FIG Restaurant

7/2/2016

• 1 check-in

Fig at five is an awesome deal! Bottles, drinks, appetizers, and even the first three items on the large plates section are 50% of from 5pm to 6pm. I believe only pizzas and the remainder of the large plates section are excluded. Be sure to make a reservation as tables go quickly at this time.

The restaurant itself is beautiful. It's bright, airy, and modern inside. The service was awesome and there is a massive selection of bottles and drinks.

Bread balloon: this was a basically a massive inflated pita - it was crunchy and soft and covered in oil... Very delicious! The hummus and eggplant salad spreads were very good.

Baguette with burrata: the burrata was excellent.

Tomato and radish salad: this salad tasted very fresh and healthy. It was basically large chunks of all different kinds of tomatoes in a light and refreshing vinaigrette.

Wood smoked Manila clams: standard clams - nothing special.

Shishito peppers: these were good although I would have preferred a little more heat and spices.

Wood grilled half jidori chicken: the chicken was extremely juicy and moist although a little small.

Spinach penne: definitely one of my favorite items of the night. Super flavorful and creamy, with small shrimp.

Peanut butter bar: delicious. Must order.

Plate of warm cookies: average chocolate chip cookies.

Definitely enjoyed this dinner and would highly recommend ordering loads of items and sharing them with the table as the plates are relatively small. I will definitely return for fig at five although I'm not sure I'd be happy paying full price for these items.

6/28/2016

Select items *excluded* from Happy Hour.

There are quite a few outdated reviews that state, "everything is 50% off."

Things have changed. There's a new menu and new Happy Hour restrictions. Excluded from Happy Hour are:
- all Pizzas,
- Bread Balloon,
- Desserts,
- and the last six items from the Large Plates section comprised of steaks, lobster, lamb and salmon.

The good news is that all other menu items are 50% off 5-6p, including all drinks...all wines, cocktails, beers, etc.

Skip:
- Albacore Tuna Crudo (50% off). Bland.

Get:
- Wood smoked Manilla Clams (50% off)
- Charred Octopus (50% off)
- Pizza (full price)
- Drinks (50% off)

Next time I try the Spinach Penne with Shrimp (50% off).

Sit:
- Covered Patio with a view of the pool.

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  View from covered patio.

  View from covered patio.
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  Albacore Tuna Crudo (4/10)

  Albacore Tuna Crudo (4/10)
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  Italian Ham Pizza (8/10

  Italian Ham Pizza (8/10
• See all photos from Jeff G. for FIG Restaurant

6/21/2016

• 1 check-in

The food is good. The location (if you get a table by the open glass door or patio) is excellent.

Breakfast: The chilaquiles were good.  The bagel with smoked salmon (lox) was good. I had the steel cut oatmeal, the blueberry muffin, and the turkey bacon. Alright, I initially thought this restaurant was worthy of a 4; but, I changed it to a 3, while in the middle of this review. Sorry. (No, I'm not sorry, I'll tell you why). Inattentive service and an inability to make simple turkey bacon.  The steel cut oatmeal was good (hard to mess that up). The blueberry muffin was pretty good as well. The turkey bacon was dry, bland, jerky-like, and something I'd think I'd  see at Petco. It was returned and easily subtracted from our bill.

Now service. They didn't come to take our order for about 10-15 minutes.

I couldn't wash down that horrible bite of turkey bacon because the waiter never came to check on us and refill our waters. We had to flag him down 30 plus minutes into the meal. That's just pretty bad and inattentive. He was a nice guy, but nice doesn't allow you to be inattentive. No manger ever checked on us either, although they were often seen walking around.

The family next to us found a hair in their eggs. I heard them say it and saw the waiter and manager inspect it (this was after we finished, so the poor service wasn't because they were inspecting the hair)

I'll give them another shot, they have a good happy hour (literally an hour) but the turkey bacon, never again. Did I mention it was bad?

6/2/2016

• 1 check-in

I at first thought this was an offshoot of Fig & Olive. I was quickly corrected that it was not.FIG is located in the Fairmont hotel. You can valet or look for street parking. Luckily we were able to find that option that saved us a ton of bucks!

We had a reservation but the front of house staff kinda sucked. There was a lot of scurrying around and an obvious lack of communication between staff members.  They finally found our (misspelled) reservation and led us to a table near the outside.

Once in, we were given a brunch menu (it was Sunday).  We started with drinks; we chose the Rizzo Fizzo, prosecco and titos and soda.  The Rizzo Fizzo (with a cool name) was gin, lemon, rhubarb, strawberries and egg white.  It had a rose flavor to it and it was very refreshing.  The names for their drinks are very inventive (Silencio Por Favor is one of my favorite names).

For food, we chose the breakfast burrito, the smoked salmon benedict, the fish tacos and the BLT.  The breakfast burrito had fries inside of it (as an FYI) so that was a surprise.  It could have fed two.  I asked for the BLT to have avocado and while the server said they could do that, I didn't received such a sandwich.  The bacon was thick cut and the fries that came with it were very nicely seasoned with harissa. My fiance didn't love the fish tacos though.

Our server checked on us regularly but we didn't always get what we requested. I ordered dessert (sticky toffee) and our bill came before the dessert. I only received it after reminding them about it.  That plus no avocado didn't make me too happy.  I like it and would come back.

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  Sticky Toffee Pudding with oranges

  Sticky Toffee Pudding with oranges

4/27/2016

• 1 check-in

• Listed in Yelp 100 Challenge 2016, Westside, Santa Monica and more

I dropped by here for lunch w/ a b'ness associate before an event at the Fairmont Santa Monica.  Fig is located in the hotel. They offer breakfast, lunch & dinner, as well as brunch on the weekends.  BTW, any brunch item w/ endless beer is $40.  The hotel is located at the foot of Wilshire & Ocean, adjacent to one of my fave hangouts, The Bungalow.

I ordered the kale & taboulleh salad ($15 | fregola, castelvetrano olives, radishes, mint & sumac), and added salmon ($8).  My associate had the same salad and added chicken ($6).  In addition, I had the tomato soup ($10).

First of all, the soup was excellent.  It was made from fresh tomatoes and had a nice kick to it.  The only downsides were the croutons were a bit stale, and the price:  4 Stars.  Secondarily, the salad was also very good.  The combination of the ingredients went very well together, and the salmon made the salad even better.  The latter was cooked very well, and it was nicely seasoned.  Again, the only downside was the price:  4 Stars.

The ambiance was very nice, and some of the tables overlooked the hotel pool:  4 Stars.  Likewise, the service was outstanding from the hostess to the bartender, Vincent.  All the staff was super friendly, and the food came out quickly:  5 Stars.

I would have no qualms about returning for a b'ness meal, or a drink.  The food is really good, the ambiance is very nice, and the service is outstanding.

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  Bar

  Bar
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  Tomato soup ($10) Outstanding, but pricey

  Tomato soup ($10) Outstanding, but pricey
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  Kale tabbouleh salad ($15) w/ salmon (+$8) Very good, but pricey

  Kale tabbouleh salad ($15) w/ salmon (+$8) Very good, but pricey

4/1/2016

• 1 check-in

• Listed in Yelp 100 Challenge!

I came here with my girlfriends a couple weeks ago. We wined and dined and although we had a great time, I don't see myself returning.

We started carb-loading with the bread board, charcuterie sampler, blistered shishito peppers, fried cauliflower and spicy fries. The fries were seasoned with harissa and came with garlic mayo. They were spicy but really addicting. For entrees we had scallops, sea bass and the winter squash curry. The dishes were good but nothing really stood out. On top of that, they took forever to come out, I actually managed to finish two glasses of wine in the time. For dessert we shared the sorbet and chocolate chip cookies. The chocolate chip cookies took me by surprise because they were really good (warm and gooey) and I actually wouldn't mind ordering those to go.

Overall, the food was good but not amazing and the service was friendly but could be quicker. IMHO, Fig is a solid 3.5 stars.

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  Winter squash curry with jasmine rice

  Winter squash curry with jasmine rice
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  Warm chocolate chip cookies

  Warm chocolate chip cookies

6/6/2016

Santa Monica Fairmont is a great place to stay but could use a better restaurant.

Breakfast - lots of great choices once you stray past the TRADITIONAL AMERICAN BREAKFAST. Staff are attentive and friendly and keep your juice and coffee topped up.
I'm a big fan.

Dinner is a more mixed experience. A small but decent menu with reasonable prices. The food is good, sort of interesting and service fine but no real WOW factor.

Arnold Schwarzenegger & family were at the next table but did not recognize us.

6/28/2016

• 1 check-in

Loved the food, ambiance and service. We started with tuna appetizer which was great. We then had the avocado toast (not impressed at all) and tomato soup (just ok). We had a wrap which was delicious and a veggie sandwich which was great too.  I'll definitely come back as the overall service was fantastic!

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  Tomato soup

  Tomato soup
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  Avocado toast

  Avocado toast
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  Veggie sandwich

  Veggie sandwich
• See all photos from Stella D. for FIG Restaurant

6/8/2016

• 1 check-in

If you come between 5-6pm, you'll receive half off almost their entire menu! Such a steal! **Note: Some selected items are not half off, such as steak and seafood dishes**

Overall, a great dining experience! If you're looking for a nice sit-down, upscale, yet casual restaurant, head on over to Fig, located in the Fairmont hotel.

I highly recommend their seasonal fish, shishito peppers, the balloon ball with the roasted pepper dip, and stone fruit salad! The meal overall felt healthy and delicious! Of course, order the seasonal fries if you'd like to indulge. Unfortunately, we had no room for dessert, but their items sound so enticing!

2/25/2016

• 1 check-in

Visited Fig on a Thursday with a couple friends after a long day looking for a relaxing dinner.  We were worried we would be underdressed but found the ambience casual and friendly with poolside views. It's a bit loud but not unbearable. There was a mix of patrons from groups to couples to even families.

Our server was friendly, patient and well versed in the menu and drink selections.

Dinner started a bit slow with the brussels sprouts which had good flavor but felt a touch overcooked and greasy. However, entrees were well received by all!
*The bucatini dish was delish, especially if you like fresh veggies with a nearly equal proportion of veg and pasta.
*The scallops were well cooked and tasty, but slightly out shined by the veggies which were excellent.
*The whole red snapper had a beautiful presentation and an excellent balance of flavors.

Prices were as expected for a hotel restaurant in a touristy spot, pricey but not exorbitant for the food quality.

It was a good meal and just right for what we needed tonight!

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  Scallops with spiced cauliflower

  Scallops with spiced cauliflower
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  Bucatini with fresh veggies

  Bucatini with fresh veggies
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  Beautiful whole red snapper

  Beautiful whole red snapper

5/17/2016

I booked this spot on a recommendation for a friend's bday lunch. I have to say everyone at the hotel was really friendly, and I think we must have had the last available brunch time slot because it was pretty quiet and empty. We got a nice spot by the window which faced the pool, so there was lots of natural light and a pleasant atmosphere. I was a little disappointed that they only had the brunch menu instead of the full lunch menu, which was very limited in options. I got a drink from the menu which was tasty, but packed no punch.

For the entrees, my friend got the Fig burger, which was amazing, and I got the quiche, which was lackluster to say the least. We split the Fig pudding for dessert, which was great. Our waiter was unfortunately slow considering how there were only three tables with patrons, and did not make any suggestions for the meal and took a long time to get our dessert/check when we were the only ones left.  I think maybe because we came at an off time we didn't get the full experience, but I would go back and try this spot again.

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  Comfortable ambiance and fun bistro decor

  Comfortable ambiance and fun bistro decor
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  Fig Pudding was delicious!

  Fig Pudding was delicious!
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  Quiche...was ok

  Quiche...was ok
• See all photos from Jenikah J. for FIG Restaurant

7/3/2016

Oh, FIG.  Why did you have to mess with the menu?  This used to be the BEST happy hour in town.  But gone are the standouts - no more pork belly!??!  Seriously it was one of the best in town!!!  Whyy??!?  Big mistake.

Also why mess with the grilled octopus!?!  What used to be immaculately marinated tender octopus unmatched on the westside has now been replaced by a standard smaller portion way less tender offering that really isn't worth even having if you've had the original dish.

And bread balloon?  Really?  This takes up half the menu!!!  So... you were making some Naan bread or pizza dough and accidentally one of them got some air inside and blew up like balloon?  And now you try to sell me said bread for $11???  Booooo!!!

Give me my pork belly!!!

OK OK.  Aside from my griping, it's still a great happy hour, thankfully they kept the servers and barstaff who are all excellent and friendly pros, albeit they need some new shirts or something.  Their wines and beer list is pretty solid, and of course the happy hour discount can't be beat.

And of course you can't beat Eric the cheese man and his fantastic fromage.  Bravo, friend, keep on cheesin' on.

And duh, beautiful hotel and pool and vacation feel right at home.

But seriously, bring back the pork belly back and go back to the original octopus dish.  And then five starts you shall have.

2/11/2016

Organized and came here for our company Christmas dinner and it was absolutely the right choice.  The chef designed a special menu for our group of 12 that includes farm fresh ingredients that was healthy and delicious.  Service was accommodating and on point and the specialty cocktails were strong and delicious.  I can't say enough good things about this restaurant so I highly recommend that you try this for yourself.  

Following dinner, I recommend that you walk over to one of the/if not the hottest bar in the west side for a few years running, The Bungalow.

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  Market fish

  Market fish
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  Steak and mash with chimichurri

  Steak and mash with chimichurri

1/10/2016

• 1 check-in

I love brunch! It's been awhile since I've been into Fig. I find the menu rather unimaginative though the food is usually quite good.

Today was a very simple day of an omelette, potatoes, apple sausage, toast, grapefruit juice. Pretty normal fare, why even bother writing a review you may ask? Well the simple truth is the ingredients are fantastic!
It's wonderful to taste your food I mean really taste the freshness and quality of the food. Also the portions are surprisingly large. This is rather expensive place for brunch but the ambiance and quality of the food and attentive service are worth it.

The best treat to know about is the punch cart. Yes a gorgeous wood cart to serve punch in copper cups. (See photos) this is a very fun addition that I hope gains some popularity. Now I don't drink but if I did this would be in place of food! Anytime you offer punch that's topped off with a splash of champagne is a good brunch day!

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  Punch cart! Love it!

  Punch cart! Love it!
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  Breakfast, love the centerpiece and accoutrements.

  Breakfast, love the centerpiece and accoutrements.
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  Entrance to the Fairmont

  Entrance to the Fairmont
• See all photos from Bradley B. for FIG Restaurant

12/26/2015 Updated review

• 1 check-in

• Listed in For a splash (or three...)

I have been here countless times and have enjoyed myself. However, coming on Christmas Day proved to be less than lovely.

Sometimes it just happens, unfortunately it just happened to be on Christmas Day. The kitchen was off. WAY OFF. I honestly did not enjoy the food, which is a first. They had about two dozen items on the menu, mostly brunch items. There appeared to be little to no communication with the chef and the servers, which more or less led to a cluster fuck. Parties on either side of our table had grievances to air and people were not happy. The wine list was a serious saving grace.

All in all, it made me regret my choice to come here. There really are only so many nice restaurants open on Christmas day. Our server, Gabby, was really lovely and wonderful. I felt really bad for her situation. It was totally not her fault and I can only hope that other diners didn't take this issue out on her.

Silverlining that the hotel was decorated beautifully as it always is and everything looked perfect. I'm doing a balancing act giving three stars for the food, service and ambiance.

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  Shrimp and grits. Drowning in tomato sauce. It would have been better without the sauce.

  Shrimp and grits. Drowning in tomato sauce. It would have been better without the sauce.
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  Crab and lobster cake Benedict. Very rich.

  Crab and lobster cake Benedict. Very rich.
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  Sticky toffee pudding with orange ice cream. It was cold. The pudding, not the ice cream. Not a fan.

  Sticky toffee pudding with orange ice cream. It was cold. The pudding, not the ice cream. Not a fan.

6/10/2016

I eat at Fig weekly and it is one of my favorite restaurants in Santa Monica. My lukewarm three stars are regarding the new menu. The new chef is clearly trying to put his/her imprint on the place and it is not for the better. Sure, go ahead, serve me your overpriced "bread balloon" (which is tasty) but why take the Bread Board off the menu? And why replace one of the best clam recipes I've ever tasted (in a divine butter sauce over mashed potatoes) for an uninspired and basic presentation. The same goes for the current chicken dish: the new one is good, the old one was brilliant. Thank god they've at least had the sense to keep Eric's Stash and the charred octopus on the menu, otherwise the local residents might have staged a full-blown culinary rebellion.  

The drinks at the bar are the best in town. And the wait staff is usually excellent, friendly but unobtrusive. And for heaven's sake: ditch the new uniforms with the tie. This is a beach hotel in LA, not an uptight country club on the East Coast.

11/26/2015

• 1 check-in

I found Fig on Open Table, and when I saw it was in a hotel, I admit to some trepidation. I've been to restaurants in some nice hotels that were little more than IHOP quality.

Fig was WAY better.

Walking in, I was pleased by the bright space, full of light, accentuated by the white paint and casual comfy decor. Our table looked out onto the pool and green space outside. Nothing better for an early breakfast after an all night flight (I could also see it perking me up after a night of too much drinking).

The server was polite, attentive, but almost like an apparition. He never disturbed us at all, yet took really good care of us. I liked how he showed up right after we sat and settled offering water and juice (freshly squeezed and tummy) right there.

The Croque Monsieur was so very, very good. One of the best I've had outside of France. A tasty, thick brioche, nice and buttery. A rich béchamel that was flavorful but not too heavy. The right amount of ham to have the flavor not get lost in the sauce. Topped with a perfectly medium egg, yolk soaking into the rest of the dish. The light herb salad, with a lemony dressing and some purple-red cherry tomatoes that reminded me what real tomatoes are meant to taste like, was a well-considered compliment to the sandwich.

My guest was happy with her omelet (it had peppers, so I didn't taste), liked her thick and oaty wheat toast, and worked over her roasted potatoes, which I did try and really liked. No ketchup necessary.

I would definitely return. The menu had nice twists on good, simple breakfast classics, with a bit of a Mexican flair. I'd like to try the chilaquiles and the lemon ricotta pancakes while basking in the bright, fresh environment.

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• See all photos from Al P. for FIG Restaurant

2/25/2016

• 1 check-in

DANG THE BURGER IS SO GOOD HERE ZOMG!

Been here a few times - a really beautiful restaurant in the lovely Fairmont Hotel, which makes it perfection for lunch (or if you're lucky, an expensed business lunch!) The huge windows looking out to the ocean add a nice bright natural light (say that four times fast) and the food is delicious.

I had the burger and it was prepared beautifully. The meat is so flavorful. Order it medium (mine came out a tad over cooked but I was 100% fine with it after one bite). The sauce, I actually got on the side - and didn't miss at all. The cheese, is not too gratuitous (which I respect, gratefully). Healthy side dose of fries.

Also had a really lemony arugula salad - which was the perfect way to help make me feel like I wasn't a complete piece of lard for having a full burger for lunch.

Come and enjoy.
Only downside - WITH VALIDATION, the valet was still $5.50. Classic Santa Monica.

2/9/2016

• 2 check-ins

+2 stars: service and location

-3 stars: lack of cleanliness (saw a roach crawl by in the red cloaked private dining room), quality of food was very average or below

I think the roach just about sums it up but overall I'm unimpressed with the food. I've been here twice; once for brunch and another time for dinner. The service has always been friendly and accommodating but it's not fine dining. But it's fine. I guess where I'm underwhelmed is in satisfaction. I'd expect better for the Fairmont.

The food is just okay.

My dinner tonight was steak ordered medium rare. I received it well done. They took it back quite willingly and with zero defensiveness which was nice. But the next steak came out medium and was super chewy. I was left feeling like a brick was sitting in my stomach. Just not high quality meat. Their desserts were meh.

I dunno. Okay for a free meal but I wouldn't spend my own money here.

8/9/2015

• 3 check-ins

Cheese lovers unite! And do so at Fig!

Yes, I realize that Fig has more than just great cheese. No, I don't care. :-) When I visit Fig, I just can't resist breaking into Erik's stash of cheese heaven. The Camembert is probably the best I've ever had. There is a large variety of soft, stinky, blue, goat, and hard cheeses from which to choose. And if you dine there between 5 and 6pm Tues - Sun, you can eat them at 50% off of the cost! Actually, it's 50% off of every item on the menu, including drinks, except for a few of the higher end entrees. What a deal!

While I haven't yet tried more than the bread and cheese, I have salivated over other people's meals. Some day I'm really going to have to try their other options (mmm, scallops). In the meantime, I'll keep enjoying their lovely wines and delicious cheese. And I'll do so while watching their entertaining and friendly bartenders do their thing. Speaking of the bartenders, they really seem to enjoy their jobs. And they're good at it too. Quick, efficient, and accommodating. You just don't see enough of that in most places.

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  Grilled Octopus with caper berries, cranberry beans, sherry vinegar, and mint

  Grilled Octopus with caper berries, cranberry beans, sherry vinegar, and mint
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  Cheese Menu on 10-16-15

  Cheese Menu on 10-16-15
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  Mmmm, French Cheese Heaven

  Mmmm, French Cheese Heaven
• See all photos from Dawn G. for FIG Restaurant