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Lemon Grove
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Lemon Grove
8.3
Perched atop The Aster at Hollywood & Vine, Lemon Grove is a rooftop restaurant and lounge with citrus trees, skyline views, and a menu that leans Italian-California. It draws pre-Pantages crowds, industry meetups, and brunch groups who want cocktails and a polished but relaxed patio scene. The food is solid, but the setting and views are the main event.
Must-Try Dishes:
Short rib rigatoni, Smash burger or steak frites, Bougie chips or tuna tartare
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A rooftop terrace with Hollywood-sign sightlines, citrus trees, and pre-theater energy.
Who should go: Brunch crews and date nights pairing dinner with a show.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or pre-show sunset seatings.
What to order: Short rib rigatoni, smash burger, Bougie chips.
Insider tip: Plan extra time for valet and ask for an edge table facing the Capitol Records Building for the best skyline backdrop.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet at The Aster is the primary option and runs on the higher end; street parking around Hollywood & Vine is scarce, especially before Pantages showtimes.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished; elevated denim is fine, but most guests skew dressy for photos and pre-theater plans.
Noise level: Moderate; lively during peak hours but still workable for conversation, especially on the terrace edges.
Weekend wait: Typically 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer on Pantages show nights.
Weekday lunch: Generally minimal wait unless a private event occupies part of the terrace.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several strong options including salads, pastas, and shared plates.
Vegan options: Limited; expect only one to two items without modification.
Gluten-free options: Multiple dishes can be made gluten-free, though cross-contact precautions are limited due to the open kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the open-air terrace, skyline views, and polished atmosphere create a relaxed but impressive backdrop that works well for a first date without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly during off-peak hours, but pre-theater windows and brunch tend to book up. Walk-ins should expect to wait or be seated at the bar or lounge if available.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly; it skews adult with cocktails, pre-show crowds, and a rooftop lounge vibe. Older teens are fine, but younger children may feel out of place.
Best For
Better for: Rooftop ambiance, skyline photo ops, and pre-Pantages dinners that feel celebratory without being overly formal.
Skip if: You want chef-driven, food-first dining; the setting outshines the menu, so pick a different spot if cuisine quality is your top priority.
Lemon Grove
8.6
Set atop members club and hotel The Aster at Hollywood & Vine, Lemon Grove is a polished rooftop restaurant pairing seasonal California cooking with a garden-like terrace and skyline backdrop. It’s one of the neighborhood’s more refined rooftop dining rooms, attracting date nights, industry dinners, and brunchers who want thoughtful plates with a strong wine and cocktail program.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lemon Grove Burger, Veggie Burger, Farmer’s Market Crudité
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Garden-style rooftop dining with seasonal California menus and cinematic Hollywood views.
Who should go: Date nights, small celebrations, and design-conscious food lovers.
When to visit: Golden hour into evening for sunset, city lights, ambiance.
What to order: Lemon Grove Burger, veggie burger, farmer’s market crudité.
Insider tip: Ask for a terrace table facing the Hollywood Sign at sunset.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is available through The Aster’s entrance on Vine Street (typically $15–$20). Street parking is limited and metered; nearby garages at Hollywood & Vine offer paid self-parking but fill during events.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished. Elevated jeans and a nice top are fine, but most guests dress upscale for photos and the rooftop setting.
Noise level: Moderate. Conversation is easy at most tables, though terrace seating gets livelier during peak brunch and sunset hours.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes for terrace seating without a reservation; bar seating can open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, especially for indoor tables.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several composed vegetable dishes and salads, plus a strong veg-forward entrée rotation.
Vegan options: Limited — typically 1–2 dishes can be made vegan; staff is helpful with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Good options — many mains are naturally gluten-free, and substitutions are offered when possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The rooftop setting, sunset views, and polished service create an impressive but relaxed environment that supports easy conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes for indoor seating, especially on weekdays. Terrace seats at peak times usually require a reservation, but the bar is a reliable walk-in option.
Is it kid-friendly? It’s more adult-oriented, but well-behaved older kids and teens are fine at brunch or early dinner. There are no dedicated children’s menus or amenities.
Best For
Better for: A more refined, garden-style rooftop experience with stronger food execution and a quieter ambiance than many Hollywood rooftops.
Skip if: You want a high-energy party rooftop or are looking for casual, budget-friendly plates.
Lemon Grove
8.5
A rooftop lounge perched above Hollywood at The Aster, offering skyline views, shareable plates and happy‑hour cocktails from 5‑7pm inside a stylish indoor‑outdoor setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kale & quinoa salad, Mediterranean mezze board, Mini lamb sliders
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills during golden‑hour cocktails.
Who should go: Stylish couples or after‑work drinks crowd.
When to visit: Wed–Sat, 5‑7pm for Golden Hour menu.
What to order: Cantaloupe martini + mezze board + lamb sliders.
Insider tip: Request a balcony spot for better views just before sunset.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available for $12, limited street parking after 6pm, consider rideshare for convenience.
Dress code: Smart casual, jeans are fine but lean dressy for the rooftop vibe.
Noise level: Moderate - conversation is possible, but the upbeat atmosphere might require a little effort to hear each other.
Weekend wait: Expected wait 30-45 minutes, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, but it's best to call ahead if you're in a rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - dedicated vegetarian menu section with a few shareable options.
Vegan options: Limited - about 2-3 options, but staff can accommodate special requests.
Gluten-free options: Yes - separate prep area to avoid cross-contamination, with gluten-free options available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - The intimate rooftop ambiance, stunning views, and crafted cocktails make it perfect for a romantic first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It's possible, but reservations are recommended, especially for prime times like Golden Hour (5-7pm). Expect longer waits without one.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children, as the vibe is more suited for adults. It's better for couples or groups enjoying a night out.
Best For
Better for: This place is better for couples seeking a romantic, upscale rooftop experience with a view and sophisticated drinks.
Skip if: Skip if you're looking for a more laid-back or family-friendly environment—this spot has a more trendy, adult-focused atmosphere.
Lemon Grove
8.5
Perched atop The Aster, Lemon Grove is a rooftop restaurant where California-driven Italian dishes share space with cocktails and skyline views. An intimate indoor private dining room and reservable terrace nooks make it a flexible choice for brunch parties, pre-theater dinners, and small celebrations overlooking Hollywood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Asparagus & Maitake Mushrooms, Burrata Caprese, Signature Lemon Pasta
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A rooftop restaurant with a dedicated private room and terrace seating that pairs skyline views with seasonal California-Italian cooking.
Who should go: Groups planning view-driven dinners or celebratory brunches.
When to visit: Golden hour into sunset for the best light and energy.
What to order: Burrata Caprese, Lemon Pasta, Asparagus & Maitake Mushrooms.
Insider tip: Ask to reserve the small private room and adjacent terrace for semi-indoor, semi-outdoor events.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is available at The Aster’s entrance and is the most reliable option; street parking on Hollywood Blvd. is scarce after 6pm and garages fill during events.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished—elevated denim is fine, but most guests opt for dressy-casual outfits that fit the rooftop setting.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively; the private dining room stays conversational, but the terrace can get buzzy during sunset and weekend evenings.
Weekend wait: Expect a 30–45 minute wait without a reservation, especially around sunset.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, though terrace seats may require a short delay.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options—pasta, burrata, salads, and vegetable-forward plates are consistent highlights.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes can be made vegan, but the menu leans heavily on dairy and pasta.
Gluten-free options: Several gluten-free substitutions are available, including select pastas; staff is accustomed to navigating restrictions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—sunset views and a stylish rooftop setting create an easy conversation backdrop without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes—walk-ins can snag terrace spots during off-peak hours, but private dining and golden-hour tables almost always require booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and teens, but not designed for young children—limited kid-specific items and a more adult, cocktail-forward atmosphere.
Best For
Better for: View-driven celebrations, sunset brunches, and intimate group dinners where rooftop ambiance matters as much as the food.
Skip if: You want a quiet, budget-friendly meal or need extensive vegan options—other Hollywood spots may be more accommodating.
Lemon Grove
8.2
Perched atop The Aster at Hollywood & Vine, Lemon Grove is a rooftop restaurant serving seasonally inspired California dishes built around seafood, pastas, and produce. A garden-like terrace with skyline views makes it as much about the setting as the food, especially when the sun sets behind the Capitol Records Building.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Lemon Pasta, Short Rib Rigatoni Pasta, Guajillo Roasted Branzino
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A rooftop restaurant that pairs Hollywood skyline views with a seasonal California menu anchored by its signature Lemon Pasta.
Who should go: Guests prioritizing views and atmosphere with modern California cooking.
When to visit: Just before sunset so you can linger through golden hour into night.
What to order: The Lemon Pasta, Short Rib Rigatoni, Guajillo Roasted Branzino.
Insider tip: Time your reservation 30–45 minutes before sunset and ask for a terrace rail or edge table when confirming.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is available at The Aster’s entrance and is the easiest option; street parking around Hollywood & Vine is limited and highly competitive in the evenings.
Dress code: Upscale casual. Most guests lean dressy due to the rooftop setting—smart tops, polished denim, sundresses, and elevated casualwear all fit comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate. Conversations are easy at standard tables, though the rooftop gets livelier around sunset and during peak weekend dinners.
Weekend wait: With no reservation, expect a 45–75 minute wait depending on events at nearby theaters and venues.
Weekday lunch: Generally minimal waits—often seated within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several strong options including pastas and seasonal vegetable dishes; the kitchen is accustomed to modifying plates if needed.
Vegan options: Limited but workable. Typically 1–2 composed dishes are vegan or can be made vegan with small adjustments.
Gluten-free options: Multiple gluten-free items, especially seafood dishes; kitchen can accommodate GF pasta requests, but no dedicated GF prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its skyline views, garden-like rooftop, and polished California menu make it a strong first-date setting that feels special without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes. Walk-ins are accepted, but prime sunset hours fill quickly. Arrive early or aim for weekday nights for the best chance at a terrace spot.
Is it kid-friendly? It’s better suited for adults. Children are allowed, but the rooftop ambiance, cocktail-forward crowd, and later-evening energy skew mature.
Best For
Better for: Rooftop views, romantic sunsets, and a refined but approachable California menu—ideal for occasions where setting matters as much as the food.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, need extensive vegan or gluten-free options, or prefer a non-valet, easy-parking experience around Hollywood & Vine.
Lemon Grove
8.5
Perched atop The Aster at Hollywood & Vine, Lemon Grove pairs skyline views with a California menu built around seafood, share plates, and dishes like its signature Lemon Pasta. The rooftop layout blends garden planters, lounge seating, and traditional tables to create a flexible indoor-outdoor flow for brunch, sunset drinks, or dinner. It reads more like a restaurant with a view than a bar with snacks, which sets it apart in the rooftop crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hamachi Crudo, The Lemon Pasta, American Wagyu Burger
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A true restaurant-first rooftop with garden-style seating and Hollywood skyline views.
Who should go: Guests wanting views with serious food, not bar bites.
When to visit: Arrive before sunset and stay as the city lights up.
What to order: Hamachi Crudo, The Lemon Pasta, American Wagyu Burger.
Insider tip: Plan an early reservation, then linger for cocktails after dinner in the lounge areas.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is available at The Aster’s entrance (typically $15–$20); street parking around Hollywood & Vine is limited and competitive during evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished; jeans are fine but most guests dress elevated for photos and the rooftop setting.
Noise level: Moderate; music and rooftop energy create a buzz, but you can still hold a normal conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: With a reservation you’ll be seated on time; without one expect a 30–60 minute wait depending on sunset timing.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, especially for mid-afternoon service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options—several salads, pasta, and vegetable-forward small plates.
Vegan options: Limited but workable; 1–2 dishes can be made vegan on request, though the menu skews seafood- and dairy-forward.
Gluten-free options: Good selection; many seafood dishes and proteins are naturally gluten-free, and staff can guide modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—romantic lighting, skyline views, and a quieter table layout make it ideal for a first date that feels special without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes—walk-ins are accepted, but the rooftop fills around sunset. Your best chance is weekday lunch or late evening after the dinner rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Occasionally—kids are allowed, but the vibe skews adult, especially at night. Not ideal for toddlers; older kids comfortable in restaurant settings will be fine.
Best For
Better for: A polished rooftop meal with real culinary focus—superior to many rooftops that prioritize drinks over food quality.
Skip if: You want a quiet, low-cost meal or need a large number of vegan options; other spots in Hollywood may fit those needs better.
Lemon Grove
8.5
Perched atop The Aster, Lemon Grove is a rooftop New American dining room built around citrus-forward cocktails, seasonal California plates, and sweeping Hollywood views. Brunch, happy hour, and dinner all lean into produce-driven cooking that feels lighter than a steakhouse but more polished than a casual bar menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Citrus-marinated roast chicken, Seasonal crudo with citrus and herbs, Olive oil citrus cake
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Rooftop California dining with citrus-forward cooking and panoramic Hollywood views.
Who should go: Groups chasing views, cocktails, and seasonal small plates.
When to visit: Golden-hour reservations for sunset light and full menu.
What to order: Crudo, roast chicken, seasonal vegetable sides.
Insider tip: Book just before sunset, then linger as the Hollywood sign lights come on.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is available at The Aster’s entrance and is the most reliable option; street parking around Hollywood & Vine is limited and highly competitive after 5pm.
Dress code: Smart casual with a polished edge; elevated denim works, but most guests lean stylish due to the rooftop setting.
Noise level: Moderate—lively music and rooftop energy, but you can still hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak sunset hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though patio seating may fill first on sunny days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options—seasonal vegetable plates, salads, and sides built around California produce.
Vegan options: Limited but doable—usually 1–2 composed dishes plus modifiable sides.
Gluten-free options: Several items are naturally gluten-free, and many plates can be adjusted; staff is familiar with restrictions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—sunset views, stylish design, and shareable small plates create an easy, breezy atmosphere that feels elevated without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weekdays, but outdoor tables during golden hour are in high demand—walk-ins should expect to wait or choose bar seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and teens during brunch or early evening; the rooftop energy leans adult-oriented at night, and there are no dedicated children’s amenities.
Best For
Better for: Rooftop ambiance, seasonal vegetable-driven cooking, and cocktails with a California-through-citrus profile that outshine typical Hollywood hotel dining.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, hearty comfort food, or a budget-friendly dinner—this is more about scene, views, and lighter seasonal plates than large, indulgent portions.