Great Food Tucked Away in LA's Nook

Dim lights with no flash make for dark photos.
MS lives right around the corner from LA's Nook, but we never really got around to try this little restaurant tucked away in a stripmall on busy Santa Monica Blvd for two reasons:

1. The Nook is closed on Sundays. And we invariably forget about this vital piece of information as we walk over on lazy Sunday evenings, only to find the restaurant dark and empty.


2. There is always a wait. Unless you have reservations, good luck waiting for a table. If you have a larger party (which means more than two), be sure to call ahead to save your spot at the communal table or one of their smaller tables.

A little while back, MS and I got lucky. Real lucky...

Located in between the huge bagel shop and the really bad Chinese food takeout, you'd never guess to find such great food in such an odd space.

It was a Saturday night during the prime dinner hour when we walked over to this stylish little Nook of a restaurant. I was hungry and not very hopeful that we would be seated right away. But there was only one other couple waiting patiently for a table, so MS convinced me to wait and put our names in the book. And I was so happy he did.

After a few minutes, we were asked if we wanted to sit at a table (which could have been at least another 30 minutes or so) OR at the counter bar (which could accommodate us right away). It was an easy and obvious choice.



We looked over the wine list and asked our friendly server for her red wine recommendations. Without hesitation, she offered us the manager's special of the night - a reasonably priced Chateau Anniche. We ordered a bottle and happily finished it with our meals. It was delicious and paired nicely with our entrees of gourmet comfort food.

For starters, we ordered the Crabcakes with Avocado Relish plated with whole grain mustard butter and red bell pepper coulis [pictured above, $12]. Now I've had a number of crabcakes, of which many were unimpressive - whether too bready, too crumby, too fishy, too dry, or too bland. But these miniature babies were the real deal. MS and I shared this appetizer, but easily could have ordered two helpings of these moist, succulent and delicious crabcakes.

MS ordered the Herb Roasted Pork Chop with baby arugula, Asian pear, Stilton cheese, pinenuts, fingerling potatoes and apricot vinaigrette [not pictured, $18]. The salad with fresh pears totally made this dish a refreshing surprise.

But the clear winner of the night was my Stout Braised Short Rib with garlic smashed potatoes, red onions and bacon [not pictured, $18]. This rich dish left me completely satisfied and full.

The Nook is definitely a great LA secret with fantastic food and excellent service in a rustic yet modern and intimate setting. Great for romantic dates, out-of-towners, business meetings, and dinner amongst friends.

We were lucky this time to get a couple of seats at the full service bar. Next time, I'll be sure to make my reservations for a table and order an extra plate of crabcakes.

The Nook Neighborhood Bistro
street: 11628 Santa Monica Blvd #9 | Los Angeles, CA 90025
T: 1.310.207.5160
hrs: M-F 11:30a-3p and 5-10p | Sa 5-10p | closed Su
web: nookbistro.com

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