We keep coming back for the warmth of this special place. The food is always excellent! Last night was the burger and fries! Best burger with quality ingredients..... This place is so special....
Adam C
What a rad little restaurant! I had heard of the legend that follows their burger and the Zique cafe inspired shoestring potatoes so I wanted to come check it out for myself. I loved the ambiance by the river, just people walking with dogs and riding bikes and the river was really flowing that day. We had the roasted onion salad which was simple but delicious, I got the burger (I have a hard time not getting a burger when the next beef entree down the menu is twice the price or more) and the "matchstick potatoes." My partner got the wings and I tried one. We got a bread & butter and the butter was heavenly, but the bread (toasted baguette) was alright. I love Bub & Grandma's but I've never really been a huge fan of baguette, I'd rather have a spongy piece of sourdough. We ended with an apple cider donut which toed the line between sweet and savory. Everything was really good and I have an appreciation for any place that figures out cocktails with just a beer and wine license. I had the Daiquiri and it was great. Overall, I would definitely come back, and I'll try one of the bigger entrees if I'm feeling spendy ($60-$100+ if I remember correctly). If I had any feedback, it's just that I would add more vegetables to the menu. Service was really great and welcoming.
Angela
Overall: tough parking. Service was excellent. Will be back. Food was also very good, bacon slightly undercooked. I need to try more food next time! Nice people, nice vibe. Clean bathrooms! Thank you.
Elizabeth
Lingua Franca is literally perched above the free flowing LA River, awash in sunlight as it rushes past the path that flanks the restaurant. The industrial setting is my jam and it reminds me of my beloved NYC, Brooklyn in particular and maybe Hudson Yards. It is hip, cool, quirky, eclectic -- all the things I love and hope define me as well. There are three distinct settings: first, the outdoor tables and benches on the path with the river in view; second, the charming indoor area adjacent to the chefs where the magic happens; and third, a pretty outdoor patio in the back -- all three are lovely as my photos show. We had reservations but came at our usual late afternoon hour when we could sit anywhere we wanted. As we ate, the place started to fill up. I love the kitsch stashed everywhere -- especially all the little references to the herons that make the LA River basin their home. The china is heavy hand-finished speckled stoneware, thick green linen napkins cradle really substantial flatware. There are stoneware mugs and sueded cushions -- all of it exuding craftsmanship and comfort. The menu is dynamic. I am a vegetarian and had some apprehension that the choices were limited, but I was wrong. There were at least a half dozen offerings from which to choose and I wanted to try all of them. I settled on Eggs in Purgatory, sitting atop delicious rustic rye slices. We also ordered Eggs As Is stuffed with matchstick fries, Molasses Cream Espresso, a Latte, and the Original Anarchy Donut. There was some sort of upbeat international music on that just added to the sophisticated shabby chic atmosphere. The whole place was clean, green, filled with light and plants, it literally glowed in the late sun. Our server, Jared, was exemplary. He was friendly and efficient. Everything arrived at the table quickly and at the right temperature for each dish. The food was delicious, truly out of this world.
stacey
The crispy wings were not crispy, the fries were not warm, and all three burgers were overcooked. We were very disappointed.
Hot Damn!
Came for brunch. Good spot, fun decor, tasteful wood work... worth a visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ashley
Very much enjoyed the food and the atmosphere! The wedge salad, the burger and the short rib were all standouts.
Rob M
Excellent food and drink menu. Great service and ambience. We sat on the patio and had a gorgeous view of the LA river.
The cocktails, burger, and dessert menu were particularly great, I loved the wine selections as well. We definitely plan on returning ASAP.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Andy
I don't like writing bad reviews but this restaurant is disrespectful. I ordered their $25 burger. It does not come with lettuce or tomatoes, so I asked if I could add it and was told that the chefs do not like modifications. My table asked if we could get it on the side. The waiter went to ask the chefs and was told it would be a $5 extra charge. I ended up just getting something else because the restaurant was clearly being disrespectful. Will never come back.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Stephen
Beautiful atmosphere, nice food and friendly staff. It would be nice if more effort was put into timely service.
Everything about this place is top notch. If I lived in the neighborhood, I'd be there twice a week.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Arlene Deradoorian
Absolutely delightful birthday dinner here on a mellow Sunday night. The pace of the service, the feel of the space and the lovely view of the river made for a super cozy and warm feel. Each dish was perfectly done, and so delicious.
Would recommend this to anyone anytime. Thank you LF team!
Pedro Rezende
A nice restaurant hidden in Frog Town. Great place to go with friends. Very tasty food. I recommend the mussels.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Candy Morales
WARNING: Can be difficult to find parking nearby.
Dining outdoor in the back seems nice but you can view into the apartment building next door which can be a bit awkward. We went on Mother’s Day & the staff was nice but the food/service was not the best…
We could only order drinks at the beginning. We weren’t allowed to order appetizers because we were told we had to put in all the food orders at the same time. We ordered: •Lemonade •Bub & Grandma’s Bread •Little Gem Salad •Soup of the Day •Mary’s Chicken Wings •The Lingua Franca Burger •Matchstick Potatoes (with cheese) •Root Beer Braised Short Rib •Spicy Pomodoro Pasta The bread took some time to come out and when it did, they delivered burnt bread, there was 1/5 slices that was semi decent. We enjoyed the burger, wings, & salad the most. The short rib was not something we enjoyed but other food was alright. When it was time to order dessert, we wanted to order the Cobbler Pot Pie. The menu stated it took time to make it & we were okay to wait. When we ordered it with our waiter, he informed us it might not be a good idea since the kitchen was backed up but we were more than happy to wait. We had our appetite set on it. Once the waiter came back after asking the kitchen, we were told “it was not looking so good” to order it. We were ready to pay and leave. I’d only go back for the burger & matchstick potatoes.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Matthew iezzi
It takes a lot for me to write a bad review, but I would like to warn others before paying fine dining prices for extremely sub par food.
Ambiance next to river was promising, but that’s where it ended. Waited more than 40 minutes for first appetizer, a salad to come out. Mussels entree came out another 20 minutes later, a lazily put together dish that was so salty it was inedible. The burger, besides the basic salad, was the only thing I would consider ordering again. At that, to charge $30 for a burger that came out with cold fries, and one I had to add extra sauce on to make up for the dryness.
Nothing from the experience warranted the price point or the wait for food. Both things on their own can be fine if it’s made up for with excellent food, but that was not the case here. The only redeeming point was removing the mussels from the bill. The staff is clearly trying, but are under staffed or have poor leadership.
We keep coming back for the warmth of this special place. The food is always excellent! Last night was the burger and fries! Best burger with quality ingredients..... This place is so special....
What a rad little restaurant! I had heard of the legend that follows their burger and the Zique cafe inspired shoestring potatoes so I wanted to come check it out for myself. I loved the ambiance by the river, just people walking with dogs and riding bikes and the river was really flowing that day. We had the roasted onion salad which was simple but delicious, I got the burger (I have a hard time not getting a burger when the next beef entree down the menu is twice the price or more) and the "matchstick potatoes." My partner got the wings and I tried one. We got a bread & butter and the butter was heavenly, but the bread (toasted baguette) was alright. I love Bub & Grandma's but I've never really been a huge fan of baguette, I'd rather have a spongy piece of sourdough. We ended with an apple cider donut which toed the line between sweet and savory. Everything was really good and I have an appreciation for any place that figures out cocktails with just a beer and wine license. I had the Daiquiri and it was great. Overall, I would definitely come back, and I'll try one of the bigger entrees if I'm feeling spendy ($60-$100+ if I remember correctly). If I had any feedback, it's just that I would add more vegetables to the menu. Service was really great and welcoming.
Overall: tough parking. Service was excellent. Will be back. Food was also very good, bacon slightly undercooked. I need to try more food next time! Nice people, nice vibe. Clean bathrooms! Thank you.
Lingua Franca is literally perched above the free flowing LA River, awash in sunlight as it rushes past the path that flanks the restaurant. The industrial setting is my jam and it reminds me of my beloved NYC, Brooklyn in particular and maybe Hudson Yards. It is hip, cool, quirky, eclectic -- all the things I love and hope define me as well. There are three distinct settings: first, the outdoor tables and benches on the path with the river in view; second, the charming indoor area adjacent to the chefs where the magic happens; and third, a pretty outdoor patio in the back -- all three are lovely as my photos show. We had reservations but came at our usual late afternoon hour when we could sit anywhere we wanted. As we ate, the place started to fill up. I love the kitsch stashed everywhere -- especially all the little references to the herons that make the LA River basin their home. The china is heavy hand-finished speckled stoneware, thick green linen napkins cradle really substantial flatware. There are stoneware mugs and sueded cushions -- all of it exuding craftsmanship and comfort. The menu is dynamic. I am a vegetarian and had some apprehension that the choices were limited, but I was wrong. There were at least a half dozen offerings from which to choose and I wanted to try all of them. I settled on Eggs in Purgatory, sitting atop delicious rustic rye slices. We also ordered Eggs As Is stuffed with matchstick fries, Molasses Cream Espresso, a Latte, and the Original Anarchy Donut. There was some sort of upbeat international music on that just added to the sophisticated shabby chic atmosphere. The whole place was clean, green, filled with light and plants, it literally glowed in the late sun. Our server, Jared, was exemplary. He was friendly and efficient. Everything arrived at the table quickly and at the right temperature for each dish. The food was delicious, truly out of this world.
The crispy wings were not crispy, the fries were not warm, and all three burgers were overcooked. We were very disappointed.
Came for brunch. Good spot, fun decor, tasteful wood work... worth a visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very much enjoyed the food and the atmosphere! The wedge salad, the burger and the short rib were all standouts.
Excellent food and drink menu. Great service and ambience. We sat on the patio and had a gorgeous view of the LA river.
The cocktails, burger, and dessert menu were particularly great, I loved the wine selections as well. We definitely plan on returning ASAP.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I don't like writing bad reviews but this restaurant is disrespectful. I ordered their $25 burger. It does not come with lettuce or tomatoes, so I asked if I could add it and was told that the chefs do not like modifications. My table asked if we could get it on the side. The waiter went to ask the chefs and was told it would be a $5 extra charge. I ended up just getting something else because the restaurant was clearly being disrespectful. Will never come back.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Beautiful atmosphere, nice food and friendly staff. It would be nice if more effort was put into timely service.
Restaurantji Recommends
Everything about this place is top notch. If I lived in the neighborhood, I'd be there twice a week.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely delightful birthday dinner here on a mellow Sunday night. The pace of the service, the feel of the space and the lovely view of the river made for a super cozy and warm feel.
Each dish was perfectly done, and so delicious.
Would recommend this to anyone anytime.
Thank you LF team!
A nice restaurant hidden in Frog Town. Great place to go with friends. Very tasty food. I recommend the mussels.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
WARNING: Can be difficult to find parking nearby.
Dining outdoor in the back seems nice but you can view into the apartment building next door which can be a bit awkward.
We went on Mother’s Day & the staff was nice but the food/service was not the best…
We could only order drinks at the beginning. We weren’t allowed to order appetizers because we were told we had to put in all the food orders at the same time.
We ordered:
•Lemonade
•Bub & Grandma’s Bread
•Little Gem Salad
•Soup of the Day
•Mary’s Chicken Wings
•The Lingua Franca Burger
•Matchstick Potatoes (with cheese)
•Root Beer Braised Short Rib
•Spicy Pomodoro Pasta
The bread took some time to come out and when it did, they delivered burnt bread, there was 1/5 slices that was semi decent.
We enjoyed the burger, wings, & salad the most.
The short rib was not something we enjoyed but other food was alright.
When it was time to order dessert, we wanted to order the Cobbler Pot Pie. The menu stated it took time to make it & we were okay to wait. When we ordered it with our waiter, he informed us it might not be a good idea since the kitchen was backed up but we were more than happy to wait. We had our appetite set on it. Once the waiter came back after asking the kitchen, we were told “it was not looking so good” to order it.
We were ready to pay and leave.
I’d only go back for the burger & matchstick potatoes.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
It takes a lot for me to write a bad review, but I would like to warn others before paying fine dining prices for extremely sub par food.
Ambiance next to river was promising, but that’s where it ended. Waited more than 40 minutes for first appetizer, a salad to come out. Mussels entree came out another 20 minutes later, a lazily put together dish that was so salty it was inedible. The burger, besides the basic salad, was the only thing I would consider ordering again. At that, to charge $30 for a burger that came out with cold fries, and one I had to add extra sauce on to make up for the dryness.
Nothing from the experience warranted the price point or the wait for food. Both things on their own can be fine if it’s made up for with excellent food, but that was not the case here. The only redeeming point was removing the mussels from the bill. The staff is clearly trying, but are under staffed or have poor leadership.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 3
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