Violet Restaurant
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Phone: (310) 453-9113
- Cross Street:
- 32nd Street
- Best of Citysearch:
- Date Spot 2006
- Hours:
- Tue-Fri 11:30am-2pm, 6pm-close, Sat-Sun 5:30pm-close
Editorial Review for Violet Restaurant – by Mar Yvette
In Short
Lest you forget that this Pico Boulevard boite is built on the idea of "promiscuous dining"--where you're never forced to marry just one entree--sexy (and uber-tatted) Chef Jared Simons will remind you when he's walking around greeting guests like some unassuming rock star. Having revamped the formerly plain space, Simons has pumped up the volume (and proven his abstract street artist cred) with graffiti-esque splashes of paint along the white walls to counter the violet booths. The menu's song, however, remains the same, with seasonally-driven small plates that range from creamy macaroni and cheese (made with Serrano ham, leeks and gruyere) to perfectly moist northern halibut with vanilla risotto. For dessert, opt for the complimentary mini-chocolate chip cookies and shot glass of milk. (Photo courtesy of Violet Restaurant)
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Insider Tips
ParkingThere's valet, but you can usually find metered parking on Pico within a few blocks. Just watch the permit restrictions on the side streets.
Know Before You GoWeekend nights can get crowded, but no reservations needed to eat at the rear bar. The extensive wine list offers many choices from both the "old world" and the "new world."
Where to SitThe nicest table for four is the single window table; for six reserve the back wall semicircle purple booth.
User Reviews for Violet Restaurant
09/12/2008 Posted by ciaofromca
I can overlook the bad parking situation (no valet / limited metered spots), I can overlook the mediocre service (we were forgot about, took 40 min to get food and when we got it, the braised beef cold, yet the plate was hot - interesting), and I can overlook the less than clean bathroom (I can almost overlook that), however - what I cannot overlook, is the fact that I felt completely taken advantage of. I am more than willing to shell out a lot of money on a decent bottle of wine, but they had no wine list (revamping it or something) and when I received a bottle of Smoking Loon (Trader Joe’s special) for the “house cab” I was a little stunned – but no big deal. No big deal until the bill came, and we saw that this $7.00 bottle of wine that you could have gotten across the street (ironically Violet is located across from Trader Joe’s) turned out to be $36 – I felt completely taken advantage of, and thought it was ludicrous that this was marked up 5 times. Sad about it too, because the reviews were all pretty good and was looking forward to a great dinner.
Pros: French fries
Cons: They must think their patrons are idiots
07/26/2008 Posted by foodie8800
Let me preface this review by noting how many restaurants in the city of Los Angeles that I've tried; from five-star dining to the smallest hole in the wall, I've visited almost every small neighborhood in this city. Never have I had a meal that satiated every aspect of my hunger; until I ate at Violet. It's located in a quieter part of Santa Monica, allowing for a relaxed meal and enabling you to avoid an overly crowded restaurant or an excruciatingly long wait (such is usually the case in restaurants as amazing as this one). The service is incredible, and the staff is very friendly, helpful, and attractive (an added bonus). All of this is topped off with the most incredible, satisfying meal; Violet offers light dishes such as a frisee salad with a gorgonzola truffle dressing or a cold gazpacho soup, both simple and delicious. The chef pairs together flavors and textures that may evoke reluctance at first glance, however the intricate and often daring combinations prove to be carefully and successfully executed, such as the white chocolate mashed potatoes, or the vanilla risotto. The lamb chili and short ribs are among the heartier dishes on the menu. My personal favorite is the macaroni and cheese, Simons' (the chef and owner) signature creation; having tasted dozens of takes on the traditional dish, he prepares it with precision and incredible flavor, as well as beautiful yet simple presentation. The meal is finished off with an array of desserts, but don't fill up just yet: the check comes with a surprise plate of mini chocolate chip cookies and a small shot glass of milk. Simons certainly knows what he is doing; he seems to have a following of neighborhood locals who enjoy the family-friendly spot. However, it is equally appropriate for a date night. The atmosphere is fun, casual and a little punk rock, but the food rivals that of the most well-known restaurants in the city. It's a must try!
Pros: great prices, incredible food, no long waits, good service.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
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