Chinois on MainWe had a very nice eveningWe had a very nice evening at Chinois. Food is still top notch and service very good. While not a "bargain", the overall bill was reasonable given the quality.5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMI always wondered why Wolfgang Puckwas famous, until I had a free night in LA and decided to try Chinois on Main. I was dining solo, but felt entirely comfortable there due to the energy of the place, and the servers and other staff who were all very engaging. I actually struck up a conversation with the couple sitting just across from me, because we were all so excited by the food.
I grew up on lobster in New England, so it came as a bit of a shock that the best lobster I've ever eaten was here in L.A. -- the lobster with curry sauce and crispy spinach is one of the best dishes I've ever had in my life. The chicken salad was also delicious. Everyone around me seemed ecstatic with their own choices. I'll be going back whenever I can bring my wife with me.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMBetter with ageChinois has been around forever, but it gets better with age. It may not be the hottest place in town, however it's better. Service, food, and mgmt. are on top of their game. Why would anyone go any where else? Simple, great, fresh food.5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways excellentI have been visiting Chinois for special occasions since it opened. The food is always outstanding, and I am grateful that my favorite dish, the fried catfish, has remained on the menu since the beginning. I was also pleased that on Mothers Day Night - when I know restaurants tend to be overbooked and service and food quality suffer - we were seated immediately, the service was good, and the food as great as ever.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMIt was so loud we literallyIt was so loud we literally had to scream to be heard. Probably the loudest restuaruant I've ever been to.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMMagnificent experienceIt was our first time to Chinois, having been to Spago a bunch, and wanting to check out Wolfgang's take on Asian fusion. It was nothing short of spectacular and brilliant, and we are not ordinarily drawn to this cuisine. But we are now when Wolfgang is doing it! We thoroughly enjoyed the Shiso tuna crisps, sizzling calamari salad and Shanghai lobster plate for sharing. The Chinois martini rocked as a pairing. The only drawback was that it is a small storefront, easy to miss and the parking is cramped and confusing (welcome to Santa Monica) with lots of restrictive tow away signage. But as it turns out, they own the parking lot, so park anywhere you want in the small lot or on the street if you can find it.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMGourmet Catfish. WonderfulGourmet Catfish. Wonderful Duck Fried Rice. Reservation handled well by hostess.4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMAbsolutely gorgeous decorAbsolutely gorgeous decor and presentation of food!! Very pricey, but marvelous for an extra special occasion.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMBest food in town. The staffBest food in town. The staff is gracios and experience.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMBest show in town for foodies.Best food in town. Just as excellent as when the doors opened years ago. Best seat is at the counter watching the chefs cook.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent as always - greatExcellent as always - great team of people and food always splendid.3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMChinois on Main is a rareChinois on Main is a rare place in the LA restaurant scene. It has found a way to stay relevant throughout the years. I still recommend it to my friends residents and visitors alike. It's fun and the food yummy,3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was outstanding. Go thereFood was outstanding. Go there for the food, not for the atmosphere. Not good for small children.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMCHINOIS is a culinary treat!Chinois is a culinary treat! The amazing food, the ambiance and the incredible service wins you over every time. Bella, the manager, watches and takes care of her customers like they were her children. Chinois is Wolfgang at his best!3/17/2013 12:00:00 AMTo live for!When I looked at the menu I thought - oooh pricey. They very wisely do not post their prices online because I would have been scared away. But it is worth every penny. The dishes you get are very large and absolutely delicious! For example, the Roasted Duck was 1) cooked to perfection and 2) you are served the whole duck. Do not think you are only getting a regular sized dish. No no no. The crabcake appetizer could have been the meal. Those were my two favorites dishes: The amazing crabcakes with giant shrimp and wonderful asian sesame flavors. And the roast duck. To live for!!! Our favorite desert was the Floating Island. It wasn't floating but it was a cloud of lemon goodness. We will definitely be back many times3/12/2013 12:00:00 AMChinois never disappoints.Chinois never disappoints. Fantastic food every time.3/10/2013 12:00:00 AMThis long time favorite stillThis long time favorite still delivers a delicious experience from appetizer brought dessert.3/4/2013 12:00:00 AMA "must-do" for a chinese foodieIncredible Chinese Food Experience.
A "must-do" for any Chinese foodie.3/1/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food, service, and everythingThe food, service, and everything else about Chinois remains exceptional. It is a very favorite place of our whole family.1/25/2013 12:00:00 AMFood is delicious. We didFood is delicious. We did restaurant week and great choices, generous portions. Only negative was that the restaurant is looking like it needs some sprucing up1/23/2013 12:00:00 AMMost delicious, creative foodMost delicious, creative food in LA. Warm, friendly, efficientn staff. Reliable dining experience.1/20/2013 12:00:00 AM