LA Restaurants that are Popular...But NOT THAT GREAT.

by JCsuperstar 3 contributors - November 20, 2008 + Add To This Guide

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Reservations are impossible, there's a line out the door and yet, it's the talk of the town. Ever wonder why certain restaurants in L.A. are SO popular, but the food just doesn't quite live up to the hype? Contrary to popular belief, just because Lauren Conrad went on a date there during a taping of The Hills, doesn't necessarily qualify it as a GREAT restaurant...or even a good restaurant! Ticked that your out-of-town friends are dying to dine there anyway and you can't fathom the idea of blowing a lot of dough on mediocre food and Hollywood hype anymore? Stop the madness. Here's a running list of L.A. restaurants that are popular, but NOT. THAT. GREAT. Add some of the so-so spots you've been less than impressed with to warn fellow Angelenos and tourists alike!

Ketchup

Why is this place popular? Because of its prime Sunset Blvd. location and its ho-hum offering of five unique ketchup flavors? Because it has a few celeb names tied to it? Because L.C. and Jason had an infamous date run-in with Heidi and Spencer that one time?

Nobody knows. And yet, the place is always packed and the food is just o-kay. Pass.

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Comme Ca

Comme Ca has all the makings of a great restaurant: trendy West Hollywood location, notable owners (Michelle and David Myers) and gorgeous upscale brasserie interiors.

Sadly, though, it falls short in a few areas too—namely, the noise level is just WAY TOO LOUD. If you’re looking to have an actual conversation with your dining companion, go elsewhere. Seriously.

The food is far from extraordinary (think: bland steak, overcooked fries, dry measly mussels), and the service is s-l-o-w, inattentive and stuffy.

Save your money (and your eardrums.)

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The Ivy

Charming, quintessential L.A. hot spot, The Ivy, is a favorite among celebrities, tourists and locals alike. It’s always packed and paparazzi stream the sidewalks outside of the restaurant on a daily basis. The food isn’t bad, but let’s get to the real reason why people come here: To see and be seen. Period.

Heidi and Spencer play the part well.

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Mel's Diner

It’s 2:30AM and you’re famished after a long night of dancing in Hollywood. So where do you turn? Mel’s Diner in hopes of a late-night satisfying snack. After an exhausting 45-minute wait, you sink your food into…mediocre overpriced diner food with consistently slow service.

Next time? In-N-Out it is.

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Beso

Sure, Eva Longoria’s restaurant is pretty in decor with its soaring high ceilings, spangly chandeliers and dark teak wood floors, but once you get over the swanky ambiance, you might zero in on the lack of dining options on the upscale contemporary Latin American-ish cuisine menu.

The lackluster menu options (paella, scallops, skirt steak. that’s about it.) hardly tempt you and the quality of food itself is not only far from memorable; but simply doesn’t justify the hefty price.

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Katsuya Hollywood

6300 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

It seems that the SBE/Starck Katsuya is becoming as ubiquitous in LA as Botox and boob jobs; I feel like I hear about one opening every other week.

The food is decent, but in a metropolitan area where Sushi Row (and the original Katsu-ya) is just a short drive into the Valley away, I would rather make that trek than go to this overpriced and way over-hyped sushi chain.

It seems that the SBE/Starck Katsuya is becoming as ubiquitous in LA as Botox and boob jobs; I feel like I hear about one opening every other week.

added by dkimikd 11/24/2008

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: by Michelle Daler 12/02/2008 Reply

I’ve also tried Ulysses Voyage at the Grove-Fairfax. I didn’t like the food but there was a huge craze for their Greek specialties by other customers.

: by teamkress 12/01/2008 Reply

I completely agree with you about Marmalade and The Ivy! Although Marmalade’s 7 grain almond pancakes still are enough to draw me for breakfast!