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ZipPicks Awards
Best Steakhouse in Sawtelle Japantown
Best Restaurants With Private Dining Rooms in Sawtelle Japantown
Best Date Night Steakhouse in Sawtelle Japantown
Master Critic Review
Flame International
7.6
Vibes:
Live Music Showtime
Group Dining Gatherings
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Birthday & Celebration Central
A Persian supper club built around the full dinner-and-a-show format—open-flame kabobs, a hookah garden, and live singers performing through the evening. It draws groups who want the production value of a night out without leaving the table, and the room runs loud by design. The 4.0 Google rating across 597 reviews reflects a venue where the entertainment and atmosphere carry the experience, though roughly one in five reviewers flags inconsistency in the food or service side of the equation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Koobideh (Ground Veal and Beef), Australian Filet Mignon Steak (Barg), Beef Soltani (Filet Mignon and Koobideh Combination)
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7
Food Quality: 7.5
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Full-scale Persian supper club with live singers, a hookah garden, and Mediterranean-fusion kabobs grilled over open flame
Who should go: Groups celebrating with Persian food and live entertainment
When to visit: Weekend evenings for live music and full atmosphere
What to order: Start with Koobideh, upgrade to Beef Soltani for the full experience, and pair any stew with Saffron Rice Crust (Tahdig)
Insider tip: Order the Saffron Rice Crust (Tahdig) with two or three stews to share — it's the most authentic way to eat here
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site lot. Free street parking 1 min walk at 1516 Corinth Ave. Metered spots right outside at 11302 Santa Monica Blvd are free for the first 2 hours, then metered—enforcement is 24/7.
Noise level: Lively and energetic—live music and performances are a core part of the experience, so expect a vibrant, not-quiet room. Not the spot for hushed conversation.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Multiple dedicated options: Fresh Herbs Veggie Stew (Ghorme Sabzi), Walnut Pomegranate Veggie Stew (Fesenjan), Eggplant Veggie Stew (Bademjan)—each $20. Also salads, dips like Kashk Bademjan, and rice dishes. Specify vegetarian when ordering stews.
Vegan options: Vegan Bademjan stew available. Salads and pickled vegetable appetizers are likely options—confirm with staff for specific items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - the combination of live music, outdoor garden dining, and fine dining ambiance creates a memorable date setting. The space supports both lively energy and more intimate corners. For a quieter experience, request an indoor table on a night without a live performance, as the music can shift the vibe from romantic to festive. Best for a date where you want to impress with atmosphere and good food rather than a hushed, candlelit mood.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknight walk-ins are generally feasible, especially earlier in the evening. Friday and Saturday nights get very crowded, so book at least a few days ahead for weekend dining. For the outdoor garden area or if your party is larger than 4, reservations are strongly recommended any night. Call (310) 444-0045 to book.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - the casual-fine dining atmosphere is welcoming to families, and reviewers report children as young as 6 enjoying the experience. The kabob-heavy menu has approachable options for younger eaters, though a dedicated kids menu has not been confirmed. The outdoor garden area gives kids a bit more room. Best for families dining before the live music crowd arrives later in the evening.
Is it good for groups? Yes - this is one of Flame International's strengths. The venue holds up to 170 guests across 4 indoor and outdoor function spaces (~5,000 sq ft total) that can be rented individually or combined. Private dining and full event buyouts are available for weddings, corporate events, and celebrations, with per-person pricing ranging from $35-$60. For groups over 6, book at least a week ahead; for private events, contact them well in advance.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes - the restaurant features an outdoor patio dining area and a separate outdoor dining garden. The outdoor spaces are heated and designed as a core part of the dining experience, not an afterthought. The garden area can also be reserved for private events. Specific details on whether the patio is fully covered were not confirmed online - call ahead if weather is a concern.
Best For
Better for: Group celebrations and family gatherings with live entertainment—frequently chosen for birthdays and events. The outdoor patio adds to the festive atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dinner—live music and crowds during peak times make it high-energy. Some reviews note the venue gets too crowded during events.
Hours
Monday11:30am - 10:30pm
Tuesday11:30am - 10:30pm
Wednesday11:30am - 11:30pm
Thursday11:30am - 11:30pm
Friday11:30am - 11:30pm
Saturday11:30am - 12am
Sunday11:30am - 9:30pm