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Arden Restaurant & Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Arden Restaurant & Cafe
7.6
Arden Restaurant & Cafe is an all-day, flower-draped space that turns into one of WeHo’s most photogenic brunch rooms on weekends. The brunch menu leans Californian–Mediterranean, pairing pancakes, benedicts, and avocado toast with espresso drinks and daytime cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature Pancakes, Smoked Salmon Benedict, Avocado Toast
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Highly decorated, garden-inspired dining room that doubles as a brunch backdrop for photos.
Who should go: Groups who prioritize ambiance and brunch cocktails
When to visit: Weekend brunch with a reservation for peak atmosphere
What to order: Signature Pancakes, Smoked Salmon Benedict, Avocado Toast
Insider tip: Request an interior table if you care most about the floral ceiling and photo ops.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking dominates this stretch of East Santa Monica Blvd and can be tight on weekends; small paid lots nearby fill quickly.
Dress code: Smart casual with a brunch-forward flair; many guests lean dressy for photos.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak brunch, quieter on weekdays.
Weekend wait: Dinner isn't the main draw, but weekend evenings can see 20–30 minute waits without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with easy seating before 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several dishes can be ordered without meat, including avocado toast, pancake options, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of modifiable plates, but not a dedicated selection.
Gluten-free options: Some options available; pancakes and benedicts are not GF, but salads and certain bowls can be adjusted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a daytime or casual brunch date — the floral décor and bright room set an upbeat tone, though the lively volume may not suit quieter conversations.
Can I get a table without a reservation? On weekdays, yes. On weekends, expect a wait unless you book ahead; walk-ins are seated based on cancellations and small gaps between reservations.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for kids 6+ who can handle a bustling brunch environment; high chairs may be limited and the space caters more to adults and groups.
Best For
Better for: Aesthetic-driven brunch outings, group gatherings, and cocktail-focused meals in a highly photogenic setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet breakfast, a budget-friendly meal, or extensive vegan/gluten-free choices.
Arden Restaurant & Cafe
7.6
Arden Restaurant & Cafe is a highly stylized garden restaurant where floral installations, lounge seating, and a full bar frame a brunch menu of California-Mediterranean plates. It leans more toward a social, cocktail-friendly brunch than a quick neighborhood breakfast, making it popular for special-occasion daytime gatherings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Arden Pancakes, Smoked Salmon Benedict, Avocado Toast
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Flower-draped, garden-style dining rooms that double as a brunch backdrop for photos.
Who should go: Groups prioritizing ambiance, cocktails, and a dressed-up brunch
When to visit: Weekend late mornings or early afternoons for peak atmosphere
What to order: Arden Pancakes, Smoked Salmon Benedict, Avocado Toast
Insider tip: Request an interior garden table when booking if your group cares most about the room’s visual impact.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Santa Monica Blvd and nearby residential blocks; meters can be tight during brunch hours. No dedicated valet, so plan a few extra minutes to circle.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; most guests come styled for photos. Polished daytime outfits fit the room’s aesthetic.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak brunch; conversations are doable but expect a social, high-energy dining room.
Weekend wait: Not applicable as brunch is the main draw, but late-afternoon weekend seating can still see 20–40 minute waits without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Minimal waits; walk-ins are usually seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection of vegetarian plates, including pancakes, salads, and various toasts.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items can be made vegan with modifications; check with your server.
Gluten-free options: A few dishes can be prepared gluten-free, but there is no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a visually striking, conversational setting; the floral displays and cocktails create an upbeat vibe. Not ideal if you prefer something quieter or more intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? On weekdays, yes—walk-ins are usually fine. On weekends, especially late morning through early afternoon, reservations are strongly recommended as waits can stretch past 30 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Kids are welcome, but the space is more geared toward adult groups and social brunches. Best for older kids comfortable in louder, photo-heavy environments.
Best For
Better for: Aesthetic-forward brunch gatherings, cocktails, and celebratory daytime outings where ambiance matters as much as the food.
Skip if: You want a quiet, fast, or budget-friendly neighborhood breakfast—other local cafés fit those needs better.
Arden Restaurant & Cafe
8.3
Arden turns a corner of West Hollywood into an indoor garden with floral ceilings, cascading arrangements, and a speakeasy attached, making it a frequent choice for birthday dinners and celebratory brunches. The menu leans Californian and Mediterranean with steak, pasta, and brunch classics plated for plenty of photos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Filet Mignon, Truffle Cacio e Pepe, Grass-Fed Half Lamb Rack
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A flower-filled dining room and attached speakeasy built for celebrations.
Who should go: Groups wanting a dramatic room for photos and toasts.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings or late-morning weekend brunch.
What to order: Filet Mignon, Truffle Cacio e Pepe, crispy Brussels sprouts.
Insider tip: Ask about the Rideau speakeasy if you want a nightcap after dinner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet typically around $12–$15; limited metered street parking on Santa Monica Blvd and side streets gets tough after 6pm.
Dress code: Dressy smart casual; people tend to lean polished because of the floral interiors and photo-friendly vibe.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; you can converse at smaller tables, but weekend groups raise the volume.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation depending on group size.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; walk-ins often seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage with salads, pastas, and vegetable starters.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 adaptable dishes but not a vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be made gluten-free; servers are knowledgeable but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want something visually impressive and lively. The garden-themed room makes an immediate impression, but it can run loud for intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible for smaller parties early in the evening or late-night, but groups will struggle. Weekend walk-ins should expect a significant wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable for older kids and teens during brunch, but the space leans more adult, celebratory, and cocktail-focused at night.
Best For
Better for: A dramatic, floral room and built-in speakeasy experience that outshines most WeHo spots for birthday photos and celebratory brunch energy.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, extensive vegan options, or a more chef-driven, low-key special-occasion experience.
Arden Restaurant & Cafe
8.4
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Girls Night Out Approved
Birthday & Celebration Central
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Arden leans into farm-to-table French-Mediterranean cooking in a flower-filled garden room and attached cafe right on Santa Monica. Burrata, house-baked focaccia, and seafood like branzino rotate with the seasons, making it a go-to for birthdays and dressed-up brunches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burrata with Roasted Heirloom Tomatoes, House Focaccia, Mediterranean Branzino
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A farm-to-table, floral garden restaurant with a speakeasy and all-day cafe built into one address.
Who should go: Guests planning dressed-up brunches, birthdays, and romantic dinners.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or prime Friday–Saturday evenings for full effect.
What to order: Burrata with heirloom tomatoes, house focaccia, Mediterranean Branzino.
Insider tip: Book early and ask to start in the garden, then finish with a drink in the hidden speakeasy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the evenings; street parking on Santa Monica Blvd and nearby residential streets can be tight after 6pm, so plan extra time.
Dress code: Smart casual with a dressy tilt; guests often lean into polished outfits for photos in the floral dining room.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is doable at most tables, though garden and peak brunch hours can feel lively.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for garden seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal to no wait; walk-ins are common.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—burrata, salads, vegetable starters, and occasional pasta specials.
Vegan options: Limited—typically 1–2 composed dishes; modifications possible on some plates.
Gluten-free options: Good options—branzino and salads are safe picks; ask about GF bread or modifications for house focaccia.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the floral garden room and polished French-Mediterranean plates make it feel elevated without being stuffy. Lighting and ambiance are great for conversation and a relaxed, romantic tone.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but not guaranteed. Walk-ins are easiest during weekday brunch or late afternoon; weekends and prime evenings should be reserved in advance for garden seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—older kids and teens fit in fine, but the space leans more adult due to the brunch crowd, cocktails, and celebratory vibe. No dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Celebratory brunches, floral backdrops for photos, and seasonal French-Mediterranean plates in a garden setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet, minimalist room, a strictly vegan meal, or fast in-and-out dining; the experience here is leisurely and ambience-driven.
Arden Restaurant & Cafe
8.0
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Girls Night Out Approved
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Trendy Table Hotspots
Arden turns a Santa Monica Boulevard corner into a floral, garden-style dining room where chef’s tasting menus, prix-fixe holiday dinners, and brunch-focused set menus run alongside à la carte plates. Guests come as much for the immersive decor and cocktails as for multi-course dinners that lean Californian with French and Mediterranean touches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffle Pasta, Lobster Mac & Cheese, Filet Mignon
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A flower-filled dining room offering chef’s tasting menus and celebratory prix-fixe meals.
Who should go: Groups planning birthdays or photo-forward special occasions.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or peak evening slots for maximum scene.
What to order: Truffle Pasta, Lobster Mac & Cheese, filet mignon.
Insider tip: If the room matters, request indoor floral seating rather than the cafe or patio when you book.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Santa Monica Blvd is limited and competitive after 6pm; metered spots nearby, plus several paid public lots within a 2–4 minute walk. No dedicated valet.
Dress code: Smart casual with a dressed-up edge; most guests lean fashionable due to the floral interiors and photo-forward vibe.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak evenings; brunch is slightly quieter but still energetic.
Weekend wait: 20–45 minutes if you walk in; reservations strongly recommended for multi-course menus.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal to no wait, especially for café seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several produce-forward small plates and pastas work well, and the kitchen can adjust some tasting-menu items.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 dishes may be adaptable, but the tasting menu is not fully vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — several items can be prepared gluten-free; staff is familiar with substitutions but there is no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the floral dining room, dim lighting, and tasting-menu format create an intimate, visually impressive setting. Best for dates who enjoy a bit of production and ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly — walk-ins are sometimes seated in the café or patio areas, but indoor floral dining books out quickly. Arrive early or be flexible with seating type.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally not ideal for young children due to the scene-forward environment and tasting-menu format. Teens who enjoy celebratory dinners may be fine.
Best For
Better for: Highly aesthetic celebratory dinners, photo-friendly interiors, and group occasions where ambiance matters as much as the food.
Skip if: You want a quiet, minimalist tasting menu or need robust vegan/gluten-free accommodations — other West Hollywood spots may be better suited.
Arden Restaurant & Cafe
8.3
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Birthday & Celebration Central
Girls Night Out Approved
Arden pairs a flower-filled garden dining room with an attached cafe and brunch program that plays well for daytime business catch-ups. Seasonal Cal-French plates, cocktails, and spacious tables make it a good choice when you want a memorable setting without losing the ability to talk shop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes, House Focaccia, Mediterranean Branzino
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A lush, garden-style restaurant and cafe that makes business brunch feel celebratory but still functional.
Who should go: Teams hosting clients who appreciate design-driven spaces and cocktails.
When to visit: Late-morning or early-afternoon brunch windows for calmer energy.
What to order: Burrata starter, house focaccia, Mediterranean-style fish entree.
Insider tip: For laptop time and presentations, start in the cafe side before moving to the main garden for the meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available during peak brunch and dinner hours; limited metered street parking exists on adjacent residential blocks but fills quickly.
Dress code: Smart casual with a polished edge — elevated brunch attire, clean denim, sundresses, and light layers fit the room’s garden aesthetic.
Noise level: Moderate; the floral decor and open layout create a lively hum, but daytime brunch windows still allow for business conversations without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially during high-traffic evenings or events.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait; walk-ins for the cafe side are common and typically seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection — salads, pastas, and seasonal vegetable plates rotate regularly.
Vegan options: Moderate — while not vegan-focused, the kitchen can modify several dishes; expect 1–2 naturally vegan options.
Gluten-free options: Good support — many dishes can be made gluten-free upon request, and staff are knowledgeable about substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the floral, garden-style setting sets a memorable tone and feels romantic without being overly formal. Midday seatings keep the vibe relaxed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for weekday brunch or lunch, especially in the cafe area. For weekend or celebration windows, reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — the patio and garden space are visually engaging, but the menu leans upscale. Best for older kids or teens rather than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Design-forward brunch meetings and celebratory daytime meals where atmosphere matters as much as the food.
Skip if: You need a quiet, fully private meeting space or are looking for quick, budget-friendly lunch options.