Best Contemporary European Restaurants in Century City

Ok, so this is hard to write, but here it goes. I have been going to this restaurant twice a month for twenty years. I live in the neighborhood and have loved, loved Vito. Usually I’m with my wife and I rarely make a reservation because they always recognize me and get me a table. Anyway, tonight I made a reservation because I had a friend to meet so we did. Usually I’m in a suit but today I was casual in a hoodie and sneakers. I was greeted by a waiter, who sent me to a maitre d I didn’t recognize. She seated us at a booth in the back which was fine. Great dinner, exceptional service as always. After I got the bill I noticed I didn’t get the VIP discount I have always gotten, so told the waiter to please revise it. It was then I was visited by the maitre d who started to question me about why I didn’t have my VIP card, and a bit of innuendo as if I was not a regular. (I’ve never shown a card for twenty years as the older waiters know me, but they were not there) Pretty embarrassing in front of my friend. She is apparently a part owner, and she explained that people on Reddit or Yelp have advised others to just ask for the VIP discount. I sympathized with her and told her I would pay in full, if that’s their new policy, but I have to say she seemed to doubt me, and it felt really awkward. In the end they gave me the discount. They made sure to say goodbye to me when I left and say my name. I think they probably feel bad about it, and I do sympathize with them with people trying to take advantage of what was a great gesture from the original owners to serve the neighborhood. (Shame on you Reddit and Yelp people!)I understand there was an ownership transition a year and a half ago, and kudos to them for making the transition seamless, I really mean it. But please figure out a way to revise your VIP discount policy and communicate it to your customers ahead of time so you don’t put anyone in the position I was just in.

I felt like I was eating a delicious art gallery, complete with an absolutely charming docent per course. Wonderful! As Dennis Hopper’s Bruno Bischofberger said, Super fantastic!

The service was excellent. Great vibe. The choline schnitzel was excellent but turkey sandwich was too dry.

Great place to grab a few drinks! My partner and I went on a Friday night and it wasn’t really busy. Perfect atmosphere and location. Definitely recommend!