu at a flat price. It’s relaxed and social rather than formal fine dining, but the breadth and pacing make it a legit tasting-menu alternative downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Unlimited small-plates tasting spread, Seasonal seafood bites, Chef-driven share plates
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: An all-you-can-taste small-plates format with downtown energy.
Who should go: Groups who want variety without fine-dining formality.
When to visit: Early evening to stretch the full tasting window.
What to order: Unlimited tasting option, seafood plates, rotating chef specials.
Insider tip: Start light and repeat favorites—courses come fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking at The Grand/OLIVE DTLA structure; validated rates vary but usually $8–$12. Street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; relaxed but polished. Jeans are fine if paired with a nicer top—most groups lean slightly dressy for evening tastings.
Noise level: Moderate with bursts of energy; you can hold a normal conversation, but peak dinner hours have a lively background buzz.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation due to the tasting-flow seating pattern.
Weekday lunch: No wait or very short wait; lunch is calmer with easier walk-in traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several small plates rely on produce, grains, and cheeses, and staff can guide you through veg-forward picks.
Vegan options: Limited—roughly 2–3 items can be adapted or already fit, but the menu isn’t fully built for vegans.
Gluten-free options: Multiple options, including seafood and veg plates; kitchen is accommodating but not a strict gluten-free prep environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something fun and low-pressure. The unlimited small-plates format creates natural conversation moments without the formality of a traditional tasting menu.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes—especially on weekdays. For weekends, walk-ins are possible but expect a wait; arriving early increases your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Kid-tolerant but not designed for families. Older kids or teens who enjoy variety will do fine, but the pacing and social vibe may be overwhelming for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Casual tasting-format variety, group-friendly pacing, and a more social atmosphere than higher-priced, formal tasting menus nearby.
Skip if: You want a slow, hushed fine-dining experience, precise course-by-course choreography, or extensive vegan accommodation.
Le Grand
8.0
A moody, Georgian-leaning European seafood spot with a polished bar and a calmer energy than most DTLA trend magnets. The menu centers on grilled seafood and hearty share plates with a touch of regional spice. It’s a quiet flex of a restaurant—design-forward, but still a local secret.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khachapuri, Grilled whole fish, Seafood share plate
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Georgian-influenced seafood in a sleek, low-key room.
Who should go: Couples and friends seeking a calmer night out.
When to visit: Evenings for patio pace and mood lighting.
What to order: Khachapuri, grilled fish, seafood plates.
Insider tip: Ask for shaded patio seating if dining earlier.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the immediate corridor (around $12–$15). Street parking on Grand becomes tough after 6pm, especially on weekends, so plan for a garage or rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual with a dressy lean. Jeans are fine if paired with a nicer top or jacket; most diners skew polished due to the moody interior.
Noise level: Moderate — music-forward but controlled. You can hold a full conversation without raising your voice, especially on the patio.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, depending on events in South Park.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; service pace is calmer and more flexible.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several solid options including salads, cheeses, and select share plates; mains are more seafood-forward.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 adaptable plates, but this is not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Many seafood dishes are naturally gluten-friendly; staff can guide you toward safer choices.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the lighting, quieter energy, and polished room create an intimate setting without feeling stuffy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes. Early evenings and weeknights are your best bet; weekends almost always require advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the room leans adult, with limited kid-friendly menu items. Suited more for older teens than young children.
Best For
Better for: Design-forward seafood with a calmer, more mature vibe than many DTLA hotspots — ideal for dates, quieter dinners, and small groups.
Skip if: Skip if you want high-energy nightlife, fast-casual pacing, or a wide range of vegan dishes.
Le Grand
8.0
A moody, Georgian-leaning European seafood room with a polished bar program and a calmer, design-forward feel than many downtown contenders. Grilled seafood and hearty plates carry the menu, and the patio stays dog-friendly without losing the upscale tone. A quieter kind of trendy—more dinner-club than party spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khachapuri, Grilled Fish, Seafood Share Plates
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Georgian-influenced seafood in a sleek, low-key downtown room.
Who should go: Couples or friends wanting a calmer trendy dinner.
When to visit: Evenings for an unhurried patio pace.
What to order: Khachapuri, grilled fish, seafood plates.
Insider tip: Ask for the shaded patio zone if bringing a pup.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the adjacent structure; expect around $12–$15. Street parking on Grand Avenue gets tight after 6pm and can be inconsistent on event nights.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning refined—jeans are fine if paired with a nicer top or jacket. Most guests dress dinner-forward.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is comfortable at most tables, with the patio offering the quietest experience.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately; minimal wait unless there’s a nearby event rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several salads, vegetable starters, and the khachapuri work well for non-meat eaters.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items can be adapted, but it’s not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Good selection—many grilled seafood dishes and some sides are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the lighting, music pacing, and upscale-but-not-stuffy atmosphere create an intimate, low-pressure environment. The patio is especially strong for a quieter first-date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights; walk-ins are usually seated on the patio quickly. Weekends are tougher, and reservations are recommended if you want indoor seating or prime hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—it skews adult, with a moodier dining room and no children’s menu. Older teens are fine, but younger kids may find the setting too formal.
Best For
Better for: A calmer, more design-forward trendy dinner compared to louder DTLA hotspots—ideal for dates, smaller groups, and elevated seafood-forward meals.
Skip if: You want a high-energy party vibe, a broad comfort-food menu, or extensive vegan choices. In those cases, louder or more casual DTLA spots will fit better.
Le Grand
8.0
A Georgian-leaning European seafood restaurant with an explicitly dog-friendly outdoor setup. The cooking favors rich grills, seafood, and hearty plates served with polished hospitality. Come when you want a calmer patio dinner that still feels upscale while your dog stays at your feet.
Must-Try Dishes:
Khachapuri (cheese bread), Grilled branzino, Seafood platters
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Georgian-influenced seafood with a confirmed dog-friendly patio.
Who should go: Couples or friends dining out with their dog.
When to visit: Evenings for a quieter patio pace.
What to order: Khachapuri, grilled fish, seafood share plates.
Insider tip: Request a patio table with extra shade for your pup.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the Grand Avenue corridor; street parking is limited and fills quickly after 6pm. Nearby garages at South Park often have paid evening rates.
Dress code: Smart casual; polished but relaxed. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean dressy for evening patio dining.
Noise level: Moderate; the patio stays conversational with occasional downtown ambient noise.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; patio tables are easier to secure.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage—salads, vegetable-forward starters, and a few mains fit well.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes can be adapted; best to ask the server for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Several options including grilled seafood; many dishes can be prepared gluten-free upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The patio is calm, the lighting is flattering, and the service is attentive without being intrusive. Great for a relaxed but elevated date where conversation matters.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Generally yes on weekdays. For weekends or patio-specific seating—especially with a dog—reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who can handle a quieter, upscale patio setting. No dedicated kids’ menu, and the vibe leans adult and date-night oriented.
Best For
Better for: A calmer, more polished patio experience with Georgian touches you won’t find at other pet-friendly spots in the neighborhood.
Skip if: You want a high-energy scene, fast-casual pacing, or a wide vegan selection.