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Sampa
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Sampa
8.4
Sampa fuses Filipino foundations with New American technique in a compact Arts District dining room. Dishes carry smoky, savory depth and playful textures, and the menu rewards sharing across courses. A newer standout that feels both personal and confident.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kare-kare inspired plates, Seasonal crudos, Wood-fired mains
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Filipino-New American cooking with smoky, modern edge.
Who should go: Food-forward dates and small groups.
When to visit: Dinner midweek for smoother pacing.
What to order: Kare-kare plate, crudo, a wood-fired main.
Insider tip: Let the server guide a share-friendly progression.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the Arts District after 6pm; expect to circle. Several paid surface lots within a 2–3 minute walk are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual with a slightly polished edge; jeans are fine if paired with a nicer top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate; energetic room but still manageable for conversation across a small table.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation depending on peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — dinner-focused service means evenings are busier.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate options — vegetable-forward starters and a few adaptable mains.
Vegan options: Limited — some sides and salads can be modified, but mains are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide substitutions to avoid fried or soy-heavy components.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate room, shareable menu, and polished service create an easy rhythm for conversation without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly on weeknights if you arrive early; weekends fill quickly, so walk-ins should expect a wait or bar seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for teens or older kids with adventurous palates; not ideal for very young children due to tight seating and a flavor-forward menu.
Best For
Better for: Creative Filipino-influenced plates with New American polish, especially for groups who like sharing across courses.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional American meal or require extensive vegan options — other Arts District spots may suit those needs better.
Sampa
8.1
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Girls Night Out Approved
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Sampa is chef Josh Espinosa’s Filipino-American dining room where à la carte plates share space with seasonal six-course tasting menus like the Mestizo and Sampa Six. Located on a quieter Arts District block, it channels family recipes through fine-dining technique, with dishes such as kare-kare tamales and sinigang-inspired courses.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kare-kare tamale with peanut sauce, Soft-shell crab sisig, Ube cheesecake or other rotating dessert
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Filipino flavors reimagined through seasonal tasting menus and vibrant plates.
Who should go: Groups seeking inventive Filipino-American tasting menus downtown.
When to visit: Evenings when special tasting menus or events are running.
What to order: Current tasting menu, kare-kare tamale, ube-forward dessert.
Insider tip: Follow Sampa’s social channels; limited-run tasting menus often drop there first.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on adjacent blocks is possible but fills quickly; several paid lots along Traction Ave and 3rd St typically have space.
Dress code: Smart casual with a slight lean dressy; think polished but comfortable for a tasting-menu setting.
Noise level: Moderate, with a lively dining room that still allows normal conversation for most of the meal.
Weekend wait: Expect 20–40 minutes if walking in; reservations strongly recommended for tasting menus.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—Sampa operates primarily for dinner with occasional special events.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited; a few dishes can be adapted depending on the tasting menu cycle.
Vegan options: Very limited; most menus rely on seafood or meat elements.
Gluten-free options: Moderate; several courses can be adjusted, but notify the team when booking so substitutions can be planned.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its colorful plates, attentive pacing, and warm service make it a strong pick for a fun, slightly adventurous first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly for the à la carte menu early in the evening, but tasting menus almost always require an advance reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited to adults; older teens who enjoy trying new foods may be fine, but there’s no dedicated kids’ menu or space for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Inventive Filipino-American flavors delivered in a celebratory, group-friendly format with tasting menus that rotate frequently.
Skip if: You want a quieter, more formal tasting-menu experience or need extensive vegan or gluten-free accommodations.
Sampa
8.0
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Girls Night Out Approved
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Sampa is Chef Josh Espinosa’s Filipino-American dining room where family flavors are reimagined through tasting-style menus and composed plates. Sitting along the kitchen line or near the pass feels like a relaxed chef’s table, with kare-kare tamales, sinigang-inspired bites, and plated desserts often introduced by the team themselves.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sinigang xiao long bao, Kare-kare tamale, Ube cheesecake with polvoron crust
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Chef Josh Espinosa turns Filipino comfort dishes into modern, tasting-style plates in a cozy Arts District setting.
Who should go: Diners curious about inventive Filipino-American tasting menus.
When to visit: Weekend evenings when the room buzzes with celebrations.
What to order: Sinigang xiao long bao, kare-kare tamale, ube cheesecake.
Insider tip: Ask about chef’s off-menu specials; they often test future tasting dishes with regulars.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is possible but competitive on weekend evenings; paid lots along 3rd and Traction Ave are the most reliable ($8–$15). No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual; most guests lean stylish Arts District chic. Jeans are fine if paired with something dressy on top.
Noise level: Moderate; lively energy from groups but still easy to hold conversation at the table.
Weekend wait: Typically 20–40 minutes for walk-ins depending on group size; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, though lunch service can vary by season.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but thoughtful choices; several dishes can be adapted, but the tasting-style plates skew protein-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited; advance notice helps the kitchen prepare substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes are naturally gluten-free or can be adjusted; the team is familiar with dietary needs but cross-contact is possible in a small kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its warm service, intimate tables, and shareable tasting-style plates make it ideal for a date where you want something lively but not overwhelming.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes. Early evenings or late seatings offer the best chance; larger groups should always book ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young children. The menu and pacing skew adult-oriented, and seating near the kitchen pass can feel tight for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Ideal for groups seeking celebratory Filipino-American tasting plates with personal chef engagement and a fun, buzzing dining room.
Skip if: If you want a quiet, slow-paced chef’s counter or fully customizable dietary accommodations, other Arts District restaurants may fit better.