Best Restaurants for Creative Cuisine in Westwood

We had booked a reservation for Christmas Eve a month in advance, but when we arrived we were not seated for 30 minutes past our reservation time. Nevertheless, once we were seated the service was prompt and friendly, and all of the food was delicious. The various vegetable sides were terrific, including the broccolini, the kombucha squash, and the carrots.

The Vespertine experience is off the charts amazing. This was our second visit (our first was pre-pandemic). Some things have changed about the experience, but what you truly are there for, the food, hasn't and it is absolute art. I've been a Jordan Khan fan for a long time, and every time I'm at one of his restaurants, I'm always awed by his creativity. The menu items always work together to tell a story, but the flavor profiles are so different with each course. The service is first rate knowledgable and friendly. Both times we've visited we've had a great time with the service staff. They know the menu deeply, and love to talk about it, or any other fun topic that comes up. The restaurant isn't pretentious at all. It's a bit like being at home, especially if you sit upstairs with a larger party, sitting on your patio or deck and being served the meal of a lifetime. If you do sit upstairs, definitely bring a jacket b/c it's open air. There's heaters and blankets, but it still can be chilly. We went two days ago and all of us are still thinking about he experience, and not the cost. Which is pretty remarkable considering how costly this restaurant is, but both times I've gone to Vespertine, I've left thinking, 'That was totally worth it!'

Stunning setting. Knowledgeable and attentive staff. Excellent food. Will definitely go back to try other dishes.

One of the best meals of my life - absolutely wonderful experience!

I felt like I had taken a trip to Japan. The food, the service, the care taken, made me realize the difference between going for sushi at my local joint and having a dining experience at Asuka.