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The Little Door
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
The Little Door
8.7
The Little Door is a long-running French-Mediterranean restaurant tucked behind a famous blue door, known for its garden patio and candlelit dining rooms. Guests book it for anniversaries and celebrations where rack of lamb, seasonal seafood, and mezze-style starters pair with a strong wine list and slow-paced service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Herb-crusted rack of lamb, Seasonal Mediterranean seafood entrée, House mezze platter
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 9.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Romantic French-Mediterranean patio restaurant favored for anniversaries and special nights.
Who should go: Couples planning splurge-worthy, atmosphere-driven dinners.
When to visit: Prime evening reservations when the courtyard lighting feels fullest.
What to order: Herb-crusted lamb, seasonal fish, mezze to share.
Insider tip: Request patio seating specifically when booking; those tables define the experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is available out front (typically $12–$15); street parking on 3rd and adjacent residential blocks is possible but tight after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; elevated outfits fit the room, but polished jeans with a nice top are acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate; the courtyard and dining rooms stay lively but you can still hold a date-night conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: Expect a wait of 30–45 minutes without a reservation; walk-ins are rarely seated immediately during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: The restaurant is dinner-focused and not open for lunch; early-evening weekday reservations face minimal delays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—mezze, salads, and several mains can be made vegetarian, with servers knowledgeable about modifications.
Vegan options: Limited—there are a few mezze and salad options, but mains usually require customization; best to call ahead.
Gluten-free options: Yes—several dishes are naturally gluten-free, and the restaurant regularly accommodates GF diners with clear guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its candlelit patio and slow, attentive pacing create a warm, intimate setting perfect for deeper conversations. It works best for a first date where you want a more elevated, intentional experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unlikely on weekends; your best chance is an early weekday evening. Patio seats almost always require advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—older kids and teens are fine, but the atmosphere skews adult, romantic, and slow-paced. There are no specific kid amenities or children’s menu.
Best For
Better for: Romantic celebrations, anniversaries, and special-occasion Mediterranean dining with standout ambiance and one of the stronger wine lists in the area.
Skip if: You want a quick meal, trendy small-plates energy, or lower price points—there are more casual, faster, and less expensive Mediterranean options nearby.
The Little Door
8.6
The Little Door has been serving Mediterranean-leaning, market-driven plates behind its flower-lined 3rd Street entrance since the late ’90s, with an emphasis on carefully sourced produce and meats. Most guests come for the lantern-lit patio and romantic energy, but the kitchen backs it up with polished, farm-influenced mains.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rack of lamb, Filet mignon, Sea bass
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 9.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A lush, long-running patio brasserie with farm-influenced plates.
Who should go: Romantic diners and celebratory groups prioritizing ambiance
When to visit: Prime evening hours when the courtyard is glowing
What to order: Rack of lamb, filet mignon, seasonal sea bass
Insider tip: Ask specifically for courtyard patio seating when reserving.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available in the evening (around $12–$15). Street parking on 3rd Street is limited after 6pm, but nearby residential streets can open up with a short walk.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy. Date-night attire fits in; polished jeans are fine but most guests opt for elevated looks.
Noise level: Moderate. The courtyard is lively but still allows full conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: Expect a 45–75 minute wait without a reservation, especially during peak patio hours.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, though the courtyard can fill during peak midday reservations.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several starters and mains lean produce-forward, and staff can guide substitutions.
Vegan options: Limited — usually 1–2 vegan-friendly dishes, plus customizable salads.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many dishes are naturally gluten-free, and the kitchen can adjust certain plates; inform staff when ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the lantern-lit courtyard and romantic energy make it one of the most atmospheric date-night settings in Beverly Grove, while the menu stays accessible and familiar.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unreliable. Walk-ins may wait up to an hour on weekends; arriving early or opting for indoor seating increases your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — older kids and teens are fine, but the space is geared toward adults, date nights, and celebrations. No dedicated kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Romantic ambiance, special-occasion patio dining, and polished Mediterranean-leaning plates made with carefully sourced ingredients.
Skip if: You want a quiet, budget-friendly meal, extensive vegan options, or a spot that welcomes young kids with ease.