- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Buddha's Belly
Categories: Restaurants Asian Fusion Restaurants Chinese Restaurants Thai Asian Fusion, Chinese, Thai [Edit]
205 BroadwaySanta Monica, CA 90401
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
(310) 458-2500
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 11:30 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 11 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
375 reviews for Buddha's Belly
Review Highlights
-
"The Spicy peanut noodles are really good." In 26 reviews -
"I had the Ahi Tuna Burger with Sweet Potato Fries." In 10 reviews -
"All these stars go to the very superb Ginger Fried Rice." In 21 reviews
Loading...
375 reviews in English
-
Review from Celeste C.
Los Angeles, CA
I tried both the tom yum ramen (friend's order) and the spicy peanut noodles (my order). The peanut noodles were well-flavored, but overly heavy IMO. I could only finish a little bit of my noodles. On the other hand, the tom yum ramen was really really good and I had intense order envy :(
For dessert, my friends and I ordered the green tea tiramisu to-go and it was sooo good! I thought it was a tiny bit soggy, though I'm not sure if it was originally like that or if it was because it'd sat for a bit in its box but it was light and refreshing and the creamy green tea sauce that comes with it pairs perfectly with the lightness of the cake. Definitely a must order! -
Review from Eric W.
5/19/2012
Though right across the street from my office I often forget about this place. Yet, the other day we decided to do a non pressure business lunch there. As before the place if very solid and though nothing special it does fir the bill.
Located just down the street from the Promenade it is outside of the hub bub but right there. Nice size room, some booths and a bar it is comfortable. The regular menu has many different Asian and Chinese choices and the lunch special are pretty inexpensive. I had the very good Chinese chicken salad while the others at a variety of soups, shrimps and noodles. All again solid. The service was real good and as I said, this is a very fine place for a lunch or casual dinner when hanging out right there in Santa Monica. -
Review from LUBY H.
5/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
Not sure why this place has decent reviews, but to me, it just tasted like Japanese take-out, or better yet a Japanese Panda-Express.
Part of the reason may be because I arrived during Happy Hour? But even so it should be good right?
I ordered the Chicken Pot Stickers, Tempura Udon Soup, and a Spicy Tuna hand-roll.
The chicken pot stickers were nothing special, neither was the spicy tuna hand-roll. It wasn't bad quality, but it also wasn't great or superb, deserving it's big 2 stars. I asked for the tempura udon soup to be extremely hot in temperature, but it came only partially hot, or more like normal heat for a noodle soup.
Overall, I came here to grab a quick bite, and a quick bite was exactly what I got because the lunch didn't last very long. I guess it's a good place to come if you really wanted Asian food near the area, and couldn't opt for anything else, but don't mind the quality of take-outs. -
Review from Robin L.
Los Angeles, CA
5/25/2012
We ordered way too much food for 2 people:
Lettuce Cups with Chicken - good, but too many water chestnuts
Chicken Potstickers - tasty
Shao Bing - flatbread delicious; filling sparse
Tuna Volcano with Crispy Rice - delicious
service and wait staff were very attentive. -
Review from Michelle L.
Irvine, CA
4/29/2012
I went on a double date here with my boyfriend and my brother's girlfriend. It was around 8PM and there was barely any wait, about 15 minutes. We were really hungry and I think we were just looking for something more from the restaurant.
We got the appetizer sampler and it really wasn't enough for 4 people. It came with some eggplant which was just smothered in a sweet sauce which was just okay. The egg rolls were really quite tasty though. It also came with some seasoned seaweed which tasted just like banchan from Korean restaurants. It also came with some spicy tuna tartar which was pretty good but nothing special.
My boyfriend ordered the Ahi Tuna burger with sweet potato fries. I had a bite of it and it was pretty good to me but I don't know if I could have finished the whole thing. My boyfriend said it was just alright. I ordered the Green Thai Curry which was a bit too sweet for me. And it really wasn't anything I couldn't get at ANY OTHER Thai restaurant for a lot less. But I liked the fact that there were a lot of vegetables. My brother ordered the Sweet Chili Shrimp. It was really good I thought. A great compliment to the rice with the asparagus. My brother's girlfriend ordered the Red Curry Scallop fried rice which was alright. Once again, everything tasted good but nothing we couldn't get anywhere else for less money.
It's a cute little place for a date if you're in Santa Monica. 3/5 -
Review from Kenneth H.
Los Angeles, CA
5/18/2012
I've been coming here about once a quarter for the past few years and the quality and food have been very consistent every time. The wait staff is very attentive and they always have people running around handing out refills. Unfortunately the food has always been average all these years.
Might order again:
Ahi Tuna Burger - one waitress said this was one of the most popular dishes on the menu and I have no idea why. The burger itself is okay but doesn't have anything that really makes it stick out and is not very big. The sweet potato fries are better than the burger and the dipping sauce is good.
Pad Thai - this is another dish they always recommend and its again its just decent. Sometimes the meat to noodle ratio is a little low but it's enough to fill you up either way. I would recommend squeezing the lime to give it a little acid and mixing in the bean sprouts for some bite. It comes with crushed up peanuts so beware if you're allergic.
Not Recommended
Ginger fried rice- My coworkers love this dish and you might too but it wasn't for me
Thai Green Curry - the curry had more coconut milk than it typically would so it was a bit sweeter than I like. Like the other Thai Restaurants around here, I'm sure they just boil the veggies and pour the curry on top. I would skip this dish. -
Review from Nick S.
Los Angeles, CA
5/2/2012
I'm basing this on food alone seeing as I got our lunch order to go. I ordered the Wok-tossed Vegetables in a garlic sauce. I mean....
First off the vegetables were cooked to complete mush. I could have gummed at the broccoli if the dish had been palatable enough to actually eat. Alas it was not. The sauce reminded me of something from Lean Cuisine, just with a hell of a lot less flavor. There was absolutely NO SALT in the dish, bland as a hungry college student's take on stir-fry.
I'm sorry Buddha's Belly I didn't want to do this to you, but that food was astonishingly bad. -
Review from Flora H.
4/14/2012
Buddha's Belly, for me, is the definition of a 3 star restaurant. It's good, not great, there's definitely better things in the area, but it's not a bad choice. I like that we made last minute plans to come here on a Friday night and didn't have problems getting a table at prime dinner time (8 pm).
It's not the best or most authentic Asian food around, but like I said, it's good enough. I ordered the green chicken curry and wasn't disappointed with it.
The location is really convenient, right by third street so you can park in the mall parking lots. I would say it's a good choice if you are looking for a last minute restaurant in the area, or are craving some Asian food and aren't picky about your food being extremely authentic (if you don't like PF Changs, you won't like Buddha's Belly.. I put them on the same level of authenticity). -
Review from Sandee T.
Beverly Hills, CA
4/6/2012
Dish (& its star ratings):
Came during HH.
- Seaweed salads (4.5): Omg, we had to get a 2nd order after trying the first. Loved the addition of lotus roots w/ soybean strips!
- Vietnamese spring rolls (3.5)
- Sweet potato fries (3)
- Pinot grigio (3)
- Sirloin cilantro salad w/ lemongrass dressing (4)
- Pad Thai (4.5): You know how sometimes even at an authentic Thai place they can make this dish too sweet? This is probably one of the best I've had - not too sweet but tossed to perfection. More on savory side. Noodles were well-cooked.
When:
- 2010
Crowd:
- Casual, promenade-shopping crowd.
Interiors:
- High windows to ceiling. Modern, clean.
Service:
- 4 stars, attentive.
Overall:
- Good cheap HH grub if you're in area. -
Review from Mark J.
4/18/2012
One of the most enjoyable dining experiences we have had so far on this trip.
The wait staff, not pushy - but ever present and impeccable in timing between courses.
Starters my wife and I had the lettuce cup chicken dish and salmon and avocado spring roll (they had much more fancy names on the menu and apologies for not getting the dishes names exact!).
The chicken was superb and fusion of the salmon and avocado spring rolls were to die for.
For mains... I couldn't go past the ginger chicken, beef and shrimp fried rice and my wife the Japanese Chicken Kurah-age burger and sweet potatoe fries. Portions were above standard with a quality that only leaves me to say... Can't talk... Eating!!!
Finally we couldn't not share a Tapioca pudding... Which brought back child hood memories and an unequivocal we will be back, next visit for sure! -
Review from puja s.
Santa Monica, CA
4/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
I would give it 5 star if everything on the menu was pleasing. But it's not the case, and so the 4stars. The spicy peanut noodles without the chicken ( I am vegetarian) and the green curry were amazing.
On my second visit I got some tofu with vegetables and veg egg roll. The egg roll was oily and vegetable in some sauce was just ok. Definitely won't order that again. -
Review from Vince N.
3/5/2012
Americanized Buddha, Americanized Asian food.
The Buddha belly offers some good food for decent prices.
Feeling a bit like a chain restaurant, but comforting enough to think otherwise, Buddha belly serves up dishes from many different pan pacific countries.
We had the peanut noodles and sizzling steak beef thing with potatoes and vegetables.
Overall the food was good. Quality seemed decent, and service was on par.
Decor was nice, noise level moderate to high, and the location was extremely convenient.
I'd eat here again, but if I really needed to pick a place and I was in a hurry. -
Review from Living Aware Daily ..
Seattle, WA
3/30/2012
We hit the Buddha's Belly after window shopping the promenade in Santa Monica during their happy hour. I was very interested in trying the food at this spot after finding them in our hotel's green restaurant directory. The restaurant recycles all plastics, glass, raw food, paper and cardboard waste. Buddha's Belly also supports local farmers and producers, and uses organic produce when possible. I really liked that the restaurant provides their used cooking oil for bio-diesel vehicles and energy-efficient fixtures and switches have been installed in the restaurant.
During our visit we encountered a very friendly staff that was eager to please. We had a small assortment of dishes off the happy hour menu that included the seaweed salad, chicken potstickers, and the har gow. The har gow was our personal favorite. I look forward to trying more dishes next time we head that way. -
Review from Dia P.
San Francisco, CA
3/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
If you like tasty vegan options, this is the place to go. Asian dishes that don't taste simply like tofu. The non-vegan options are tasty as well.
I recently just found out that their entire menu is now MSG-free. They definitely take their customer's requests into consideration! How fantastic is that!
It definitely is a popular spot for lunch, any day of the week. But definitely worth it if you want asian-inspired food in Santa Monica that isn't sushi. -
Review from Steph J.
Orange, CA
Updated - 2/21/2012 6 Check-ins Here
I still love this place... but I am highy highly disappointed I drove all the way from OC to find out they'd gotten rid of the Tartare Duet... I am completely heartbroken. The thing I don't understand is, they have a new tartare on the menu. And its not even good!
Why? Why did they change it? Why did they mess up something good? I know its a recession, but shit, every time Ive been here 11am and on, there are always people. Dinner time the other night was ass packed. Cant blame it on cutting back for cost reasons. Rice is the cheapest thing to buy, and they're still serving a tartare.
Can you tell I loved that tartare? lol *humph*
I have been back to this place probably 10 times since my first review, and I'll keep going back. I just wish they'd bring back the tartare! Who do I need to talk to?1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
8/25/2011
Oh. So. Good.
Ive only ever been to the Santa Monica one, so thats all I Can review.
Friendly staff,… Read more »
-
-
Review from Hurf D.
Redondo Beach, CA
2/14/2012
Typically mediocre Santa Monica food, priced much higher than it is worth. It's just OK. The chicken always seems to taste somewhat old, having that weird aftertaste.
They've also stopped doing their Vegentarian dish that was at least pretty decent. Meh. -
Review from Tamara J.
2/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
There are few things I will pass up sweet potato fries for.
One of them is Chinese green beans. And Buddha's are some of the best I've had.
Garlicky, sweet, salty and crunchy. Perfect.
Friend had the spicy tuna tartare. It was ok. Not spicy, but fresh.
They make some interesting cocktails, and the service at the bar was perfect. And fast.
I'll be back to try more for sure. -
Review from Robert F.
Saint Louis, MO
5/3/2012
I had found this place randomly walking by in Santa Monica with my friends. The outside of the restaurant seemed interesting so we decided to check it out. For those of you who are familiar with P.F. Chang's, I would compare it to that expect that I would take this place over the huge chain. It seems to have a much nicer dining environment that is relaxed. We walked right off the streets straight from the beach and were welcomed by the bright, cheery staff. The prices were possibly just a tad high but the portions were pretty adequate for what you were paying for. Needless to say, you did not leave the table hungry. All three of us had leftovers to take home with us.
-
Review from Danny m.
Los Angeles, CA
4/27/2012
People who know me, know that i'm not a huge "fusion" fan. i'm more of a purist, but that being said, sampled the grub at Buddha's Belly in Santa Monica last night, and was pleasantly surprised. Egg Rolls were tasty. Had "Shrimp toast." Imagine a grilled chees with minced shrimp, and a hint of basil. Excellente. found out later that there wasn't any cheese inside; it was actually the spicy asian spread that tasted remarkably simialr to cheese which gave it its flavor. Kudos to the chef. Very original. The dumplings were o.k., not fantastic, but the complement of sauces made everything pretty darn good. A bit pricey in the price/portion ratio, but if you're after a quick taste without going for gluttony, worth a trip.
-
Review from Lindsay H.
Santa Monica, CA
2/4/2012
For typical Americanized Asian, this bustling joint pulls it off well. I'd say the level of food and service and the somewhat-upscale decor put it right in line with, say, PF Chang's. There's always tons of people in there when I walk by, and when my Midwestern grandparents came in town to visit, it was the perfect place for gramps to get "Chinese" food. I would imagine it does will with the high number of tourists that Santa Monica sees.
The food was tasty and perfect portions, i.e. we were able to share plates but also weren't overloaded with filler, like rice or chow mein. The night we went, wine was half off so that was a pleasant surprise.
The restaurant is nice, trendy-looking and clean. And the server was very nice.Listed in: Good for tourists,…
-
Review from Cassandra T.
Los Angeles, CA
3/11/2012
Situated right around the corner from 3rd Street Promenade, just down the street from Santa Monica Place, a friend and I stopped by after a brief shopping trip on a Saturday night. Since the shops were packed with long lines everywhere, we half expected there to be a wait for the restaurant too, but we got seated right away. Might've been because it was still early, around 6PM. The restaurant is a trendy place, dimly lit with cool light fixtures hanging on the ceiling. Enjoyed the atmosphere.
Before I dive into the actual review of the food, I'm gonna say that the portions are HUGE. We weren't too ravenous and thought to share a plate, but in the back of my mind I was afraid it wouldn't fill us up. IT DID. I couldn't imagine eating a whole plate by myself.
We ordered the red curry scallop fried rice and I was pleasantly surprised. The rice was flavorful and they gave a good amount of scallops, although the scallops did taste a TAD overdone. Just a bit though, nothing to get all would up about. We also shared a side of sweet potato fries and the dipping sauce that came with it was AMAZING. I had to get a refill of it because I was using so much per fry. It was slightly spicy and tasted kind of mayo-y/thousand-island-y... very unique and yummy yummy. Would definitely recommend.
Our waiter was nice and came by our table pretty often to check on us, but not to the point where it got irritating. When we needed someone, there were always staff around to help us (like when I wanted the refill of dipping sauce).
All in all, I had a good experience here, and would definitely come back to try more of the dishes on the menu! -
Review from Abde K.
Los Angeles, CA
4/21/2012
This place has been one of my best dining experiences in LA. I had their chicken burger, which was a dinner special, and it was excellent. Their desserts, especially the green tea tiramiscu is to die for !!!!
-
Review from Jackie T.
Manhattan, NY
1/23/2012
I've lived in West LA for some time, and often visit the 3rd Street promenade. On the day I tried Buddha's Belly, I didn't have any particular food craving, so after passing this place by many times, I decided to try it out. The place was packed for a Wednesday night, so it had to be good, right? To my surprise, it was just (shrugging shoulders) "Mehh."
The aroma traveling from the kitchen fooled my nose - the food was bland and overpriced. I had the calamari for an appetizer and the seafood soup for dinner. There was nothing special about it at all, other than tasting like seafood.
The decor and service were great though. The waiter was very attentive, and the restaurant itself was very trendy, and well-themed. As an avid Foodie, those things don't get the stars for me though. It always comes down to the food..and Buddha's Belly just didn't make the cut.
Bottom Line: I'm glad I tried the place, so I could yelp about it. This place is made for the social scene, and not so much for the Foodie. Bland food and overpriced, but easy on the eyes. -
Review from Donkey K.
West Los Angeles, CA
3/3/2012
A lot of the restaurants around the promenade seem to bank off the fact that they are by the santa monica pier/promenade and not off the goodness of the grub. This place fits right in although I know it has other locations, which are probably the same.
This could be a decent place for you if you are nonresident of California or a tourist, or you do not frequent good asian restaurants.
Do yourself a favor, just go to PF Changs if you decide to eat here because PF Changs is similar but way better. I know PF Changs is considered generic but this place is even more generic somehow.
The Cod and Ahi burger are decent; maybe I'm not amazed because I can whip these 2 dishes up easily.
The noodle dishes are the same, decent but definitely not great.
I enjoy the appetizers most: the rock shrimp tempura, pot stickers, sliders, and vegetable rolls. -
Review from Jade T.
12/29/2011
Obviously I adore the Buddha, and his Belly is equally divine.
Super chill, super kool restaurant in Third Street Promenade neighborhood. It's a fabulous little spot for a get together with friends or a date too; works either way. Because it isn't krazy noisy, so you can actually talk to and hear your dining companions.
I enjoyed the refreshing and non-alcoholic lychee cooler beverage. Plus the three-course special called 'executive obon suite'-- appetiser, entrée and dessert.
Miso soup came with the meal, and it was alright, kind of sweet.
Among several things I love about Buddha's Belly is that they offer brown rice as well as regular white. And it went really well with the fish. Unfortunately I can't remember if I had the black cod or salmon, but whatever it was, was delicious. I also cannot recall which ice cream or sherbet I had for dessert. Why is my memory so lousy? Must have been in a trance from the salad.
Pay attention to the wait staff's recs; I'm glad I did, choosing the Blue Lake (green) Bean salad. Our lovely server said it was one of her favourites, and now it's mine too. Green beans, baby frisée, oven-dried shiitake mushroom, shallot, garlic clove tempura. Outstandingly raddd yummy-- al dente crunchy and tossed with aged sherry vinegar mustard vinaigrette. I'm calling it nirvanaigrette. That's right: vinaigrette so dammm tasty it approached nirvana. :P
Buddha's Belly has supposedly sprouted in Thousand Oaks too. So when I get my act together, I'm moving to Santa Monica or T.O. because a) I love SaMo and TO and b) I need to be assured of getting a regular fix of BB in *my* belly.
:DListed in: Top Restaurants
-
Review from Chelsa M.
Los Angeles, CA
5/13/2012
I used to think of Buddha's Belly as something really different. However, it seems very similiar to PF Changs. I thought it had a little more salt than usual because I needed to drink a couple glasses of water over the course of the night. However, for the price I would go back. The spring rolls were good and did have a good time in Santa Monica.
-
Review from Shannon R.
Los Angeles, CA
1/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Hey, this place is pretty cool. It was a good find late at night, after enjoying a few drinks at Copa d'Oro, for our mixed crowd: the picky eater, the vegan, and the one who abstains from beef and pork. I opted for the Zen Set, which was satisfying, but...odd. Udon soup, cold tofu, and an Asian veggie slider. I didn't know quite where to begin or how to get my head around it. The veggie burger was AMAZING, I wish I could make a meal out of two or three of those. The soup was standard, nothing special, and I could've done without the cold tofu. I really felt I was given three different meals that didn't compliment each other, which defeats having a "set" of food. You can do better, BB.
Everyone filled their bellies and rolled home sober and happy, mission accomplished, but I doubt I'll think to go back except out of convenience. In that case, I'm happy to have a yummy, if schizophrenic, meal as an option.Listed in: Mixed Couple
-
Review from Tommy K.
1/19/2012
Food: pretty good and I expected this to be a step above mediocre Chinese food and it is what it is. I got the meal deal, forget what they call it -- one appetizer, one salad, one entree, some pieces of fruit and miso soup. It was around $17 and worth it.
I got the bean salad, sweet chili shrimp and the dumplings (when I really wanted the potato croquette). Overall it was good and came with white (or brown if you want) rice. Felt filling with healthy amount of vegetables.
Service was excellent. The server split the bill without any issue among 12 people. Food came out quickly and for the most part correctly.
Oh, we got the Peking Duck confit tacos and it was good, though it was missing hoisin sauce on mine. The duck was good, nothing horrible or spectacular.
I would return after a long day at the beach. -
Review from Valerie R.
Venice, CA
2/19/2012
Buddha's Belly is a decent restaurant if you can't get into some of the other better restaurants in the area.
My husband and I are vegan, and the server was able to provide options and substitutions to accommodate our diet.
I had the Chinese Chicken Salad, no chicken or wonton strips, sub in soft tofu. It was good, but was not exceptional. Also, I ate the whole thing and was still hungry afterward.
Hubby had the Wok-Tossed Vegetables with rice. Super yummy.
For dessert we shared the coconut tapioca- good if you like coconut and those strange tapioca bubbles.
Overall, not bad, not excellent. Good service. Kind of boring flavors- very Americanized. -
Review from Kaycie B.
Culver City, CA
2/25/2012
LOVE Buddha's Belly. Every time I've come, there's been great service, incredible food, and a casual yet trendy atmosphere.
The Pad Thai is a must, followed by the chocolate fondue for dessert. yum!
Definitely check it out! -
Review from Dakota S.
Costa Mesa, CA
4/10/2012
This place was pretty good and they offer some good entrees, however one of our dishes was brought out cold and we had to send it back. The flavors were pretty good and they are an affordable place to go if you are down on the Santa Monica promenade. However I was surprised that they didn't discount the cold entree. As we were leaving the manager asks us how our meal was and I let them know about how we had to send back our cold curry and she promised us something on the house next time we came, however I doubt they would remember us as the are pretty flooded with tourist visiting Santa Monica.
-
Review from Richard R.
Los Angeles, CA
3/30/2012
Beautifully yet simply designed. The staff is very freindly, the dishes are good. Dishes are on the small side. Date night place for sure.
-
Review from Alex B.
Santa Monica, CA
3/28/2012
Americanized Asian food with no large portions
The food is pretty pricey for small sizes
The sauce on my food was too sweet, as is the norm for this type of cooking
Definitly skip this one -
Review from Aletta K.
Marina del Rey, CA
11/25/2011
"Meh" would be an apt description for this place. It's ok...I've only been once and I probably wouldn't choose to spend my money here again. But I did not come away hating the experience (it would be a waste of energy to "hate" it, anyway).
Pros - OK for the atmosphere, staff was pretty friendly and service relatively quick. There was a little bit of a wait for dinner, but we were seated when we were told we would be. There are some veggie options, but nothing to get excited about. The salad I had was pretty simple, which is the way I like it.
Cons - a little pricey for what you get and from what I recall, without modifying menu items there was only one truly vegan dish. And even that may have hidden animal ingredients, if you order without specifying your needs, who knows. The menu isn't too creative - I've definitely seen better at other Asian fusion places.
I would give it 2.5 stars if I could, but I'll round down...just because "meh, I've experienced better" really describes how I feel about this place. -
Review from Scott B.
2/27/2012 2 photos
A buddy of mine wanted to take me out for a birthday dinner, and after wandering around Santa Monica for a little bit, we ended up here. We walked in and asked for a table, and I noticed that this was the first Asian restaurant I had been too that wasn't staffed by Asian people. It was actually kind of an odd thing. Not a bad thing, just...off somehow. Not a bad thing mind you, just an observation.
We perused the menu and I began to realize this wasn't quite an Asian restaurant, but an Asian/American hybrid place. They had many American dishes with an Asian twist. It was very interesting. Our waitress came over and asked for drinks. She was friendly, happy and eager to please. (not to mention pretty cute.) Before too long she came back wit out drinks and took our orders. After looking at the menu I settled upon the Shao Bing (Chinese Sliders) and Vegetable Egg Rolls. My buddy got a more traditional Asian noodle dish and my other friend got an Asian-styled hamburger.
The sliders were great, they had a lemongrass sauce which gave the chicken slider an entirely different feel from the usual American counterpart.. The sesame seed flat bun and green onions totally added to the taste of the item. My buddy informed me that the sesame seed flat bread is usually used on breakfast things. The vegetable rolls were also good. Crispy outside and chewy vegetables inside. Very tasty. As we sat around and chatted afterwards, somebody around me had a chocolate chip cookie item. It smelled intoxicatingly wonderful, and I really wanted one, but I was stuffed. I'd like to go back and further explore the menu, but, Santa Monica is kinda a hike from my neck of the woods. If I'm ever down that way again, I'll definitely want to return. -
Review from Kate V.
Studio City, Los Angeles, CA
1/7/2012
This place is basically another version of P.F. Changs. I was kind of disappointed. I don't know what I was expecting, perhaps a little more upscale version of P.F. Changs, but thats not this.
The food was ok, the service was alright. Everyone kind of seemed flustered. The seating is way too close to other people which I am not too big on. Im sorry, but I like to enjoy my conversation and meal without feeling like I have to wait until the person next to me is done talking.
The drinks are ok too. I would may be come back here if there was nothing better around. -
Review from Robin S.
Venice, CA
2/1/2012
Absolutely love this place. Always recommend it to people from out of town. Prices are reasonable, great ambience, good service and amazing food.
-
Review from Yvette L.
Los Angeles County, CA
9/18/2011
yo!!
Here we go again.. i felt like i was eating a "MARUCHAN" noodle soup.. served on a big bowl on a tray.. 10 leaves of cilantro...overpriced noodle soop to a whooping 11.95 no rice included..
Sorry.. i would not go back again. my "I want to fit" days or let's check it out.. i never seen a red bar etc., days.. far gone.. none existent!
so back to the review.. Service was better... i did have someone come up to me and greet me and help me get a table.. that was very nice!
Then they sat me down on a bench.. piled up with strollers.. (with food on them) :( waiting to be seated on a real table..
Which by the way.. was puched into a little corner.. etc., so gladly the patron seating there gave us more space.. THANK YOU!
Drinks are small,,,,
sorry will not return.. unless i need to drink a beer.
The place looked ok clean.. but not outstanding clean.
I pass this Budha Belly.. :( into the next restaurant..
Hasta! -
Review from Jake V.
2/15/2012
Tasty sushi and a nice perch on the harbor surrounded by yachts. Defer one or two orders to the chef for pleasant surprises. Overall, the rolls were more creative than usual.
-
Review from Julie N.
10/30/2011
By chance, I ate at THIS location the following night. :) LOL.
We were at a movie screening at the Promenade and when we got out we were kinda hungry, and this was close...and open. I was skeptical based on my other experience in Thousand Oaks, yet, the fried rice was so good, I did want it again, haha.
They don't give as much at this location, though it is definitely a lot of food still. I got the same thing, Veggie Fried Rice (with chicken again lol), and the others got soup, and this miso salad, which was huge and yummy too.
Great to go eat after a movie or shopping downtown, but they close a little early--we got there 20 min before closing. However, they were so nice, and it was still relatively crowded in the place despite the closing hour.
I'd go again--maybe in two weeks when I'm back down there!
