I'm pretty angry with myself that I didn't heed the negative reviews and still booked a birthday dinner for my partner here.
FOOD - I'll start with the food. The woefully bland, under-seasoned food. I grew up in the midwest, land of mediocre restaurants, land of bland, and I have a really high tolerance for bland. I mean, I could eat plain crackers as a meal. But The Arthur J's really put up some competition to those midwest dining non-destinations. My partner started with oysters, which she loved. This was her favorite part of the meal. Then we got an order of popovers and the waldorf salad. I LOVE popovers and was super excited to see them on the menu, and was basically a huge reason I chose this place. I'm pretty sure ours had been in the oven a few minutes too long. They were dry and flavorless, served with flavorless unsalted butter and jelly. (I'm pretty sure it was jelly, not jam.) And the waldorf salad had not one hint of sweetness. No apples. No candied nuts. I think maybe they put radishes in ours instead. It was SO CRAZY BLAND.
Next up, the filet (12 oz) and the mushroom risotto. We opted to share. I thought the meat was pretty good and liked the seasoning on the char. My dining partner found it totally under-seasoned. The risotto, which we were really excited about, looked oddly watery and had a matching texture and taste. We added a good amount of salt which improved it.
Finally, the dessert--the only part of the meal we didn't pay for, and the only part that we both loved. They brought out a Figgy Pudding, and it was delicious.
DRINKS - My partner went for a standard gin martini and said it was fine. ($20 with well gin) Though she did note with surprise that it had been shaken, not stirred, which apparently is not what you might expect in a fine dining restaurant, but I'm no martini expert. I had something off the cocktail menu, the Midnight something, which sounded amazing but was actually pretty one-note. Do not recommend. Had anyone come to check on us and ask if the drinks were okay, I would have sent it back and asked for something else.
AMBIANCE - We sat on the tiny patio because inside is very crowded and noisy and we wanted a more relaxed experience. There are two tables on the patio--a two-top and four-top. The two-top where we were initially seated, doesn't have much blocking it from the ocean wind and the fairly-busy sidewalk. We asked if we could move to the more private four-top with better protection from the wind, and they were kind enough to accommodate. There's one tiny camping space heater out there in the corner near the four-top, but they couldn't get it to work. So, even though it had been 86 degrees during the day, it was pretty chilly at 5pm when we arrived for dinner. The patio is quite plain, and definitely doesn't feel like a special occasion ambiance.
SERVICE - Our server was friendly and nice, for sure, I liked him a lot, but he didn't steer us away from any of the bad dishes even though I asked for his opinion on every single thing we ordered, nor did he check in regularly, so I kept my drink that I wasn't enjoying, and we suffered through the early dishes without salt (so much so that I almost got up and went inside to ask). The bar took a crazy long time to bring out the gin martini (maybe 15 min?) and then another 10-15 min to bring out my martini (which granted, I didn't order at the exact same time as I was still deciding over the menu). Things improved service-wise once the mains showed up, and then we were comped the birthday dessert, which was very nice. Of course, all the service issues might have stemmed from my choice to sit out on the patio. But still...
Anyway, nearly $300 later, I feel like I ruined my partner's birthday by choosing this place.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 3
Frank Basso
A hidden gem and perhaps the best steak joint in Los Angeles.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Antonio D
Arthur J is nothing short of a culinary gem nestled in Los Angeles, and my recent dining experience there was truly phenomenal. From the moment I stepped inside, the warm and inviting ambiance set the stage for what would be an unforgettable evening.
The menu is a tantalizing showcase of expertly crafted dishes that, in my opinion, highlight the finest ingredients. I skipped the appetizer course and went straight for the dry-aged steak, cooked to perfection and bursting with rich, savory flavors. Each bite melted in my mouth, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to high-quality cuts and expert preparation.
The sides were equally impressive; the truffle mac and cheese was indulgent and creamy, while the seasonal vegetables offered a refreshing balance to my meal. The wine selection was extensive and thoughtfully curated, with knowledgeable staff on hand to recommend the perfect pairing.
What truly set Arthur J apart, though, was the exceptional service. The staff was attentive without being intrusive, making sure we had everything we needed while also sharing insights into the menu. Their passion for food and hospitality was evident and added a personal touch to the experience.
To top it all off, the dessert was a masterpiece - the ideal ending to a perfect meal - leaving a lasting impression of sweetness.
In conclusion, Arthur J in Los Angeles is a must-visit for anyone seeking a remarkable dining experience. Whether you're a steak aficionado or simply looking for an outstanding meal, this restaurant delivers on every front!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The Scotty's Mom Experience OBrien
Wonderful experience? Went to brunch service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mike Cibulka
Fabulous smaller steakhouse in Manhattan Beach. Great servers one of the best ribeyes in the LA area. Repeat customer every time I’m in town!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mr Bad Reviewer 3
Steak was good. Quality of the meat was alright. Prices were too high for the quality. They were packed when we attended, service was polite and friendly however I think they needed more staff. Would stop by again. Steak sauces were very mediocre.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 2
connor
Usually great but definitely an off night. Normally they do a good job of coursing the meal but last night they brought everything out at once like it was a Thanksgiving buffet line. Food was still decent but not near the level we're used to. I understand it was a slow night but when dinner is $500 you expect much better.
Josephine Shiau
It was a pleasant find. The food was tasty - tad bit on the salty side for me. Even my husband said his steak was salty and he likes salt. Service was great - our waiter was friendly and attentive but intrusive. The place is loud though. It’s lively I should say. Those who want a romantics where you can talk and hear each other - may not be suitable for you.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Breanna
Weirdly found the tomahawk which was the most expensive item to be the least amazing. Amazing but the ribeye and the pork chop were far better in flavor and texture. Great oysters and onion rings. Green peppercorn and horseradish go well with everything. And the serve was amazing. Alonso was great with my parents and our table.
Sapna
Great experience celebrating my Dad's birthday! Staff was so friendly and food was delicious!!
We love your restaurant and recently visited for my birthday. The atmosphere & service is always wonderful, but we were truly disappointed that you removed the roasted cauliflower from your menu. It was the only vegan/gluten free option for my wife . Yes, she can order modified salads or veggie sides, but no main entree options. Our Server wanted to help, but seemed frustrated since the new Chef was not able to offer any last minute solutions. And, my wife was not the only one struggling to find something to eat, since there was another guest a few tables away that was also vegan/gluten free. Yes, I know we were at a steakhouse that serves amazing steaks, but my wife can usually find one item to eat (not including the salads/sides) at other steakhouse establishments. We enjoy supporting the local MB restaurants, but not sure we'll return until there is a menu refresh.
Connie
We went there for my bday! I love trying new places and this one had amazing reviews and it was near by. We made reservations and got seated imminently. The hostess and all serves were super nice and attentive. The food arrived promptly and was DELICIOUS! The portions were smaller than expected but definitely full of flavor! The drinks were STRONG. But also I'm a beer drinker so the cocktails were different lol The server had us a desert for my bday and it was the best desert I've had in a while! Everything was perfect! I will definitely be returning!
Brian Barnes
The food was very good. The steak was excellent. The martinis were strong.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Shanelle S
My team had a holiday event here in their private room and it was a great experience. They have different prefixe menu options and we had a 4 course set. I had the shrimp cocktail while my boyfriend had the steak tartare (which he was a huge fan of). I opted for the wedge salad while he had the Caesar; I enjoyed mine a lot in large part because of the generous bacon sprinkles. I had the 16 oz New York strip for my main while he had the 12 oz filet. We alongside others noticed that the meat was on the rarer side of what was requested, and some people sent their steaks back to get them cooked further (and the Arthur J was obliging). Sides were shared family style. For dessert, we had a whole serving to ourselves. The sticky toffee pudding with ice cream was super sweet and filling. The cake room was less sweet and was a Buche Noel. Our servers were attentive and nice. We all left feeling very full and with leftovers.
Launi Nathan
We dined at Arthur J on New Year’s Eve celebrating my birthday, and the experience was exceptional thanks to manager Aaron. He was warm, attentive, and clearly set the tone for a smooth, welcoming evening. Service was perfectly paced and we felt genuinely taken care of despite the busy night. Aaron’s leadership truly elevated the experience. We’ll definitely be back.
I'm pretty angry with myself that I didn't heed the negative reviews and still booked a birthday dinner for my partner here.
FOOD - I'll start with the food. The woefully bland, under-seasoned food. I grew up in the midwest, land of mediocre restaurants, land of bland, and I have a really high tolerance for bland. I mean, I could eat plain crackers as a meal. But The Arthur J's really put up some competition to those midwest dining non-destinations. My partner started with oysters, which she loved. This was her favorite part of the meal. Then we got an order of popovers and the waldorf salad. I LOVE popovers and was super excited to see them on the menu, and was basically a huge reason I chose this place. I'm pretty sure ours had been in the oven a few minutes too long. They were dry and flavorless, served with flavorless unsalted butter and jelly. (I'm pretty sure it was jelly, not jam.) And the waldorf salad had not one hint of sweetness. No apples. No candied nuts. I think maybe they put radishes in ours instead. It was SO CRAZY BLAND.
Next up, the filet (12 oz) and the mushroom risotto. We opted to share. I thought the meat was pretty good and liked the seasoning on the char. My dining partner found it totally under-seasoned. The risotto, which we were really excited about, looked oddly watery and had a matching texture and taste. We added a good amount of salt which improved it.
Finally, the dessert--the only part of the meal we didn't pay for, and the only part that we both loved. They brought out a Figgy Pudding, and it was delicious.
DRINKS - My partner went for a standard gin martini and said it was fine. ($20 with well gin) Though she did note with surprise that it had been shaken, not stirred, which apparently is not what you might expect in a fine dining restaurant, but I'm no martini expert. I had something off the cocktail menu, the Midnight something, which sounded amazing but was actually pretty one-note. Do not recommend. Had anyone come to check on us and ask if the drinks were okay, I would have sent it back and asked for something else.
AMBIANCE - We sat on the tiny patio because inside is very crowded and noisy and we wanted a more relaxed experience. There are two tables on the patio--a two-top and four-top. The two-top where we were initially seated, doesn't have much blocking it from the ocean wind and the fairly-busy sidewalk. We asked if we could move to the more private four-top with better protection from the wind, and they were kind enough to accommodate. There's one tiny camping space heater out there in the corner near the four-top, but they couldn't get it to work. So, even though it had been 86 degrees during the day, it was pretty chilly at 5pm when we arrived for dinner. The patio is quite plain, and definitely doesn't feel like a special occasion ambiance.
SERVICE - Our server was friendly and nice, for sure, I liked him a lot, but he didn't steer us away from any of the bad dishes even though I asked for his opinion on every single thing we ordered, nor did he check in regularly, so I kept my drink that I wasn't enjoying, and we suffered through the early dishes without salt (so much so that I almost got up and went inside to ask). The bar took a crazy long time to bring out the gin martini (maybe 15 min?) and then another 10-15 min to bring out my martini (which granted, I didn't order at the exact same time as I was still deciding over the menu). Things improved service-wise once the mains showed up, and then we were comped the birthday dessert, which was very nice. Of course, all the service issues might have stemmed from my choice to sit out on the patio. But still...
Anyway, nearly $300 later, I feel like I ruined my partner's birthday by choosing this place.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 3
A hidden gem and perhaps the best steak joint in Los Angeles.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Arthur J is nothing short of a culinary gem nestled in Los Angeles, and my recent dining experience there was truly phenomenal. From the moment I stepped inside, the warm and inviting ambiance set the stage for what would be an unforgettable evening.
The menu is a tantalizing showcase of expertly crafted dishes that, in my opinion, highlight the finest ingredients. I skipped the appetizer course and went straight for the dry-aged steak, cooked to perfection and bursting with rich, savory flavors. Each bite melted in my mouth, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to high-quality cuts and expert preparation.
The sides were equally impressive; the truffle mac and cheese was indulgent and creamy, while the seasonal vegetables offered a refreshing balance to my meal. The wine selection was extensive and thoughtfully curated, with knowledgeable staff on hand to recommend the perfect pairing.
What truly set Arthur J apart, though, was the exceptional service. The staff was attentive without being intrusive, making sure we had everything we needed while also sharing insights into the menu. Their passion for food and hospitality was evident and added a personal touch to the experience.
To top it all off, the dessert was a masterpiece - the ideal ending to a perfect meal - leaving a lasting impression of sweetness.
In conclusion, Arthur J in Los Angeles is a must-visit for anyone seeking a remarkable dining experience. Whether you're a steak aficionado or simply looking for an outstanding meal, this restaurant delivers on every front!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wonderful experience? Went to brunch service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fabulous smaller steakhouse in Manhattan Beach. Great servers one of the best ribeyes in the LA area. Repeat customer every time I’m in town!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Steak was good. Quality of the meat was alright. Prices were too high for the quality. They were packed when we attended, service was polite and friendly however I think they needed more staff. Would stop by again. Steak sauces were very mediocre.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 2
Usually great but definitely an off night. Normally they do a good job of coursing the meal but last night they brought everything out at once like it was a Thanksgiving buffet line. Food was still decent but not near the level we're used to. I understand it was a slow night but when dinner is $500 you expect much better.
It was a pleasant find. The food was tasty - tad bit on the salty side for me. Even my husband said his steak was salty and he likes salt. Service was great - our waiter was friendly and attentive but intrusive. The place is loud though. It’s lively I should say. Those who want a romantics where you can talk and hear each other - may not be suitable for you.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Weirdly found the tomahawk which was the most expensive item to be the least amazing. Amazing but the ribeye and the pork chop were far better in flavor and texture. Great oysters and onion rings. Green peppercorn and horseradish go well with everything. And the serve was amazing. Alonso was great with my parents and our table.
Great experience celebrating my Dad's birthday! Staff was so friendly and food was delicious!!
Restaurantji Recommends
We love your restaurant and recently visited for my birthday. The atmosphere & service is always wonderful, but we were truly disappointed that you removed the roasted cauliflower from your menu. It was the only vegan/gluten free option for my wife . Yes, she can order modified salads or veggie sides, but no main entree options. Our Server wanted to help, but seemed frustrated since the new Chef was not able to offer any last minute solutions. And, my wife was not the only one struggling to find something to eat, since there was another guest a few tables away that was also vegan/gluten free. Yes, I know we were at a steakhouse that serves amazing steaks, but my wife can usually find one item to eat (not including the salads/sides) at other steakhouse establishments. We enjoy supporting the local MB restaurants, but not sure we'll return until there is a menu refresh.
We went there for my bday! I love trying new places and this one had amazing reviews and it was near by. We made reservations and got seated imminently. The hostess and all serves were super nice and attentive. The food arrived promptly and was DELICIOUS! The portions were smaller than expected but definitely full of flavor! The drinks were STRONG. But also I'm a beer drinker so the cocktails were different lol The server had us a desert for my bday and it was the best desert I've had in a while! Everything was perfect! I will definitely be returning!
The food was very good. The steak was excellent. The martinis were strong.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
My team had a holiday event here in their private room and it was a great experience. They have different prefixe menu options and we had a 4 course set. I had the shrimp cocktail while my boyfriend had the steak tartare (which he was a huge fan of). I opted for the wedge salad while he had the Caesar; I enjoyed mine a lot in large part because of the generous bacon sprinkles. I had the 16 oz New York strip for my main while he had the 12 oz filet. We alongside others noticed that the meat was on the rarer side of what was requested, and some people sent their steaks back to get them cooked further (and the Arthur J was obliging). Sides were shared family style. For dessert, we had a whole serving to ourselves. The sticky toffee pudding with ice cream was super sweet and filling. The cake room was less sweet and was a Buche Noel. Our servers were attentive and nice. We all left feeling very full and with leftovers.
We dined at Arthur J on New Year’s Eve celebrating my birthday, and the experience was exceptional thanks to manager Aaron. He was warm, attentive, and clearly set the tone for a smooth, welcoming evening. Service was perfectly paced and we felt genuinely taken care of despite the busy night. Aaron’s leadership truly elevated the experience. We’ll definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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