0 Followers
Olive & Rose
Master Critic Review
Olive & Rose
9.1
Michelin-starred Chef Philip Pretty's neo-bistro brings California flavors with French technique to a restored mid-century motel courtyard. The 32-seat open-air space emphasizes zero-waste practices and seasonal ingredients from the siblings' urban farm.
Must-Try Dishes:
Octopus with Potato & Pimento, Aged Rib Cap with Frites, Amberjack Crudo with Cucumber
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Michelin-pedigreed zero-waste cooking in a chic mid-century motel setting
Who should go: Date night diners and special occasion celebrants
When to visit: Tuesday through Saturday dinner, reservations essential
What to order: Octopus, ribeye cap with frites, steak tartare sandwich
Insider tip: Counter seats offer prime views of the open kitchen
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, metered until 8pm ($2/hr). Arrive 15 mins early or use nearby public lot on 4th Street ($8 flat rate after 5pm)
Dress code: Elevated casual to cocktail attire - think date night polish. Jeans work if paired with a nice top, but most guests dress up
Noise level: Intimate and conversational - the 32-seat courtyard keeps volume low, perfect for meaningful conversation
Weekend wait: Reservations required - typically booked 2-3 weeks out for prime slots (7-8pm Friday/Saturday)
Weekday lunch: Dinner only Tuesday-Saturday, no lunch service
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 3-4 vegetable-forward dishes that shine (the seasonal vegetable composition changes weekly and rivals the meat courses)
Vegan options: Limited but thoughtful - typically 1-2 options. Call ahead and chef will create something special with notice
Gluten-free options: Yes - most dishes adaptable, GF bread available. Kitchen takes cross-contamination seriously given fine dining standards
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Ideal for a 3rd-5th date or when you really want to impress - the $$$$ price point and romantic setting signal serious interest. Maybe too formal for a casual first meet, but perfect for taking things to the next level
Can I get a table without a reservation? Extremely unlikely - the 32-seat capacity fills weeks in advance. Your best bet: call day-of at 2pm for cancellations, or try for counter seats which occasionally open up. Walk-ins almost never succeed
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for young children - no kids menu, intimate adult atmosphere, and 2+ hour tasting-style service. Mature teens (16+) who appreciate fine dining could work for special occasions
How long does dinner take? Plan for 2-2.5 hours minimum - this is a leisurely, multi-course experience. Not a quick in-and-out spot, which is part of the charm
What's the best way to get a reservation? Book exactly when reservations open (typically 30 days out) via Resy at 9am. Set a phone reminder. Tuesday-Thursday dinners are slightly easier to snag than weekends
Best For
Better for: Zero-waste fine dining with California soul - this beats standard French spots for ingredient sourcing, creativity, and environmental consciousness. Choose this over traditional bistros when you want Michelin-caliber technique in a more relaxed (but still special) outdoor setting
Skip if: You want classic French comfort food, need a quick meal, prefer indoor dining in winter months, or aren't ready for $200+ per person. Also skip if you want a big group vibe - the intimate 32 seats make this strictly for pairs or foursomes max