AlmaWonderfulWe had a wonderful meal at Alma. Every dish was carefully prepared, beautifully presented and full of flavor. The corn soup may have been our favorite of all the great dishes. Desserts were consistent with the rest of the meal. Prices are decent but many of the portions are not large- even the main dishes can be bordering on "small plates". For us that was perfect. Only complaint- wines ( a small but nice list) by the glass are a bit pricey.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding!Amazing food, delicious and creative. knowledgeable and attentive staff.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat taste, innovative menuDinner for five, one vegetarian, ordered about 80% of items on the menu. Amazing range of tastes, textures, ingredients, yet none fell flat or were off the mark. We had an excellent meal at Alma in the winter; this meal was even better. Very reasonably priced and interesting wines -- domestic and imported. We were visiting from San Francisco, so we have only a few other LA restaurants to compare, but it is hard to imagine that there is any table in LA with showing this quality and innovation at this price.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMAnother amazing Alma ExperienceI first went to Alma's in July of 2012. Ari and the team dazzled my taste buds and us captivated by the robust flavor combinations.
It has almost been a year later and the menus is a little more refined. But the Flavor experience is just as captivating. Now with a collection of very good wines and sublet upgrades to the decor it was equally as pleasant. Ari however was away but his influences on the team continue to amaze.
I would strongly suggest adding this to your To-Do list you will not be disappointed.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderfully Clear Food VisionEvery dish was a culinary delight. As we ate through our courses, we continued to find something new to be impressed by: a cooking technique, layered flavors with high quality ingredients, or simply the presentation. Ari and his team have a clear vision and it shows! We loved our meal and will definitely be returning, and we'll be bringing all of our friends.4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMOf the "new wave" of DowntownOf the "new wave" of Downtown restaurants with young talented chefs, this one really delivers without the attitude and arrogance of the others. We are looking for excuses to drive an hour to go back.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMThis restaurant has a soul!The most innovative restaurant in LA righ now. The food is quietly layered, each layer with a surprisngly crisp flavor and the whole is always better than the sum of its parts. Ari is a super star and I'm a fan4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMwonderful foodWonderful seasonal food in a pleasant modern atmosphere. We enjoyed the attention to detail and exquisite flavor with every dish served. We only wish we had had a chance to try an appetizer we ordered that went to another table...the servers did not realize their mistake even though the people next to us stated they had not ordered the dish...so there was a small breakdown in communication; however I was topped off with some extra wine as compensation, which was an appropriate gesture (although I would have liked to try at least a tiny bit of that appetizer dish!). We probably would not have been able to try the awesome buttermilk biscuit with pistachio paste and blueberry/meyer lemon sorbet desert if we had actually gotten it !4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMWe enjoyed the experienceWe enjoyed the experience very much. I had been there before and would recommend it to people who enjoy small plates to share where the food is very interesting, unusual combinations. The desserts are to die for.4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMA really special place withA really special place with amazing food and a fantastic and unusual wine list. Lovely people, great service, a wonderful space where you can actually hear your table mates talk without shouting. The desserts are not to be missed.4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMCauliflower prepared threeCauliflower prepared three ways garnished with sea urchin? I'll take it3/26/2013 12:00:00 AMThink European service, dinnerThink European service, dinner can easily become a 2 hour experience. Small plates were unique and filling - I loved the whipped cod roe! Don't miss out on dessert, or the great bread.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was innovative, excellentFood was innovative, excellent prepared, service was excellent.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMWhat chef Ari does with simpleWhat chef Ari does with simple foods like vegetables is uncanny. The tastes textures and and flavours are amazing.
This is a small restaurant in a sort of beat up onld building that actually looks closed, but what they are preparing in the kitchen will open your eyes to a new breed of cuisine all from local suppliers.
Would book again first chance i get.3/14/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding, beautiful, andOutstanding, beautiful, and lovingly-prepared food. We truly felt like we were experiencing food as art. And unlike so many fancy restaurants that just rely on a lot of butter & garlic, the food at Alma really brought out the individual flavors of the ingredients and then harmonized them! Best of all: my stomach was happy at the end of the meal. Often when I eat out at restaurants, my tongue enjoys the meal, but my stomach ends up in knots. We will definitely be returning!!3/9/2013 12:00:00 AMVery cozy and charming; hipVery cozy and charming; hip w/o pretense. Very adventurous and tasty cuisine. Somewhat limited menu and the tiniest serving portions I think I've ever seen.2/7/2013 12:00:00 AM