Mar Vista - West LA, Los Angeles · restaurant
A cavernous Westwood hideout where taxidermy, antler chandeliers, and a fireplace big enough to roast a boar conspire to make you forget you’re five minutes from campus. It feels like a mountain lodge air-dropped into UCLA territory. Dim, woodsy, and just the right amount of dramatic. The crowd runs from Bruins’ parents footing the bill to date-night couples splitting something indulgent and pretending they “don’t usually come to this side of town.” Order a proper drink, sink into a leather banquette, and let the chaos of Wilshire fade into a low, flattering glow.
Classic roast chicken, a staple entree at this Westwood lodge.
Rigatoni Diavola with spicy vodka sauce, shrimp, parmesan, and Calabrian chilis.
Mafaldine pasta with a 7-hour braised meat sauce of beef, pork, and veal.