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ZipPicks Awards
Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Hollywood
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Hollywood
Best Tasting Menus in Hollywood
Best Michelin Star Restaurants in Hollywood
Master Critic Review
Gwen
9.0
Gwen, from chef Curtis Stone and his brother Luke, combines a European-style butcher shop with a Michelin-starred, fire-focused dining room built for milestone celebrations and tasting-menu splurges. The Art Deco interior, theatrical open kitchen, and deep wine list make it one of Hollywood’s most serious special-occasion destinations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Housemade charcuterie board, 30-day dry-aged ribeye, Bacon Bolognese pasta
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A Michelin-starred, fire-driven steak and tasting-menu temple with an in-house butcher shop.
Who should go: Dinosaurs of steak, wine nerds, and anniversary-level celebrants.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings for full-room buzz and kitchen theatrics.
What to order: Charcuterie board, dry-aged ribeye, rich Bolognese or pasta special.
Insider tip: Book the tasting menu and arrive early for a cocktail at the bar to watch the open kitchen in action.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the evening (around $15–$20), and metered street parking on Sunset can be tough after 6pm. Side-street parking is possible but competitive on weekends.
Dress code: Polished smart casual. Think upscale date-night attire — dark jeans with a blazer work, but many guests dress elevated for special occasions.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. The open kitchen adds energy, but you can still hold a full conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins may wait 45–75 minutes for bar seating, and dining-room tables are rarely available without a booking.
Weekday lunch: Gwen doesn’t operate a traditional lunch service; the butcher shop is open during the day but full dining begins later.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A handful of composed vegetarian dishes appear on seasonal menus, plus vegetable sides that are substantial enough to build a meal.
Vegan options: Very limited; the menu is protein-driven. Vegan guests may need to rely on modified sides — call ahead for accommodations.
Gluten-free options: Several gluten-free options (steaks, some mains, and select sides) are available, and the staff is attentive to modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, but better for a high-impact first date. The ambience is dramatic, service is polished, and the experience leans luxurious — ideal if you want to make a bold impression rather than keep things casual.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unlikely during peak hours. The bar sometimes has walk-in spots, but for the dining room — especially the tasting menu — secure a reservation days in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially. The multi-course format, rich dishes, and elevated atmosphere skew adult. Teens who enjoy fine dining will be fine, but younger kids may feel out of place.
Best For
Better for: Fire-driven cooking, top-tier steaks, and theatrical tasting-menu experiences in a design-forward room — ideal for anniversaries, celebrations, and serious food lovers.
Skip if: You want a casual, quick meal, or you’re dining with guests who prefer simple menus or vegan-heavy options. Consider alternatives if you want a lower-key or budget-friendly night.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday5pm - 9pm
Wednesday5pm - 9pm
Thursday5pm - 9pm
Friday5pm - 9:30pm
Saturday5pm - 9:30pm
Sunday4:30pm - 8:30pm