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The Stinking Rose

3.5 star rating
based on 511 reviews

Categories: Italian, American (New)

Neighborhood: Beverly Hills
55 N La Cienega Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(310) 652-7673
Hours:

Mon-Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Good for Groups:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Valet
Attire:
Casual
Price Range:
$$
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Good for:
Dinner
Alcohol:
Full Bar

511 reviews for The Stinking Rose

Review Highlights   

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"The food is great and the garlic ice cream is absolutely delicious." (in 188 reviews)
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"The Bagna Calda* A bowl of roasted garlic in olive oil and butter." (in 64 reviews)
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"I can't wait to go back here when I can afford a prime rib of my own." (in 80 reviews)
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Photo of Ingrid V.

 

1

25

Ingrid V.

Fullerton, CA

5 star rating
11/4/2009

My guy took me here for my birthday, and I've been a fan every since.  It's a very unique place, owned by a very unique Itallian chef.  The theme of the restuarant old Hollywood, and features borderline gaudy furniture and decor.  You almost feel like you've walked into some old Hollywood backlot set complete with rich scarlet painted walls featuring frescas of faces and scenery.  There's even a Dracula room with huge gothic chandelier and (very fake) cobwebs.  We sat in a booth comprised of rows of little gypsy tents.  Very fun.  The visit on its own is an experience without the food.  

The food:  Amazing.  Right from the second you walk in, you're assaulted with the scent of savory garlic.  It's not overpowering as one would expect, rather it is inviting and mouth-watring.   Please don't leave without trying:  

*The Bagna Calda*  A bowl of roasted garlic in olive oil and butter.  They give you scrumptious rolls to spread it on.  The cloves are whole, but roasted to the point of disintigration.  The clove litterally turns into garlic spread as you smoosh it all over the warm rolls.  It's not overpowering at all.  Very delicious.  If you're on a date, its very sexy.  Don't worry about the garlic breath.  He / She will smell like garlic too.  No worries.  

*The Garlic Steamed Clams Tureen*  Boiled clams steeping in a garlic broth.  Not too filling, but every bite is heaven.

*Any Fish*  You have a choice of: Sea Bass, Haddock, Salmon or Halibut.  Then you get to pick how they cook it:  Some spicy tomato concoction, a lemon butter caper dealy-bob, a rosemary asparagus job or (the one I picked) Roasted garlic with cherry tomatos and kalamata olives.  OMG the flavor of the fish was clear and fresh and the sourness of the olives with the zest of the garlic was foodgasmic.  It was complimented with a gnocchi-pastatastic side that was to die for.  

My guy got the *Silence of the Lamb Shank*  LOLOL made with Chianti glaze and fava beans.  He said it was amazing.  He ate it so fast, I actually didn't get a chance to steal any.  O_o

*Garlic Ice Cream*  Its complicated to explain.  Just try it.  Its good.  Trust me.  

On my next visit, I can't wait to try the 40-clove chicken and the Dungeness Crab.  I've heard they're phenominal.  If it wasn't such a far drive, I'd go so much more often!  

The prices are range in the $20-$30 dollar range, around $40 if you want a slab of prime rib or doulbe helping of crab / mussles / shrimp / seafood etc.  

Totally worth it.

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Photo of Diamond D.

 

0

1

Diamond D.

Studio City, CA

1 star rating
11/6/2009

My boyfriend and I were soooo disappointed with our meal at The Stinking Rose- we left with our heads down and not at all satisfied. We had heard good things about there food so we saved up to treat ourselves to a nice romantic dinner out. We rarely do this- so to have saved $$$ we did expect a delicious meal.

It started with our vodka martini's. Probably the worst tasting martini I had ever had. We didn't even finish them. And those were both at $9 a pop. Waste.  

2nd we ordered the roasted garlic with olive oil and bread as an appetizer. This was good- but really, how could you mess up roasted garlic?

Main meal- I ordered ravioli. It looked wonderful- but the taste was very boring. I smothered it with our roasted garlic in olive oil appetizer just so my meal would have flavor. I could of made this meal at home using simple ingredients purchased from Trader Joe's.  I ate about half of it because I was just too bummed to carry on.

My boyfriend ordered there Surf and Turf. A fairly pricey meal for one. The steak was very very dry- again we had to cover it with the roasted garlic and olive oil just to choke it down. We ordered medium well and what we got was a dried up completely  flavorless piece of meat. The spinach tasted as though it was from a can. We both had one bite each and decided it's wasn't worth the torture of actually consuming. The only thing that saved this meal was the crab... again covered in roasted garlic and olive oil.

We spent well over $100 for this horrible meal. I wouldn't even advise my worst enemy to go and eat here. Waste of time- waste of money... we ended up getting In and Out on the way home.

Photo of Sarah C.

Elite '09

306

593

Sarah C.

Los Angeles, CA

3 star rating
10/30/2009

Garlicky Novelty Restaurant

festive decor, friendly service, super garlicky menu, good portions, and birthday freebies, full bar, accommodates large parties, valet parking

As a result of last nights, I have garlicky gas.. which is great for me as I share my office space with one really creepy guy who is always much too close than he should be

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15

Christian L.

Los Angeles, CA

2 star rating
11/3/2009

You can get your garlic-on,  otherwise, it's forgettable.

My wife and I went there on my birthday, Tuesday, October 20th and found that despite a garlic-themed menu, the dishes were conventional.  If you like it, the waiters will sing Happy Birthday to you - I just happen to dislike that!

The service was efficient, if impersonal, and the food was good, if rather plain.  We had the garlic pot, and then lamb, and meatloaf.  There was nothing wrong with the presentation and the taste, but it was just too plain.  My expectation is that a restaurant surrounded by high-end restaurants would be similar.  The Stinking Rose did not meet my expectation.

The decor was kitschy with a miniature Italian town square setting and painted cartoon stars on the ceiling.  My wife felt she was on the set of Pirates of the Caribbean!  A definite touristy and novelty feel!

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I tried the garlic ice cream.  It was my first time tasting it, and although it wasn't bad, I don't think I'll be craving it.

Photo of guppeee p.

 

0

2

guppeee p.

Pacoima, CA

4 star rating
11/3/2009

I am so not a garlic person. Hungry and no destination. I remember looking up this place a while back and wasn't impressed. So, I braced myself for the worse. Walked in and it was cute. Little tents everywhere, pictures of old Hollywooders. Kinda museum-ish.

O.k. to the point, Shellfish with Black Linguine in zesty tomato sauce...Yum. Garlic prime rib....Yum. The Bunny...Surprisingly YUM. Fish n' Chips...Eh...the Garlic fries were yum. Dessert  "Gilroy's Famous Garlic Ice Cream"  It tasted like vanilla ice cream with a kick of spicy garlic-ness at the end. It came with a caramel mole sauce. We asked for it on the side. It was a weird combo, it didn't really  compliment each other. And I wanted to taste the garlic ice cream by itself. The food was great and the decor cozy. Great date place, minus the garlic breath.

Photo of Sarah W.

 

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6

Sarah W.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
11/1/2009

One of my best friend came to visit us from nor cal and we decided to take her out to a flavorable/memorable restaurant. That place being **drum rolls** The Stinking Rose!

After dining out from this place little did we know or expect that we would turn ourselves into a gar-holic monsters. Every time we cook its mandatory to put in garlics! LOL

For our appetizer we ordered garlic french fries (which I personally thought was OKAY...) and my all time favorite popcorn calamari.

As for our dishes, I ordered porterhouse pork chop while my friends ordered silence of the lamb shank, chicken and asparagus pasta and roasted rabbit and garlic roasted prime rib. YUM! I personally thought the portion/price range for each dishes was reasonable.

In conclusion, I absolutely love this place and its worth having a stinky breath!!

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Elite '09

90

63

Stephanie B.

Houston, TX

3 star rating
10/19/2009

I didnt know what to expect when we pulled up, but it was a Garlic Extravaganza up in there! I like the decor, its pretty cozy spot. We started off with the pesto/chimichurri sauce & onion/garlic rolls.  I ordered the Lousiana Shrimp (Sauteed garlic shrimp, in a tomato garlic sauce) and a side order of couscous (blah). I didnt see many dishes that I just had to try, everything seemed pretty basic. And i love garlic, but I wasnt too impressed. The best thing I tried were the rolls & the garlic ice cream was good.

We all thought the garlic ice cream was a bit much, and we were not sure what to expect. We asked if we could sample it first, but they didnt offer samples. Our server was so kind to bring us an order of the ice cream, b/c it was my friends birthday in 2days. So we got to try it and I actually loved it, especially the Caramel Mole sauce! That was some good stuff.

Overall, this place has a good gimmick for tourist.  Im glad I got to try it but I dont think I would go back. I do like the concept though. My breathe was so bad afterwards! I even felt like my entire body was smelling like garlic, coming out of my pours! Yum!

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3

21

Merrill M.

Costa Mesa, CA

4 star rating
11/6/2009

Really..garlic? Oh man this place was so good. From the garlic mashed potatoes, cocktails, prime rib, and the garlic ice cream.. whoa!! Its in BH so expect some buuhgey people around you. The decor was very cool and a cool topic to talk about. If we lived closer we would have made this place our anniversary spot..

Photo of JöHnNy A.

Elite '09

167

86

JöHnNy A.

San Diego, CA

4 star rating
10/13/2009

:-)

The Stinking Rose GARLICKED my ass!

Don't listen to what everyone says about the Bagna Calda (garlic cloves soaking in a mini skillet of butter and olive oil with a hint of anchovy over a warm flame) -- It's served with Garlic rolls and makes for a wonderful spread; it's a tasty appetizer--for 10 people! There's far too much garlic there for two. Don't even try to finish it.. TRUST ME!  

This isn't my first time here at the Stinking Rose. I've been to the one in San Francisco many times in the past.... So when the urge to splurge on garlic came up.. we opted to try the Stinking Rose Beverly Hills.

http://www.thestinking.../

The place is like an adult amusement park inside. Charming private booths for every table sectioned off by either faux walls or drapery. Candle light at every table gives one that romantic private setting--funny how it all revolves around GARLIC. How romantic is that? Its more like kitsch, or a clever tourist trap. They have a full bar as well for those needing to get their drink on while waiting for their party to arrive.

http://www.thestinking...

What we had:
* Bagna Calda
* Silence of the Lamb Shank
(w/ garlic creamed spinach and garlic yukon mashed potatos)
* Garlic Braised Boneless Shortrib
(same side)
* Roasted Garlic Bulb
* Garlic ice cream for desert.

The meat was tender, both the shortrib and the lamb shank.. it fell off the bone as promised! And side dishes were just as tasty. But for a kitsch kind of place I find it a bit over priced.

Regardless, I loved it ALL.... though, I must warn you, you gotta be smart in how you eat this stuff. Garlic is not for the faint of stomach. Don't eat more than a couple garlic cloves from the Bagna Calda... if even. You'll regret it when your body decides to violate you from the inside out.

Check out their menu prior and get a feel for what you wanna order.

http://www.thestinking...

4 woofs... I'm rounding up.. cause the service was excellent. I love me garlic, and its soooo good for you. Just don't over do it.

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5

12

Tanya R.

Lakewood, CA

4 star rating
10/15/2009

I knew i was going to a garlic place, but i didn't see this much garlic coming!! I had the skillet of garlic cloves soaked in olive oil- as much i like garlic, i didn't think it was necessary or that tasty. However, i couldn't get enough of the garlic fries!

The black linguine and clams was delish! The sauce had the perfect consistency and was delightful! I tried the chicken and asparagus, oh the noodles were so good! I could have done without the chicken though. My friend had the mussels and shrimp. The shrimp was perfectly seasoned and cooked perfectly. The mussels, however, could have been bigger. A side of garlic mash potatoes is a must!

As much as a love garlic, i don't know how i feel about the garlic ice cream :S But its one of those things you just have to try for yourself.

Overall, this place is great for accommodating large groups and has a vibrant atmosphere! Friendly staff, great food, and prompt service!

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Photo of Betty D.

 

3

70

Betty D.

San Dimas, CA

3 star rating
10/27/2009

Their 40 clove chicken is probably their best dish there! It is really well prepared and flavorful.  And it's not dry, a huge plus.But that's about it.

I've been there many times, and usually with friends that have never been to an ALL GARLIC place.  But with all the varied dishes, often shared  among my friends in Asian family style way, I've been pretty disappointed.

We've had their seafood dishes, steak and pasta .

I DO NOT recommend their seafood. We had zuppa de pesce (seafood soup), while it had large chucks of seafood, the quality of the seafood was bad. It is a rather simple soup, in terms of number of ingredients, but freshness is key.  The dish is certainly not worth the $19.95- $49.95 price tag (difference between size of soup). Odd, and sad really, considering they have other seafood restaurants. I've been to their Crab House (in SF, and I will review that soon).

Second, their prime rib I have no complaints about the quality of the meat, it is nice. But in terms of the uniqueness or staying to the garlic theme, they are not really hitting the mark.  They do include garlic mashed potatoes.

Their pasta--their dishes are simple and not impressive.

Overall, a nice place to try and definitely an experience but not a place I would go regularly.

Photo of Vanessa H.

 

43

13

Vanessa H.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
10/8/2009

Mmmmm....what's this I smell?! It's garlic, and I am all over it like white on rice. If you like garlic, this place is your heaven on Earth. The entire restaurant is decorated with garlic (along with a theme  similar to the Pirates of the Caribbean), they serve garlic, they sell garlic olive oil, hot sauce, you name it, and our waitress even had a garlicy name (Agnus) if you can believe it.

I caution you from the get-go though, this is not a first date joint. Garlic is not something you want to have on your breath, on your hands, in your lap, and for sure you do not want any beer burps smelling like garlic....which we don't need to be shy about it happens to the best of us.

So we showed up late for our reservation, no problem because the place was empty for the most part. Mind you it was a Wednesday night, and I'm sure this place is packed on Friday and Saturday, but it was a ghost town. We sat down in a nice booth in the back. Nice low lighting, crazy decor, very dark color scheme.

The ladies ordered their famous mojitos, one traditional one strawberry. Nothing to write home about. If you want a good mojito I suggest Border Grill in Santa Monica their ocho mojito will change your world. The boys ordered beer (hence my comment earlier) and it came in a huge pitcher (probably 8 beers total of Stella) for only $15, total score.

On to the food. We shared their famous roasted garlic (order it as the "hot tub" just because you can) with rolls, delicious. I shared a butter lettuce salad which was simple and smart given all the garlic I had just inhaled on bread. We eventually moved on to bigger and better game....the surf and turf. I had the surf (crab) and my BF has the turf (prime rib) which came with garlic mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. The food was delicious, the mashed potatoes were authentic and chunky, although the creamed spinach was dry and def overcooked.

Again, if you have already committed to a first date here, don't get the surf. Eating with your fingers is a complete disaster. I had crab everywhere, along with butter, lemon, and garlic. Thank god my boyfriend loves me otherwise he definitely would have been disgusted with my eating habits that night.

I would recommend The Stinking Rose for close friends and large parties, intimate nights with strangers never end right when garlic is involved. I would especially recommend it for birthday parties because they bring you a garlic clove hat to wear and sing Happy Birthday to a little stinker which I think is amazing. Even if its not your birthday I recommend saying that it is just for the sake of getting to wear the garlic hat.

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0

3

Jodie T.

Malibu, CA

3 star rating
11/4/2009

I was skeptical about this restaurant since I am not a big fan of garlic. I tried it with my sister last weekend since everyone says it's good.  It's a fun place to check out if you're looking for something different.  The restaurant is nicely decorated.  Food was ok, and the garlic ice-cream was not bad.

Photo of Sara S.

 

12

43

Sara S.

Los Angeles, CA

2 star rating
10/12/2009

A lot of times something will sound really gross, but it isn't as bad as you expected, which actually makes it seem pretty good.  i.e. garlic ice cream.  This, however, was NOT the case when I tried it.  It tasted like vanilla ice cream with some watery chocolate sauce drizzled on top, thrown together with some garlic accidentally mixed in.  The chicken with 40 cloves wasn't impressive at all, the garlic mixture that they give you to eat the bread with is very, very overpowering where you feel bad talking to anyone within a 3 feet radius, but then you realize that they all smell the same too.  

I love garlic, but it just wasn't done right here.  Too bad...

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Elite '09

490

205

Dave A.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
10/2/2009

Muahahahahaha!

Zumveer in zee worlt are two vampires zmirking becuz zey got avay vis moorduur.

True vampires you zee, can eat garlic. Bwahaha! Yez, the zecrit iz out. Vee vere juzt building up our toleranzes. Mwahahaha!

I flew in az a bat, and morphed into morrre or lezz human form, but my companion Countess Bathory vuz running into a bit of tuuurrrrbuulenze. Mwahahaha!

Zo, I valked qvickly to ze bar to vait, and to zuck down a few dropz uv red vine.

Zee bar zeemed as dessserted as a Transylvanian blood bank during a botulism scare. Mwahahaha!

Verrr arrrrre you Mr. Bartender?? I want to see that red liquid drrripping down the neck.....of that vine bottle Mwahahaha!

A glazz of vine later and the Countess arrives unt ve are ezcorted to a zmall private table viss booths. Zee table iss envellloped by a rrred cloth overhang vis red curtains that vee could pull shut.

It alzo felt a bit like a railroad car dining ztation, and zee dark red currrtains reminded me of zee castle back home. Ahh memories...

Becuz we had rezently filled up at a vampire event avile back, ve decided to feast on zum lowly animal flesh juzt for practiz. We need to keep our tees sharp you zee, Ahh Ah!

Much to my fiendish delight, it turnz out zat zee dearrr Countess Bathorrrry haz quite a thirzt for the red stuff. Ah Ah!

Every time I azked her "Are you zure you vant anuzzer glazz of vine?" She vood alwayz anzer "O Positive." Mwahahahahaha!

Zat girl crackz me up more often zen George Hamilton did in Love at Virst Bite. Mwahahahaha!

Zo...

Vee orterrrred zee 40 clove chicken unt zee ravioli dish az vell as more rrrred vine. Notice zat neither of uz orderrred the STAKE, Ahh haa haa haaa!

Oh! Zat vun vus funnier zen ven my cuzzin Vladdie didn't realize he vuz in zee vax muzeum unt got his tooth stzuck in Marylyn Monroe. Mwahahaha! Oh zee good ol' dayz!

Zee chicken was not quite az full of garlic az I had hoped. It barely repulzed me at all! Allzo, zee garlic clovez on zee side of zee chicken were almozt enuff to make me reach for my cape. Mwaha! "Be ztrong," I tolt mysef in a rare zerious moment, "like Bela!" Ohhh inzpirrrration!

Zee rrrravioli vuz creamy and but also al dente, vich is important for a vampire. Bwahaa haa!

For dezzzert ve decided to try zee garlic "I Scream" Mwahaha!! I luv zat joke! It's almozt as funny az watching my zlow cuzzin Borrris trying to shave in the mirror. Mwahahaha!

Now I wuz not a fan of zis crrreamy zweet concoction becuz of the non-garlic foretaste and extreeem garlic avtertaste, however, zee Countess zeemed quite enchanted viz it and made zee whole zcoop dizzapeerrr vaster then a werewolf vaking up naked zee day avter in a field of sheep. Mwahahaha! People azk qvestions you know. Ah, ah, ahhh.

Avter zee meal vee decided to explore. Vee vandered around and vound an empty room in zee back, vit a bar, and a barrel of vine, and lo and behold, a tribute to uz!  A vampire vus hanging on zee wall. It velt just like back at the cazzle unt made me homezick. Ohh, the olde country...

Me unt zee Countess bid our varewellz avter a luvly evening unt in zee blink uv an eye, she vuz gone. Me, vell I stayed around vor a little vile. Let me juzt zay you should bevare of the restaurant ztaff getting too close to your neck. Mwahahahaha! Ahh Ah Ah!

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Brandy N.

Irving, TX

4 star rating
10/26/2009

I love the food at the Stinking Rose. The ambiance is cozy with tables covered in micro-tents to make each dining experience intimate. The service was extraordinary but the food was phenomenal. Crushed garlic is offered on each table to compliment the tasty and fresh bread served to each guest.

Try the Garlic Spinach Fontina Fondue as an appetizer. It compliments the bread really well. For dinner go for the 40 clove Garlic chicken. Heaven, I tell you. So tasty and delicious, served on the bone. It's a garlic lover's delight! Finish with the signature garlic ice cream. I know it sounds weird but it is so delicious. I never thought these two favorite foods of mine could compliment each other so well.

Don't plan of going out after because you will reek to high heaven of garlic but it is well worth it. If you are a garlic lover -  this is your Mecca! Everything on the menu is garlic-laden and delightfully flavorful. Wine is reasonably priced and the service is exceptional!

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5

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Gianne W.

Anaheim, CA

3 star rating
10/29/2009

I don't really know what people are raving about. My boyfriend and I got the spare ribs and it didn't taste like anything special. It could get a little loud sometimes and I felt like our server was way too busy for us because he only came once to order and one to give us our check. The decor of the restaurant is one of a kind I'd have to say. Other than that, I think I would just come here for the experience since it's a " garlic " restaurant. But if you're trying to save cash don't come here.

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Daniel Y.

Beverly Hills, CA

2 star rating
11/3/2009

This place is fun to check out because of the way they decorate the place and the garlic menu they have, however the food is nothing special but don't get me wrong it is good but there is no fuss about it.  The pricing was okay.  Definitely try once just for kicks and giggles.

Photo of Tina T.

 

106

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Tina T.

Torrance, CA

3 star rating
10/5/2009

GARLIC ICE CREAM!!! I'm a GARLIC-FREAK and this place still hasn't topped the garlic meter for me.

Pros:
-The first time I ever seen rabbit on the menu (I freaked out because I have 2 at home).
-A wide selection of food. Everyone was able to order food to satisfy their taste buds and wallet.
-They gave me GARLIC ICE CREAM for my birthday. That was weird! It was like vanilla ice cream with a note of garlic and the kick after you have swallowed the ice cream. =)
-Cute little place and relaxing atmosphere.

Cons:
--I had the "Zuppa de Pesce". It's like a think soup with different kinds of seafood in it in a tomato type sauce. It was good but it didn't stand out. The soup is a little on the sour bland side for me. It wasn't what I was expecting but maybe they could have added something to balance out the tomato.

I wouldn't come here again.

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Jason M.

Beverly Hills, CA

3 star rating
10/29/2009

Very good decor, love the garlic flavor, and waitress service was quick. We came in with a large group and some guy, not the waiter, came by every 10 minutes to ask us if we were done. One time he came while I was putting the pasta in my mouth to eat. This completely threw the mood off. Maybe the can be more mindful of their customers.

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Ryan S.

San Diego, CA

5 star rating
11/1/2009

I love this place!  I got the rabbit this time and and it was pretty good but still not my favorite there. The best there is the garlic encrusted ribs!!! You don't even need to touch the sauce to the meat. Just eat them the way they come. Yum!! My fiance loves the pork chop. She gets it every time and refuses to stray. Make sure that you check out the garlic ice cream. It really tastes better than it sounds. It tastes just like perfectly roasted garlic but it's not an overpowering flavor.

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100

Nancy G.

Irvine, CA

5 star rating
9/27/2009

Hi, my name is Nancy and I'm a garlic-aholic.

It's been 6 hours since the last time I had garlic and I can still feel it coursing through my veins.  I had the garlic encrusted ribs which came with garlic mashed potatoes on the side.  The ribs were super garlic-y on top and had some soft roasted garlic on top as well.  The meat fell right off the bone and tasted fantastic, even without the BBQ sauce provided on the side.

My boyfriend had the prime rib which was super tender and flavorful.  The regular portion is pretty big already so unless you want sudden and hard food coma, stick with the small.

My mom had the salmon which was cooked well but wasn't as garlic-y as everything else.  The flavor was still there though and I would recommend it for someone who wants the garlic flavor without too much intensity.

My dad had the mussels which was pretty cool cause they steam it in front of you and it smells super good.

We also had the bagna calda which is always good and an automatic order every time we go here.  It's super soft garlic in olive oil which is perfect for spreading on the garlic rolls.  

The service was friendly and quick, although the waiter was a little soft spoken so it was kind of hard for me to hear him  but no big deal because my boyfriend would just tell me what he said.  

I'm not sure how long I can go before my next garlic fix, but this place would be my first choice.  Oh wait, I have left overs.  Life is good again! :)

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455

Countess A.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
10/6/2009

There are so many rave reviews for this place.. I think I will just add to the compliments.

You will stink like a garlic for two days... but two people who eat garlic cancel each other out.  Well.. that's my thoughts at least.

I loved loved loved.. the clams and the crab.  Crab was a little pricey.. starting at $34.95 but cooked very well.  The lamb shank was a bit of a dissapointment... a little too tough for our taste.  I would just stick with the seafood.  

And garlic icecream.. strong after taste but well worth the try!

THe bathroom (ladies at least).. was kind of dark and unexpected for an establishment like this.  They need to upgrade this...

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5

22

Pamela V.

Northridge, CA

4 star rating
10/30/2009

i absolutely love this place, the whole idea of it makes me tingle inside and out. I love garlic and enjoy almost everything in the resurtant, i've had a few bad dishes but not to many. The 40 clove chicken was a bit dry the time I had it. I love there seafood, just make sure they don't over cook it. Mention that and they make sure your food comes out perfect. Plus they are garlic ice cream!!!!!!!!

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Elite '09

84

230

Joy B.

Toluca Lake, CA

3 star rating
9/7/2009

After my reconnaissance mission on this place, I looked forward to two main things:

One: The birthday garlic hat

Two: Checking out the fertility chair in the ladies restroom.

We came here last night to celebrate a friends birthday, and after much anticipation, the wait staff busted out the glorious garlic hat. It was all I imagined it to be and more: It's bulbous base and green tips (except it seemed to be suffering from "whiskey tip" at the moment). It was the corniest hat EVER; the hat alone is a reason to come here on your birthday for sheer entertainment.

As for the restroom - it felt haunted. I was in there alone and saw that scary ass fertility chair with the scary Twilight Zone like face carved into it. I had to scurry past the fertility room, do my business, and run the hell out of there for fear that the damn fertility god chair would come to life and walk over to my stall to attack me.

The food was rich and heavy - I had the salmon sot'ollio and the BF had the meatloaf. Good, but swimming in olive oil amongst other things. It gave all of us food comas. I tried my friends mojito - it was large and in charge, and surprisingly pretty good - not too sweet. The garlic bread that they serve up when you get there is good - just don't overdo it or you'll be too full for the main event.

Ironically, tiny crap candies are given to you in place of mints at the close of your dinner..and..you'll find that you'll burp the taste of garlic for a few hours after dinner. We had a party of close to 20, so you know that we were a swarm of funk. All. Night. Long.

I'm totally going to sit out front and sell gum and mints for $10 a pack next time I happen to be in the area.

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Brandie B.

Austin, TX

4 star rating
9/20/2009

This place lives up to its claim to fame . . . GARLIC! Everything had tons of garlic in it and was delicious. The only downside is that you cant get the garlic taste out of your mouth for days . . .

We started with the dinner rolls with the garlic spread, which was sooo yummy! Then we had the 40 clove garlic chicken and some soup with lots of seafood in it. The mashed potatoes that came with the chicken were soooo good! We also each ordered a mojito, which in my opinion we could have done without. They were all that great.

Each room is decorated uniquely, which adds to the fun. This would be a great place for a group of folks on a special occasion.

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63

George L.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
Updated - 9/25/2009

Returned once again to this glorious place.

This time I ordered the 40 Clove chicken and my pinay ordered the Prime Rib.

Again we ordered the Garlic appetizer yuuuummmy!
"Bagna Calda"

I can not find the words to describe how great this garlic is...

The Prime Rib was very good and the chicken was quite tasty.
I was a bit disappointed at this dish for I was expecting something out of this world.

But don't get me wrong, it was very good and quite filling.

I truly love this place and I will remind myself to come here more often.

Just be warned...
Go here when you have the next day available to do nothing cause your going to stink like garlic for at least a day.....

Kiss me!!!!

gl3

1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    3/31/2008

    KISS ME!!!!

    If you like GARLIC as i do... This is the place man!! really!!
    Reasonable prices for being… Read more »

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Elite '09

324

145

Rene D.

Pasadena, CA

3 star rating
Updated - 8/17/2009

after many years, i finally went back. AND eh; I'm over it!
It was all "ALRIGHT".
Garlic this, garlic that. They even serve it straight up grilled in olive oil. Good, but way too much! It probably took a few days to get this out of my mouth. (and I love to brush my teeth)!!!

Go if you've never gone, but keep the expectations simple.
P.S. Must love garlic!

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    3/18/2009

    all with garlic. Your food is delightfully cooked, carefully prepared, and dramatically flavored..… Read more »

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107

Margaret R.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
9/11/2009

I think my breath will stink for the next few days. My tongue was numb from all the garlic! Everything was covered with garlic.

The complimentary garlic bread was special and yummy as it had real garlic in it.

I got the lamb shank, which was made beautifully. The meat easily fell off the bone and was super tender.

My friend got the pork chop which she finished. However, I found the meat a little tough. The mashed potatoes were delicious.

Finally, we topped off the dinner with garlic ice cream, which was very interesting. I did not expect it to have a wasabi-ish aftertaste. I didn't like the ice cream that much, but it tasted much better with the caramel mole sauce.

The decor was cool as the walls were painted with pictures of a cuban version of los angeles filled with garlic.

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Linda H.

El Monte, CA

4 star rating
8/18/2009

This place is awesome if you love garlic!! I love garlic!!!!!!!!! Fillet mignon with loaded garlic and fries ..... is freaken good....

The GARLIC dip starting with bread is yummie. I ate sooo much garlic my mouth went dry....... TOTALLY Worth the experience =)

* Might cause some people to be a bit gasy afterwards lol!!! Totally worth it! =)

One thing i didn't like...... i felt the booth my date and i was sitting in was a little too cramped. But it is still a nice experience. =)

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117

Mimi S.

Laguna Niguel, CA

3 star rating
8/25/2009

My true rating would really be a 3.5 if I could give them half stars...here is why:

Take away notes:

Ambiance - very welcoming and cozy (borderline corny, but not quite)
Service - attentive and overall good
Food - average. My bf had the pork chop with mashed potatoes. The meat was tender and well seasoned, but by far, not the best pork chop we've had. The potatoes were the high note of that dish. I had the gnochetti in a cream sauce. The pasta was super tender and cooked perfectly. Really amazing. But the cause was just SO over powering, it almost ruined the entire dish for me. I kept wiping the extra sauce off the gnocchi and onto the plate...just TOO much sauce.

Overall, a good experience but just not enough to get me eager enough to come back right away.

Oh, another thing: not sure if this is an LA thing, but why can't servers give you cash back if you over tip them on the tab? They wouldn't do it for us and we didn't want to be pests so we didn't press the issues but in other major cities I have dined in (LA included) we can always over tip the server so that he can give us cash back and we can pay for valet. Whatever, now we know.

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6

linda m.

Pasadena, CA

4 star rating
10/19/2009

Love the place, very nice and kozzzzyyyyeeee. Everyone is sweet and very professional. Love it and go often and you should too.

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Elite '09

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Joanna R.

London

UK

3 star rating
10/9/2009

I woke up from a garlic-induced nightmare last night (too much of the stuff for dinner) and was left reliving my one and only visit to The Stinking Rose, on my 21st birthday as it happens.
I love garlic but this place goes too far. I can't really say how the food is because it's so smothered in garlic that the only thing you can taste is GARLIC. I get it, it's a garlic lovers restaurant but there IS such a thing as too much of a good thing.
My three roommates and I were all really excited when we came here for dinner, we just dove in head first. We went through a ridiculous amount of the roasted garlic smeared over bread, not thinking of the possible repercussions. Later that evening we all headed home, aware of the fact that our breath stank but unaware of the fact that the garlic was already starting to seep through our pores and literally make US stink all over. I woke up at about 3am to the mostly UNGODLY smell. All four of us in one apartment, all stinking. The place was disgusting. The next morning I went to brush my teeth and was mortified to find that it TASTED like garlic from the night before. Then I showered, which only seemed to encourage the garlic more, as the smell grew stronger. I got dressed, doused myself in perfume and headed to work. The first thing my boss asked me to do was run an errand in her car. When I returned, she came outside to meet me as she then needed to take her car out somewhere. As she climbed into the drivers seat she said "God, what is that SMELL?". I was horrified. I explained and she just laughed, but it was honestly about a full week until the smell went away.
If you come here, please pace yourself. If you really feel the need to go hog-wild as we did, be sure you won't be coming into contact with other humans for at least 5-7 days.

p.s. giving it three stars because it is fun and tasty IF you proceed with caution...

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Yoojin L.

Glendale, CA

4 star rating
8/14/2009

I love garlic...starting from the bread and to the finish...it's all garlic.
Surprisingly enough, you cannot have enough garlic when you're in the restuarant, but once you stepped out of that place, you will wish you carried around a pack of fruity gum in your purse. I love the vibe to this environment too. It's a little dark, but you can still see what you have to see and the servers are so nice...they ask if you need the ice tea refilled about three times even though it hasn't reached the bottom yet. Every dish is surprising and I just ate the left over garlic french fries for lunch. oh btw, I saw a man wearing a garlic hat for his birthday haha

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0

1

Julie Z.

Irvine, CA

4 star rating
9/4/2009

My boyfriend and I went to the restaurant in LA for my birthday and I ate so much, my stomach hurt afterwards. But my gluttony aside, it was a wonderful experience and the food was great.

We are both huge fans of over-garlicking our dishes so it might make this review a little biased. The atmosphere is very unpretentious, a tad bit on the kitsch side, and the service was timely and prompt.  Overall, pretty much what I had expected from a place called the 'Stinking Rose'.

We started with bread served with the Bagna Calda- a little pot of garlic soaking in olive oil on the middle of our candlelit table with some mint mojitos. The garlic was tender and melted on our tongues and went well with our casual drinks.  We weren't gutsy enough to try the garlic white wine, but did talk about it.

For entrees, he ordered the surf n' turf with crab and prime rib, and i had the seafood black linguini. My sauce was so amazing and the seafood was cooked just right (even the shrimp!). My bf loved his prime rib (medium rare) and it practically disappeared off the plate. The serving size was big that we didn't finish everything, but we were not above taking it home for the next day!

The downside is like the morning after a great party - you feel a little gassy and your breath is not entirely kosher for any social activity. Most of all you desperately long for a hot shower to get rid of the overpowering smell of excess.  

But it's totally worth it. :)

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Elite '09

5

73

LUBY H.

San Diego, CA

4 star rating
7/21/2009

I absolutely love garlic so of course, I loved the stinking rose!
This was the first place I ever tried rabbit, and yes it did taste like chicken, and the first place I ever heard of garlic ice cream.

All the food were beautifully seasoned and the garlic mashed potatos are a must! I loved how the table provides you with pickled and seasoned garlics for you to enjoy at your needs.

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Elite '09

212

218

Marian B.

Tustin, CA

4 star rating
7/5/2009 2 photos

BRING GUM OR MINTS WITH YOU! =P

I recently went to The Stinking Rose after not dining there for a good while (over a year or two) and it was better than I remembered it to be. We were seated in the Garlic Lovers Lane area that was pretty romantic and designed for just a party of two. It was cute.

You MUST order the sizzling mussels when you go. The garlic sauce it comes with is amazing. It smells so good and tastes even better. I wanted to get the shrimp with it too but it would've made me and my bf full before even getting our meal. We both ordered the spare ribs with creamed spinach and garlic mashed potatoes. The spare ribs didn't even need a knife. It was extremely flavorful, soft and tender. I barely touched the spinach and mashed potatoes because I wanted to eat as much of the meat before getting full. We topped our meal with garlic ice cream. Yum! I have to say it's a hate it or love it kind of thing. I love it. You really taste the garlic after you take the initial bites because the taste lingers in your tongue. Mixed with the chocolate syrup they put on top and perfecto! A great way to end the meal at The Stinking Rose. =)

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Lee-Anne B.

Los Angeles, CA

3 star rating
8/23/2009

I would really love to give this place more stars but its really just OK to me.  The bread with the garlic spread is great, but nothing about the spread stands out, I could probably make it at home.  Olive oil with chopped up garlic.  The last time I went I got the braised short rib which was great because it was really tender. however still didn't stand out.  The mash potatoes are good, but I think I like the garlic mash potatoes from buca better.
This place is decent priced for being in the area it is.  I've been here twice, service was great, restaurant is cute, but food is ok.

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184

114

Craig R.

Manhattan Beach, CA

4 star rating
6/16/2009

"We Season Our Garlic With Food®"  Yes they do.

Another spot I seem to frequent a lot. This bar and restaurant on La Cienega's Restaurant Row is usually packed with industry types and families who love garlic. Most people start with Bagna calda--spreadable cloves in butter, served in a skillet, with warm rolls...my God. Entree options include Forty Clove Garlic Chicken roasted on the bone, Filet Mignon in its natural pan juices with rosemary & Garlic and Garlic Encrusted Baby Back Ribs. I religiously open with a large order of the Skillet-Roasted Mussels. For dessert, garlic ice cream (yes, that's right) completes the clove-friendly theme...

...wait, this is sounding too good to me. I'm on my way

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5

126

eric t.

Playa del Rey, CA

4 star rating
9/11/2009

Went here for a birthday party...food was really good, i thought it would suck...had some prime rib...wow...really delicious...garlic overload over the place...but it was a rip-roaring fun time.

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