One of the best happy hours in the valley hands down. This place is great and the service is amazing!
(5)
Alicia T.
Excellent service, bartenders rock the house, good food & excellent cigar selection. My group could not have been more accommodating. The atmosphere is sophisticated and romantic especially with the piano in the back ground. Thank you Larsen's for making our evening so special.
(5)
Jessica B.
Service is good, very nice people, Cajun shrimp was amazing and also the Mac and cheese is too die for!!!! My boyfriend and I shared a steak, wasn't too bad but a bit too much seasoning for my liking, but he liked it. There side orders are super big, the Mac and cheese could be a meal on its own, but again super worth it. There drinks are super strong!! Overall a nice place for dinner, just don't forget your wallet.
(4)
Daniel L.
We.try their happy hour. Service was poor and took forward er to get the food. While the food is not bad but not exceptional either for what they charge. $50 for two having a couple beers and tacos appetizers is not exactly happy hour deal. Go try their regular lunch when there is hardly anyone there but the service was good, and the salad was good.
(2)
Cassandra Y.
The Service: Sitting at the bar. The bartender, Adam, is very friendly and attentive. The service is excellent. They treat customers like VIP. The Food: Tried a few appetizers and beer. Spinach, Shrimp and Artichoke Dip - Fresh ingredient and once we start eating the first bite... just can't stop it!! Macaroni & Cheese - They add in sun-dried tomato and bacon bites. Love the texture! Creamy cheese but not too much. The Parking: Parking Structure (Fee with validation), Street Metered Parking
(4)
Tay M.
Best happy hour the manager Adam is awesome and the bartender Derrick is amazing 2nd time here but definitely not my last
(5)
Dee S.
We have been going to Larsen's since they opened and have always had wonderful experiences, service and food but yesterday was above and beyond. We decided to have my husband's retirement party at Larsen's and I spent a month planning it with Adam Martinelli the General Manager. I probably drove him crazy with endless emails but Adam, the consummate professional took it all in stride, with grace and a huge smile. The evening for 60 people was a huge success in part because everyone was so amazing, helpful and friendly with our guests. I think that comes from the top down and again I can attribute that to Adam. Derek at the bar who no matter how busy always has a smile, Michelle (Mickey) both beautiful and smart gave us impeccable service as did everyone who helped make the evening such a success. (Have to give a shout out to Lisa too even though it was her night off.) I hope as the company continues to grow with the addition of its new restaurants in Woodland Hills and Las Vegas, it will never loose sight of being a steakhouse where the customer experience and of course the food are a priority. Thanks again to everyone last night at Larsen's Encino.
(5)
Joe K.
Food is always great and consistent. Bone in fillet is amazing. Must try with Cajun rub. Hands down best steak house in the SFV.
(5)
Mark T.
I have been to Larsen's on several occasions and its a hit or miss unfortunately, so I stopped going there for a while. Recently we went for a birthday and the entire experience was great, I will give Larsen's another chance for sure.
(3)
Nic G.
When you leave after you spent 250 on a dinner for 2 and feel like you should have gone to the sizzler instead... That is not a good thing Steak overcooked.. Send it back.. Overcooked again.. Send it back.. Overcooked again.. "fine, I'll just eat it" Rude server. Old fashioned wasn't done properly. I will stick to Maestros
(1)
Shawn S.
from the food to the service to the desserts, how could you go wrong here. made a reservation same day, came in for dinner party of 3. the service was amazing, very polite, took very good care of us and recommended dishes for us on our taste. we started with there amazing cheese bread, warning if your going to eat this watch out cause its seriously addictive. i had the flemings salad with the sea bass. perfect combination for both. i have to admit i was so full when the sea bass arrived at the tabe due to everything that i had prior to the main course. i had one bite of the sea bass and i couldn't do it. then the waiter brought out some secret sauce that was soy based and i tried it with the sea bass and ended up eating my entire plate almost licked it clean. the desserts here are amazing as well. i would highly recommend this place to eat, you definitely get what you pay for here.
(5)
Gisele L.
They couldn't cook my steak right. Ordered it medium rare, brought it out medium well. Sent it back and they brought it out rare and cold. It's a steakhouse. How do u not know how to cook a steak. Also the manager brought it back out when I sent it back with a flashlight and said "I'm not trying to argue with u but that's medium rare" what kind of a manager does that? To their defense they took both our steaks off the bill And our waitress was very nice
(3)
L D.
Normally had a great experience but the last time we went, the food was not that great...taste of the steak was horrible. Customer service was good though, three stars for that!
(3)
Kobi D.
Great experience! Parking is very comfortable, as far as the service, Eric & Tony were awesome and made sure the me and the wife had everything that we need. The food and drinks were great (as expected) and the desert (NY cheesecake) was a great finale. Highly recommended restaurant.
(5)
Deborah E.
Last night was my second time at Larsens. I noticed that it wasn't crowded at all and we made our Saturday night reservations earlier that day....the food was ok - portions were good. However, way too expensive.. I shared a meal and our bill for 4 was over $400.......Mortions and Ruth's Chris are better. Our server was ok; she got upset when one of us noticed that our coffee tasted burnt/old. I will not return. Not interested in food that isn't that great and costs about the same as a week's worth of groceries.....an I bet this location will close withn a year
(1)
B P.
This is a pleasant american steakhouse when you feel like being spendy in the Encino area. A pleasant enough evening, but don't expect to escape for under $80 a person at least. Best thing here was the glow in the dark menus. The live piano music was nice too.
(3)
Carolina T.
I think this place is one of my favorite steakhouses. Loved the service, the piano music, and the food is amazing. Molly was our server and she was awesome. Not only was she sweet and nice but the service she provided was top of the line. Adam is an excellent manager. Overall the experience was great, and i will be coming back.
(5)
Rashmi V.
We came here on a Saturday late night just for a dessert tasting as we just had dinner elsewhere. I've been wanting to try this place for a while now. We had the pleasure to try the New York Cheesecake and the chocolate Bundt cake. Both desserts were really good, rich, chocolately and delicious. The ambience and service was good, all in all I wish I could say more but we just had dessert. I definitely would come back that's for sure to try their other menu items.
(4)
Marina M.
We celebrated my husbands birthday!! Great food amazing service. The were very helpful and patient with my son, he was being a typical two year old. There Mac and cheese was amazing, there appetizers were big portions we were so full by the time dinner arrived. Everything was yummy. We loved it.
(5)
Augustus B.
Good steaks, good service, OK sides. A bit pricey as expected. 3 stars for Larsen's. This place had very little character and felt very cliche. Most of the sides we ordered weren't very memorable, however, the mushrooms were actually pretty tasty. You can get a good steak here, but don't expect much else.
(3)
Franky B.
Great place to go! Food is great too! Derek is a great bartender too! This place is a hidden gem for Ventura Blvd. The happy hour is from 5-7pm in the bar area and the patio which overlooks Ventura Blvd and has fire pits. I like sitting outside for happy hour when I have a group. This place is good to go to after work and relax. In short, great food, great service and great time.
(5)
Shanel J.
Heard a lot about this place so my family and I decided to check it out. We had the lobster cream soup and crab cakes for appetizer and those were really good! Then we had the marinated Hawaiian steak with the lobster mash potatoes! Off the hook good!!! Desert was really good as well. Mike our waiter was very friendly and very helpful with what to order from the kitchen. We will definitely be going back.
(4)
Kerry B.
Our waitress Molly was so sweet and amazing! Really wonderful person! And the table bread is to die for! It's so soft. The salmon is a huge perfectly cooked specimen. The onion rings were huge! Batter was delicious. I ordered the Chilean sea bass and it was a nice chunk of white fish. The sauce was incredible as well. It was my honeys birthday and they brought him a molten chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream and a candle. Fantastic ambience! We will be back
(5)
larry a.
My wife and I went to Larsen's on our anniversary. We both LOVE this place. We really don't get out as much as we used to (2 children), but when we do, we always make it a point to go to Larsen's. I've read several negative reviews and I really do disagree with them. If I would have read them prior to my first time dining there I wouldn't have gone. Do youself a favor and make the decision yourself. Definitely have the tuna tar tar to start!
(5)
Christine Y.
We came to dinner here with clients. From the time that we arrived, the service was fantastic. The hostess seated us quickly at a great table, our water was filled immediately, and the wine list was ready to go. Props for the glowing menus - no straining of the eyes in the dimly lit restaurant. Once we ordered, appetizers and salads came quickly, and the wine they recommended was lovely and they have really nice wine glasses for every variety. Our server checked on us regularly and was incredibly nice, funny and polite. At one point, the wine we ordered ran out, so they gave us a nicer bottle for the same price, which is really great customer service. In terms of the food, the bread really set the bar for how the evening would go - a freshly baked little loaf with cheese melted on top, along with a little crock of perfectly soft salted butter. We must have gone through 2 or 3 loaves of this amazing bread. We also ordered some seafood appetizers - the petite tower had oysters, prawns, crab legs, lobster, and scallops, all of which was fresh and sweet. The homemade cocktail sauce was great. The ahi tuna appetizer was great and fresh, with a well-seasoned avocado mash and crispy wonton chips. and the bacon wrapped shrimp were big, juicy, and not overdone. I had the Hawaiian Marinated Ribeye, which was perfectly cooked with pineapple rings on top, and all the steaks looked perfect. The sides were all very good as well - I'm rarely a fan of mac and cheese that isn't actually macaroni, but this one is great (a homestyle, velveeta-y sauce baked to perfection), and the garlic mashed potatoes don't need any sauce to enjoy. The asparagus were perfectly cooked, not too soft. Last but not least, the dessert. We got a few items to share for the table, and the cheesecake is one of the best I've ever had. The berries and cream were fresh and sweet, and the coffees/cappuccinos/espressos were made well. I'd definitely recommend this restaurant for a nice date or business dinner - the service and food definitely helped seal the deal! PS. Easy underground parking, restaurant is up the escalator then up the stairs.
(5)
Sandy G.
Happeeeee Hour!!!!! Stay for a few! lol. Food is great, but prices are still a bit on the high side, so don't be blindsided. For two people we ordered (all happy hour specials) the Larsen salad, mozzarella salad, fish tacos, Kobe sliders, two martinis, and a chocolate cake....$74 without tip. The ambiance is great, the food is nice, and the staff is friendly.
(4)
J. Jesse H.
Great first time here. Diana my server was real friendly. With recommendations, and when the lobster bisque came out over cooked (hard to do right,) she exchanged it for the French onion which was delicious. The filet sashimi was cooked perfectly and quite unique with wasabi mashed potatoes. I look forward to my next visit
(5)
Deb B.
Pleasant evening out with my husband. I accepted the recommendation of the waiter for the special of the day, and was not disappointed. Wonderful atmosphere, delicious wine, appetizer and meal.
(4)
Christine F.
We were headed to the Saddle Peak Lodge for dinner when traffic on the 101 freeway caused us to forgo and look for another upscale steak house in the area. We literally came across Larsens by driving by. I quickly checked Yelp before entering and saw the (one) bad review from Nic G. . Even still, it looked so inviting that we decided to check it out. Boy, am I glad we did. We sat at the bar and were immediately greeted by Tracy and Derek as if we were old friends, rather than new customers. Such a delightful evening I don't know where to begin. Great ambiance, great food and exceptional service. I had the dry aged filet and it was delicious, cooked perfectly for me, which is hard as I usually get over or under cooked steaks as I like a true "pink" center. Hard to achieve on a thick cut filet. This one was "perfection". The taste was excellent. The huge selection of sides was impressive as well. We had the creamed corn that was to die for and I opted for the hashbrowns that were so tasty on their own I did not even add any toppings. My husband selected the dry aged ribeye, and opted the max toppings (bacon wrapped, blue cheese crumbles with shrimp creole)! It was decadent... but it was his birthday! The whole evening was a delightful surprise. I would highly recommend this place to anyone in the area that values great customer service, great food and atmosphere. On our ranking, it scores as well (or even better) than any of its competitors we frequent (Mastro's, The Palm, Mortons, or Ruth Chris) I can't say enough about Derek and Tracy behind the bar. We enjoyed their company as much as the meal. Thanks to them and the incredible meal we had, Larsens will now be our new "favorite".
(5)
Josh R.
Went here once. Felt like I got taken for a ride. Not only was it ridiculously expensive for a mediocre if not lousy steak... The seafood was lesser grade than what you'd get frozen at costco. If I can prepare a better meal at home in 20 minutes for a 1/4 of the price. I'm eating at home. Especially if the up charge on supermarket wine is 210%. Just go to Mastro's you'll be happier. Or Delmonicos across the street.
(2)
Alan B.
If you are steak lover this is the place for you. Excellent choice of steaks and fishes. They have great salads to appetizers. Very friendly staff with excellent customer service. A lot of parking and valet service.
(5)
Ashley D.
Who needs to go over the hill to Mastro's, Fleming's or Ruth Chris when you can get the same quality food here in the Valley without the fruffy or pretentious vibe or the hard sell on the most expensive thing on the menu? My husband and I went with my boss and his wife and they frequent this spot so we knew it would be good. The burratta salad was delicious, my steak was SO good, and the sides and dessert were great too. Our waiter was helpful and attentive and the restaurant has a great atmosphere. The only downside was they were out of a handful of things on the menu. I would recommend Larsen's!
(4)
Christine L.
My entire experience at this restaurant was fantastic. A handful of coworkers and I stopped by here after a company outing the other night and the choice to eat here was a spur of the moment decision. All of us were dressed pretty casual and felt really underdressed when we entered. Nevertheless, we were treated like royalty by our server. He explained to us the menu (none of us were really steak experts) with enthusiasm unlike most servers who recite the menu like a half-assed presentation no one cared about. We ordered some ahi tuna poke and crab cakes as appetizers. Both were amazing! I loved the white sauce on the crab cakes..Tasted very fresh and flavorful. For the main course everyone ordered steak (duh! You can't NOT order steak at a steakhouse :P).. I personally ordered the medium-rare prime dry 8oz filet and it was the most tender steak I've ever had! Shoot, for $44 being 8oz it better be!! For sides we had their lobster potatoes and jalepeno mac & cheese...I kid you not I was shocked at how not one thing tasted anything less than exceptional. I was blown away. Not only that, it happened to be mine & a coworker's birthday celebration as well and they not only let us choose our own desserts of our choice on the house (using really cool light up tablet menus) but also personally had their staff sign a birthday card for each of us. I thought that was really cool. Granted this place was very pricey, you get the best service and the BEST food! I'd definitely go back
(5)
Karen C.
A friend of ours was here from New York and we were meeting for dinner. He said that he wanted steak. We live in West Hills and he was staying in the city. At first I suggested Monty's in Woodland Hills. But, did not want to drive that far. I had seen Larsens driving around Encino, so that is where we ended up This must be the only steak house that I have been to in 20 years that actually cooks the steak the way you ask for it. The sides were great, the wait staff great! I will totally go back soon. Then surprisingly the next day, I had a voicemail from Larsens asking if we had a good experience.
(5)
Diego T.
Outstanding service and quality food. Molly was our server, "THE SERVER", I must say. I have gone to multiple top steakhouses and Larsens without a doubt exceeded my expectations. I ordered the 16oz New York medium well with a 7oz lobster tail. Every bite was tender and delicious. You can really taste quality on every bite. The manager, Adam, made sure our food tasted perfectly as ordered and made sure everything was taken care of. A BIG PLUS in my experience is that my glass of water remained full through out the entire dinner.
(5)
Wilka P.
This place has a good happy hour. Went here with my friends on a Wednesday. We had a table, ordered drinks and the food was delish. It was a fun crowd and they had a pianist. Good times. The gem of this place was Derrick. He is the best server in Los Angeles. Derrick was ab so freaking amazing. Thank you Derrick for the best service EVER !!!
(4)
H G.
Very Pricey! BUT the service is always amazing. Probably one of the best steakhouse in the Valley. Here's what we ordered: 1) Petite Filet Mignon with Bernaise (8oz) $38 -- seriously I don't have to chew it coz it melts in my mouth. I forgot how tender the steaks here are. 2) Rib Eye Steak $48 My man loves it! It was a big portion and he finished everything. The baked garlic goes well with it. 3) Salmon It was huge!! Like double the size of salmon that is usually served in restaurants. I'll probably get this next time. 4) Lettuce Wedge Salad Single order can be shared by 3 people. Again it was huge! we were surprised how big it was. 5) Grilled Asparagus Nothing Special for a $12 price tag 6) Potato Something Meh 7) FREE ICE CREAM BROWNIE DESSERT = 6 stars!!! :)
(4)
Katie K.
Happy Valentine's day with my honey. We have now been here a few times for happy hour. My best advice is get there right at 5 p.m. when the doors open if you want a seat inside. Derrick is the absolute best and makes everyone feel special while they are there. He makes one great martini. Get a loaf of their fresh bread and you will be in heaven. I also highly recommend any of their happy hour food. On warmer evenings, the outdoor patio area is very nice and you can have happy hour outside. Just make sure you tell the hostess that is what you are doing.
(5)
Christine P.
Great food, casually elegant ambience and one of the best waitresses I've ever had the pleasure of serving me! I recently took my boyfriend here for his birthday and we ordered the ribeye, wedge salad and garlic mashed potatoes. Even though we were splitting the order between the two of us, the steak cut in half was a generous portion for each of us and the wedge salads looked like they were full-sized even though they were divided in half. The mashed potatoes were delicious and the steak was cooked to perfection - medium rare just as we ordered it. The atmosphere is quite romantic with dimmed lighting and cool views of Ventura Blvd. if you get a window booth. However, one of the best parts of the experience was the awesome service we received from our waitress, Michelle. I really detest waitresses that are hyper-exuberant and over-the-top perky, who announce, "Hi!!! My name is ---- and I'll be taking care of you tonight!" Michelle was none of that. She kept a watchful eye on us while giving us our space, never interrupting our conversation, but always making sure that our wine was poured and we had what we needed. She was gracious and mellow while staying right on top of customer service - probably the classiest & BEST waitress who's ever waited on me. We will definitely return. The only negative about this restaurant is that when we first arrived, the hostess took an inordinately long time to get her act together at the front hostess desk and then seat us. She seemed to be fumbling around with making notations on seating charts and getting menus. When she was finally ready to seat us, she also took another couple behind us who had walked in after we had arrived, walking all of us back at the same time and dropping us off at one table along the way and then seating them at the next table - instead of seating each party individually. I found that a little weird and also didn't understand why she was fumbling around so much because the restaurant wasn't that busy on a Sunday night. Otherwise everything else was perfect and we'll return again. Praises to Michelle!
(4)
Laney B.
Larsen's is truly classy-- that's all I've got to say-- Fasten your seat belts and grab some popcorn. After my first visit to Larsen's I wrote a fantastic review-- and that's because my visit, service and meal warranted a fantastic review. My boyfriend and I loved it so much, about 2 weeks later we went again. The service was great, but the food was a bit off... we got a really fatty and chewy piece of prime rib, doughy bread; and needless to say I was really let-down... but we didn't complain-- not really what we do. So after writing an updated review of Larsen's explaining my sadness-- no really... sadness... we thought we'd found our new "spot" for an amazing meal without having to deal with Bev Hills-- I immediately got a phone call. What was this? A phone call from Larsen's? How the heck did they even track me down? My boyfriend paid with his Amex and has a crazy Arab name... I don't broadcast my last name on here, and certainly not my phone number. Larsen's is so concerned with their guests having a great dining experience the manager tracked me down and called me-- to not only apologize but to offer us a credit for a free meal (cocktails and all) on the house. So of course we went back, and the service-- just like it was the last 2 times was AMAZING-- and this time the food was ABSOLUTELY EPIC! Even better than the first time! We ordered the porterhouse medium rare, and OMG -- it's like french kissing God! It was that good! One half was the NY Strip and the other the filet, and they tasted like 2 completely different cuts of meat-- they were both super tender and not mealy or fatty. With the steak we added 1/2 lb of Alaskan King Crab Legs and they were legend- wait for it- dary! Not weird or salty-- absolute perfection! I'm getting hungry writing this review! The chopped salad- O-mazing -- super tender butter lettuce with a medley of other tasty treats, including garb beans, bacon and avocado. (I'd eat this salad every day for lunch if I could). Creamed Corn-- now guys-- this is heavy and dense, but wow is it dynamite! Just the right amount of sweet, salty and creamy! Definitely a must-try! Mashed potatoes- Extremely tasty! Amazing! Clearly a must have-- you cant have steak and not have taters! and last but not least the alcoholic beverages--- perfection. The best cosmos I've ever had. Clearly this place has outstanding food, and moreover outstanding service. It's so refreshing to see a company / restaurant that truly cares about their clients to the extent that Larsen's does. The weird thing is that I keep wanting to say that they really took care of us this last time, but they did that the 2 other times too-- We will definitely be returning very soon, and would 100% recommend Larsen's to anybody that's looking for an upscale, modern, fine dining experience!
(5)
Tiffany G.
Came for dinner with a friend. The restaurant is on the 2nd floor of the shopping plaza on the corner. Underground parking off the side street. No valet the night I went and very few spots designated for Larsen's. Anyway, I found a spot and went upstairs. They have a little bar area inside and the rest is restaurant. The booths by the window looked cool, great view and slightly elevated. We had a table a little off to the side so we could talk. The waiter was funny and very nice. We weren't rushing and he didn't rush us- very nice. I had the heirloom tomato salad which was super good. My companion had the oysters which she said were excellent and she had a salad as well which was also very good. We splurged on dessert and I had the peanut butter chocolate cake thing and OMG it was so good. Loved it! Of course you have to love the lighted menus - keeps me from pulling out my phone flashlight!
(4)
Liza B.
We had never even heard of this steakhouse until we were given a gift card, so decided to give it a try for dinner. We walked in at 5:45-ish on a Saturday, place was empty but they said they were full with reservations and we could sit at the bar (meh), or outside since they didn't have an outside reservation for an hour. However, people can smoke outside. When is that law going to kick in? We took our chances and were given a nice table with comfy chairs and a view (of Ventura Blvd). Delicious bread served warm, so-so wedge salad (bleu cheese dressing nothing special), my hubby really liked his seabass with the asian sauce. Mashed sweet potatoes are served with mini marshmallows on top which looked a little cheesy but were actually delicious. The low point was my petite filet mignon...not bad, but not scrumptious. Tasted like the "Select" beef sold at your local grocery store. If you're going to charge $$ like the big boys (Flemings, Ruth's Chris), you need to serve quality. Service was good, but again not outstanding like you would have at Ruth's Chris. Normally I don't quibble about things like having to ask the runner for fresh ground pepper on my salad, but I do with prices like this. Great music outside until the pianist inside started playing...which was nice but why do they turn the music off outside when you can't hear the pianist? I would go back to sit outside and enjoy wine and an appetizer, but if you are looking for a quality steak, go elsewhere.
(3)
Alan C.
We're regulars at the bar. The sliders as good as you'll find anywhere. And they're a great deal, at $12 for three. The fries are also good. I'm rooting for Larsen's to succeed. It's the type of place that's sorely lacking in the Valley.
(4)
Dely B.
This is the new hot spot to dine in Encino. I've been waiting for a place like this. The decor is awesome. They have a great bar, a chill lounge patio with couches and a fireplace and of course the exquisite dining room with lush cushioned leather seats and suede booths. They have these really cool light up menus and let's not forget the digital piano that plays Frank Sinatra songs and they also have a live pianist and singer at nights which gives the place a nice vibe. The steaks are unforgettable and go wrong deliciously with one of the side options like the mashed sweet potatoes or the Mac n' cheese. Also if you're not a steak lover they have a magnificent stuffed breast of chicken and a variety of fish selections as well. For appetizers you have to try the Ahi tuna tartar, the crab cakes, or the mini burger sliders. For lunch you gotta try the Ahi Tuna burger made with fresh ground tuna or the Flemming's steak house salad. They have an amazing selection of wines and beers, and you can't go wrong by trying one of their delicious cocktail concoctions. To finish it off they have a top of the line gourmet cup of French coffee that goes great with their scrumptious banana cheesecake churro burrito with caramel sauce. Or you could try the Larsen's trifle which is like a gourmet sundae. Mmmmmmm....mmmmM! :) You gotta check this place out; I can't wait to go back. It's perfect for lunch or dinner or happy hour (or as they call it piano hour), a birthday or a romantic date, or if you just want to have a nice fine dining experience. Enjoy!
(5)
Ian C.
So, the wife and I gave this a spin last night, and we both thought it was okay, but not great. She ordered the petite filet mignon, medium rare; it was perfectly cooked and delicious. I ordered the porterhouse, also medium rare, and it was overcooked to the point of being burned on one edge. Part of this is my fault - with the two different cuts of meat in the porterhouse, you're never going to get it quite how you want it, and I probably should have ordered something different - however serving me burnt meat is kind of hard to forgive in a steak place. We both ordered sides, her the mashed potatoes, and me the au gratin. Again, the wife really got the better end of the deal, here... The mashed potatoes were tasty and creamy, but the au gratin just tasted like mush. The sides are huge here, and we could have split one and still had some left over. We got a molten chocolate something for dessert, and it was definitely a nice way to end the meal. The place itself is very open inside, which is great, but there's a lot of ambient noise, so we had a little bit of a hard time hearing each other. I was worried the piano player would add to that problem, but he wasn't too loud, and played well. The light up menus are definitely as ridiculous and gimmicky as they sound. This review is based off one visit. My crappy porterhouse could have been an anomaly, and if so, this place is pretty good. Still, I don't drop $120 + tip on dinner often, and I don't want to get singed meat when I do.
(2)
donna b.
The steaks were fine, but the sauces were eh, why put a sauce on a steak unless it's going to complement it? The special scampi was not so much a scampi as a tomato-y dish with shrimp in it. The service was not attentive. We were served the potatoes au gratin and I swear, I could have put a spoonful of salt in my mouth instead. When we returned the potatoes and asked them to be taken off the bill, there were no apologies. Just a remark that the kitchen was having trouble that night. Hmmm, where was the complimentary dessert? Why didn't the manager swing by to say he was sorry? In this day of economic instability, restaurants need to work just a little harder to keep customers coming back. I can't say I'd run back and will choose to keep my hundred bucks a couple for another place like Flemings.
(2)
Joanne D.
Came here with the hubby. When we were handed the menu...it was funny because when we opened it up, we both looked at each other and were like...COOL...it lights up!!! ha ha So anyways, the hubby was craving for some meat. We started off with some bread. That bread was DELICIOUS. I almost finished it. It's only good when warm but after that it gets a little hard. As far as our dinner the hubby ordered the Larsen's Rib Eye. I expected a little more flavor. It was cooked perfectly to order, however, there was no flavor and he had to add a little salt and pepper to it. I, on the other hand ordered the sea bass pan seared in sugar soy glaze. To be honest, I didn't really care for the sugar soy glaze. I thought it was a little too sweet. I loved the sea bass just the way it was with a little lemon. As far as our sides we had the mac & cheese and the mashed sweet potatoes. The mac & cheese was ok but the sweet potatoes were awesome. Reminds me of the holidays. The staff and our waiter were very friendly and very accommodating. I will definitely come back to give Larsen's another try.
(3)
Lane W.
what a random place. it's in the middle of a mini-mall and extremely fancy -- seems a little out of place. the food was pretty good, but not worth the price, i've had far better. the service, though, was exceptional. and the decor/ambiance is great, as well.
(3)
Donald J.
Let me preface this by saying, I haven't eaten at this place yet. And that I've posted this same review on citysearch because I find it kind of amusing. I was considering going here with my wife. So I checked the reviews on citysearch and yelp, and noticed something odd: all the reviews on Yelp and Citysearch are either 1 star or 5 stars. Nothing in between. People seem to either love or hate this place. Then I read the reviews. Maybe it's just me, but is there some strange review war going on here? A lot of the reviews sound really similar. A lot of the 5 star reviewers on citysearch sound suspiciously similar to the Editorial Description. They say the place is "a must" and end their reviews by "thanking" Larsen's for such a great experience. Who the hell "thanks" a restaurant in their review? Also, "Delaram B." posted the EXACT same positive review - WORD FOR WORD - on yelp and then on citysearch ten days later. Someone else posted the same negative review about a $150 steak on both yelp and citysearch. Also - according to their profiles, both on yelp and citysearch - this in the ONLY place that any of these people have reviewed. Whole thing seems a little suspect to me. You be the judge.
(3)
Amy S.
After seeing how few reviews Larsen's had and that the reviews were very varied, as a first time diner, I was not excited about this choice for dinner. However, I was very pleasantly surprised. For starters the service was great. They were very accommodating both to our dietary needs and seating requests. The food was well prepared and everyone enjoyed their meal. Even my father who sends back EVERYTHING was happy with his steak first time around. The sides were particularly delicious and very reasonably priced. Two people can easily share a side and (aside from the Lobster Mashed Potatoes - which expectedly are expensive) are priced from $7-$9. I feel bad for prejudging this restaurant and would both return and recommend it to anyone looking for a nice steak restaurant in the valley.
(4)
G L.
Really great food. I had the filet mignon and it was awesome. Really tender and yummy! For sides we had fries, au gratin potatoes and spinach dip. Sides were good, but not amazing. Overall had a great experience, my steak was great and the service was excellent.
(4)
Carlton D.
It's so about time that someone finally opened a good restaurant in Encino!!! Every single person I know living 'on this side of the hill' shakes their head in disappointment on the LACK of quality restaurants to chose from in Encino...that is until Larsen's. I have a weakness for the old school, great steak, dark wood, good martini steakhouses. More often than I can afford we find ourselves randomly popping into Mastro's for an impromptu at-the-bar dinner...which sets the bar VERY high. So when I saw Larsen's open, I overlooked my policy of eating at a new restaurant in the first 3-months...and ate there the 3rd day it was open. The bartender/manager made a big claim 'I think we're as good if not better than Mastro's'...yeah right I told myself. Well to my surprise they were in fact AS good...and this was on their 3rd day being in business!!! The Filet was perfectly cooked as ordered and seasoned with just a hint of pepper/salt. I've been back 2 more times since and each time they continue to hone their formula. The service continues to improve from the early-day minor hiccups, and the steak (which i didn't think was possible) continues to get better and better. I was going to give them 4-stars because there are still some new-restaurant jitters...but in anticipation of them working those out I'm giving them 5-stars. If you're in the Valley and just about to head over the hill to find a decent restaurant...I'd strongly suggest giving Larsen's a shot.
(5)
Michelle D.
Went on a whim, never having really heard anything more remarkable than reasonable Chowhound L.A.-board buzz about the place -- needed something festive as we were celebrating our twins' 14th birthdays... Sweet baby jeebis, that was some DAMNED fine meat! The Kobe Strip was completely perfect, as the veins of rich fat lacing the meat melted into delicate rivulets that danced through the tender, slightly salty flesh and pretty much obviated the need to chew each bite more than 2 or 3 times... The filet mignon was tender and flavorful to a fault, and was served perfectly medium-rare as requested. The crabcake appetizer was somehow both meaty and delicate -- the chunks of crabmeat were practically buzzing with freshness. We fought over who got to swallow the last flakey, lightly-lemon-drizzled chunk crispy with panko, thick with sweet crabmeat. The sides were delivered to the table in large bowls, and we fairly lost our minds in the uber-smooth potatoes thick with tender, melty chunks of roasted garlic. The steak fries managed to be like The Hungry Man equivalent of one of my perennial favorites : the potato dauphinoise, where the outside is all golden crispy fried potato goodness surrounding (if well crafted) a fluffy, angelically soft whip of potato-thickened air. Hot, wildly crisp, sprinkled with the crunch of good sea salt... Even the bowl of broccoli brought to the table for good measure was remarkable in its freshness and sweet flavor up against its lingering crunch... All in all, it was one of the most consistently delicious meals I've had in this town in many months, and it came at such an unexpected location -- one I'd never heard of until this afternoon... my children left feeling properly celebrated and uniquely sated. The wait staff was professional and kind, and eminently patient with us... I can't wait to bring my husband back for a meal next to one of their scattered fire-pits out on their deck! What a tremendous find!
(4)
D. F.
This is a good steakhouse with a nice vibe. The ambiance is really nice.. Sort of a nice cosmopolitan feel, especially for a valley steakhouse. To be frank, I drove by for a year or more before I even tried Larsen's, since this location has been bad luck for several restaurants over the years. I have had the Filet and the Rib Eye... I think that the steaks are good, but I really like their swordfish. They are one of a few restaurants who still serve a nice thick hunk of swordfish. The veggie sides are also quite delicious. I have been there at least 10-12 times and it has been relatively consistent, although one night the service was slow.. However, I complained and they apologized and gave us a free dessert. They also call you to follow up on your experience, which is a nice touch...
(4)
Brandon N.
Based on the reviews, I think that I must have gone to a different restaurant that the other reviewers. The restaurant looks nice, the hostesses were great as was our server (Jaime) and seating was prompt, but the food was really not great. We ordered bacon-wrapped shrimp to start and all it tasted like was bacon. Granted, I like bacon, but the shrimp was totally lost. Next came lobster bisque and drinks. I can't complain here, because the bisque was really good and the pours of wine were huge. Last, our steaks and sides came out. My wife ordered the filet and I ordered the New York strip steak. Both were cooked decently, but they just didn't taste. Unlike most steakhouses who over-salt their steaks, I don't think that Larsen's uses any. Our sides were the mushrooms and shoestring fries. The fries were alright (although not as good as most fast-food places) and the mushrooms were completely inedible. We could barely make out the mushroom flavor through all the butter. After I paid the bill I realized that we could have eaten from the regular (non-pairing) menu at Providence for about the same price. I was totally baffled at the rave reviews as we found Larsen's mediocre at best. We do not plan on going back, even if someone else offers to pick up the tab.
(2)
JG L.
NOT LOVIN' IT IN THE BAR: We tried happy hour & it was great prices but the bartender, Abbey was inattentive and never checked on us. After getting up a few times for things we needed, we decided that we ALWAYS get better service in the restaurant area. RESTARAUNT AREA: Fabulous and dreamy!! Manager Nigel is a Top Chef and runs an air tight management shift! It doesn't get better than his hand picked selections!! We salivate, waiting at the table for his customized selection of beef!! LOVE NIGEL!!! SERVERS: We absolutely love Eric and Kent. They deliver top notch service consistently! Organized, attentive and quality representation of Larsen's.
(5)
Chen Z.
Expensive and not that good. The steaks are good but not excellent like other options(Ruth Chris etc). tried the salmon , not a big deal also. The place looks great, Romantic but the food is not worth the high pricing.
(2)
Ron F.
Excellent Restaurant! Always enjoy the ambiance, people and food. If you want a great steak or seafood, this is the place. Say hi to Derrick behind the bar. Wonderful person!
(5)
Kimberly F.
Fantastic food (as my mouth drools). Great place for a romantic dinner or dinner with the gals. I loved the lobster bisque topped with lobster meet and you get this adorable mini Tabasco hot sauce. The ambiance is nice and definitely try the lobster bisque.
(5)
Michael C.
Service always makes me feel like a Prince (other than my wife - okay I'm lying there). The bill for me and the wife is usually $300. Best steaks I ever had, and I love going here with the men; as they allow cigar smoking outside over the fire rings. Love the little known secret that you can buy $100 for $80 gfft cards at Costco.
(5)
Miss M.
Amazing service and food. Great for business dinners.
(5)
Marlee M.
This was my second time here. My boyfriend and I have made it our, "very special dinner," spot. Our first experience was great. There was a confusion on who our server was so it took about ten minutes for a server to greet us, but he definitely made up for it. Our second experience, well, the food was amazing. We work different hours so we had our Valentine's dinner the Monday after. Again, it took about fifteen minutes for anyone to greet us at our table. Then we waited for a cocktail menu, and then waited again for her to come take our drink order. He got his drink first, mine came about twenty minutes later after sitting at the bar for about fifteen. He was already done with his. We were there for at least 45 minutes before we even heard the specials. But again everything tasted amazing. The service was just ridiculously slow. Especially for over $200.
(4)
Krist Z.
Fine fine a la cart dining. It's a bit pricey but the food and service is impeccable. The portions are big so they somewhat makeup for the price. It has a dark romantic ambient indoor dining room as well as fire pits outside on the terrace. Great place for special events and celebrations. I gave this place 4 out of 5 stars because they don't let kids out in the terrace area and no one notified me prior to going there. Otherwise 5 stars.
(4)
Jennifer D.
The food here isn't great but I like the bread that they serve. Last time my husband and I went there our food came out cold. The filet mignon was dry and not juicy. The fish that my husband ordered was tasteless. I wouldn't go back just for the warm bread.
(3)
Brianna H.
The service was great. I got the chilean sea bass, and my boyfriend got a steak. We also got sides of spinach and garlic mashed potatoes. The portions were pretty huge but pretty pricey as well! Totally worth every penny! Overall everything was so delicious, but the best part was definitely our tuna appetizer!!
(5)
Seryl Z.
We went to larsons for the first time it was good the decor is nice and the lighted menues are great. The problem is the 25$ corkage fee! What if we were asked to pay for the glass of water it's the same amount of glass. It gets to be very pricy if you like to eat out often . Change the corkage or don't charge your good customers!
(3)
lisa s.
This is by far my favorite restaurant in the universe. I just went to Cecconis for my birthday ... Meh. Maestro's ... Good. Larsens .... Excellent!!!!!!!!! No words!!!!! Amazing!!!!! The best food, best happy hour, best service! Tracy, Derek and June took such attentive and amazing care of us! We will be back weekly! Ohhhh... One more thing, they are very heavy-handed on their drinks! Nooooo Pretentious restaurant with one little shot of alcohol and over juiced drinks. This is old school, they know how to do cocktails right! One drink and you're done! I love Larsens!!!!!!!!
(5)
Miguel M.
I totally recommend the grilled artichokes, the grilled asparagus and the strip steak
(5)
Christopher P.
Good food, but overpriced.
(3)
Chris B.
I just found my new favorite steakhouse in LA, and its only a 5 minute drive from me. PERFECT date location. Great layout and not overcrowded like you'd expect Flemming's or Morton's to be on a weekend night. 10/10 on the layout and ambience. The night I was there, they had a live piano player that added to the romantic and relaxing atmosphere. Service was 10/10, both our hostess and waitress were incredible pleasant, friendly and attentive. Now on to the important part - the food. We started with the tuna tartare, which was as you'd expect any fresh tuna tartare to be, except the portion here was surprisingly large. I had a 14 oz bone-in filet that was cooked medium rare perfectly. 10/10 on flavor and texture. My gorgeous date had herself the cedar plank grilled salmon which was also delicious. We split some, again, amazing mac & cheese as well as some garlic mashed potatoes that were done equally as well as everything else. Price wise - you're on par for a good steak house. For our meal, including 2 cocktails and no desert, the check was $165 which I think is more than reasonable for the dining experience we had that night. Oh and heads up - garage parking is $3 after 5PM (they take credit cards) I believe. It fills up once the Mediterranean club starts kicking after 9:30/10. If you can find side street parking, that may be your best bet.
(5)
Susan B.
Nice ambiance, love the piano bar, most of the food is decent, but won't be going back. I ordered the petite filet and lobster. The lobster was mushy and the lighting made it difficult to see if it was undercooked. My husband tried it and confirmed that the lobster was undercooked. We told the waitress who then told the maître d. He asked if something was wrong as if it was an absurdity. When my whole dish was returned, the lobster was reduced to 3 stiff minuscule lobster croutons. Talk about overkill! My husband and I laughed out loud when we saw it. I tasted one of the pieces and it was inedible. Even the busboy laughed when he brought my dish back. The maître d seemed annoyed when I wasn't grateful for the inedible lobster croutons. Really? In fairness, we were not charged for the $25 side of lobster. Not returning for substandard food and the stuffiness of a maître d who was way too aloof and the waitress seemed out of character as if waitressing was beneath her. Too pricey to be treated as if they are doing us a favor. Do yourself a favor and go down the street to Delmonico's.
(2)
Matthew B.
I love this place. Service is always fantastic, food is tremendous and they remember us whenever we come in even though we only dine there a few times a year. Lit menus are awesome - my eyes wish more restaurants would follow this idea. Larsen's is a neighborhood restaurant but you do forget you're in Encino while you're there. Glad to have them in town.
(5)
Al T.
The good: service was great. Pours were very good. Wedge salad and Cajun shrimp, creamed spinach were nice. Mac and cheese was (just) okay. The bad: Steaks were salty, overcooked and just woeful. Party of two couples, bill was $400, $480 with tip. Bottom line: Was nowhere near a $500 meal. Should have gone to Boa or Maestros. Never again
(1)
The Immature A.
Larsen's must rely on AppleMaps because they're a San Fernando Valley steakhouse whose menu prices are convinced they're located in Beverly Hills. That being said, the food is great. I recommend checking out Larsen's during Happy Hour where you can sample the quality of the food without having to roll quarters later. Derrick and Adam will treat you well while you devour those prime rib 'sliders' that moments ago were a huge french dip sandwich stealthily cut into 3. Stop by on a Thursday night, and you'll see me wiping au jus from my mouth on the second stool from the left. And for your own safety, keep your hands and feet away from my mouth while I'm chewing.
(4)
Steve T.
The layout of this place is really as good as it gets. The architecture gives an obvious upscale feel to it. It's on the 2nd floor and is round shaped with some tables overlooking Ventura Blvd. Theres a very nice outdoor section with fancy fireplaces. As soon as you enter, you will notice someone playing a grand piano, to fill the ambience of the restaurant with classical music. It's very soothing and relaxing. As for the food, light up menu's make it easy to order in the dimly lit place. The steaks themselves are stellar. My family ordered some seafood and they were very satisfied with it as well. Having been here 3 times already, we are returning customer's. It's also great that Cosco sells gift cards for this place which save a good 20%.
(5)
BridgetLoves L.
Went for boyfriends bday with two 9 year olds and his parents. Top notch service from start to finish. Food was impeccable. A terrific dining experience we loved. The sides are very generous- we recommend the Mac and cheese, creamed spinach and shrimp cocktail starter. Oh and for dessert... We really all loved the apple pie and pb chocolate cake. Next time we will try the flourless chocolate cake. See you in a few months!
(5)
Ali M.
they have the best steak ever in the whole los angeles
(4)
James A.
Very romantic and sexy steak house. We sat outside since where we live we can't (Phoenix to hottttt). I got the wedge salad with a appetizer of bacon wrapped shrimp, which were not shrimps, they were Huge! Salad was perfect, shrimp were very good, not over cooked. My date got the wedge salad, with the lobster bisque. I tried the bisque and it was yummy, not my cup of soup, but yummy! I sat and watched with envy as my date pulled giant morsels of lobster out of the soup. I think they stuffed an entire tail in the soup. If you are from Phoenix don't sit outside, you will freeze your balls off when the sun goes down. It dropped down to 73 degrees and we were shivering the whole time!
(5)
Kaywan S.
Apparently you get horrible service if you're not a certain insect starting with a W, and I'm not talking about bees. Good food though past the altitude.
(1)
Spencer K.
I came here for happy hour for the first time. I wasn't even thirsty and Derrick sold me two drinks! There's a good selection of items to eat and plenty to drink. All very reasonably priced and not skimpy with portions. Definitely my favorite happy hour spot in Encino.
(5)
Pebbles R.
Let me preface this review by saying that GM Nigel and Mngr Karen were wonderfully understanding supervisory staff who gave us a partial credit for the issue which was unexpected but appreciated :) Friendly hostess Prompt seating Filets ordered medium rare arrived over done Not at all as pink as preferred My friend was sent a new one that was still not pink enough and both were a bit dry Not moist & buttery and succulent like in previous visits and like as expected when ordering medium rare Also I had to eat alone while we waited 10 mins for his do over I ate very slowly and ended up eating a cold filet Sides were very tasty! Amazingly delicious. Staff all around very friendly but huge let down on filets - $98 for two just okay filets However, we will return due to exemplary service and lovely & understanding staff The atmosphere is moody It is almost too dark inside unless you prefer it, of course Had some difficulty reading menu and could hardly see my friend across the table & he's too cute to not see :) May try happy hour at some point. Hear it's very good. Bar area only I believe. & it's a small space but looked lively. A lot of chatter, drinks & good looking grub Wanted to join in! Next time. Also, Billy Bush is a regular cigar smoking, beer drinking, patio dweller...
(4)
Jeremy H.
Excellent Service... They seem to be out of some stuff but that's okay! The flavor in the steaks speaks for it self. We ordered Bacon wrapped Potatoes and the manager came out and apologized directly to say it was not up to his standards & agreed to credit 2 of our items ordered.
(4)
Amy C.
Very pleasantly surprised with this place! From the service to the bread to the meal, it was wonderful! Simon was our waiter and he truly made the experience enjoyable, kibbitzing with our table as if we were old friends. My father-in-law ordered a drink he wasn't too thrilled with, so Simon made sure to keep him happy with a new one. The complimentary bread was heavenly. I ordered the chopped salad with no cheese and loved every moment of it. Went on to have the stuffed chicken, asked for it unbreaded. They were happy to oblige. They even unstuffed the chicken and gave me a side of the stuffing so I could eat only as much of it as I wanted - brilliant! The garlic mash were pretty good too, although a little cold when they reached the table. Still, tasty, smooth, and just garlicy enough without being overpowering. Shared the apple crumble with the table, and although there was no crumble on it, it was still pretty tasty. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for an indulgent, lovely meal, as well as a great experience!
(4)
Randi L.
I had only eaten here once before, and this was an even better experience. The staff, the servers were all great, friendly, helpful. The food was really delicious. I had called ahead to say it was my friends birthday, and at desert time not only did they bring a wonderful dessert with a sparkler as a candle and a birthday card signed by all the servers and management! What a treat!! This is will be my new go to place for special occasions...
(5)
Jeff M.
Last night my sister was visiting and wanted a Steak I told her lets go to Larsen's. This place is a hidden gem in the SFV. we started off with oysters (Fannie Bay) they were so good. Then the Flemings salad which is always amazing. For the main course we all got steak and for the sides we got Mac n cheese and string beans. Mmmmmmm.....good. My steak was cooked to perfection. I will attach a photo of the steak. There is an outdoor patio to hang out smoke cigars and enjoy a good meal or a dimly lit romantic dining room with a gentleman playing the piano. Great wine selection full bar. This place is one if the best steakhouses in so cal for sure. Go try this place if you haven't yet.
(5)
L. J.
I guess I've been to Larsen's about 8 or 10 times in the last year and a half. I live just a block away, so it's the closest steakhouse to us. I have sat in the dining room a couple of times and many times at the bar. We also get takeout there occasionally. The bartenders are really skilled, quick to serve you and very friendly. We love the happy hour and the filet mignon sliders are amazing. There is also an amazing burger on the happy hour menu. The sliders are on a house made garlic bun with goat cheese, a hint of horseradish, arugula, caramelized onions and ask slice of really great filet mignon. I can tell you enough about how tasty they are; a friend sent me there to have them and they were even better than I expected. When it comes to steaks, we are ribeye people, bone in ribeye, that is. I'm a real critic of beef, so if you read my reviews of a steakhouse, they will be a little more hair splitting than most of my reviews. I was a chef for many years, a protein specialist at SYSCO Foods and I have lots of training in meat science from Texas A&M University! I know too much about meat, how to grade it, butcher it, cook it and review it. They have a good ribeye here, good is what it is. It's not epic or great, it's good. Nothing stands out about it and it certainly doesn't match the decor! If you around at the place, it's a super fancy steak house, the servers are decked out and the lights are real low! It's almost a little stuffy! I can't really say anything bad about Larsen's but I can never really get excited about it either. The service at the tables has varied a little on each visit. There are times that the servers are super accommodating and there are times that they spout rules and regulations about the menu, like, "You can't order the filet mignon sliders at a table, that's only bar food" (when the week before we were served the sliders without a problem at the table!) mind you the other people at the table were all having cowboy ribeyes and 20 year old scotches...we were dropping major $$$....therefore, the only thing I expect to hear is, "Yes, Mam!" The only thing I've really disliked is the sweet potatoes; I think the recipe tries too hard and just isn't good. If you have really done the tour of steakhouses, I'm sure you will agree that there's just no WOW factor here. My advice is to go for happy hour, get amazing service at the bar and have the great bar menu! Leave the steak dining for the one of the famous places on the west side!
(3)
Ingrid R.
The boyfriend and I had a pre valentine's day dinner the weekend before. Best idea ever... no crowds, no waiting! On top of that, we bought gift certificates at costco and saved an extra $40! The dinner began with a huge loaf of bread. I really dislike when restaurants serve you a delicious piece of carbs only to find out that it is COLD. Not here, though. This bread was warm and yummy. For dinner, I went with one of their specials. Rib eye wrapped in bacon with a blue cheese and seafood sauce. Now, I usually like my steak sans all the extras. Marinated with some sea salt and pepper, no sauces. But I was feelign adventurous. The steak was delicious. Cooked perfectly and full of flavor, though not overwhelming. My bf's regular rib eye kinda paled in comparison. We had the house wine ($9) which that night was a Napa's ravenswood cab. I somehow also managed to get some dessert in. A yummy chocolate lava type cake. perfect! Loved it!
(5)
Natalie K.
First off, let me say that the service once you are inside the restaurant and the food is excellent. HOWEVER, the hostess and reservations are another problem. My boyfriend called and made an 8:30 reservation. We were hungry earlier and wanted to change our reservations. He called and they said nothing was available. We were so hungry, I end up online to explore our other options. Sure enough, we find that Larsen's had a 7:15 available. We called again, and again the hostess rudely told us that was not the case. I went ahead and booked the reservation online. The hostess was rude when we got to the restaurant as well. With a reservation, she was trying to sit us in the worst seat in the house..... The restaurant should think twice about their first impression. It gave us an unpleasant feeling about the place the entire evening.
(2)
victor t.
Great food good ambiance the only thing that wasn't to my expectation was the service the busboy did everything that. The server didn't do !!! The server came twice to take my order and to see if got it , the busboy came time and time again got my drinks change my vegetables ask if I need it anything busboy you deserve the entire gratitude !!
(4)
Grant S.
Terrible experience last night. As a group of workmates who normally bring clients to the Valley for a Larsen's evening of ambiance and good food, we decided to take an out-of-town colleague out for what we expected to be the same. Arriving a little early we sat at the bar, ordered drinks, and were surprised that the bar was out of Jack Daniels. Unexpected for a popular drink, especially with a Ralphs 200 yds down the road. Food was *slow* to arrive My own steak, NY Strip, which I ordered 'well done', arrived in a pool of blood, and on cutting demonstrated a blood red center. My out-of-town colleague, who ordered his 'red but warm', had his arrive pink, the manager came and shone a flashlight on the steak - quite an unwelcome show - before taking the steak back. It returned red and *cold* (and without hte vegetables that were on the plate... another 15 minutes for them to find their way back) The reason you come to a "top" steakhouse is their ability to get it right, with meat that is tasty, and service that is excellent. Didn't happen here. Even by the end of our dinner (saved by lively and friendly conversation at our table), the bar still had no Jack Daniels - which would have at least demonstrated a noticeable service effort to have an employee run and purchase. Overall, a shabby experience as a location that has delivered exceptional in the past. Extremely disappointed.
(2)
Melissa A.
I was here with a group of friends for an evening of general celebration last week. We were seated quickly by a serviceable hostess, drinks came quick, food took about 40 minutes when the restaurant was about 80% full, so I can't complain. It's a nice atmosphere. Quiet enough to be able to speak in a normal voice, warm-but-cool medium-dim lighting, piano player, friendly/satisfactorily frequent service regarding appetizers and beverages. I had an amazing bone-in filet, some decent garlic mashed potatoes, an interesting cheese bread thing and an above-average glass of wine. Delicious apple pie for dessert. I'd come back.
(4)
Isaura R.
This place is awesome but pretty pricy! My husband and I decided to splurge on valentines day and found this restaurant. overall our dinners and alcoholic beverages ranged at $150. but for me the quality of the food and service was well worth the money. it has a very romantic ambience and there was a man playing the piano the whole time!
(5)
Kim S.
Had dinner there with a small group of 5. With this group, we often do nice dinners so I've been to many steak houses and this one was not too shabby. I would still say that Mortons or Mastros or Boa are better, but for the valley, this was pretty good. The service was great--wait staff was knowledgeable and friendly and attentive. We ordered some drink that came out right away. We got some appetizers: shrimp cocktail, bacon wrapped shrimp and oysters. They were all good, but not amazing. For dinner, 4 of us got steaks and 1 person got salmon. I got the rib eye and it was done just right. Everyone liked their meals. For sides, we got asparagus (good), green beans (good but too much sauce on them), lobster mashed potatoes (actually had a lot of lobster...a little too much actually) and creamed corn (not very good). All in all, the meal was good. Not oh my gosh amazing, but good. I would go there again for sure.
(4)
Bryan W.
Solid steak house I you are looking for a place to eat in Encino.
(3)
David Y.
I didn't know too much about this place with signage of 'LS' thrown about but after dining there, I was impressed as much as you can be... and believe me, I've done most of them around, this is one fine establishment. This location is on the 2nd floor (originally a Daily Grille if memory serves me correctly) and it might seem unimportant for the location but it actually helps. Not seeing people walking by or cars whizzing by certainly accentuates the already fine interior design for a very comfortable higher-end experience. All the steaks are dry aged and THEN wet aged on the premise and cooked a lot more slowly than other steakhouses, making this one amazing piece of beef. I ordered the 20 oz Porterhouse (about $60) medium rare, and it came as such. A friend ordered the bone-in Rib Eye and felt it was over cooked. They cooked him a new one and it was taken off the bill just like that. We didn't even make a stink about it! That's true dedication to quality that I just don't see anymore. The sides are about $10 each and larger portions than I've seen at some of the finer establishments. Because of the size, we didn't order too many side dishes but we ordered: macaroni & cheese (delicious and they use rigatoni... interesting!), steak fries (some of the best steak fries I've had in a long time and piping hot), sauteed broccolini (good), grilled asparagus (good), creamed corn (always good). Next time I'll have to try the Lobster Mashed Potatoes ($30)! Basically, this is as good as it gets. The prices here are comparable to all other steakhouses with generous portions for the sides and excellent desserts as well. Hot Fudge Sundae is NOT on the menu but it was what I wanted and they found a way to hook it up. Wolfgang Puck's Cut and Mastro's were both my top two favorite steakhouses for a long time but I might need to re-evaluate after experiencing Larsen's. They deserve a visit.
(5)
Ando T.
bacon wrapped shrimp is a must!!!
(5)
Richie D.
Came here for a friend's surprise birthday... it all worked out very well. We had the surprise outside in the patio. Not enough heat lamps though but we tough it out. I started at the bar with a drink... I tried their peruvian pisco sour. I do not recommend it. Not done well. I had the Chilean Sea Bass with the creamy garlic smashed potato. Both very good. The sides are definitely big enough to share between 2 people. I know... going to a steakhouse to have seafood?! What was I thinking? But I was cutting back on the red meat but I'll be back for sure! Located on the 2nd floor inside a plaza. Parking garage and street parking available.
(4)
Darrel H.
Outstanding food I had the pleasure of visiting Larsen's for my birthday and I was pleasantly surprised. Lets start with the location Woodley Ave & Ventura Blvd in Encino Ca. The restaurant is located on the second level of this upscale boutique shopping center. There is an outdoor lounge area with heat lamps, so gentlemen if you are a cigar smoker you will be in heaven. Inside very low lighting and very quant. My wife and I had dinner at the bar so I can't tell you much about the dining area. The bartenders were great and are true bartenders that actually know how to make a drink. They are not servers subbing as bartenders like some restaurants do. So lets get on with the food, for appetizers we ordered bacon wrapped shrimp you get four nice size shrimp wrapped in bacon very tasty, this could actually be a meal. For the main course I ordered the Hawaiian Rib Eye absolutely delicious, my wife ordered the lamb chops which are to die for. For our sides and very few restaurants have this dish, the lobster mashed potatoes unbelievable. They are about $30 but well worth it, they do not hold back on the lobster, we also ordered the asparagus just to put a little green on our plate. Oh and for desert pecan pie a la mode, OMG!!! Five stars ladies and gentlemen.
(5)
Eric R.
Everytime I go here it just gets better and better!! First of all the service was excellent. the bread they bring you is freshly made and is amazzing!! I got the Rib Eye, it was great. My girlfriend got the petite filet mignon, that was great too, except it was really petite... It could have been a little bigger. Overall I give this place a 2 thumbs up!! Eric R
(5)
Tom G.
One the best steak houses I have eaten at. Great service, the food was amazing. I would highly recommend this place. Well worth the $100 per person.
(4)
Sabrina P.
Amazing service. Very welcoming. Lighted menus which are perfect for the low lighting. Amazing prices. Amazing food-fish tacos, prime rib sliders, BREAD. It's all made on the premises. No frozen foods. Amazing experience. Feels like a local family spot but it's nice and everyone is so friendly. JR, Adam,Derek. Awesome.
(5)
Edouard S.
Celebrated a good friends birthday here yesterday, was a pleasant experience. I'm a sucker for live music, especially a good piano player..Combine that with good food and service, i'm a happy camper. Food - I ordered Tuna Tartar and Crab cakes, they were good, typical and nothing special. For main course, I decided to pass on steak and went for Crab Legs, I made the right choice, they were excellent. Had creamy corn and mac and cheese for sides, both were delicious. Service - Service was solid, cant complain..A steak was prepared poorly and overcooked but they took care of it and brought out a new one. I have to come back and try the steaks.
(4)
Kristina K.
Went on a first date here the other night (It was a Sat night) around 8pm. Parking structure is available for parking if you can't find street parking but it is $3 after 5pm. They DO take cards though. You have to take 2 escalators to get up to the level that Larsen's is on, so ladies if you wear heels, be aware or take the elevator (which I couldn't find at the parking level) My first impression was that the establishment was small but cozy. Dark inside but romantic. Live piano player which adds to the ambiance. IT isn't too stuffy or pompous but you will want to dress to impress. The menus light up so you don't have to squint to read or get out your iphone for light. genius! I don't know why more fancy places don't have these menus! We didn't have to wait long for our table at all and we were seated just off to the side of the bar in a booth meant for up to 6 people (It was just 2 of us dining!); so I was comfortable! The waiter was informative and great. The bread was a bit doughy for me but the taste was good; I only had a smidgen. We shared a bottle of wine and the small seafood tower; all the shellfish were incredibly fresh and amazing. Lobster bites, crab legs, shrimp, mussels, clams...I was in heaven. Once we devored the "tower" I had the chopped salad which was incredible on it's own! Lots of groceries in the salad, so tasty! Date had the salmon and a side of green beans which I didnt try but he seemed to really enjoy it. We glanced at the dessert menu but didnt get anything; some great options though so I would try to save some room! I didnt even glance at the bill but I am sure it was an expensive dinner! The small tower alone was like $80 I think and the bottle of wine at the minimum was $50...everything is a la carte and the sides are large enough to share. Bring your credit card cause this will be an expensive evening!
(4)
Michael E.
Excellent from start to finish; My grass fed filet arrived perfectly prepared and their peppercorn sauce was delicious. The lettuce wedge and oysters (huge) were scruptious. Service was terrific and I'm not sure why we haven't been here sooner.
(4)
Sarah S.
I love going to Larsen's for happy hour! Great ambience, great class, good food and drinks! The bartenders and serving staff are so attentive....this is what you call 5-star service!! They have a great wine selection and not to mention amazing steaks!! Oh, and If you love oysters, you gotta try them here! This is my go to place after work when I just need to wind down. Thank you Larsen's!!
(5)
Pamela M.
There were three in our party: myself, my grown daughter and my husband who was celebrating a birthday offering us the reason to come to this overpriced and over-hyped eatery. It was early (6:30pm) on a Monday and there were only about six other parties in the entire restaurant and during the TWO HOURS before we got out of there, we were served, what was called, Caesar salad, which was warm and glooped with bottled dressing, and no Parmesan, an onion soup which tasted as if it came out of a can and had two pieces of tasteless Melba toast floating on top, warm -- not hot -- steak (which to be fair, was tender and most delicious but indefensibly overpriced) and then one excuse after another: (ie: the Web site shows sushi but we were told there was no sushi at *that* Larsen's; they were out of certain desserts; the desserts they *did* have were *left over* from Valentine's Day two days previous to our visit). The meal came to $327 for this "experience." I did something I have NEVER done which was to leave a 10% tip. Our "waiter" (I don't know if he's the franchise owner -- he never introduced himself to us -- called us the next day and offered yet *another* excuse saying he had been short a waiter that night. uh huh. That was a rationalization but it fell far short of an apology; he should have invited us back...on the house because I will *never* go back to *that* Larsen's again and I recommend you find a different one as well.
(2)
John L.
OK so this is a place in the league of Ruth Chris and Company. Not impressed. The restaurant was nice. and the service was food. Our waitress was terrific. The said was ok but was wilted and over dressed. We ordered the garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus, a filet and a rib eye. First the mashed potatoes were good but the garlic was left in the kitchen. The asparagus was also not well seasoned. The filet was done nicely but the seasoning was all in one spot. At least 50 percent of the filet was not seasoned. The rib eye came out with a nasty burnt taste. They did take it back and brought out another which was better but not that well seasoned. It also meant that I sat there while my wife ate and then she had to sit there while I ate. As it was 15-20 minutes before I got my steaks. At a fine dining restaurant this was not acceptable. If this had happened at almost any other restaurant they would have thrown us a free dessert or something. Here they did nothing. Ok if we were comparing this experience to say a sizzler or the coffee shop at Canoga Bowl I would say it was very competitive but as against the top and middle steak houses in Los Angeles. Not even close. For 160 some odd dollars for dinner for 2 your money can be better spent elsewhere. Almost anywhere else.
(1)
Anna S.
Came here last year and never went back. If I'm going to pay $50+ for a steak, then it better have some flavor! I could have made better steak at home for wayyyy cheaper. My fiance and I are huge steak lovers, so we're not afraid to spend more on some good steak....and we were hoping to find a steakhouse closer to where we live instead of having to go all the way to Beverly Hills or Santa Monica. Man...we were disappointed. The service was lacking, the food wasn't great. There was a table of a few well-dressed business men at the table next to us and they told us they have been waiting forever for their food and it wasn't even that great either. I hope they have stepped it up. They are at a great location for people in the valley, but I will have to travel back to BH or SM for my steak. +1 star for having a variety of options and a nice menu.
(1)
Mick R.
Overpriced. They did not know where the Wagyu beef was from. No pedigree information. Just that it was grade 8. The Tomato and Mozzarella salad was inedible. The mussel and clam gravy was decent, the mussels were ok, but the clams were worthless and too tiny to eat. The steaks were ok, the french fries were good, and the macaroni and cheese was great. I had the bone in rib eye, but the best was the grass fed fillet. Everything about the order was screwed up, things came out of order, things were not right, the filet had to be sent back, the meal dragged on for 3 hours. Not that that's a bad thing. The also poured a vintage port when a tawny was asked for, and they did not correct. No artisan cheeses. Did not have dessert. I'm from San Francisco, and Los Angeles needs to get caught up on food. I wish I had gone to Mozza instead.
(2)
Tamara C.
This is truly a fabulous Steakhouse in every sense of the word.. Nice ambience, the dim lighting & old steakhouse feel also gave way to modern features like back lit menues. We sat at the bar and were welcomed by a very friendly and attentive bar tender and wait staff. We started with cocktails and I ordered a Moscow Mule which was refreshing, delicious and served in a icy copper mug. The bartender then told the story of the Moscow Mule and the Copper Bucket which was just as interesting as the cocktail. We started with Lobster Bisque, which was fantastic with big chunks of lobster and a creamy base. There was no problem with our request to split the soup and it came with a warm loaf of Larsen's home made bread. For our main course which we also shared with no splitting fee, we had a Bone in Filet Mignon charrred rare, which was perfectly cooked and melted in your mouth. Our sides were the Garlic Mash Potatoes (a must have) and the Spinach which was equally good. If you enjoy a good steakhouse; you can't go wrong with Larsens.
(5)
Bella F.
Loved it! Everything was perfect. My family like this restaurant more then Mastro's.
(5)
Brooke M.
9 of us went there for a birthday dinner. I believe Lisa was our server. The restaurant was beautiful, the service was outstanding, and the food was beyond amazing! With 3 bottles of wine, 5 shots of tequila, a few beers, a bunch of appetizers, the bill was $1007.00. Considering all that it really wasn't that expensive. It was worth every penny just to have a place like that around. I was there 30 seconds before I told my husband we are coming here for our upcoming anniversary. Well done Larsen's!!!
(5)
John C.
average quality.....not going back here again though.
(3)
andrea a.
great happy hour- especially for sleepy Encino! Friday nights are very crowded though. Derrick , the main Bartender, is AMAZING but could use more help before 6 or 6:30...he is spread too thin trying to help every customer on his own. Otherwise it is a fun place to go for Happy Hour with Friends, Co-workers or your honey..
(4)
Allison T.
I've had dinner at Larsen's several times. The food is fantastic, staff is very friendly and accommodating, but the boothes are a bit small and there's not much on the menu that my younger kids enjoy.
(4)
Daniel M.
If only i was able to put zero stars! First off me and my girlfriend made reservations here only to find out they want to place us in the only HALF booth they own with zero lamps but expect this little piece of shit battery powered candle will suffice to supply some sort of light for our table. Its then we meet our waiter who i personally liked because he had great personality. He took great care of us and made sure we always were satisfied. Our drinks were on point for being an old fashion and strawberry basil martini. The bread they gave was just straight delicious. The bad started when the main course came. I had ordered a medium rare porter house and my lady had order a med rare hawaiian ribeye. I gotta say my porter house was perfect. But unfortunately the hawaiian ribeye was WAY over cooked. It wasn't even close to a medium rare. We had mentioned this to our waiter who was more than accommodating and as he went looking for his manager, who was nowhere to be found, he just took matters into his own hands and had the chefs recook a new streak. After another 10-15 mins of waiting for her steak (while i ate my porter house (: lol) they finally brought her ribeye back out which this time was straight RARE. Now i never had ordered a rare steak before but they brought out was a piece of charred slab of meat on the out and was gross and chewy and cold on the inside (i assume they turned the heat up on high for a few seconds and served it to us) at this point she had filled up on the super delicious bread and lobster potatoes. After the third time on her steak they finally got the medium rare right. If only she wasn't full and able to eat more then two bites. The manager finally showed up at this time with a flash light (again we were sat in the only that didn't have a lamp) and when he asked how the steak was this time and she told him good he just turned around and walked away. Never a apology or anything. We immediately asked for a box and check and the very kind waiter offered a free desert for the inconvenience but at this point we were so fed up and ready to leave. Once we received our check the manager walked by and with out skipping a step in his stride he walked by said free drink on me an kept on moving. I was very disappointed with management and how he addressed issues such ad these but thankfully our waiter defiantly made up for the managers bad manners and terrible customer service. I am a huge fan of steak houses (such as STK, MASTRO's, BOA, HOUSTON'S, FLEMING's ect) and just because of one inconsiderate garbage manager decided not to provide with a half decent quality in service i WILL NEVER EAT HERE AGAIN. When i spend over 200 on a dinner i expect some sort of respect, and not a drive by free $10 drink when it took three attempts to cook a $60 steak. But hey at least they got my porter house right first attempt if that offers some sort of conciliation prize! Thanks LARSENS for the terrible experiance!
(1)
Brian C.
Service on the patio tonight blows. Be sure to check in with the hostess before sitting down! Words can not describe how dissappointed we were of Larson's tonight.
(1)
Steve M.
In all truth, I've been a fan of a Larsen's competitor - Morton's, for a long time. Larsen's is in many way *better*. The steaks actually taste better.
(5)
Andy D.
I'm a bit of a steakhouse lover... my favorite being BOA in West Hollywood. That being said, I gotta say, I love Larsen's for a place in the Valley. The bread they have, if there is such a thing as a break god, it's been cooked by a bread god. That's not even getting into the food, that's just the fucking bread. Oh, and the shittiest Pinot Noir wine they have is way better than most places offer for their top selection. Yeah, and then there is the steak... the gods have smiled from the heavens and blessed the steak with their holy taste buds. Overall, I just can't say anything but great things about Larsen's! I've been there so many times. They also have a great fire pit balcony thing going on. Come to think of it, I need to get my ass back to Larsen's this week. Love it.
(5)
Larry K.
We were given a $ 50 Gift Card, so decided to try Larsen's out. I read the YELP reviews and decided that we would eat at the bar instead of in the dining areas. We arrived at 6:15 and there were two other people in the bar. I immediately said hello to the bartender, who introduced himself as Derrick. Well, many of the YELP reviews mentioned Derrick the terrific bartender. He turned out to be even better than that. He was a wonderful gentleman. He helped us decide what to drink and eat and carried on a great conversation the entire time we were there. He made the evening special. Eating at the bar was a good idea. Now to the drinks and food. NOT PERFECT. I ordered a Margarita. It was very good, but for $15 that was outrageous. This was one of the most expensive drinks I've had recently. Even drinks at the best hotels in LA don't cost $15, especially a margarita. As for the food, we ordered the Grass Fed Filet Mignon Bacon Special with Blue Cheese and Scallops and Shrimp salsa. In addition, we ordered the New York Steak and a side of Potatoes Au Gratin along with a side of Sweet Potatoes. We ordered both steaks RARE, even blood red or purple. The Filet was delicious. The New York was so-so, a little grainy. However, it turned out that my special, not on the menu, was $68 without any sides. That was highly overpriced for a 10 oz. Filet. The Au Gratin Potatoes were very dry and too cheesy, almost impossible to eat. They were nothing like the Lionaise Potatoes at Morton's. The Sweet Potatoes had a mini-marshmallow topping. It was good tasting, but couldn't have cost them more than 50 cents to make. These sides were $10 each. Now for the thing that ruined our evening: The Filet arrived Medium instead of rare and the New York was straight MEDIUM, with hardly any red -- almost Medium Well. I spoke to Derrick and told him that it was inexcusable for a steak house to cook meat wrong. And for a $200 check, we were grossly disappointed. Note that we did NOT have any starter or a dessert and only one drink each. Morton's is still our favorite steak house. They have NEVER cooked our steaks wrong. Something is clearly wrong for a kitchen to overcook prime steaks. We won't be back. Too bad, because Derrick is such a great person. We may just have to come here for a quick beer sometime just to say hello to him.
(3)
Sheri C.
Have been here twice within the past week, once for a business lunch and again for dinner. For lunch I ordered the French cut veal porterhouse and grilled asparagus. The veal was tasty, but with a bit of gristle that interfered with the delectability of the dish. But still, it was good. The asparagus was grilled to perfection and very good. The other person devoured the filet mignon, so obviously it was really good...and she said so. Her fries were excellent too. A friend wanted to take me to Larsen's Steakhouse, who coincidentally didn't know I had just eaten there. This time I had the filet mignon; it was cooked to perfection, very tender and great tasting. I had a salad and it was fantastic! Forgot which one it was, but was impressed, as I eat more salads than anything else and this was a great one. My friend had the ribeye steak and creamy garlic mashed potatoes. Really really good! The wine with dinner was good, and the service both times was excellent. Some people complain about the prices, but if they can't afford it, or don't like to pay them, then they probably shouldn't go there rather than spend and complain.
(5)
Zakia W.
This place is awesome! I don't have any complaints :) The staff was very helpful and attentive. The ambiance is very nice and relaxing. The food was absolutely incredible and mouth watering. Great place for a special occasion. I even got a call today from Larsen's asking how my dining experience was! Awesome :)
(5)
Christie R.
half-assed, incredibly condescending apology from the manager for poor, shitty service. after reading through several of the comments below, i see i'm not the only one who thinks its manager and the restaurant itself has a unspoken policy of treating its customers differently. great happy hour menu though so i gave it a star.
(1)
Meredith R.
My boyfriend & I took my Dad and his wife out for a Thank you dinner. We are big fan's of the classic steakhouse with the ridiclous size sides. We usually make the trek over the hill for Mastro's but decided to give this valley steakhouse a try. We arrived for our 8pm reso right on time but the gal said they were running 10 minutes late. No problemo we waltzed over to the bar to kill time and ended up waiting 30 minutes for our table. Side note the bar was extremely busy so when were able to flag down a bartender he rattled off a couple wines- I choose a wine off the list and to my great surprise my bill was $25 for a glass of wine - WTF ? We finally were seated and the waitress was trying to be nice about our long wait but ended up being very aggresive in rushing us to order. On to the food- To start I order the caesar salad with anchovies,then for the main I ordered the petite filet mignon medium rare. We also sides for the table which were mac n cheese, broccooli rabe, and cream of corn. The bread came out very fast and it was freshly baked deliciousness ! Really great start unfortunately it was down hill after that. I choose a Caesar salad because usually that something a steakhouse makes from scratch and it excellent. To my disappointment my salad was just blah and there was no taste of anchovies at all. My steak was the highlight and it was cooked to perfection . The sides on the other hand were complete shit- the mac n cheese tasted like velveeta gooey disgustingness,while the cream of corn tasted like a cup of sugar fell into it, and the broccolii rabe was too spicy. In addition to the meal the wine was so outrageously priced! Their mark up is quadrouple the cost. We will not be returning this definitely was not enough bang for the buck.
(2)
Bobby C.
We dined here on Valentines Day. We were running late due to traffic but we called Larsen's and the hostess was very polite and assured us we would have a table when we arrived late. That was the case when we got there ($3 for parking in the lot below), and we were seated promptly. They serve you a large loaf of cheese bread when you arrive which is very good, but don't fill up on it! We started with the clams and mussels which come in a tasty broth and some toasted baguette slices. That was very good and almost too filling. We shared a bone-in ribeye that was cooked to perfection, a redder medium rare which was exactly how we like our steak. It was delicious by the way. Not overly seasoned and so juicy. We also split a glass of their house cab which was mellow and fruity. You'll need to order any side separately but they come in a large portion so it's enough for at least two, we got the creamed spinach, also tasty. Great place for a special occasion!
(5)
Trenna H.
I had a really good experience at Larsen's the food and customer service was stellar. I was celebrating my boyfriends birthday, so I splurged a little for the dinner but it was worth it. I made reservations online and made note in the comment section that we were celebrating a birthday. When we arrived their was a Larsen's birthday card signed by the staff on the table and the pianist did a birthday song. I felt that was a very thoughtful extra touch based merely on my note in online reservation. We both had the Bone In Rib Eye Steak and it was big but very tender and juicy and sides mashed potatoes and asparagus. A good place for special occasion or for those who can eat within that $$$ range on regular. My only con would be I wish the location offered a nice city view to add to the indoor ambience. Being on the upper level of strip mall takes away somewhat from it being a romantic date spot. I will definitely return when I want to stay local within the valley and not tussle with the LA and Beach city traffic.
(4)
Dee D.
Happy Hour here is awesomeeee, making their expensive prices reasonable for the average joe. It's everyday from 5-7pm. So it is basically the after work spot. GREAT FOOD good drinks. They have an outside area with fire pit too. And if you happen to go for lunch, make sure you get the open faced steak and avocado sandwich. It never disappointing. Their bread alone melts in your mouth and the steak is so delish.
(5)
Steve V.
PROS: - It's a great place for a nice quiet dinner, accompanied by mellow live piano, followed by drinks in the patio - The staff is great, the food is great. - Excellent management (very understanding) - Beautiful outdoor patio with fire-pits and heat lamps for those cold evening Cons: - Closes too early MENU ITEMS I LIKE: - Excellent ahi tuna steak (biggest portion I have had anywhere ) - Creamed corn side - Steak is great
(5)
Ariel B.
Being back the honey butter! Most delicious food! This place is great when you are in the mood for yummy food or a lovely place to dine for a special occasion. The staff is super great and knowledgable; and the ambience is really nice. I have come here lots of times and always had a wonderful experience. Looking at some of the reviews I don't understand how this place has 3 1/2 stars. Some people that have dined here and have negative things to say really need to get off their high horse. It's a delicious and delightful experience. If you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all. People want to know how the food is, not how rude you are.
(5)
Cherrylaine A.
the ribeye steak was yummyyyy!!!!
(4)
Steven B.
Nice place can't wait to go back for happy hour!the drinks are strong and the bread pudding is so good. Also the service is really good.
(5)
Richard B.
If you love steak, it is hard to go wrong with any of their prime steaks. Better still, the mac and cheese and the creamed corn has a serious drool factor. Highly recommended, and much better than the NY style clip joints over the hill.
(4)
Adam H.
***IF YOU HAVE FOOD ALLERGIES, I WOULD NOT DINE HERE. *** Let me begin by saying, everything started off nice here: Setting, service, waiter, etc all seemed nice. But even then, I thought it was sub par considering the prices on the menue. But, Here's the reason for my poor review... I have very sensitive food allergies and I let our server know right from the beginning specifically what i am allergic to and to make note of anything that I order to be sure it doesnt have those ingredients in my order (peanuts or fish). He seemed sensitive to the situation as he mentioned he has a gluten allergy as well. However, a few bites into my beef tartar appetizer (which i've had numerous times elsewhere), I started to feel an allergic reaction come on. Before having to rush home to take my medicine, I asked our server if my food contained any known ingredients which can be harmful and his reply was, "No. However, we cant prevent any cross-contamination." He also continued to mention that he has had allergic reactions at this place (where he works) even though he's made them aware of his food allergies as well. This leaves me to believe that Larsen's Steakhouse restaurant does not use proper cleaning and cooking habits and uses shared equipment w/o properly cleaning in between dishes. Maybe it's just me, but if I'm eating at a "nice restaurant" (~$100/pp), I expect to have zero issues or concerns of "cross-contamination" when I make aware of a life threatening food allergy. I have eaten out quite often and at usually similar quality places (mortons, mastros, sushi restaurants, etc) and have never had a problem when they are aware of my particular allergies. Needless to say, my birthday dinner was ruined and my family had to finish their meals w/o me while I was home sick contemplating going to the ER. I had high expectations for this place but unfortunately, will not be coming back as they are too much of a liability for my health. I have had better experiences at Mastro's, Morton's, and even Flemings to name a few.
(2)
Cory C.
I have heard great things about this place for quite a while, and finally got the opportunity to go there last night. We had a reservation at 8:00 and we were shown to our table as soon as we walked in, and it was a saturday night. Restaurant seems almost full, noise level not a problem. My wife and I split a porterhouse steak, wedge salad and two sides. Enough for three easily. We brought our won bottle of wine, paying the $20 corkage. Asked for medium rare on steak, came slightly well done, but still very tasty. Wedge salad was excellent as well as were the garlic mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. Only slight miss was service, slow and not very attentive. Pricey steakhouse in same vein as Ruth Chris and Maestros, but lacking in the service. We will definitely be going back.
(4)
Kevin T.
We all know the American steakhouse concept; large portions of food and drink ordered ala carte, and pay large prices at the end. Larsen's is no exception. Like a few of the other reviews mentioned, I live on this side of the hill and was looking for a steakhouse. Not wanting to drive over the hill, we found this place and went. We were able to get a 830pm reservation on a Friday night last minute. Try doing that at Mastro's or BOA. True to form, we shared an appetizer, got a steak for two, two sides, one martini, and $150 later we had ourselves a meal. Our filet tartar, was heavy on the mustard, and our server, recognized our disapproval and kindly removed it from the table and our bill. Our porterhouse for two was cooked properly, green beans were overcooked and unsalted, and garlic mashed potatoes were fine. No dessert as I mentioned above. The ambience was the classic steakhouse theme. A piano, dark lighting, and a staff uniformed in jackets and ties. My wife liked the lighted menus, as a way to alleviate the strain on your eyes caused by a dimly lit place. Service was average, although at times was a bit slow. If you do come here, I suggest coming earlier in the evening than we did. It seems that as the night gets later, the staff all congregate in the bar with the other employess that have finished their work. It makes asking somebody for salt an awkward task. Surely our server isn't the only person responsible for our service. It would seem that there are plenty of steakhouse choices in LA. Most of them cost $150+/- for two people. Most of them have a piano and and well-cooked steaks. I can think of a handful of them though that just do it all a bit better than Larsen's. The next time that I go to a steakhouse though, I will go elsewhere.
(2)
Mazen B.
Great place. Good food. Very nice quiet ambience. James our server was extremely nice and courteous. Will definitely go back.
(4)
Jessie T.
I love the atmosphere here... very CLASSY... I do think the menu is a little over priced for my taste. I do enjoy the "Happy Hour" here, it has great pricing and yummy food choices.
(4)
Jeffrey E.
I come here for lunch and for a splurge dinner. The lobster bisque is delicious and contains a surprising amount of lobster. It's pretty much all you need for a meal. The steak salad with blue cheese and pralined pecans is excellent. And the tuna tartar is great. For dinner, the KC strip steak has been outstanding. Pricey, but when you get it you don't come away thinking, "this was no better than what I could buy and cook at home." I also like their creamed spinach recipe. Not sure what makes it so great, but it's amazing. My gripes are: (1) lousy diet coke. This won't make sense unless you are a diet coke addict. But the stuff that comes out of the multi-drink spigot at the bar is never mixed right. (2) staff is frequently inept or inattentive, which rankles at a place with upscale ambitions. We have had very long waits to get an order taken, drinks don't get refilled, and we've been brought the wrong thing several times. But overall, I like the atmosphere, and the food is undeniably good. Oh, I don't like getting a follow up phone call after the meal. It's intrusive.
(4)
Emily B.
This was my first time at Larsen's and we were a group of 11. Our group are regulars at Ruth's Chris, Maestros, Flemings and other steakhouses in the area. The dining room is nice, a bit dark, and their lighted menus are cool, albeit some have pages are not working and they are heavy. That all being said, the steaks here are nowhere near the realm of the steakhouses I mentioned above and they are too HIGH/OVERLY priced for what you are getting. We had to return two steaks, one twice and a fish dish. The bone-in ribeye was charred and over cooked, requested medium rare. We sent it back and the replacement was cooked correctly, but was not seasoned well. The filet mignon was sent back twice for being over cooked and not seasoned well. The sole was soaked in lemon and inedible. The cream served with coffee after dinner was spoiled...the replacement also was spoiled - two cups of coffee undrinkable. The maitre d' did attempt to smooth things out but one cannot fix something that is broken. The broken is the food quality, seasoning and knowing how to cook a steak. I was so excited to see the roasted garlic bulb on each plate but only to discover it was cold by the time the plates were served. Not sure how this restaurant is staying in business. My suggestion in a fix: Gordon Ramsey!
(1)
Matt K.
Overpriced. Decent steak and atmosphere but not close to others like Maestro and Capital Grille.
(3)
Mona J.
My fiance and i had such a wonderful experience here. Im a pescatarian so steak houses have never really been my thing, but my fiance is a steak LOVER so i found this place near us and decided to check it out! Our server was fun and relatable and helped us out with recommendations. I had an amazing seafood dish and he had the Hawaiian Steak. I think it was the one steak they said do differently than places like Mastros etc. He loved it! I even called back the next day to tell them what a wonderful experience we had and i normally never would go out of my way to do that! Great staff and good food. Check it out!
(5)
Randall H.
Just when you think customer service is a thing of the past, the management at Larsens goes above and beyond to make everything right! Recently I dined there, as I have several times before, and we ran into some issues with the meal. The manager Nigel went beyond the call of duty to make right and even called me a couple of days later to personally talk to me about our experience. If you are in the valley and looking for a steak house that not only serves an amazing steak but cares about their customers, Larsens is it! Enjoy!!
(5)
Paul D.
Very expensive, as is common for steakhouses. Service was excellent. Steak, however,was mediocre at best -- not nearly as good as backyard barbecue or Ruth's Chris. It, for $60, shared, was just an undistinguished blob plopped on plate. No charring, taste, or distinction. House wine was good. Broccoli au gratin was delicious, although hardly virtuous. Ultimately, very disappointing.
(2)
Keith J.
All my meals here have been near perfect, with tasty food and great service. Steakhouses are pricey, and this place is no exception. But there's a way to beat what could easily be a $100 per person tab. We didn't order a salad this last trip, and then had a DELICIOUS 24 oz bone-in rib eye split between the two of us. That gives each person 8 oz minimum of meat (which is enough for one intestine to handle in an evening). The steak was cooked perfectly (they even got "medium-rare plus" right), and in it you can taste the slight funkiness of a small amount of dry-aging (plus additional wet-aging). And that's a good thing. It's what places like Ruth's Chris misses with wet-aging only. They had a variety of specials, several of which had caramelized bleu cheese crusts (damn that sounds good). Will definitely need to try one of these next visit. Creamed corn for one side, and au gratin potatoes for another. Perfectly done, both of them, with great flavor. Meals come with a huge wheel of freshly baked cheese bread. To die for. Didn't order wine this time, but they have a nice wine list. By the glass is up there, between 9 and 15 dollars. In the past, I've had very nice wines there. We both did iced tea. I liked mine, but Ken didn't particularly like the flavor of his, and asked that it be replaced with a Coke. And it was, with quiet whisper-fast precision. We shared a dessert, an absolutely perfect apple pie, with real live apple slices! (I hate pies that are just jelly-mush). Nice crust with a hint of caramel, and served with vanilla ice cream. And not a small dessert either. With tax and a generous tip, we got outta there for exactly $111. Not bad for two people at a prime steakhouse. Atmosphere is VERY nice at this place. Dark, clubby, contemporary, with beautiful soft lighting. And of course the cool lighted menus. A modern guy's type-of-place, but a woman would be very comfy there too. Wonderful for a date. Perhaps a bit too seductive for a business meeting, unless it's a meal that's celebrating a newly inked deal. Excellent, and I'm very glad this place is nearby in Encino and doing well.
(5)
Eri V.
My boyfriend and I tried Larsen's on Saturday night in March 2012. Our reservation was 7:45 pm and got a table after several minutes. It was a typical steak house interior -- dark, piano playing, booth seating, fake candles and servers in uniform -- but rather cheap and tacky side. A menu with back light was not working well. We sat at 8 pm and ordered our salads and steaks. A cheese bread came immediately, however. we then waited, waited and waited for good 30 min to get our wedge salads. While we were waiting, our server never came to check on us and no apologies for a wait. It turned out a salad was the best part of our meal. The steaks. petite fillet and rib-eye, were not bad but not worth the price. With the same price range, I would rather go to Wolfgang's or Morton's in BH (and the service is much better at these restaurants). We never return.
(2)
J. M.
I've been to Larsens a few times and we've always had good service and usually good steaks. I took my parents and wife there last Friday night and had a strange evening. Nothing majorly bad happened but it was just a number of small annoying things that contrived to make the visit not as fun as it usually is! I'll list what happened before rating the food and service:- 1. The menu's. We were handed 4 menus. 3 of them were actually the dinner menus, 1 of them was the same shaped menu but for wine. We also had a separate wine menu. Not a massive problem, my parents had to share a menu in the semi darkness but just small attention to detail. They should have looked at the menus before handing them to us, especially if they have multiple menus of the same size. As I said no biggie. 2. The food we ordered was wrong/missing. My Mum is somewhat of a picky eater and asked for her stuffed chicken to have no cheese and another ingredient removed (I can't remember which and the entree isn't listed on the menu on their website). The chicken dish came with the ingredients my Mum had asked to be omitted. My Mum didn't want to cause a fuss at the restaurant and said nothing, she only told us on the drive home..... We also ordered mushrooms as a side. They never arrived, the waitress went missing for 15 mins or so during our meal. By the time she came back it was too late to have them as we had eaten most of it. The biggest issue of the whole evening was when our steaks were served, my Dad was handed my wife's steak and my wife had my Dad's steak. Neither realized at the time, my wife thought hers was over done and my Dad thought his was under. Only after we finished eating and after discussing the food we realized they got each other's steaks... 3. Feeling thirsty! Personally I drink way too much diet Coke during a meal. It's a bad habit I'll admit! When the waitress disappeared after the steaks were served both my wife and I were drinking diet Coke and were both finished our glasses and didn't have anything else to drink in the middle of our dinner until we finally saw her. She saw me looking out for her and realized what I was looking for and brought two over without me asking. 4. The bill was wrong. I told the waitress about the mushrooms being missing. She apologized and said she would take it off the bill. I took her word for it and didn't look when she handed the bill to us. My Dad and I split it with two credit cards, when I had a quick glance before finalizing the check lo and behold the mushrooms were still there. 5. Phonecall on Sunday. Out of the blue on Sunday afternoon I got a call from Larsens asking me about my experience. I started mentioning some of what happened above and got a strange response, I think she expected me to say everything was awesome and that was the end of the call! She seemed quite taken aback that I hadn't had a good experience, mumbled something about letting the kitchen know and put the phone down! Strange. - Service Our waitress was very nice, had a good sense of humor with us throughout the meal. The errors above though shouldn't have happened. Especially the food. - Food Bearing in mind only one of us (me unfortunately) actually got what we asked for it was very disappointing. We are not really the kind of people to start making a fuss about small issues. If I had known about my Mum's chicken and the incorrect steaks I would have let them know though. We just found out too late. We will come back to Larsen's, we've had a good experience there in the past. Hopefully we just caught them on a bad day!
(2)
scott s.
Rib Eye to the Soul: The Best Steak in Los Angeles Nothing fritters away the frustrations of the day like the ultimate dynamic duo of an ice-cold martini followed by a sizzling hot steak. That is unless the steak suffers the indignities of a sloppy prep and a poorly rendered side of beef. What should be simple and serene often succumbs to chefs who over-think the process of delivering lean, well-aged beef, seasoned subtly and then prepared to perfection. So we present a handful of carnivore caverns in LA with a level mooing field of ordering nothing but a simple rib-eye prepared medium-rare each time. The Best: Larsen's (Encino) Grade: A Sometimes it takes a new cut on the block to learn from other's mistakes and make their own mark. Larsen's has succeeded. Located on Ventura Boulevard in Encino at Woodley, the place feels like a cool jazz bar from decades past brought into the present with a hip wait staff and a fire-pitted outdoor patio. There's a science to Larsen's take on steak. Traditional quality steakhouses serve mostly USDA Prime corn-fed beef. A few premier steakhouses dry-age their beef on premises for up to 21 days. Larsen's requires four to six weeks of aging and keeps a highly skilled butcher at the location at all times to monitor airflow temperature and humidity. During dry aging, the prime meats' natural enzymes act as soothing tenderizers. At the same time, moisture evaporation improves the supple texture and hearty taste of the meat, making it richer and more buttery. Dry aging continues until a thin coating develops on the meat surface. This coating seals in flavor and juice and is later trimmed off. Furthermore, their diligent method of preparation includes slowly searing the meat in its own natural juices at 500 degrees, rather than blast-cooking it at 1500 plus degrees like most steak shops. They also excel in service, automatically splitting a Fred Flintstone-approved 32-ounce rib eye, baked potato and Caesar salad without being prompted or charging for the process. Classy. From the perfectly shaken ice-cold martinis to the softness of the piano to the backlit menus that render a Kindle-like presentation to the ordering process, Larsen's has paid attention to details and created an instant classic in a city's sea of cooked cow. Always bet on the underdog.
(4)
Diana W.
Yum! Lunch Special is incredible for a place like this. Same prices as CPK but of course a whole lot better quality. -------------------------------------------------- ---------------- Food: You have to try their French Onion Soup -- Terrific! I got the BBQ Chopped Salad was awesome. They're expanding their lunch special menu to add more salads! yay! I won't get into a food coma after work then! Friends recommend the philly steak sandwhich. and more. Environment: Very upscale, but don't worry because lunch is for everyone & very much affordable for excellent service, excellent seats, excellent food....great for small business talks over lunch or dinner for those who want to take their clients out. I like this restauarnts design better than Mortans or Houston's Steakhouse design. Parking is in the Encino Financial Parking Structure. There is parking on the streets too. The restaurant is upstairs so you'll have a great view! I will be looking forward to their new lunch menu & the next luncheon there! =) -------------------------------------------------- ---------------- P.S. Their lighted/rechargable menu lighting is awesome! Never seen it before and you may get a chance to catch a glance of the chief Mr. Flemmings himself!
(3)
Matthew K.
I honestly eat red meat, especially steak, about once or twice a year. When i do get my random carnivorous hankerings i like to go somewhere i can get a quality cut that is bloody as hell. I am not kidding tho, i think the last time i had steak was for a business party at Maestros a year or more ago. That being said i am no steak-spert, i know filet, i know strip, porter etc. Last Friday we decided to splurge and go to a nice work lunch, having been craving some cow i spotted this place on Yelp and figured it would be worth a try. I would come back just based on the ambiance and decore, it is classy. Really nice classic Frank SInatra-ish appeal that makes you want to sit at the bar and sip fine scotch. They give you a huge loaf of tasty bread with some kind of baked cheese on top. yelp.com/biz_photos/WX0o… We all got the 10 oz Ny strip with fries, my rare steak was still cool in the middle, amazing!. yelp.com/biz_photos/WX0o… The steak was good, the fries were pretty mediocre (maybe homemade but prob not just judging off looks but still not cheap tasting) and i really dug the peppercorn sauce it was served with. Again, i never eat steak so if it is meaty, tender and flavorful i am happy. I took a star off for the 'crumber', the little spatula with which you sweep up my table, with me sitting there, making me feel not only awkward but messy. I hate restaurants that 'crumb', so invasively pretentious and fawning. Other wise, great service, good red meat and all around a cool little place.
(4)
Hilda A.
I came here on a date and loved it. The atmosphere is great, costumer service is excellent, and the food is nothing short of perfect. They start you off with a huge piece of oven baked cheese bread - delicious. The steak was made to perfection and the lobster tail was also excellently prepared. We ordered a side of french fries which were good (but I wish we tried something different or more exciting) We also ordered a side of mac n cheese which was the best mac n cheese I've ever had! Their wine is a bit expensive, but also great. If you sit outside, you can request to be seated at a table with a small fire pit in the middle. That definitely does add on to the experience. Another cool feature: the menu lights up when you open it! For desert, we tried a brownie with ice cream and it was perfect. The waiter was attentive, patient, and sweet. He had overheard that we are celebrating a birthday and he brought out the brownie and ice cream as a treat for my date, free of charge. There is parking in the shopping center where it's located for only $3. You can't lose. This place is AWESOME.
(5)
David D.
Great atmosphere and attentive service along would give this place a 4 or 5 star rating. But alas, we were here fo the steaks.I Ordered the rib eye and was very disappointed. Maybe it was just me but it tasted gamey and as if it was charred over a the flames of the burning fat dripping off the meat. That or the "aging" process was just not my cup of tea. The creamed spinach and mashed potatoes were very good. But for the price we paid for the steaks I was left with a very unpleasant taste in my mouth. On a good note, my g/f's filet was very good. Best of luck folks, if I come back it will be to have a sit down with someone and talk about how the steak are cooked so I have a better understanding of what to expect. Or....just go to another steak house.
(2)
Liang W.
Many things about Larsen's are fantastic (LIGHT UP MENUS - GENIUS!), but when it comes down to it, a restaurant is only as good as its food, and this place is, as yelp! puts it, A-OK, but that's all. Came here for a holiday dinner, so please read this review knowing that I did not have to pay for my meal (thank god this place is pricey!). I want to start with some immediate positives: the service is impeccable. Our waitress was so nice, VERY attentive and all in all made the meal a very enjoyable experience. The lighting is a bit dark, but no worries the menus LIGHT UP. This for me was my favorite part of the night - I mean I'm surprised every restaurant with "dim ambiance" doesn't have this, it's honestly genius. Now on to the food: Appetizers were surprisingly...average. We got the Spinach Dip, Ribs, & Tuna tartar. I tried all of them. Once. And that's it. To be honest, I've had better spinach dip at CPK, and this is a steakhouse! Sides are served family style, but the servings are NOT family sized. It's a little annoying the sides do not come with entrees, but I suppose this is how it is in expensive restaurants, so that's ok. We got a smorgasboard on sides: -Sweet potatoes (it was fun to see this at a restaurant, it came with marshmallows and it was great) -potatoes au gratin (umm salty salty salty geeeesh) -hash browns (WHAT are you doing at a steakhouse? get to IHOP where you belong!) -creamed spinach (good, but really not the best i've had. a solid 3) -Mushrooms (so salty, this places LOVES their salt) -Asparagus (it was good, just grilled, my favorite dish but i also love asparagus) -green beans (again, good but not mindblowing) I also had the French Onion soup, but I enjoyed but ugh it just didn't WOW me. I feel like I am being super nitpicky - I am not that picky - it's just, when you've had something great, if it doesn't compare to that it just won't satisfy the same way it does. In this case, I LOVE the french onion at Doughboys and this just didn't compare! As for the entree, I got the filet mignon with bernaise. It was a good slice of meat, and tender. I asked for medium - rare but the waitress told me their medium is more rare, so I said ok medium. To be honest...it had very little pink, which I was surprised at. Still, it was a decent steak, but I mean filet mignon? I've had MOUTH watering, and this was just...fine. Dessert saw the apple crumble pie for me. eh. again a solid 3. I realize this was a very long review. So allow me to give you some bullet points: -expensive -amazing service -good food, not great -satisfactory at its best -light up menus though....that itself is ranked 5 stars! INNOVATION!
(3)
J P.
Their tri-tip and baby back combo lunch plate is really good. $19. And it's really enough for two. Cold slaw side was very good. I asked them to cook the broccoli side a bit more because it was basically raw. Last time I was here the petite filet mignon was way over salted and the mash potatoes had a 1/4 inch of butter floating on top. All was returned last time. Service good. Reminds me of the decor of some of the upscale places in Palm Springs. Also has a very good bar and outside patio dining.
(3)
Bethenny P.
Went to Larsen's Steakhouse with friends to celebrate a Birthday. All of us enjoyed our meals . The dinning room is beautiful with large booths on an elevated platform surrounding the windows with nice views of the boulevard. The menu is really a shocker in the sense that there are small lights so that when you open the menu it is all illuminated for easy reading with large print too. You will not need to use your reading glasses! After the iniatial sticker shock we all ordered different steaks. We started with Fried Calamari It came dissapointly at room temperature as if it had been cooked earlier in the evening. It tasted good but was not as hot as it should have been, The delicous Ribeye and Lamb Chops was good and it is really hard to find steaks like this anywhere in LA. For sides we all split Creamed Spinach---very nice and Mushroom--delicous too. We were given a Birthday Ice Cream Sunday for dessert . A nice touch to finish.
(4)
Paul W.
- At Bar for Happy Hour - Menu lights up when you open it ! Wow, I can see the menu. Met up with a friend at the bar, and there was a Happy Hour menu for some things to eat. We had the spinach dip and the beef sandwich's. Both were quite good. The house w
(4)
dana b.
After a not so good day at work, i felt the need to indulge and this was the place to do it. I met two friends there and we all had a great time and all thought the food was delish! Two of us had the lobster - AHmazing! And the other had a bone in rib eye; it was something Fred Flintstone would be proud of. I am not a beef eater, but i tasted the steak and it was great! We also had three fantastic sides: garlic mashed potatoes, mac n' cheese & creamed spinach. And we topped off our meal by sharing a chocolate bundt....oh man, that thing was insanely good! Even though their bartender makes mean martinis; If i had one complaint it was that the beverage service was a smidge slow. All in all...with tip - it was $325. Not bad, in my opinion, for the goodness we ate. (BTW - their menus are illuminated! kinda fun to open & close them over n' over again!)
(4)
Alex L.
awesome cuts of meat, awesomer service. the entire staff here are exemplary, as people as well as service professionals. seriously, get to know any one of them (it's not hard, just say hi) and you'll be met with some bona fide and substantial hospitality.
(5)
Rachel T.
Everything here is REALLY good. The burgers, the filets, the crabs legs, the picatta, the ahi, the sides... The service is good and everyone is really nice. One of my favorite places in the valley!! And the bread, they make their own bread and it's delicious. I have a hard time leaving it alone.
(5)
Lital R.
Amazing restaurant! Took my husband there for his birthday and will definitely go again. He ordered the porterhouse steak, I had the chilean sea bass, and we both split an order of the garlic mashed potatoes and the artichoke appetizer. Absolutely incredible food, great service, and really nice ambiance. The location is convenient, and the price was very reasonable for the quality and quantity of food you are receiving. Will definitely go again and I have recommended this place personally to my friends. I would recommend this for a romantic dinner or special occasion. Great place!
by far the best & most attentive staff! you're guaranteed to get A+ service all the way from the hostess, servers, bartenders (IE: Adam & Derek), to the managers (IE: Nigel & Harry). food is scrumptious and so is their variety of wine & spirits - if you don't know what to get, just ask, i haven't been disappointed by a single recommendation yet. my personal favorite is the stuffed chicken while the boyfriends is the t-bone steak. oh and if that wasn't enough to sell you on the place, they also have a beautiful patio area with fire pits!
(5)
Rick N.
Save ur $ - Below average steak, decor and service - why open another steakhouse if it's not going to rock out whats already there? When they called for an evaluation a week after the meal and I gave them a candid assessment they really didnt even seem to care...oh well.
(1)
Kezia D.
I wish that I could hang out (on a daily basis) with the people that work here. My boyfriend's parents introduced us to this place, as they are regulars. Perhaps that is the reason we get taken care of every time we go. Regardless, I think we would even if they didn't know us. They are so friendly and the food is so incredible. Everything on the menu that I have had a bite of is one to remember. The steaks are cooked so perfectly, and the fish is exquisite. They really know how to do it here. The salads are also unreal. If you're in the Valley and want a great steak dinner, please go here! It will no doubt leave a dent in your pocket, but it's worth it for a special occasion. I recommend splitting a salad and an entree, they are huge! And I think they may give you more if you split...
(5)
Blair H.
It's great food - especially the bread in the beginning. Problem is - especially for dinner, it can get super expensive! It's also very upscale....don't go in wearing sweatpants - you might be glared at. :) the kind of place for lunch you imagine some CEO's or business people go to discuss stuff. Maybe that's just me. Very good food, not usually too crowded, very upscale.
(4)
Laura S.
I like Larseen's very much. I think the quality of the food is very good. Here are my thoughts : I would stick to basics though ie: Lobster bisque, Larsens Salad, Bone in filet or new york strip, salmon. The prices can produce a somewhat of an OUCH to your wallet so again stick with the basics you will get the most for your money that way. It's ridiculous that they charge $29,99 for lobster mash potatoes, I mean come on... i'll say it one more time ridiculous. DON'T get this side. I'd recommend the potato gratin or creamed spinach. I always eat at the bar because Derrick the bartender there is AMAZING, attentive, sweet , knowledgeable. ALL and ALL he makes the experience there that much better. Also Adam the other bartender is very nice and makes the dinning experience a plus. My only gripe beside the $29.99 lobster mash are the prices they charge for wine. La Crema Pino Noir is at most a $20 bottle of wine, they sell it for $73 BUCKS - oosh. So when you go to Larsens , the piano playing is romantic , the dim lighting makes anyone look good and the decore is sexy. Oh I almost forgot the menu lights up which is good for those who always need that extra help seeing. PLEASE remember to sit at the bar or in that area for GREAT SERVICE... STICK WITH THE BASICS so that you don;t feel ripped off at the end when your bill comes, Bring your own Bottle - the corkage fee is worth it. AND have fun. OH an don;t forget to tip the piano player he does take requests.
(4)
Josh M.
So frankly, a steak house is just not my thing. But this place has it pretty tightly racked, and I have to give credit where it's due. The ambiance is basic "modern steakhouse" but done well, with the leather seats, giant wine goblets, and all that. It's hard for me to judge the staff since I was there on a Monday night work outing, but they seemed friendly and as professional as you'd expect. The food was really quite good, and again it's not a genre that hits my personal wheelhouse. I had tuna tartar, beefsteak tomatoes, and ribs. The ribs were dry, but the rest was very solid. Everyone digging into their steaks and bearnaise seemed pleased as well. As steakhouses seem to do, the portions are just absurdly large. And dessert was pretty unimpressive (except for its size), so I would skip that. But overall, nicely done.
(4)
C M.
Consistently mediocre steak served in a reasonably nice setting. If it was not so convenient, I would never return.
(3)
Sara H.
Disappointment. We sat outside and felt ignored. For the high prices, I expected much better service. Maybe the service is better inside. The food was good, but again, I expected much better for the cost. The filet with bernaise was okay, but not enough sauce. Our server did not check in with us enough to fix things like needing extra sauce or a second drink. The seabass was good, not great. Mac n cheese side dish was a bit dry. The grilled asparagus was very good. Ruth's Chris blows this place out of the water for the same prices. Actually, most places that charge these prices blow this place away. It's too bad, because the outdoor tables have firepits and it would be such a great relaxing dinner if the service and food fit the bill.
(2)
Aaron W.
Brief Summary to start: Get a steak here, any steak. It is a steakhouse. You will not be disappointed. Longer bits here now, Having been to Larsen's a number of times over the past three years, I have to say, they serve the absolute best steak I have ever had in my short life. The sides are above average, but nothing spectacular. Their desserts are very good, especially the banana cheesecake things. The light up menus make you feel like you're in a classy place, as is having a cigar selection on the menu (no I don't smoke, I just think it's classy) and a sommelier on staff to aid you in pairing a glass or a bottle with your dish. Price: $$$$ Absolutely worth the money. Steak for 2, 1 alcoholic drink each, 1 small side salad, 2 desserts = $160
(5)
Olga L.
Went there last night for a business dinner. They were not shy in their pricing, but the portions are HUGE. I had the best piece of halibut in my life there. I am still dreaming about it today. Menus light up too (good thing because this is a very dimly lit place) good ambience, great and fast service were added plus. Fresh baked bread which smells amazing didnt hurt either. I would definitely go there again.
(4)
M S.
Great room, classic, refined, white table cloth's and backlit menu's. Jazz piano at the bar can be heard throughout the restaurant and just makes the great steaks all the better. Great wedge and blue cheese salad and the steaks were enjoyed by everyone. Attentive service and warm interior make for a great evening. Been many times and will continue.
(4)
Travelling G.
A nice enough dark wood and brass style steakhouse in the Valley. Is it as good as Wolfgang's or Mastro's? No, but if you are looking for a decent steak in a dark place, Larsen's will hit the spot.
(3)
Henry L.
OK my fellow yelpers. After wanting to go to this place so many damn times i decided to give this place a shot. Why didn't i go before. Because of the bad yelp reviews. But since i tired out it seems like every steak house in the valley i had to knock this one off the list. First of all this place is very romantic. The staff is friendly. Even thou alot of yelpers think not. Maybe they changed staff. Not sure. We ordered the crab cakes for appetizers. Not bad, not the best, but not bad. And trust me I'm saying this because of the price of the crab cakes. it wasn't off the wall like most places. so for the price it wasn't bad. We shared the steak, again a bone in rib eye steak. ordered a side of portabella mushrooms and dont laugh at me but hash browns. yes people they have hash browns for a side! only thing i was missing was some eggs and i would have felt like i was in a classy Norms. So as for the food. Steak was excellent. very juicy, and moist. Ordered it medium. The mushrooms i have to tell you was good. And they gave so much! The hash browns was crispy and buttery. In my opinion was too buttery. But heck, its steak house. who's watching their calories. Didn't order desert. Overall was pleased with the selection of going to this place and bypassing the bad reviews on yelp. Diff check this spot out.
(4)
Joanna H.
So my date took me to Larsen's and it was my first time. The service was great, attentive but not smothering, and the food was amazing. Large portions with more than enough for two people and leftovers. Will definitely come back again.
(5)
Mark S.
Larsen's is a great place for a business lunch (or any kind of lunch for that matter). The restaurant provides a quiet place for conversation and the waiters blend perfectly into the background. The menu provides plenty of variety for those who want a salad, pasta, seafood, or a steak. The french dip sandwich is phenomenal and the ahi tuna salad packs great flavor. The sandwiches and non-pasta entrees all come with your choice of side, so indulge. The 5 cheese mac 'n cheese was particularly decadent. Prices are not bad with most entrees between $15 and $20.
(4)
Adam B.
Had the ribeye. Enjoyable but nothing special (I am very picky when it comes to steaks).
(4)
Michelle M.
When we first walked in we were not greated very warmly. We then were seated in the middle of the room and ignored for quite a while. We almost walked out. Our server Jennifer saved the day! She was so attentive and eagar to please. We ordered two mixed drinks and she did her best to make sure that they were made correctly and even brought us carrafes of mixers so that we could tweak our own drink! The fresh-baked bread is marvelous. Jennifer recommended a wonderful Sauvignon Blanc which wasnt overpriced at $44. I ordered the steak and lobster which was cooked and prepared perfectly. They have music and a piano bar playing which at times is strange. The creamed spinach and au gratin potatoes were ok not great. The key lime pie was delicious and not overly tart. The latte was one of the best that I've had.
(3)
Gabriel G.
It is excellent, great food and patio sitting too. Yes, spicy but worth it!
(4)
Carmila K.
The prices are outrageous, the food is O.K. but not more than that, the service is lousy, we sat outside and were ignored, our drinks were never refilled, we had a problem with a too salty soup nobody came to check if everything is O.K. the side dishes were less than good , the steaks were good, but not worth the price. We have better steaks for less. In short, this was our last time there.
(2)
Michael T.
Why don't the on-line menu and wine list have prices indicated? NO restaurant is so good as to think that they can withhold prices.
(1)
mark s.
The steaks are ok! Robert gives great service. The hostess is rude and quick to argue. I will think twice about eating there again.
(1)
David K.
The food was fairly good. But the prices were out of control. Not worth the dinero in my opinion. Plus, they couldn't keep my Diet Coke refilled, which should be possible at a $200+ dinner for two.
(2)
Brian R.
Larsen's Steakhouse (Encino) was about as good as it gets. I've been to Mastro's, Cut, Arnie Morton's, etc... I don't think I've had a better steak dinner. The ambiance is sophisticated, casual and cozy. I used to work on these premises when it was the Daily Grill (in my year off between college and law school), and the room is absolutely transformed. Dark wood, flagstone columns, recessed wine racks, gorgeous bar, live piano. And by the way, they have these large, amazing menus that are backlit when you open them. Not sure how that works (LED?), but it's a great touch. I brought a bottle with me ('94 Lynch Bages) and the wine service was very competent. We also had cocktails and beers first (good mixologist on the premises). Fresh hot bread was terrific. Appetizers included bacon-wrapped shrimp (fat, tender, bursting with flavor), Caesar salad and sliced tomato with blue cheese salad. All very refreshing. For the main course, my rare Porterhouse was perfect. My wife had the Filet Mignon, and raved too. Their aged beef program is great. For side dishes, we had lobster mashed potatoes (get them!!) and some veggies (asparagus spears, creamed spinach). Honestly, after this, we were too full for dessert. With cocktails, corkage, appetizers, entrees, sides and tip (but no dessert or coffee), the tab came to about $100 per person. Not an inexpensive night out. But if you're celebrating a special occasion, or have a fat expense account, I recommend without reservation! (Although I do recommend making reservations. I made mine on OpenTable.com .) By the way, I'm going back for my second dinner at Larsen's a week from now coincidentally - and I'm already looking forward to it.
(5)
Marisa C.
If you have a vagina and are on a date, then this is not the place for you. We were seated on the patio and told that someone would come to take our drink order and start the heater for us. Some older fat men were seated after us and had their drink orders taken, server goes back to tell them beer tap wasn't working, ran thru botld options, then had their new order, and was ready to take their dinner order (never acknowledging us) Then another group of 2 older fat men were seated. A busboy walked by our table, pushed our extra chairs in, then dragged a heater passed us to the 2 men and lit it. The original bunch of 3 began smoking cigars - I was furious and was sick of being ignored when I was ready to spend some serious money for a nice dinner w/my husband. We got up and left and my husband told the host that we were leaving b/c of the no service whatsoever - i decided to do my public service and warn ppl away from this dingy crap excuse for a steakhouse.
(1)
BnT B.
Good steaks and seafood too
(5)
Barry H.
Great Food. Great Service. Restaurant was very busy. I'm looking forward to going there again.
(5)
T H.
Very good food but expensive and the service is just ok.
(4)
Eric L.
Amazing. We went there for the 1st time for my wifes birthday and we were treated like family. The steak was the best that we have ever had. WOW
Really one of the best steak houses ever.....Great food , Tasty sides , yummy drinks. Live piano...great service. The 12 oz filet mignon and veal porter house were amazing. From the sides the creamed spinach , asparagus (grilled) and garlic mashed potatoes were ah-mazing.
(5)
Henry A.
We came here for a bday and what a mistake. First off the waiter and very rude and uptight. We ordered steak and we had to order every side dish. The steak was drenched in oil, rare and extremely salty. The waiter was too arrogant and didn't even apologize. And the prices were ridiculous. For the prices I paid I expected great food and service. Never going back! The only thing nice were lighted menus and nice ambiance.
(1)
Mer L.
best place ive ever been too hands down amazing food and wonderful service !!
(5)
Casey B.
There are many single words I could use to describe Larsen's Steakhouse, but I choose two: Mind blowing. The owner Flemming Larsen has done a magicians job on second story location in Encino Plaza, which has formerly been occupied by the likes of Bennigans, Daily Grill and Moulin Rouge. The beautiful, stacked stone pillars and dark wood finishes create an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and soothing. It is the right place for both a kick back, chill night on the patio or in the bar, or a fine dining night on the town for any special occasion. And we haven't even gotten to the food yet! If you are looking for the #1, topnotch, creme of the crop Filet Mignon-look no further. The flat top cooking method combined with savory seasoning creates the most wonderful piece of meat you've ever tasted; tender and flavorful, with a delicious crust on either side. The New York and Veal Porterhouse are both close seconds. Sides are generous and flavorful. You definitely get a lot for your money here and you do NOT leave hungry! My favorites are the Mac and Cheese with 5 different kinds of cheese and scallions, and the Au Gratin potatoes. Luscious desserts provide a fine finish to this feast. My mouth still waters at the thought of the semisweet, dark chocolate ganache bundt cake warmed and served with vanilla ice cream. Delish! There isn't a restaurant in all the Valley, and I would even venture to say L.A., that I would put above Larsens. It is a well rounded, quality restaurant with ambiance and wonderful food. Morton's, Maestros, Ruth's beware!
(5)
Todd B.
Went on 9/9/11 Fresh hot round cheese bread to start the dinner. Very good. Tuna tartar and cesar salad apps. Very good. Filet mignon special....Bacon wrapped with blue cheese on top sitting on scallops and shrimp. Amazing! The largest piece of Chilean sea bass I've ever seen. The fish was good alone, but the side sauce made it great. Too full for dessert. OVERALL. We will be back, it was great. 4.5 out of 5. Compared to Boa or Mastros.....Larsen's food is as good or better, but the ambience isn't. Yes, prices are comparable.
(4)
Naz E.
This was the best lobster bisque I have ever ever had. I consider myself quite obsessed with lobster bisque, and I have found very few time in Los Angeles where I rave about it. Larson's wins!!!
(5)
Dmitry G.
Have enjoyed both lunch and dinner here numerous times. Great Steak!!!
(5)
Shirley G.
well, on the good side....it's comfortable, great piano bar, nice selection of bourbon. Good Pepsi. Good grief, if you have to mention the soft drinks, then you KNOW the restaurant is bad. Totally tasteless food - the Porterhouse, the NY steak and the rib eye - no flavor. Blech. Hash browns were greasy and mushy. The cheesecake was so-so. Ordered the rib eye medium, it was very, very rare. Back it went, returned burnt. DON'T GO HERE.
(1)
Jonathan G.
Went there Sat night. It was my third or fourth time at the restaurant. Tuna Tartar appetizer was very good, but their fillet was so over salted that it was barely edible. The service was sporadic, and we missed ordering a bottle of Cabernet because the waiter had no idea that we might want something other than the last few drops of our white wine with our steaks, and by the time he was done futzing around looking for the '05 Jordon everyone a the table was 3/4 done with their meal. As other reviewers have noted, their prices are similar to Ruth's Chris or Arnie Morton's, with similarly steep prices for side orders. For $75 a person, you can do a lot better.
(2)
Tim D.
This was my first visit to Larsen's and I will be coming back. The service was top notch and we had a very friendly and attentive waiter, Jaime, ask for him and you will not be disappointed. I began the evening with a Manhattan and it was superb, just the right amount a chill and very boozy. I must say I enjoyed a few of them over the course of the meal. The house bread is out of this world and they serve the whole loaf at your table. We ordered the Artichoke dip and it went better with the bread than the chips they serve with it. The lobster bisque was very rich and satisfying and almost a meal in itself, they also have salads for those who do not want something so heavy getting in the way of the main course. I ordered a 20 oz New York cooked medium rare and it came out perfect and sides of creamed spinich and garlic mashed potatoes. The atomosphere was relaxing and felt like a private room. Request a booth by the window overlooking Ventura Bl as the resturant is well above the street and provides a good view and also give you a great vantage point of the whole establishment. They have live piano music that keeps the groove going throughout your meal. The lighting is dim for that romantic feel and the menus light up which is a nice touch. I had a great time and the food, service and atmoshere was amazing. You might ask then why only 4 stars, well when trying to park they did not valet and the attendant just took the $3 and pointed in a uncaring way about where an open spot might be. Other than that I have no complaints and would highly recommend coming here.
(4)
Stephen D.
Don't bother with Larsen's as the food is great but management 's policies have a way of making you feel like a second class citizen. I go out to dinner usually two times per week and have never felt the arrogance or elitist like attitude thank came across at Larsen's. They even manage to insult you with their follow up call regarding complaints.
(2)
CW C.
Came here on 2/12, it was nice to get here ahead of Valentine's day. Best items were bread, really warm and tasty; the house Pinot Noir was quite smooth to complement both a ribeye steak and bacon-wrapped scallops. Service was good and attentive. This place is becoming a favorite spot for a special night out
(4)
Sara L.
5 stars for service. (Michael, our server was excellent.) But the food at this place, that wants to be an upscale steakhouse, is off. Steaks very good, but not the best in the valley (Mortons, Flemings, Ruth Chris) all have comparable, if not better, steaks for the same money. It's the sides, salads and desserts that are so very disappointing at Larsen's. Honestly, it seems as though the sides and desserts are purchased from Costco, Sysco, or some other food supplier. Our slice of apple pie, at $13.95! for one slice, reminded me of Claim Jumper store bought pie. The crust was mushy, it just didn't seem freshly made. And who charges $13.95 for a slice of pie? Even the most upscale spots charge $8 - $10 for dessert. The house salad was limp, overdressed, and seemed to come right from a bag to our plate. Not even rinsed or refreshed first. Au gratin potatoes seem like a purchased caserole. Compliments for a good baked potato (for $9) and my steak was perfectly cooked. Larsen's is stuck between going for it, hiring a good chef and delivering good food in a nice restaurant, or serving good steaks only, and ignoring quality for the sides and dessert by being so uncreative in the kitchen. They also gouge you on prices. Bummer.
(3)
Rob M.
Overall excellent steakhouse. A bit pricey because it's in a very odd location with no view. But once inside, the steak, as well as sides like sweet potatoes and creamed spinach, are excellent and the service matches. Management cares very much about service and satisfaction.
(4)
Anne P.
Ok so I am catching up on reviews - thanks Kayvan for reminding me about Yelp. So Larsens is a great great place for Happy Hour. Upscale, very classy bar. Derrick is a great server. All the sliders good - wedge salad and flemings salad good. Calamari is also good. Not crazy about the crab cakes or the mozzarella salad. Martinis very good. Snap dragon Cab also very good and the prices are great. Just get there before 7 during the week and I think it is Thursday and Friday they have a piano player.
(4)
Michael S.
How to ruin 2011 Valentine's Day by Larsen's in Encino. Step 1: Overbook the restaurant so all patrons must wait an hour after their reservation time to be seated Step 2: Overcook a beautiful piece of filet mignon (ordered medium rare, came medium well). Absurd for a steakhouse Step 3: bring sauteed mushrooms that look like they've shrank into a rubbery, dry veggie that's been sitting for hours under a heat lamp. In fairness, they did comp our meal which was a pleasant surprise. Sadly though, there was no true sympathy for the hour wait to get our reserved table - almost a matter of fact attitude (i.e. - well, it is what it is). Sad showing for newcomers to the valley that would have gone back often.
(1)
Steve W.
I have been to Larsen's 3 times and love it. My brother eats there all the time and he loves it. I do not know why some people say they do not like it. Maybe a bad night or their tast buds are ruined Steve W
(5)
Sam S.
Tried it for the first time today. The prices are pretty similar to Morton's or Mastro's but the food wasn't even close to either of those restaurants. Overall, not bad food, but the quality doesn't match the prices.
(2)
James M.
Based on Yelp reviews we found Larsen's Steakhouse. I've been up and down Ventura Blvd. a million times and never noticed it so I had no idea really what to expect. Its set back a bit from the street so make sure you don't drive by the property and have to deal with turning around on Ventura Blvd. When first seated we sat WITH NOTHING, no drinks, nothing and I almost walked out. However, server Jennifer saved the day. Once they told her about the new two-top in her section she was attentive and friendly. We asked for a drink that many places don't make... the bar tender pulled out a book and they went to a back storage area to fish out Apple brandy. The drink wasn't quite there... Jennifer recommended lime juice (I believe she would have removed the drinks if we weren't happy). Once we agreed she shows up with little beakers of lime and cherry juice. We doctored up the drink a little and it was PERFECT! They get an "A" for effort. We weren't sure which Sauvignon Blanc to order and she sent over the Sommelier and he directed us to the right wine. Really impressed when he didn't point us toward the most expensive on the list. We paid $44 for a GREAT bottle of wine, chilled in a bucket tableside. After a fresh baked loaf of bread (delicious) we looked at the menus. They are backlit (very cool in a darker restaurant). All the classic steaks we hoped for were there. I had a 12oz filet that was EXCELLENT and cooked perfectly. Came with a whole roasted garlic and a wonderful bearnaise sauce... the sides of creamed spinich and au gratin potatoes were good, not great. The key lime pie was one of the best I've ever tasted. Beautiful and right sized after a filling meal. Along with this the latte was one of the best I've had out dining. So... after almost wanting to walk out, the staff pulled together and delivered a beautiful meal, worthy of a 16 year anniversary celebration! We spent a little over $200 and left a great tip so felt visiting Larsen's for the first time was well worth it.
(4)
Lucy B. S.
this place really REALLY pulled it together! Derek and Amy are awesome behind the bar, and the wait staff seriously rocks. I've become a regular, and I'm proud of it. They have people on staff with celiac, so they ALL know exactly how to deal with Gluten issues. This restaurant is the real deal when it comes to ambiance and service. The food is really good too. I don't think its possible to leave this place feeling hungry. Unfortunately I'm moving back to the east coast soon, and I'm so sad that I can't take the whole restaurant with me. You are really missing out if you don't check out the happy hour.
(5)
austin o.
Dinner was fabulous fri. Evening, we ordered seafood tower, salads,steaks seafood and was all delicious, chrissie our server was as good as it gets, it's my wife's favorite special event place to go for dinner
(5)
Larry S.
Wouldn't go there again. Always a hit or miss, and service and attitude are also up for grabs.
(1)
Kathy H.
This place was so good, I don't even know where to begin. Alright, I'll start with environment. We sat on the outdoor patio at this great table with a fireplace in the center. It was a little chilly out and we promptly got warmed up by the heat lamp as well. Since the restaurant is on the second floor, you have a nice elevated view of Ventura Blvd. I know - who cares - Ventura Blvd. but it was nice. I had the 16 oz. New York Peppercorn steak and my husband had the Kobe New York steak. Both of them were excellent, cooked to order, but the regular New York was actually better. The meat was flavorful and just melted in your mouth. My husband got the mac n' cheese which he loved and I got the grilled asparagus, which is hard to mess up. Also, the bread was super yummy. The owner came by and chatted with us, and we learned quite a lot about steaks. Everyone was very friendly and the service was prompt. We will definitely be back.
(5)
Jason B.
This past Saturday evening, my wife and myself returned to Larsen's Steakhouse for a follow up meal, and to celebrate our anniversary. We were seated promptly and courteously at a nice cozy booth at one of the windows. Our server was attentive and cordial. Nigel, the beverage manager stopped by our table and introduced himself to us. It was Nigel who had contacted me after the negative review I had written about Larsen's a few months ago. We ordered a couple of appetizers, which were fresh and tasty. For entrees, my wife ordered fish with a salad and side, while I ordered my favorite steak, a 20oz. Porterhouse med. rare. I had a wedge salad and some skinny fries. The meat was excellent. Done perfectly AND at the right size and weight this time. I didn't understand the candied walnuts in the blue cheese wedge salad though. It was interesting that the server at the table next to us was discussing that evenings specials with the guests, but our server made no mention of specials that evening. We didn't order wine or mixed drinks nor did we order desserts. We were being treated to a fine meal and didn't feel like taking advantage of the situation by over ordering. Nigel returned to our table with the house manager introducing him to us and asking how everything was. We appreciated that. Even though the restaurant was not busy for a Sat. night, we appreciated not being rushed thru our meal, and the piano player sounded great in the background. Bottom line: We had an excellent meal with quality attentive service. I still feel that some of the menu items are overpriced, especially the sides and fish entrees. However, it does seem that Larsen's has tightened up their prior kitchen and server problems. We will be happy to return in the future.
(4)
DD P.
I've been to Larsens 5 times now and it's consistently good. I recommend early reservations as the service is great! After 8pm, you may or may not see your server again for little things you need. Hint: I always generously tip the busboy separately at the beginning of a meal as i get great service that way when the server is too busy and these guys/gals work really hard. Food is excellent, best bread i've ever had anywhere. Bring your own wine. Sides: mashed yams with marshmellows, creamed spinach, mashed potato, filet, ribeye.....just amazing. Great place for special occasion. Less costly than Maestros and Ruth Chris'........
(5)
Celeste C.
DO NOT GO HERE. I ordered a steak from the specials as described by the waitress and she did not feel the need to inform me that it would cost $150. That's right a ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLAR STEAK. Here's the kicker, it wasn't even good. When I got the check I started to bawl my eyes out because I felt so betrayed, this practice is unethical. I will forever refer to it as a MISTEAK!!! Please don't give these people you're business. Once I complained they explained to me that this dump in a strip mall in Encino, CA is an -elite- steakhouse. I know what an elite steakhouse is, I told them to go to NYC or Boston and then tell me about an elite steakhouse experience. The real deal places would never give me a shitty steak and charge me $150, obscene what a TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE.
(1)
Aram T.
Love coming her for dinner. If you haven't tried their steak yet, you're missing out! Ambiance is very cozy and dark. Service is exceptional and on point always. Pricing isn't cheap but you get what you pay for...(wink wink) They have a balcony area where you can enjoy drinks, cigars and food if you'd like. Can't wait to come back!
(5)
John E.
The best steak ever!!! It's gonna cost you, but well worth every bite. Server's are EXCELLENT
(5)
Jonathan S.
Excellent dinner as usual this is not my first time at Larsons but it was the first time at this particular Larson's location. We got there approximately 20 minutes before closing time and was greeted as if he was the first customer of the day. The manager gave me a call about two days later to check up and see how the service was which I found very welcoming opportunity to be candid and give you my opinion of the restaurant.
(5)
Deniz S.
I can't get enough of this place!!! I have been coming here for about six years and every time is such a treat. The staff is great, the food is great, and it's one of those places that makes you feel at home. I love being able to dine without being rushed or overwhelmed by the anxiety of most servers. This place really has a great vibe. Four Words: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake...for those who have a sweet tooth. Also, let's no forget how divine that Mac n Cheese is... Steaks are fantastic, but let's also talk about the drinks. Best Moscow Mules in Los Angeles. Oh, and if you like good eye candy, the manager Adam is a pretty good piece of meat too. Just putting that out there.
(5)
Ian S.
As others have stated, the bar is made great by Derrick, Tracy and Junior. They make a great cocktail and I have never seen them anything but charming and welcoming. I mean, seriously, these guys work the room without making it feel like it's gratuitous or a performance... and know when to cut the charm and get to work so that everyone has food and drink in front of them. I think the guys know they have a good gig and the restaurant knows they have a good team at the bar because I've been in there many times and there are only three people I've ever seen working the bar. I've been in the bar 15 times or so and in the restaurant proper maybe 3 times and service is always good everywhere. I'm not a steak connoisseur but it seems like that kind of over-the-top fare that you see at most of the classic places like Mastro's. Aside from the beef, they have the Seafood Tower (haven't tried) and the Lobster Mashed Potatoes (haven't tried that either) so I don't think anything stands out as unique. But that's not the point here. The point is CLASSIC. And between the bartenders, the menu and the live piano, it's pretty classic.
(5)
Richard L.
Defiantly a nice surprise. Since I had a steak recently I ordered a chopped salad and sea bass. The chopped salad was good but nothing to write home about. As far as the fish goes it was one of the better Sea Bass dinners I have ever eaten. Moist and a nice sized piece. The garlic mashed potatoes were quite good as well.
(4)
Tiffany Z.
Amazing service Amazing food Amazing all together I was just disconnected lol. No wifi or phone service lol. The bartender is great, his name is Derrick. Some of the greatest service I have ever had! We will be coming back for the food and the service. The French dip was great, the mac n cheese amazing! And my favorite the wedge. Happy hour 4-7pm
(5)
Steven B.
Had lunch here today with a friend and really enjoyed it. Service is great, smart atmosphere, and food was delicious, with one exception. The fresh baked bread they serve was delicious, my cobb salad excellent and my buddy's Chinese chicken salad very good, and we split a disappointing bacon wrapped shrimp appetizer. The shrimp and bacon are deep fried, with overcooks the shrimp, so I found it tasteless. It's also $18 for 3, which is absolutely ridiculous. Based the $$$ price point, I would return with a Costco gift card or if someone else is paying. Mandatory valet parking under the building - $2 for 2 hours, with validation.
(4)
Teren V.
This was my 1st time here. I was having dinner with a friend at another restaurant when I mentioned to her that I was craving mac & cheese and the place we were at didn't serve any. She raved about the best mac & cheese ever at Larsen's. Not being terribly hungry anymore, yet still craving man & cheese, we ventured out to Larsen's - I had to see what she was talking about. Best mac & cheese ever?? I had to know! I have to be honest and the service was shaky when we arrived; and the bartender definitely acted more like your boss than your server. The confusion and frustration from it got to us. We were beginning to regret the trip to Larsen's. But then, we had a very attentive busboy (wish I'd asked his name to acknowledge him here). Then the food came and OMG - it was amazing! Mind you, we had already eaten so only ordered the mac & cheese and a filet mignon sandwich which were total perfection. It was the best mac & cheese I have ever had. The sandwich had this yummy parmesan bread and tender flavorful filet mignon cooked at exactly medium, as requested. The small taste made me want to return another time to sample more of the menu. Before we left, my friend had a chance to speak with the manager, Adam, about how our visit began. He was also amazing and took the time to listen, thank her for bringing it to his attention, and acknowledging what could've been better. The food is worth the trip. I am betting the service is normally on par with the food. I will be back.
(5)
Tat V.
My first time here last night and it was nothing short of a-m-a-z-i-n-g. I ordered the dry aged prime filet (well done, of course) with asparagus and mashed potatoes. It was satisfying, filling, and I savored every single bite. I also ordered the Moscow Mule but I must say, the cocktail was not impressive. I don't think I had a drop of anything but sparkling water. The service was stellar and the location was nice for a Monday night. I also ordered the flour-less chocolate cake to share and it was dense but also not impressive. So, my recommendation - come here for the steak (and avoid the cocktails and desert). Will be back with my carnivore dad and likely order a nice dry red wine to pair with the 12oz filet :) Also, I just received a voicemail from the manager following up on the dinner experience - now that's some impressive customer service!
(5)
Nicole B.
Food was really great! Between my sister and I we ordered the 12oz filet, stuffed chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, cream corn, and I ordered a chocolate martini. My only complaints are for my server Lisa, she treated my sister and I like we were children that wouldn't tip well the whole time and her check backs were way over do every time, we were also ready to order and she just came up and told us specials and ran away. The man who brought us our bread and removed our dishes was a delight with a happy smile on his face. Also my chocolate martini was described as having a chocolate covered strawberry garnish and it was a piece of cut up strawberry no extra chocolate lol. I'll come back! Food was delishhhh!!
(4)
Bonnie J.
I attended dinner with a group of 15 people for dinner mid-week and found the service was very poor. Several people ordered steak, which was not fully cooked and sent back their meal. At the end of our dinner an unexpected cockroach came out of the kitchen and went to our table. Needless to say, we all immediately left. I would not return to this very expensive restaurant.
(2)
Joe M.
Came here and enjoyed dinner and dessert with some old friends. The ambience is great here. Dimly lit, the menus are backlit to help you see them in the dark! Service here is fantastic and what you'd expect from a nice steak house. Since I'm cutting back in the red meats lately, I ordered the herb crusted chicken breast, which came with a generous helping of rich creamy mushroom sauce and wild rice. The huge portion was large enough to fill me up alone, but I had to take some of it home after devouring way too much of their delicious pre-dinner bread and butter. I know I'm going out of order, but the bread is ahhhhmazing!!!! It's a buttery flaky loaf of perfectly baked bread, which tastes very close to a croissant. The butter melts all over it and I could make it a meal in itself. My friend ordered the 8oz filet, which was cooked to perfection. Dessert? Yes, please! We split the chocolate and peanut butter cake, which had drizzles of chocolate and peanut butter amidst chocolate cake. There were chunky pieces of chocolate in the cake, with veins of peanut butter throughout. The cake was soft and delicious as it melted in your mouth. A decent sized scoop of vanilla nut ice cream accompanied the cake and complimented it well. Another great visit to Larsen's!
(5)
Ryan S.
Blood awful , overpriced , inexcusable waste of a evening out with my wife for anniversary dinner To be continued ..... In interim avoid !!!!!! Lived next door door for years and wanted to try So disappointed. From the stale table side uninspiring bread to the tasteless rib eye which begged for steak sauce to the bland chocolate lava cake this place is a overpriced sham with zero class Has the look of a imposter Never going back Glad I had a $ 150 buck gift card
(1)
Justin M.
Went to the restaurant today for dinner. We ordered a salad and decided to split the 28 ounce steak ribeye. We specifically asked for medium well. After 20 mins the steak came out but it was rare and bloody inside so we sent it back. 5 minutes later it came back again and it was bloody again. So we just told the waiter to take it back and to give us the check. In addition to the $65 steak, we ordered a $15 small salad and $30 worth of sides and a drink. Now they did take the $65 steak off the bill but the manager did not come talk to us about the steak and also I still had to pay $60 for the rest of the stuff. The whole point of going to a steakhouse is to eat steak. They should have taken the whole thing off as we didn't really eat anything. Very disappointed
(2)
Jean J.
Lovely restaurant. Their steaks are always prepared well, an ample offering of fine wines, fabulous for lunch/dinner/happy hour. Happy hour food -- I've tried them all -- and they are quite good. (A special nod to the bartenders, who are always fab and make sure that they give you a whole lot of TLC.) The patio area is lovely with fire pit/tables and comfy chairs. I've enjoyed happy hours, then sat down for dinner, and often wrapped up the evening by sitting outside enjoying a glass of wine with friends. Their complimentary bread.... mmmm yummy. ^___^ (I love bread, so I always feel compelled to critique this.)
(5)
Jacqueline R.
2014 YELP 100 CHALLENGE - 100/100! CHALLENGE COMPLETED! WOOHOO! A few months ago, my co-worker/friend randomly hit me up after work on a Friday night and asked if I was busy. Apparently multiple friends had bailed on her for dinner plans, so she decided to hit me up (good to know I wasn't her first priority...cool). Anyways, we were trying to decide where to go, and I realized I had a $50 gift card to Larsen's (courtesy of Costco/my parents), so we decided to go there for dinner. I knew that I was definitely going to use up the entire gift card and still pay a nice chunk of change afterwards. It's a nice steakhouse and if you dine at any steakhouse without spending a pretty penny, you're doing it wrong. I felt kinda bad because I didn't exactly tell my friend how expensive dinner would end up being (she was probably looking to spend maybe $30 max), so she was quite surprised when we started checking out the menu... Whoops! All of this was really spur of the moment, so we ended up calling ahead and making a reservation while we were driving to the restaurant. We arrived 5 minutes later LOL. Anyways, parking was easy. Just a garage underneath the whole shopping center/plaza. Larsen's is located on the second (or maybe third?) level. Fortunately, Larsen's really wasn't busy at all. We were both surprised since it was a Friday night and expected it to be super crowded. We were seated immediately and there were tons of empty tables still available. Like I said earlier, this was all very unplanned, and thus we were just wearing normal casual clothing and probably looked a little out of place. Everyone in there was dressed much better than us, and were probably a good 20+ years older than us as well. On her way to the bathroom, my friend said that one woman seated at the bar gave her a very cynical look and was totally judging her because she was wearing a Big Bang Theory t-shirt and jeans. Sorry if you're too cool for Sheldon Cooper, mam! The menus were ginormous. It's not that they have an extensive novel-sized menu...but rather because the menus light up! Well, my friend's did anyways. I apparently got a defective one that had run out of batteries. It was pretty cool and useful because the restaurant is ridiculously dim inside. Honestly, it was a bit TOO dark IMO. I felt like I was dining during a black out. We both ended up getting drinks (around $8-10), and the petite filet mignon (8oz). Cheapest steak on the menu! Can you tell we are recent college graduates? :P I ordered the macaroni and cheese as a side dish, and my friend got the creamy garlic mashed potatoes. The steak was pretty good. Very tender and moist, and was exactly what I had expected from a filet. We ended up sharing the side dishes and the creamy garlic mashed potatoes were REALLY...gloopy? Or liquidy? Sounds gross but they were just more on the runny side than I was expecting. Not light and fluffy like cumulus clouds. The mac and cheese was pretty delicious, though! I took some home for leftovers and they were just as delicious the second time around. Our total bill including tax and tip ended up being something short of $200. I thought it was going to be $150 at most, but because of LA's wonderful 9% sales tax rate and tip, it was much more expensive. I didn't have to pay too much because I had a gift card, but I think my friend dropped like $90. SO SORRY! Next time I'll just take her to the dollar menu at Mickey D's. Overall, I didn't LOVE my experience at Larsen's. It was too dark, kinda stuffy atmosphere, and I left there feeling like I didn't really eat the equivalent of $100 worth of food. Maybe it's just me. I would go back, but only if somebody else was paying for me ;P
(3)
Kate L.
This was my first dining expirence at Larsons Steak House and lets just say I will be coming back for more. It's pricey but the quality of food is worth it. I had the Chilean sea bass and my friend had the aged grass fed filet mignon. We split a side of spinach and a side lobster mashed potatoes. Let me just say Yum Yum Yum! My fish was very fresh and I love the soy glaze that was on the side that you could put on it. My friends filet mignon was very juicy and seasoned and cooked to perfection. We actually wound up buying the in-house seasoning That they use on the different meats they serve. The spinach was also good But what blew everything out of the water was the lobster mashed potatoes. There are no words to express how delicious the side dish was!! There were big chunks of lobster all throughout the mashed potatoes. It was literally like it's own main course of lobster and mashed potatoes....just all mixed together. The service was excellent and my friends blueberry lemon drop was very tasty. I highly recommend this restaurant for birthdays, anniversaries or if you just feel like grubbing on some pricey but delicious food!
(5)
J L.
In the spirit of keeping an objective perspective I believe my two star rating is more than generous. Waiters are professional but everything that follows falls very short of par. Outrageously overpriced for the mediocre food they prepare. Several of our entrees were improperly cooked and resulted in at least one steak returned to the kitchen. Not what I would expect at that price point. Pompous "assistant" general manager (aka Harry) whose misplaced choice words have lost Larsen's at least six future patrons. Well done Larsen's!
(2)
Russell H.
So, this was our second visit and this time around was fantastic. Our first visit we had some issues with service. But they absolutely made up for it with our second visit. Our server tonight was Molly and she was wonderful! She was so attentive and every need we had was met with a friendly smile. I ordered the Ny steak with peppercorn sauce and it was perfect! We also got the creamy garlic mash potatos for our side which was amazing. We will definitely be coming back!
Over the last five plus years I have eaten 100's of times at this wonderful steak house,as my office is next door. Need I say more. The quality of the food is superb, the staff is friendly and extremely professional. Sure sometimes there is a glitch,seldom, but it is always taken care of in a quick and pleasant manor. We have had large groups for festive dinner and intimate private suppers. We have lunch there 2 or 3 times a week. This is by far the finest and classiest restaurant in west valley! 41/2 stars!
(4)
Angeline A.
Story Time: I was searching for a last minute steak house to go to for my boyfriends birthday. He never really goes to steak houses and I'm not from LA so I don't really know that many good places over here. His two friends came with us. To start we called earlier that day and asked what their dress code was. They said "casual". Casual: Although it can be considered "informal" in the senses of "not formal" or "suited for everyday use," informal attire actually refers to a dress code much more formal than casual wear, a step below Semi-formal wear. Jeans and a T-shirt have been described as the "casual uniform". My friend was wearing a Tank and shorts and the rest of us were comfortable. We arrived and are excited. Mind you the place is absolutely DEAD. Nobody is in there, except for maybe a handful of people. The hostess in the front was on the phone and barely acknowledged us. Already got off on the wrong foot. Then a man walks up to us and tells us that we cannot dine in the restaurant wearing what my friend was wearing. Our mouths just dropped. Of course my friend was furious, and I just couldn't believe that he was turning us down. NOBODY WAS IN THE RESTAURANT. We started to walk out and these 3 gentlemen, who I assume just finished dining there were shocked as well. They told us that we looked great and that they're crazy for not letting us in. We walked all the way down and the manager came down and told us that he's sorry but if we were okay with eating outside on that patio that it would be ok. WHY DIDNT HE OFFER THAT IN THE FIRST PLACE?! It was a little cold but there were fire places and heaters so it wasn't too bad. What turned me off was that he did say we weren't allowed to use the restroom, because of he was dressed. Seriously? Idk why we stayed but we were already there. The only reason this place gets 2 stars is because the Busser was a sweetheart. And the bread was TO DIE FOR! We couldn't stop eating that bread. We ordered and then got our food. I got the filet mignon with mashed potatoes & peppercorn sauce. It wasn't too bad but not the best. The greens, string beans, broccoli were TERRIBLE. DRY & FLAVORLESS. We barely touched it. My boyfriends plate was a steak and he said there was way too much fat. He kept trying to eat around it & and it just wasn't all that great. His friend had the salmon and drizzled my peppercorn sauce for flavor...he said he could make better. We chalked this place up as a funny memory for his birthday. We were disappointed that Managment didn't even bother to comp anything for the trouble they had given us but it was okay. Money wasn't an option that night. But the fact that he was willing to turn down money was shocking. I couldn't believe it. We payed and we left. We had left over vegetables. (the ones we didn't eat) and gave it to the first homeless person we met. If you want a good steakhouse go to Bourbon Steakhouse. I've heard the best reviews from them and will be going there next time I want to go to a steak house.
(2)
Elliot S.
Had a group dinner 8/21 4 couples and our steaks were very disappointing. I shared the 28 ounce bone in ribeye and we took home enough for a family of dogs. The sides were good but not good enough for me to ever step into this restaurant ever again. As I left I said take a good look because I'm never coming back. My teeth still sore from chewing that first bite.
(1)
Ana O.
This was my and my partners first time here to celebrate his birthday. His dad introduced us and treated us for dinner (how nice of him). I've been to many different fine restaurants in last few years and this by far was my favorite. The restaurant has a nice ambiance setting: dim lights, piano music, and great view to Ventura blvd from the booths. Everything was delicious! From the lobster tails to filet mignon. The oysters were fresh and non fishy. The bread was so soft and flavorful- a must have! The onion rings so crunchy and sweet. The spinach side dish was my favorite. Service was pleasant too. Pricy but well worth it! We are planing on going back for our next celebration!
(5)
Jackie L.
I have only eaten in the dining room here one time and it was pretty good. However, I have been to their happy hour a few times and it has gone downhill. We got two orders of sliders for my son and his friend. My son couldn't even finish one because he said it was so bad. His friend didn't like them either. Their meatballs taste more like little frozen meatballs than homemade. Their steak tacos were awful and so are some of their other sliders. I am only giving them 3 stars for their restaurant dining. Their bar food is a 1 star and the restaurant is probably a 4. it does seem odd to me though that the door to the patio is in the middle of the restaurant instead of off to the side so there are constantly servers walking by the diners and the doors opening. It gets very windy up there.
Expensive but worth every bite. I'm not much of a meat person but this place changed my mind. I ordered the stuffed chicken and my boyfriend got the pork chops (the chop was so juicy). The tuna tartar was amazing and fresh. The mash potatoes were creamy and very delicious and the oysters I could have a plate by myself. Oh and let's not forget about the amazing bread.
(5)
Ben G.
I took my wife there for her birthday,despite the great service I cannot recommend this place as i found it to be below average, especially the stakes which were just terrible. For the price we paid we would expect a lot more.
(2)
Simon M.
I wish yelp allowed us to give zero stars, as this restaurant is surely deserving. Let's start from the beginning. I came to have dinner with my family before I went back to New York for grad school. To celebrate our last dinner for a year, we decided to order wine. I gave my ID (I am 22) to the gentlemen who asked for it but he said it was fake and refused to allow me to order or even have a sip of my parents wine. He came and forcefully grabbed the wine glass out of my hand and scolded my parents for giving it to me. I had to drive a half an hour back home to bring my passport for him to examine so I could have a glass of wine with my parents. Not only did the gestapo-like employee examine my passport for close to a minute he told me "don't bring this attitude here, buddy, got it?" I was astounded at his level of rudeness considering he is in the service industry. We then ordered steaks and sides. My mother and I ordered filets cooked medium. They both were cooked well done. The general manager came and apologized for his underling's behavior and promised to comp one of severely over-cooked steaks. We were charged for all the steaks, no charges were taken off the check nor was any dessert offered on the house. To pour salt on the fresh wound, to my 9 year old sister's delight, she withdrew a black hair from her mouth after a spoon fool of creamed corn. While I think it's clear by my expressions above, I'll say this anyway: this will be the last time me or my family eats here.
(1)
Gigi L.
Amazing blue cheese steak. Good oysters. Amazing spinach. Flawless service. Huge shrimp cocktail. Fantastic wine list. I had the Napa Pinot and it rocked. The wedge salad was amazing and ask for the warm blue cheese and candied walnuts. The restaurant is particularly generous. A couple of us ordered extras and they have us plenty. Won't disappoint. The patio is beautiful. Again, the steak. Just mmmm.
(5)
Jet J.
I had an amazing experience at Larsen's. This is not my first time at this location, but definitely one to remember. Molly was our server. She is AMAZING! She fully takes care of you and makes sure you are satisfied with everything. Molly, thank you for being so awesome! I also had the pleasure of meeting Adam, the remarkable manager. Adam, your commitment to excellence will allow you to accomplish every goal you set up for yourself. Larsen's is fortunate to have you. Last but not least, the food was delicious. It is the quality you expect at an upscale restaurant. Every time I go there, I know that I will have a succulent meal.
(5)
Maggie J.
I had dinner at Larsens's tonight for my birthday with my sister, my mom and dad. It was perfect. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. They had a card on the table for me which was so nice. I had the Miso Seabass and it was incredible. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
David J.
Very very very overpriced. Not comparable with the top steak houses in town. Lots of attitude horrible service high prices. Do not go. I wonder how they stay around.
(2)
Alan S.
The waitress spilled 3 drinks on my table, got me and my guests wet (all wearing business suits) and my brand new iphone 6 wet! then served up lunch with a bad attitude, Cold food, and orders messed up. They should close this dump!
(1)
Arthur B.
Took some clients for celebration dinner to Larsen's and it was my first time being there also and it was a great experience. We were seated on time and the service was impeccable. The steak was cooked just right and just a great experience overall. Would definitely go back again.
I love this place every time I eat here the food is so good and the staff is so friendly. I have recommended this place to all my friends and family.
(5)
Sona G.
Service here with Koji was 5 stars plus plus! Our drinks, smooth and perfect, appetizers were delicious! Main course steaks...my sister got bone in rib eye and I got the grass fed filet with king crab...they forgot the crab but my steak was good. Personally I can make a better streak at home. My sisters rib eye was much better! Side dishes were just okay, nothing grand. Our salads were very good. Do not bother with coffee or dessert, it's not worth it. Bread pudding tasted like bland gluey nothingness and the pecan pie was as good as an ordinary market brand. Coffee which I think needs to be the best to finish off a great meal was watered down blah. I'm glad we tried this place. I'm not worried about the $400 tab for 3 people but I definitely wouldn't bother to go back.
(2)
Bobby S.
Had a business dinner meeting for 8 people. Excellent food and service. The piano was a little loud but other than that great place for dinner if you don't want to drive to the west side.
(5)
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Address :16101 Ventura Blvd,Ste 270
Encino, CA, 91436
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Garage Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Romantic, Classy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Aaron H.
One of the best happy hours in the valley hands down. This place is great and the service is amazing!
(5)Alicia T.
Excellent service, bartenders rock the house, good food & excellent cigar selection. My group could not have been more accommodating. The atmosphere is sophisticated and romantic especially with the piano in the back ground. Thank you Larsen's for making our evening so special.
(5)Jessica B.
Service is good, very nice people, Cajun shrimp was amazing and also the Mac and cheese is too die for!!!! My boyfriend and I shared a steak, wasn't too bad but a bit too much seasoning for my liking, but he liked it. There side orders are super big, the Mac and cheese could be a meal on its own, but again super worth it. There drinks are super strong!! Overall a nice place for dinner, just don't forget your wallet.
(4)Daniel L.
We.try their happy hour. Service was poor and took forward er to get the food. While the food is not bad but not exceptional either for what they charge. $50 for two having a couple beers and tacos appetizers is not exactly happy hour deal. Go try their regular lunch when there is hardly anyone there but the service was good, and the salad was good.
(2)Cassandra Y.
The Service: Sitting at the bar. The bartender, Adam, is very friendly and attentive. The service is excellent. They treat customers like VIP. The Food: Tried a few appetizers and beer. Spinach, Shrimp and Artichoke Dip - Fresh ingredient and once we start eating the first bite... just can't stop it!! Macaroni & Cheese - They add in sun-dried tomato and bacon bites. Love the texture! Creamy cheese but not too much. The Parking: Parking Structure (Fee with validation), Street Metered Parking
(4)Tay M.
Best happy hour the manager Adam is awesome and the bartender Derrick is amazing 2nd time here but definitely not my last
(5)Dee S.
We have been going to Larsen's since they opened and have always had wonderful experiences, service and food but yesterday was above and beyond. We decided to have my husband's retirement party at Larsen's and I spent a month planning it with Adam Martinelli the General Manager. I probably drove him crazy with endless emails but Adam, the consummate professional took it all in stride, with grace and a huge smile. The evening for 60 people was a huge success in part because everyone was so amazing, helpful and friendly with our guests. I think that comes from the top down and again I can attribute that to Adam. Derek at the bar who no matter how busy always has a smile, Michelle (Mickey) both beautiful and smart gave us impeccable service as did everyone who helped make the evening such a success. (Have to give a shout out to Lisa too even though it was her night off.) I hope as the company continues to grow with the addition of its new restaurants in Woodland Hills and Las Vegas, it will never loose sight of being a steakhouse where the customer experience and of course the food are a priority. Thanks again to everyone last night at Larsen's Encino.
(5)Joe K.
Food is always great and consistent. Bone in fillet is amazing. Must try with Cajun rub. Hands down best steak house in the SFV.
(5)Mark T.
I have been to Larsen's on several occasions and its a hit or miss unfortunately, so I stopped going there for a while. Recently we went for a birthday and the entire experience was great, I will give Larsen's another chance for sure.
(3)Nic G.
When you leave after you spent 250 on a dinner for 2 and feel like you should have gone to the sizzler instead... That is not a good thing Steak overcooked.. Send it back.. Overcooked again.. Send it back.. Overcooked again.. "fine, I'll just eat it" Rude server. Old fashioned wasn't done properly. I will stick to Maestros
(1)Shawn S.
from the food to the service to the desserts, how could you go wrong here. made a reservation same day, came in for dinner party of 3. the service was amazing, very polite, took very good care of us and recommended dishes for us on our taste. we started with there amazing cheese bread, warning if your going to eat this watch out cause its seriously addictive. i had the flemings salad with the sea bass. perfect combination for both. i have to admit i was so full when the sea bass arrived at the tabe due to everything that i had prior to the main course. i had one bite of the sea bass and i couldn't do it. then the waiter brought out some secret sauce that was soy based and i tried it with the sea bass and ended up eating my entire plate almost licked it clean. the desserts here are amazing as well. i would highly recommend this place to eat, you definitely get what you pay for here.
(5)Gisele L.
They couldn't cook my steak right. Ordered it medium rare, brought it out medium well. Sent it back and they brought it out rare and cold. It's a steakhouse. How do u not know how to cook a steak. Also the manager brought it back out when I sent it back with a flashlight and said "I'm not trying to argue with u but that's medium rare" what kind of a manager does that? To their defense they took both our steaks off the bill And our waitress was very nice
(3)L D.
Normally had a great experience but the last time we went, the food was not that great...taste of the steak was horrible. Customer service was good though, three stars for that!
(3)Kobi D.
Great experience! Parking is very comfortable, as far as the service, Eric & Tony were awesome and made sure the me and the wife had everything that we need. The food and drinks were great (as expected) and the desert (NY cheesecake) was a great finale. Highly recommended restaurant.
(5)Deborah E.
Last night was my second time at Larsens. I noticed that it wasn't crowded at all and we made our Saturday night reservations earlier that day....the food was ok - portions were good. However, way too expensive.. I shared a meal and our bill for 4 was over $400.......Mortions and Ruth's Chris are better. Our server was ok; she got upset when one of us noticed that our coffee tasted burnt/old. I will not return. Not interested in food that isn't that great and costs about the same as a week's worth of groceries.....an I bet this location will close withn a year
(1)B P.
This is a pleasant american steakhouse when you feel like being spendy in the Encino area. A pleasant enough evening, but don't expect to escape for under $80 a person at least. Best thing here was the glow in the dark menus. The live piano music was nice too.
(3)Carolina T.
I think this place is one of my favorite steakhouses. Loved the service, the piano music, and the food is amazing. Molly was our server and she was awesome. Not only was she sweet and nice but the service she provided was top of the line. Adam is an excellent manager. Overall the experience was great, and i will be coming back.
(5)Rashmi V.
We came here on a Saturday late night just for a dessert tasting as we just had dinner elsewhere. I've been wanting to try this place for a while now. We had the pleasure to try the New York Cheesecake and the chocolate Bundt cake. Both desserts were really good, rich, chocolately and delicious. The ambience and service was good, all in all I wish I could say more but we just had dessert. I definitely would come back that's for sure to try their other menu items.
(4)Marina M.
We celebrated my husbands birthday!! Great food amazing service. The were very helpful and patient with my son, he was being a typical two year old. There Mac and cheese was amazing, there appetizers were big portions we were so full by the time dinner arrived. Everything was yummy. We loved it.
(5)Augustus B.
Good steaks, good service, OK sides. A bit pricey as expected. 3 stars for Larsen's. This place had very little character and felt very cliche. Most of the sides we ordered weren't very memorable, however, the mushrooms were actually pretty tasty. You can get a good steak here, but don't expect much else.
(3)Franky B.
Great place to go! Food is great too! Derek is a great bartender too! This place is a hidden gem for Ventura Blvd. The happy hour is from 5-7pm in the bar area and the patio which overlooks Ventura Blvd and has fire pits. I like sitting outside for happy hour when I have a group. This place is good to go to after work and relax. In short, great food, great service and great time.
(5)Shanel J.
Heard a lot about this place so my family and I decided to check it out. We had the lobster cream soup and crab cakes for appetizer and those were really good! Then we had the marinated Hawaiian steak with the lobster mash potatoes! Off the hook good!!! Desert was really good as well. Mike our waiter was very friendly and very helpful with what to order from the kitchen. We will definitely be going back.
(4)Kerry B.
Our waitress Molly was so sweet and amazing! Really wonderful person! And the table bread is to die for! It's so soft. The salmon is a huge perfectly cooked specimen. The onion rings were huge! Batter was delicious. I ordered the Chilean sea bass and it was a nice chunk of white fish. The sauce was incredible as well. It was my honeys birthday and they brought him a molten chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream and a candle. Fantastic ambience! We will be back
(5)larry a.
My wife and I went to Larsen's on our anniversary. We both LOVE this place. We really don't get out as much as we used to (2 children), but when we do, we always make it a point to go to Larsen's. I've read several negative reviews and I really do disagree with them. If I would have read them prior to my first time dining there I wouldn't have gone. Do youself a favor and make the decision yourself. Definitely have the tuna tar tar to start!
(5)Christine Y.
We came to dinner here with clients. From the time that we arrived, the service was fantastic. The hostess seated us quickly at a great table, our water was filled immediately, and the wine list was ready to go. Props for the glowing menus - no straining of the eyes in the dimly lit restaurant. Once we ordered, appetizers and salads came quickly, and the wine they recommended was lovely and they have really nice wine glasses for every variety. Our server checked on us regularly and was incredibly nice, funny and polite. At one point, the wine we ordered ran out, so they gave us a nicer bottle for the same price, which is really great customer service. In terms of the food, the bread really set the bar for how the evening would go - a freshly baked little loaf with cheese melted on top, along with a little crock of perfectly soft salted butter. We must have gone through 2 or 3 loaves of this amazing bread. We also ordered some seafood appetizers - the petite tower had oysters, prawns, crab legs, lobster, and scallops, all of which was fresh and sweet. The homemade cocktail sauce was great. The ahi tuna appetizer was great and fresh, with a well-seasoned avocado mash and crispy wonton chips. and the bacon wrapped shrimp were big, juicy, and not overdone. I had the Hawaiian Marinated Ribeye, which was perfectly cooked with pineapple rings on top, and all the steaks looked perfect. The sides were all very good as well - I'm rarely a fan of mac and cheese that isn't actually macaroni, but this one is great (a homestyle, velveeta-y sauce baked to perfection), and the garlic mashed potatoes don't need any sauce to enjoy. The asparagus were perfectly cooked, not too soft. Last but not least, the dessert. We got a few items to share for the table, and the cheesecake is one of the best I've ever had. The berries and cream were fresh and sweet, and the coffees/cappuccinos/espressos were made well. I'd definitely recommend this restaurant for a nice date or business dinner - the service and food definitely helped seal the deal! PS. Easy underground parking, restaurant is up the escalator then up the stairs.
(5)Sandy G.
Happeeeee Hour!!!!! Stay for a few! lol. Food is great, but prices are still a bit on the high side, so don't be blindsided. For two people we ordered (all happy hour specials) the Larsen salad, mozzarella salad, fish tacos, Kobe sliders, two martinis, and a chocolate cake....$74 without tip. The ambiance is great, the food is nice, and the staff is friendly.
(4)J. Jesse H.
Great first time here. Diana my server was real friendly. With recommendations, and when the lobster bisque came out over cooked (hard to do right,) she exchanged it for the French onion which was delicious. The filet sashimi was cooked perfectly and quite unique with wasabi mashed potatoes. I look forward to my next visit
(5)Deb B.
Pleasant evening out with my husband. I accepted the recommendation of the waiter for the special of the day, and was not disappointed. Wonderful atmosphere, delicious wine, appetizer and meal.
(4)Christine F.
We were headed to the Saddle Peak Lodge for dinner when traffic on the 101 freeway caused us to forgo and look for another upscale steak house in the area. We literally came across Larsens by driving by. I quickly checked Yelp before entering and saw the (one) bad review from Nic G. . Even still, it looked so inviting that we decided to check it out. Boy, am I glad we did. We sat at the bar and were immediately greeted by Tracy and Derek as if we were old friends, rather than new customers. Such a delightful evening I don't know where to begin. Great ambiance, great food and exceptional service. I had the dry aged filet and it was delicious, cooked perfectly for me, which is hard as I usually get over or under cooked steaks as I like a true "pink" center. Hard to achieve on a thick cut filet. This one was "perfection". The taste was excellent. The huge selection of sides was impressive as well. We had the creamed corn that was to die for and I opted for the hashbrowns that were so tasty on their own I did not even add any toppings. My husband selected the dry aged ribeye, and opted the max toppings (bacon wrapped, blue cheese crumbles with shrimp creole)! It was decadent... but it was his birthday! The whole evening was a delightful surprise. I would highly recommend this place to anyone in the area that values great customer service, great food and atmosphere. On our ranking, it scores as well (or even better) than any of its competitors we frequent (Mastro's, The Palm, Mortons, or Ruth Chris) I can't say enough about Derek and Tracy behind the bar. We enjoyed their company as much as the meal. Thanks to them and the incredible meal we had, Larsens will now be our new "favorite".
(5)Josh R.
Went here once. Felt like I got taken for a ride. Not only was it ridiculously expensive for a mediocre if not lousy steak... The seafood was lesser grade than what you'd get frozen at costco. If I can prepare a better meal at home in 20 minutes for a 1/4 of the price. I'm eating at home. Especially if the up charge on supermarket wine is 210%. Just go to Mastro's you'll be happier. Or Delmonicos across the street.
(2)Alan B.
If you are steak lover this is the place for you. Excellent choice of steaks and fishes. They have great salads to appetizers. Very friendly staff with excellent customer service. A lot of parking and valet service.
(5)Ashley D.
Who needs to go over the hill to Mastro's, Fleming's or Ruth Chris when you can get the same quality food here in the Valley without the fruffy or pretentious vibe or the hard sell on the most expensive thing on the menu? My husband and I went with my boss and his wife and they frequent this spot so we knew it would be good. The burratta salad was delicious, my steak was SO good, and the sides and dessert were great too. Our waiter was helpful and attentive and the restaurant has a great atmosphere. The only downside was they were out of a handful of things on the menu. I would recommend Larsen's!
(4)Christine L.
My entire experience at this restaurant was fantastic. A handful of coworkers and I stopped by here after a company outing the other night and the choice to eat here was a spur of the moment decision. All of us were dressed pretty casual and felt really underdressed when we entered. Nevertheless, we were treated like royalty by our server. He explained to us the menu (none of us were really steak experts) with enthusiasm unlike most servers who recite the menu like a half-assed presentation no one cared about. We ordered some ahi tuna poke and crab cakes as appetizers. Both were amazing! I loved the white sauce on the crab cakes..Tasted very fresh and flavorful. For the main course everyone ordered steak (duh! You can't NOT order steak at a steakhouse :P).. I personally ordered the medium-rare prime dry 8oz filet and it was the most tender steak I've ever had! Shoot, for $44 being 8oz it better be!! For sides we had their lobster potatoes and jalepeno mac & cheese...I kid you not I was shocked at how not one thing tasted anything less than exceptional. I was blown away. Not only that, it happened to be mine & a coworker's birthday celebration as well and they not only let us choose our own desserts of our choice on the house (using really cool light up tablet menus) but also personally had their staff sign a birthday card for each of us. I thought that was really cool. Granted this place was very pricey, you get the best service and the BEST food! I'd definitely go back
(5)Karen C.
A friend of ours was here from New York and we were meeting for dinner. He said that he wanted steak. We live in West Hills and he was staying in the city. At first I suggested Monty's in Woodland Hills. But, did not want to drive that far. I had seen Larsens driving around Encino, so that is where we ended up This must be the only steak house that I have been to in 20 years that actually cooks the steak the way you ask for it. The sides were great, the wait staff great! I will totally go back soon. Then surprisingly the next day, I had a voicemail from Larsens asking if we had a good experience.
(5)Diego T.
Outstanding service and quality food. Molly was our server, "THE SERVER", I must say. I have gone to multiple top steakhouses and Larsens without a doubt exceeded my expectations. I ordered the 16oz New York medium well with a 7oz lobster tail. Every bite was tender and delicious. You can really taste quality on every bite. The manager, Adam, made sure our food tasted perfectly as ordered and made sure everything was taken care of. A BIG PLUS in my experience is that my glass of water remained full through out the entire dinner.
(5)Wilka P.
This place has a good happy hour. Went here with my friends on a Wednesday. We had a table, ordered drinks and the food was delish. It was a fun crowd and they had a pianist. Good times. The gem of this place was Derrick. He is the best server in Los Angeles. Derrick was ab so freaking amazing. Thank you Derrick for the best service EVER !!!
(4)H G.
Very Pricey! BUT the service is always amazing. Probably one of the best steakhouse in the Valley. Here's what we ordered: 1) Petite Filet Mignon with Bernaise (8oz) $38 -- seriously I don't have to chew it coz it melts in my mouth. I forgot how tender the steaks here are. 2) Rib Eye Steak $48 My man loves it! It was a big portion and he finished everything. The baked garlic goes well with it. 3) Salmon It was huge!! Like double the size of salmon that is usually served in restaurants. I'll probably get this next time. 4) Lettuce Wedge Salad Single order can be shared by 3 people. Again it was huge! we were surprised how big it was. 5) Grilled Asparagus Nothing Special for a $12 price tag 6) Potato Something Meh 7) FREE ICE CREAM BROWNIE DESSERT = 6 stars!!! :)
(4)Katie K.
Happy Valentine's day with my honey. We have now been here a few times for happy hour. My best advice is get there right at 5 p.m. when the doors open if you want a seat inside. Derrick is the absolute best and makes everyone feel special while they are there. He makes one great martini. Get a loaf of their fresh bread and you will be in heaven. I also highly recommend any of their happy hour food. On warmer evenings, the outdoor patio area is very nice and you can have happy hour outside. Just make sure you tell the hostess that is what you are doing.
(5)Christine P.
Great food, casually elegant ambience and one of the best waitresses I've ever had the pleasure of serving me! I recently took my boyfriend here for his birthday and we ordered the ribeye, wedge salad and garlic mashed potatoes. Even though we were splitting the order between the two of us, the steak cut in half was a generous portion for each of us and the wedge salads looked like they were full-sized even though they were divided in half. The mashed potatoes were delicious and the steak was cooked to perfection - medium rare just as we ordered it. The atmosphere is quite romantic with dimmed lighting and cool views of Ventura Blvd. if you get a window booth. However, one of the best parts of the experience was the awesome service we received from our waitress, Michelle. I really detest waitresses that are hyper-exuberant and over-the-top perky, who announce, "Hi!!! My name is ---- and I'll be taking care of you tonight!" Michelle was none of that. She kept a watchful eye on us while giving us our space, never interrupting our conversation, but always making sure that our wine was poured and we had what we needed. She was gracious and mellow while staying right on top of customer service - probably the classiest & BEST waitress who's ever waited on me. We will definitely return. The only negative about this restaurant is that when we first arrived, the hostess took an inordinately long time to get her act together at the front hostess desk and then seat us. She seemed to be fumbling around with making notations on seating charts and getting menus. When she was finally ready to seat us, she also took another couple behind us who had walked in after we had arrived, walking all of us back at the same time and dropping us off at one table along the way and then seating them at the next table - instead of seating each party individually. I found that a little weird and also didn't understand why she was fumbling around so much because the restaurant wasn't that busy on a Sunday night. Otherwise everything else was perfect and we'll return again. Praises to Michelle!
(4)Laney B.
Larsen's is truly classy-- that's all I've got to say-- Fasten your seat belts and grab some popcorn. After my first visit to Larsen's I wrote a fantastic review-- and that's because my visit, service and meal warranted a fantastic review. My boyfriend and I loved it so much, about 2 weeks later we went again. The service was great, but the food was a bit off... we got a really fatty and chewy piece of prime rib, doughy bread; and needless to say I was really let-down... but we didn't complain-- not really what we do. So after writing an updated review of Larsen's explaining my sadness-- no really... sadness... we thought we'd found our new "spot" for an amazing meal without having to deal with Bev Hills-- I immediately got a phone call. What was this? A phone call from Larsen's? How the heck did they even track me down? My boyfriend paid with his Amex and has a crazy Arab name... I don't broadcast my last name on here, and certainly not my phone number. Larsen's is so concerned with their guests having a great dining experience the manager tracked me down and called me-- to not only apologize but to offer us a credit for a free meal (cocktails and all) on the house. So of course we went back, and the service-- just like it was the last 2 times was AMAZING-- and this time the food was ABSOLUTELY EPIC! Even better than the first time! We ordered the porterhouse medium rare, and OMG -- it's like french kissing God! It was that good! One half was the NY Strip and the other the filet, and they tasted like 2 completely different cuts of meat-- they were both super tender and not mealy or fatty. With the steak we added 1/2 lb of Alaskan King Crab Legs and they were legend- wait for it- dary! Not weird or salty-- absolute perfection! I'm getting hungry writing this review! The chopped salad- O-mazing -- super tender butter lettuce with a medley of other tasty treats, including garb beans, bacon and avocado. (I'd eat this salad every day for lunch if I could). Creamed Corn-- now guys-- this is heavy and dense, but wow is it dynamite! Just the right amount of sweet, salty and creamy! Definitely a must-try! Mashed potatoes- Extremely tasty! Amazing! Clearly a must have-- you cant have steak and not have taters! and last but not least the alcoholic beverages--- perfection. The best cosmos I've ever had. Clearly this place has outstanding food, and moreover outstanding service. It's so refreshing to see a company / restaurant that truly cares about their clients to the extent that Larsen's does. The weird thing is that I keep wanting to say that they really took care of us this last time, but they did that the 2 other times too-- We will definitely be returning very soon, and would 100% recommend Larsen's to anybody that's looking for an upscale, modern, fine dining experience!
(5)Tiffany G.
Came for dinner with a friend. The restaurant is on the 2nd floor of the shopping plaza on the corner. Underground parking off the side street. No valet the night I went and very few spots designated for Larsen's. Anyway, I found a spot and went upstairs. They have a little bar area inside and the rest is restaurant. The booths by the window looked cool, great view and slightly elevated. We had a table a little off to the side so we could talk. The waiter was funny and very nice. We weren't rushing and he didn't rush us- very nice. I had the heirloom tomato salad which was super good. My companion had the oysters which she said were excellent and she had a salad as well which was also very good. We splurged on dessert and I had the peanut butter chocolate cake thing and OMG it was so good. Loved it! Of course you have to love the lighted menus - keeps me from pulling out my phone flashlight!
(4)Liza B.
We had never even heard of this steakhouse until we were given a gift card, so decided to give it a try for dinner. We walked in at 5:45-ish on a Saturday, place was empty but they said they were full with reservations and we could sit at the bar (meh), or outside since they didn't have an outside reservation for an hour. However, people can smoke outside. When is that law going to kick in? We took our chances and were given a nice table with comfy chairs and a view (of Ventura Blvd). Delicious bread served warm, so-so wedge salad (bleu cheese dressing nothing special), my hubby really liked his seabass with the asian sauce. Mashed sweet potatoes are served with mini marshmallows on top which looked a little cheesy but were actually delicious. The low point was my petite filet mignon...not bad, but not scrumptious. Tasted like the "Select" beef sold at your local grocery store. If you're going to charge $$ like the big boys (Flemings, Ruth's Chris), you need to serve quality. Service was good, but again not outstanding like you would have at Ruth's Chris. Normally I don't quibble about things like having to ask the runner for fresh ground pepper on my salad, but I do with prices like this. Great music outside until the pianist inside started playing...which was nice but why do they turn the music off outside when you can't hear the pianist? I would go back to sit outside and enjoy wine and an appetizer, but if you are looking for a quality steak, go elsewhere.
(3)Alan C.
We're regulars at the bar. The sliders as good as you'll find anywhere. And they're a great deal, at $12 for three. The fries are also good. I'm rooting for Larsen's to succeed. It's the type of place that's sorely lacking in the Valley.
(4)Dely B.
This is the new hot spot to dine in Encino. I've been waiting for a place like this. The decor is awesome. They have a great bar, a chill lounge patio with couches and a fireplace and of course the exquisite dining room with lush cushioned leather seats and suede booths. They have these really cool light up menus and let's not forget the digital piano that plays Frank Sinatra songs and they also have a live pianist and singer at nights which gives the place a nice vibe. The steaks are unforgettable and go wrong deliciously with one of the side options like the mashed sweet potatoes or the Mac n' cheese. Also if you're not a steak lover they have a magnificent stuffed breast of chicken and a variety of fish selections as well. For appetizers you have to try the Ahi tuna tartar, the crab cakes, or the mini burger sliders. For lunch you gotta try the Ahi Tuna burger made with fresh ground tuna or the Flemming's steak house salad. They have an amazing selection of wines and beers, and you can't go wrong by trying one of their delicious cocktail concoctions. To finish it off they have a top of the line gourmet cup of French coffee that goes great with their scrumptious banana cheesecake churro burrito with caramel sauce. Or you could try the Larsen's trifle which is like a gourmet sundae. Mmmmmmm....mmmmM! :) You gotta check this place out; I can't wait to go back. It's perfect for lunch or dinner or happy hour (or as they call it piano hour), a birthday or a romantic date, or if you just want to have a nice fine dining experience. Enjoy!
(5)Ian C.
So, the wife and I gave this a spin last night, and we both thought it was okay, but not great. She ordered the petite filet mignon, medium rare; it was perfectly cooked and delicious. I ordered the porterhouse, also medium rare, and it was overcooked to the point of being burned on one edge. Part of this is my fault - with the two different cuts of meat in the porterhouse, you're never going to get it quite how you want it, and I probably should have ordered something different - however serving me burnt meat is kind of hard to forgive in a steak place. We both ordered sides, her the mashed potatoes, and me the au gratin. Again, the wife really got the better end of the deal, here... The mashed potatoes were tasty and creamy, but the au gratin just tasted like mush. The sides are huge here, and we could have split one and still had some left over. We got a molten chocolate something for dessert, and it was definitely a nice way to end the meal. The place itself is very open inside, which is great, but there's a lot of ambient noise, so we had a little bit of a hard time hearing each other. I was worried the piano player would add to that problem, but he wasn't too loud, and played well. The light up menus are definitely as ridiculous and gimmicky as they sound. This review is based off one visit. My crappy porterhouse could have been an anomaly, and if so, this place is pretty good. Still, I don't drop $120 + tip on dinner often, and I don't want to get singed meat when I do.
(2)donna b.
The steaks were fine, but the sauces were eh, why put a sauce on a steak unless it's going to complement it? The special scampi was not so much a scampi as a tomato-y dish with shrimp in it. The service was not attentive. We were served the potatoes au gratin and I swear, I could have put a spoonful of salt in my mouth instead. When we returned the potatoes and asked them to be taken off the bill, there were no apologies. Just a remark that the kitchen was having trouble that night. Hmmm, where was the complimentary dessert? Why didn't the manager swing by to say he was sorry? In this day of economic instability, restaurants need to work just a little harder to keep customers coming back. I can't say I'd run back and will choose to keep my hundred bucks a couple for another place like Flemings.
(2)Joanne D.
Came here with the hubby. When we were handed the menu...it was funny because when we opened it up, we both looked at each other and were like...COOL...it lights up!!! ha ha So anyways, the hubby was craving for some meat. We started off with some bread. That bread was DELICIOUS. I almost finished it. It's only good when warm but after that it gets a little hard. As far as our dinner the hubby ordered the Larsen's Rib Eye. I expected a little more flavor. It was cooked perfectly to order, however, there was no flavor and he had to add a little salt and pepper to it. I, on the other hand ordered the sea bass pan seared in sugar soy glaze. To be honest, I didn't really care for the sugar soy glaze. I thought it was a little too sweet. I loved the sea bass just the way it was with a little lemon. As far as our sides we had the mac & cheese and the mashed sweet potatoes. The mac & cheese was ok but the sweet potatoes were awesome. Reminds me of the holidays. The staff and our waiter were very friendly and very accommodating. I will definitely come back to give Larsen's another try.
(3)Lane W.
what a random place. it's in the middle of a mini-mall and extremely fancy -- seems a little out of place. the food was pretty good, but not worth the price, i've had far better. the service, though, was exceptional. and the decor/ambiance is great, as well.
(3)Donald J.
Let me preface this by saying, I haven't eaten at this place yet. And that I've posted this same review on citysearch because I find it kind of amusing. I was considering going here with my wife. So I checked the reviews on citysearch and yelp, and noticed something odd: all the reviews on Yelp and Citysearch are either 1 star or 5 stars. Nothing in between. People seem to either love or hate this place. Then I read the reviews. Maybe it's just me, but is there some strange review war going on here? A lot of the reviews sound really similar. A lot of the 5 star reviewers on citysearch sound suspiciously similar to the Editorial Description. They say the place is "a must" and end their reviews by "thanking" Larsen's for such a great experience. Who the hell "thanks" a restaurant in their review? Also, "Delaram B." posted the EXACT same positive review - WORD FOR WORD - on yelp and then on citysearch ten days later. Someone else posted the same negative review about a $150 steak on both yelp and citysearch. Also - according to their profiles, both on yelp and citysearch - this in the ONLY place that any of these people have reviewed. Whole thing seems a little suspect to me. You be the judge.
(3)Amy S.
After seeing how few reviews Larsen's had and that the reviews were very varied, as a first time diner, I was not excited about this choice for dinner. However, I was very pleasantly surprised. For starters the service was great. They were very accommodating both to our dietary needs and seating requests. The food was well prepared and everyone enjoyed their meal. Even my father who sends back EVERYTHING was happy with his steak first time around. The sides were particularly delicious and very reasonably priced. Two people can easily share a side and (aside from the Lobster Mashed Potatoes - which expectedly are expensive) are priced from $7-$9. I feel bad for prejudging this restaurant and would both return and recommend it to anyone looking for a nice steak restaurant in the valley.
(4)G L.
Really great food. I had the filet mignon and it was awesome. Really tender and yummy! For sides we had fries, au gratin potatoes and spinach dip. Sides were good, but not amazing. Overall had a great experience, my steak was great and the service was excellent.
(4)Carlton D.
It's so about time that someone finally opened a good restaurant in Encino!!! Every single person I know living 'on this side of the hill' shakes their head in disappointment on the LACK of quality restaurants to chose from in Encino...that is until Larsen's. I have a weakness for the old school, great steak, dark wood, good martini steakhouses. More often than I can afford we find ourselves randomly popping into Mastro's for an impromptu at-the-bar dinner...which sets the bar VERY high. So when I saw Larsen's open, I overlooked my policy of eating at a new restaurant in the first 3-months...and ate there the 3rd day it was open. The bartender/manager made a big claim 'I think we're as good if not better than Mastro's'...yeah right I told myself. Well to my surprise they were in fact AS good...and this was on their 3rd day being in business!!! The Filet was perfectly cooked as ordered and seasoned with just a hint of pepper/salt. I've been back 2 more times since and each time they continue to hone their formula. The service continues to improve from the early-day minor hiccups, and the steak (which i didn't think was possible) continues to get better and better. I was going to give them 4-stars because there are still some new-restaurant jitters...but in anticipation of them working those out I'm giving them 5-stars. If you're in the Valley and just about to head over the hill to find a decent restaurant...I'd strongly suggest giving Larsen's a shot.
(5)Michelle D.
Went on a whim, never having really heard anything more remarkable than reasonable Chowhound L.A.-board buzz about the place -- needed something festive as we were celebrating our twins' 14th birthdays... Sweet baby jeebis, that was some DAMNED fine meat! The Kobe Strip was completely perfect, as the veins of rich fat lacing the meat melted into delicate rivulets that danced through the tender, slightly salty flesh and pretty much obviated the need to chew each bite more than 2 or 3 times... The filet mignon was tender and flavorful to a fault, and was served perfectly medium-rare as requested. The crabcake appetizer was somehow both meaty and delicate -- the chunks of crabmeat were practically buzzing with freshness. We fought over who got to swallow the last flakey, lightly-lemon-drizzled chunk crispy with panko, thick with sweet crabmeat. The sides were delivered to the table in large bowls, and we fairly lost our minds in the uber-smooth potatoes thick with tender, melty chunks of roasted garlic. The steak fries managed to be like The Hungry Man equivalent of one of my perennial favorites : the potato dauphinoise, where the outside is all golden crispy fried potato goodness surrounding (if well crafted) a fluffy, angelically soft whip of potato-thickened air. Hot, wildly crisp, sprinkled with the crunch of good sea salt... Even the bowl of broccoli brought to the table for good measure was remarkable in its freshness and sweet flavor up against its lingering crunch... All in all, it was one of the most consistently delicious meals I've had in this town in many months, and it came at such an unexpected location -- one I'd never heard of until this afternoon... my children left feeling properly celebrated and uniquely sated. The wait staff was professional and kind, and eminently patient with us... I can't wait to bring my husband back for a meal next to one of their scattered fire-pits out on their deck! What a tremendous find!
(4)D. F.
This is a good steakhouse with a nice vibe. The ambiance is really nice.. Sort of a nice cosmopolitan feel, especially for a valley steakhouse. To be frank, I drove by for a year or more before I even tried Larsen's, since this location has been bad luck for several restaurants over the years. I have had the Filet and the Rib Eye... I think that the steaks are good, but I really like their swordfish. They are one of a few restaurants who still serve a nice thick hunk of swordfish. The veggie sides are also quite delicious. I have been there at least 10-12 times and it has been relatively consistent, although one night the service was slow.. However, I complained and they apologized and gave us a free dessert. They also call you to follow up on your experience, which is a nice touch...
(4)Brandon N.
Based on the reviews, I think that I must have gone to a different restaurant that the other reviewers. The restaurant looks nice, the hostesses were great as was our server (Jaime) and seating was prompt, but the food was really not great. We ordered bacon-wrapped shrimp to start and all it tasted like was bacon. Granted, I like bacon, but the shrimp was totally lost. Next came lobster bisque and drinks. I can't complain here, because the bisque was really good and the pours of wine were huge. Last, our steaks and sides came out. My wife ordered the filet and I ordered the New York strip steak. Both were cooked decently, but they just didn't taste. Unlike most steakhouses who over-salt their steaks, I don't think that Larsen's uses any. Our sides were the mushrooms and shoestring fries. The fries were alright (although not as good as most fast-food places) and the mushrooms were completely inedible. We could barely make out the mushroom flavor through all the butter. After I paid the bill I realized that we could have eaten from the regular (non-pairing) menu at Providence for about the same price. I was totally baffled at the rave reviews as we found Larsen's mediocre at best. We do not plan on going back, even if someone else offers to pick up the tab.
(2)JG L.
NOT LOVIN' IT IN THE BAR: We tried happy hour & it was great prices but the bartender, Abbey was inattentive and never checked on us. After getting up a few times for things we needed, we decided that we ALWAYS get better service in the restaurant area. RESTARAUNT AREA: Fabulous and dreamy!! Manager Nigel is a Top Chef and runs an air tight management shift! It doesn't get better than his hand picked selections!! We salivate, waiting at the table for his customized selection of beef!! LOVE NIGEL!!! SERVERS: We absolutely love Eric and Kent. They deliver top notch service consistently! Organized, attentive and quality representation of Larsen's.
(5)Chen Z.
Expensive and not that good. The steaks are good but not excellent like other options(Ruth Chris etc). tried the salmon , not a big deal also. The place looks great, Romantic but the food is not worth the high pricing.
(2)Ron F.
Excellent Restaurant! Always enjoy the ambiance, people and food. If you want a great steak or seafood, this is the place. Say hi to Derrick behind the bar. Wonderful person!
(5)Kimberly F.
Fantastic food (as my mouth drools). Great place for a romantic dinner or dinner with the gals. I loved the lobster bisque topped with lobster meet and you get this adorable mini Tabasco hot sauce. The ambiance is nice and definitely try the lobster bisque.
(5)Michael C.
Service always makes me feel like a Prince (other than my wife - okay I'm lying there). The bill for me and the wife is usually $300. Best steaks I ever had, and I love going here with the men; as they allow cigar smoking outside over the fire rings. Love the little known secret that you can buy $100 for $80 gfft cards at Costco.
(5)Miss M.
Amazing service and food. Great for business dinners.
(5)Marlee M.
This was my second time here. My boyfriend and I have made it our, "very special dinner," spot. Our first experience was great. There was a confusion on who our server was so it took about ten minutes for a server to greet us, but he definitely made up for it. Our second experience, well, the food was amazing. We work different hours so we had our Valentine's dinner the Monday after. Again, it took about fifteen minutes for anyone to greet us at our table. Then we waited for a cocktail menu, and then waited again for her to come take our drink order. He got his drink first, mine came about twenty minutes later after sitting at the bar for about fifteen. He was already done with his. We were there for at least 45 minutes before we even heard the specials. But again everything tasted amazing. The service was just ridiculously slow. Especially for over $200.
(4)Krist Z.
Fine fine a la cart dining. It's a bit pricey but the food and service is impeccable. The portions are big so they somewhat makeup for the price. It has a dark romantic ambient indoor dining room as well as fire pits outside on the terrace. Great place for special events and celebrations. I gave this place 4 out of 5 stars because they don't let kids out in the terrace area and no one notified me prior to going there. Otherwise 5 stars.
(4)Jennifer D.
The food here isn't great but I like the bread that they serve. Last time my husband and I went there our food came out cold. The filet mignon was dry and not juicy. The fish that my husband ordered was tasteless. I wouldn't go back just for the warm bread.
(3)Brianna H.
The service was great. I got the chilean sea bass, and my boyfriend got a steak. We also got sides of spinach and garlic mashed potatoes. The portions were pretty huge but pretty pricey as well! Totally worth every penny! Overall everything was so delicious, but the best part was definitely our tuna appetizer!!
(5)Seryl Z.
We went to larsons for the first time it was good the decor is nice and the lighted menues are great. The problem is the 25$ corkage fee! What if we were asked to pay for the glass of water it's the same amount of glass. It gets to be very pricy if you like to eat out often . Change the corkage or don't charge your good customers!
(3)lisa s.
This is by far my favorite restaurant in the universe. I just went to Cecconis for my birthday ... Meh. Maestro's ... Good. Larsens .... Excellent!!!!!!!!! No words!!!!! Amazing!!!!! The best food, best happy hour, best service! Tracy, Derek and June took such attentive and amazing care of us! We will be back weekly! Ohhhh... One more thing, they are very heavy-handed on their drinks! Nooooo Pretentious restaurant with one little shot of alcohol and over juiced drinks. This is old school, they know how to do cocktails right! One drink and you're done! I love Larsens!!!!!!!!
(5)Miguel M.
I totally recommend the grilled artichokes, the grilled asparagus and the strip steak
(5)Christopher P.
Good food, but overpriced.
(3)Chris B.
I just found my new favorite steakhouse in LA, and its only a 5 minute drive from me. PERFECT date location. Great layout and not overcrowded like you'd expect Flemming's or Morton's to be on a weekend night. 10/10 on the layout and ambience. The night I was there, they had a live piano player that added to the romantic and relaxing atmosphere. Service was 10/10, both our hostess and waitress were incredible pleasant, friendly and attentive. Now on to the important part - the food. We started with the tuna tartare, which was as you'd expect any fresh tuna tartare to be, except the portion here was surprisingly large. I had a 14 oz bone-in filet that was cooked medium rare perfectly. 10/10 on flavor and texture. My gorgeous date had herself the cedar plank grilled salmon which was also delicious. We split some, again, amazing mac & cheese as well as some garlic mashed potatoes that were done equally as well as everything else. Price wise - you're on par for a good steak house. For our meal, including 2 cocktails and no desert, the check was $165 which I think is more than reasonable for the dining experience we had that night. Oh and heads up - garage parking is $3 after 5PM (they take credit cards) I believe. It fills up once the Mediterranean club starts kicking after 9:30/10. If you can find side street parking, that may be your best bet.
(5)Susan B.
Nice ambiance, love the piano bar, most of the food is decent, but won't be going back. I ordered the petite filet and lobster. The lobster was mushy and the lighting made it difficult to see if it was undercooked. My husband tried it and confirmed that the lobster was undercooked. We told the waitress who then told the maître d. He asked if something was wrong as if it was an absurdity. When my whole dish was returned, the lobster was reduced to 3 stiff minuscule lobster croutons. Talk about overkill! My husband and I laughed out loud when we saw it. I tasted one of the pieces and it was inedible. Even the busboy laughed when he brought my dish back. The maître d seemed annoyed when I wasn't grateful for the inedible lobster croutons. Really? In fairness, we were not charged for the $25 side of lobster. Not returning for substandard food and the stuffiness of a maître d who was way too aloof and the waitress seemed out of character as if waitressing was beneath her. Too pricey to be treated as if they are doing us a favor. Do yourself a favor and go down the street to Delmonico's.
(2)Matthew B.
I love this place. Service is always fantastic, food is tremendous and they remember us whenever we come in even though we only dine there a few times a year. Lit menus are awesome - my eyes wish more restaurants would follow this idea. Larsen's is a neighborhood restaurant but you do forget you're in Encino while you're there. Glad to have them in town.
(5)Al T.
The good: service was great. Pours were very good. Wedge salad and Cajun shrimp, creamed spinach were nice. Mac and cheese was (just) okay. The bad: Steaks were salty, overcooked and just woeful. Party of two couples, bill was $400, $480 with tip. Bottom line: Was nowhere near a $500 meal. Should have gone to Boa or Maestros. Never again
(1)The Immature A.
Larsen's must rely on AppleMaps because they're a San Fernando Valley steakhouse whose menu prices are convinced they're located in Beverly Hills. That being said, the food is great. I recommend checking out Larsen's during Happy Hour where you can sample the quality of the food without having to roll quarters later. Derrick and Adam will treat you well while you devour those prime rib 'sliders' that moments ago were a huge french dip sandwich stealthily cut into 3. Stop by on a Thursday night, and you'll see me wiping au jus from my mouth on the second stool from the left. And for your own safety, keep your hands and feet away from my mouth while I'm chewing.
(4)Steve T.
The layout of this place is really as good as it gets. The architecture gives an obvious upscale feel to it. It's on the 2nd floor and is round shaped with some tables overlooking Ventura Blvd. Theres a very nice outdoor section with fancy fireplaces. As soon as you enter, you will notice someone playing a grand piano, to fill the ambience of the restaurant with classical music. It's very soothing and relaxing. As for the food, light up menu's make it easy to order in the dimly lit place. The steaks themselves are stellar. My family ordered some seafood and they were very satisfied with it as well. Having been here 3 times already, we are returning customer's. It's also great that Cosco sells gift cards for this place which save a good 20%.
(5)BridgetLoves L.
Went for boyfriends bday with two 9 year olds and his parents. Top notch service from start to finish. Food was impeccable. A terrific dining experience we loved. The sides are very generous- we recommend the Mac and cheese, creamed spinach and shrimp cocktail starter. Oh and for dessert... We really all loved the apple pie and pb chocolate cake. Next time we will try the flourless chocolate cake. See you in a few months!
(5)Ali M.
they have the best steak ever in the whole los angeles
(4)James A.
Very romantic and sexy steak house. We sat outside since where we live we can't (Phoenix to hottttt). I got the wedge salad with a appetizer of bacon wrapped shrimp, which were not shrimps, they were Huge! Salad was perfect, shrimp were very good, not over cooked. My date got the wedge salad, with the lobster bisque. I tried the bisque and it was yummy, not my cup of soup, but yummy! I sat and watched with envy as my date pulled giant morsels of lobster out of the soup. I think they stuffed an entire tail in the soup. If you are from Phoenix don't sit outside, you will freeze your balls off when the sun goes down. It dropped down to 73 degrees and we were shivering the whole time!
(5)Kaywan S.
Apparently you get horrible service if you're not a certain insect starting with a W, and I'm not talking about bees. Good food though past the altitude.
(1)Spencer K.
I came here for happy hour for the first time. I wasn't even thirsty and Derrick sold me two drinks! There's a good selection of items to eat and plenty to drink. All very reasonably priced and not skimpy with portions. Definitely my favorite happy hour spot in Encino.
(5)Pebbles R.
Let me preface this review by saying that GM Nigel and Mngr Karen were wonderfully understanding supervisory staff who gave us a partial credit for the issue which was unexpected but appreciated :) Friendly hostess Prompt seating Filets ordered medium rare arrived over done Not at all as pink as preferred My friend was sent a new one that was still not pink enough and both were a bit dry Not moist & buttery and succulent like in previous visits and like as expected when ordering medium rare Also I had to eat alone while we waited 10 mins for his do over I ate very slowly and ended up eating a cold filet Sides were very tasty! Amazingly delicious. Staff all around very friendly but huge let down on filets - $98 for two just okay filets However, we will return due to exemplary service and lovely & understanding staff The atmosphere is moody It is almost too dark inside unless you prefer it, of course Had some difficulty reading menu and could hardly see my friend across the table & he's too cute to not see :) May try happy hour at some point. Hear it's very good. Bar area only I believe. & it's a small space but looked lively. A lot of chatter, drinks & good looking grub Wanted to join in! Next time. Also, Billy Bush is a regular cigar smoking, beer drinking, patio dweller...
(4)Jeremy H.
Excellent Service... They seem to be out of some stuff but that's okay! The flavor in the steaks speaks for it self. We ordered Bacon wrapped Potatoes and the manager came out and apologized directly to say it was not up to his standards & agreed to credit 2 of our items ordered.
(4)Amy C.
Very pleasantly surprised with this place! From the service to the bread to the meal, it was wonderful! Simon was our waiter and he truly made the experience enjoyable, kibbitzing with our table as if we were old friends. My father-in-law ordered a drink he wasn't too thrilled with, so Simon made sure to keep him happy with a new one. The complimentary bread was heavenly. I ordered the chopped salad with no cheese and loved every moment of it. Went on to have the stuffed chicken, asked for it unbreaded. They were happy to oblige. They even unstuffed the chicken and gave me a side of the stuffing so I could eat only as much of it as I wanted - brilliant! The garlic mash were pretty good too, although a little cold when they reached the table. Still, tasty, smooth, and just garlicy enough without being overpowering. Shared the apple crumble with the table, and although there was no crumble on it, it was still pretty tasty. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for an indulgent, lovely meal, as well as a great experience!
(4)Randi L.
I had only eaten here once before, and this was an even better experience. The staff, the servers were all great, friendly, helpful. The food was really delicious. I had called ahead to say it was my friends birthday, and at desert time not only did they bring a wonderful dessert with a sparkler as a candle and a birthday card signed by all the servers and management! What a treat!! This is will be my new go to place for special occasions...
(5)Jeff M.
Last night my sister was visiting and wanted a Steak I told her lets go to Larsen's. This place is a hidden gem in the SFV. we started off with oysters (Fannie Bay) they were so good. Then the Flemings salad which is always amazing. For the main course we all got steak and for the sides we got Mac n cheese and string beans. Mmmmmmm.....good. My steak was cooked to perfection. I will attach a photo of the steak. There is an outdoor patio to hang out smoke cigars and enjoy a good meal or a dimly lit romantic dining room with a gentleman playing the piano. Great wine selection full bar. This place is one if the best steakhouses in so cal for sure. Go try this place if you haven't yet.
(5)L. J.
I guess I've been to Larsen's about 8 or 10 times in the last year and a half. I live just a block away, so it's the closest steakhouse to us. I have sat in the dining room a couple of times and many times at the bar. We also get takeout there occasionally. The bartenders are really skilled, quick to serve you and very friendly. We love the happy hour and the filet mignon sliders are amazing. There is also an amazing burger on the happy hour menu. The sliders are on a house made garlic bun with goat cheese, a hint of horseradish, arugula, caramelized onions and ask slice of really great filet mignon. I can tell you enough about how tasty they are; a friend sent me there to have them and they were even better than I expected. When it comes to steaks, we are ribeye people, bone in ribeye, that is. I'm a real critic of beef, so if you read my reviews of a steakhouse, they will be a little more hair splitting than most of my reviews. I was a chef for many years, a protein specialist at SYSCO Foods and I have lots of training in meat science from Texas A&M University! I know too much about meat, how to grade it, butcher it, cook it and review it. They have a good ribeye here, good is what it is. It's not epic or great, it's good. Nothing stands out about it and it certainly doesn't match the decor! If you around at the place, it's a super fancy steak house, the servers are decked out and the lights are real low! It's almost a little stuffy! I can't really say anything bad about Larsen's but I can never really get excited about it either. The service at the tables has varied a little on each visit. There are times that the servers are super accommodating and there are times that they spout rules and regulations about the menu, like, "You can't order the filet mignon sliders at a table, that's only bar food" (when the week before we were served the sliders without a problem at the table!) mind you the other people at the table were all having cowboy ribeyes and 20 year old scotches...we were dropping major $$$....therefore, the only thing I expect to hear is, "Yes, Mam!" The only thing I've really disliked is the sweet potatoes; I think the recipe tries too hard and just isn't good. If you have really done the tour of steakhouses, I'm sure you will agree that there's just no WOW factor here. My advice is to go for happy hour, get amazing service at the bar and have the great bar menu! Leave the steak dining for the one of the famous places on the west side!
(3)Ingrid R.
The boyfriend and I had a pre valentine's day dinner the weekend before. Best idea ever... no crowds, no waiting! On top of that, we bought gift certificates at costco and saved an extra $40! The dinner began with a huge loaf of bread. I really dislike when restaurants serve you a delicious piece of carbs only to find out that it is COLD. Not here, though. This bread was warm and yummy. For dinner, I went with one of their specials. Rib eye wrapped in bacon with a blue cheese and seafood sauce. Now, I usually like my steak sans all the extras. Marinated with some sea salt and pepper, no sauces. But I was feelign adventurous. The steak was delicious. Cooked perfectly and full of flavor, though not overwhelming. My bf's regular rib eye kinda paled in comparison. We had the house wine ($9) which that night was a Napa's ravenswood cab. I somehow also managed to get some dessert in. A yummy chocolate lava type cake. perfect! Loved it!
(5)Natalie K.
First off, let me say that the service once you are inside the restaurant and the food is excellent. HOWEVER, the hostess and reservations are another problem. My boyfriend called and made an 8:30 reservation. We were hungry earlier and wanted to change our reservations. He called and they said nothing was available. We were so hungry, I end up online to explore our other options. Sure enough, we find that Larsen's had a 7:15 available. We called again, and again the hostess rudely told us that was not the case. I went ahead and booked the reservation online. The hostess was rude when we got to the restaurant as well. With a reservation, she was trying to sit us in the worst seat in the house..... The restaurant should think twice about their first impression. It gave us an unpleasant feeling about the place the entire evening.
(2)victor t.
Great food good ambiance the only thing that wasn't to my expectation was the service the busboy did everything that. The server didn't do !!! The server came twice to take my order and to see if got it , the busboy came time and time again got my drinks change my vegetables ask if I need it anything busboy you deserve the entire gratitude !!
(4)Grant S.
Terrible experience last night. As a group of workmates who normally bring clients to the Valley for a Larsen's evening of ambiance and good food, we decided to take an out-of-town colleague out for what we expected to be the same. Arriving a little early we sat at the bar, ordered drinks, and were surprised that the bar was out of Jack Daniels. Unexpected for a popular drink, especially with a Ralphs 200 yds down the road. Food was *slow* to arrive My own steak, NY Strip, which I ordered 'well done', arrived in a pool of blood, and on cutting demonstrated a blood red center. My out-of-town colleague, who ordered his 'red but warm', had his arrive pink, the manager came and shone a flashlight on the steak - quite an unwelcome show - before taking the steak back. It returned red and *cold* (and without hte vegetables that were on the plate... another 15 minutes for them to find their way back) The reason you come to a "top" steakhouse is their ability to get it right, with meat that is tasty, and service that is excellent. Didn't happen here. Even by the end of our dinner (saved by lively and friendly conversation at our table), the bar still had no Jack Daniels - which would have at least demonstrated a noticeable service effort to have an employee run and purchase. Overall, a shabby experience as a location that has delivered exceptional in the past. Extremely disappointed.
(2)Melissa A.
I was here with a group of friends for an evening of general celebration last week. We were seated quickly by a serviceable hostess, drinks came quick, food took about 40 minutes when the restaurant was about 80% full, so I can't complain. It's a nice atmosphere. Quiet enough to be able to speak in a normal voice, warm-but-cool medium-dim lighting, piano player, friendly/satisfactorily frequent service regarding appetizers and beverages. I had an amazing bone-in filet, some decent garlic mashed potatoes, an interesting cheese bread thing and an above-average glass of wine. Delicious apple pie for dessert. I'd come back.
(4)Isaura R.
This place is awesome but pretty pricy! My husband and I decided to splurge on valentines day and found this restaurant. overall our dinners and alcoholic beverages ranged at $150. but for me the quality of the food and service was well worth the money. it has a very romantic ambience and there was a man playing the piano the whole time!
(5)Kim S.
Had dinner there with a small group of 5. With this group, we often do nice dinners so I've been to many steak houses and this one was not too shabby. I would still say that Mortons or Mastros or Boa are better, but for the valley, this was pretty good. The service was great--wait staff was knowledgeable and friendly and attentive. We ordered some drink that came out right away. We got some appetizers: shrimp cocktail, bacon wrapped shrimp and oysters. They were all good, but not amazing. For dinner, 4 of us got steaks and 1 person got salmon. I got the rib eye and it was done just right. Everyone liked their meals. For sides, we got asparagus (good), green beans (good but too much sauce on them), lobster mashed potatoes (actually had a lot of lobster...a little too much actually) and creamed corn (not very good). All in all, the meal was good. Not oh my gosh amazing, but good. I would go there again for sure.
(4)Bryan W.
Solid steak house I you are looking for a place to eat in Encino.
(3)David Y.
I didn't know too much about this place with signage of 'LS' thrown about but after dining there, I was impressed as much as you can be... and believe me, I've done most of them around, this is one fine establishment. This location is on the 2nd floor (originally a Daily Grille if memory serves me correctly) and it might seem unimportant for the location but it actually helps. Not seeing people walking by or cars whizzing by certainly accentuates the already fine interior design for a very comfortable higher-end experience. All the steaks are dry aged and THEN wet aged on the premise and cooked a lot more slowly than other steakhouses, making this one amazing piece of beef. I ordered the 20 oz Porterhouse (about $60) medium rare, and it came as such. A friend ordered the bone-in Rib Eye and felt it was over cooked. They cooked him a new one and it was taken off the bill just like that. We didn't even make a stink about it! That's true dedication to quality that I just don't see anymore. The sides are about $10 each and larger portions than I've seen at some of the finer establishments. Because of the size, we didn't order too many side dishes but we ordered: macaroni & cheese (delicious and they use rigatoni... interesting!), steak fries (some of the best steak fries I've had in a long time and piping hot), sauteed broccolini (good), grilled asparagus (good), creamed corn (always good). Next time I'll have to try the Lobster Mashed Potatoes ($30)! Basically, this is as good as it gets. The prices here are comparable to all other steakhouses with generous portions for the sides and excellent desserts as well. Hot Fudge Sundae is NOT on the menu but it was what I wanted and they found a way to hook it up. Wolfgang Puck's Cut and Mastro's were both my top two favorite steakhouses for a long time but I might need to re-evaluate after experiencing Larsen's. They deserve a visit.
(5)Ando T.
bacon wrapped shrimp is a must!!!
(5)Richie D.
Came here for a friend's surprise birthday... it all worked out very well. We had the surprise outside in the patio. Not enough heat lamps though but we tough it out. I started at the bar with a drink... I tried their peruvian pisco sour. I do not recommend it. Not done well. I had the Chilean Sea Bass with the creamy garlic smashed potato. Both very good. The sides are definitely big enough to share between 2 people. I know... going to a steakhouse to have seafood?! What was I thinking? But I was cutting back on the red meat but I'll be back for sure! Located on the 2nd floor inside a plaza. Parking garage and street parking available.
(4)Darrel H.
Outstanding food I had the pleasure of visiting Larsen's for my birthday and I was pleasantly surprised. Lets start with the location Woodley Ave & Ventura Blvd in Encino Ca. The restaurant is located on the second level of this upscale boutique shopping center. There is an outdoor lounge area with heat lamps, so gentlemen if you are a cigar smoker you will be in heaven. Inside very low lighting and very quant. My wife and I had dinner at the bar so I can't tell you much about the dining area. The bartenders were great and are true bartenders that actually know how to make a drink. They are not servers subbing as bartenders like some restaurants do. So lets get on with the food, for appetizers we ordered bacon wrapped shrimp you get four nice size shrimp wrapped in bacon very tasty, this could actually be a meal. For the main course I ordered the Hawaiian Rib Eye absolutely delicious, my wife ordered the lamb chops which are to die for. For our sides and very few restaurants have this dish, the lobster mashed potatoes unbelievable. They are about $30 but well worth it, they do not hold back on the lobster, we also ordered the asparagus just to put a little green on our plate. Oh and for desert pecan pie a la mode, OMG!!! Five stars ladies and gentlemen.
(5)Eric R.
Everytime I go here it just gets better and better!! First of all the service was excellent. the bread they bring you is freshly made and is amazzing!! I got the Rib Eye, it was great. My girlfriend got the petite filet mignon, that was great too, except it was really petite... It could have been a little bigger. Overall I give this place a 2 thumbs up!! Eric R
(5)Tom G.
One the best steak houses I have eaten at. Great service, the food was amazing. I would highly recommend this place. Well worth the $100 per person.
(4)Sabrina P.
Amazing service. Very welcoming. Lighted menus which are perfect for the low lighting. Amazing prices. Amazing food-fish tacos, prime rib sliders, BREAD. It's all made on the premises. No frozen foods. Amazing experience. Feels like a local family spot but it's nice and everyone is so friendly. JR, Adam,Derek. Awesome.
(5)Edouard S.
Celebrated a good friends birthday here yesterday, was a pleasant experience. I'm a sucker for live music, especially a good piano player..Combine that with good food and service, i'm a happy camper. Food - I ordered Tuna Tartar and Crab cakes, they were good, typical and nothing special. For main course, I decided to pass on steak and went for Crab Legs, I made the right choice, they were excellent. Had creamy corn and mac and cheese for sides, both were delicious. Service - Service was solid, cant complain..A steak was prepared poorly and overcooked but they took care of it and brought out a new one. I have to come back and try the steaks.
(4)Kristina K.
Went on a first date here the other night (It was a Sat night) around 8pm. Parking structure is available for parking if you can't find street parking but it is $3 after 5pm. They DO take cards though. You have to take 2 escalators to get up to the level that Larsen's is on, so ladies if you wear heels, be aware or take the elevator (which I couldn't find at the parking level) My first impression was that the establishment was small but cozy. Dark inside but romantic. Live piano player which adds to the ambiance. IT isn't too stuffy or pompous but you will want to dress to impress. The menus light up so you don't have to squint to read or get out your iphone for light. genius! I don't know why more fancy places don't have these menus! We didn't have to wait long for our table at all and we were seated just off to the side of the bar in a booth meant for up to 6 people (It was just 2 of us dining!); so I was comfortable! The waiter was informative and great. The bread was a bit doughy for me but the taste was good; I only had a smidgen. We shared a bottle of wine and the small seafood tower; all the shellfish were incredibly fresh and amazing. Lobster bites, crab legs, shrimp, mussels, clams...I was in heaven. Once we devored the "tower" I had the chopped salad which was incredible on it's own! Lots of groceries in the salad, so tasty! Date had the salmon and a side of green beans which I didnt try but he seemed to really enjoy it. We glanced at the dessert menu but didnt get anything; some great options though so I would try to save some room! I didnt even glance at the bill but I am sure it was an expensive dinner! The small tower alone was like $80 I think and the bottle of wine at the minimum was $50...everything is a la carte and the sides are large enough to share. Bring your credit card cause this will be an expensive evening!
(4)Michael E.
Excellent from start to finish; My grass fed filet arrived perfectly prepared and their peppercorn sauce was delicious. The lettuce wedge and oysters (huge) were scruptious. Service was terrific and I'm not sure why we haven't been here sooner.
(4)Sarah S.
I love going to Larsen's for happy hour! Great ambience, great class, good food and drinks! The bartenders and serving staff are so attentive....this is what you call 5-star service!! They have a great wine selection and not to mention amazing steaks!! Oh, and If you love oysters, you gotta try them here! This is my go to place after work when I just need to wind down. Thank you Larsen's!!
(5)Pamela M.
There were three in our party: myself, my grown daughter and my husband who was celebrating a birthday offering us the reason to come to this overpriced and over-hyped eatery. It was early (6:30pm) on a Monday and there were only about six other parties in the entire restaurant and during the TWO HOURS before we got out of there, we were served, what was called, Caesar salad, which was warm and glooped with bottled dressing, and no Parmesan, an onion soup which tasted as if it came out of a can and had two pieces of tasteless Melba toast floating on top, warm -- not hot -- steak (which to be fair, was tender and most delicious but indefensibly overpriced) and then one excuse after another: (ie: the Web site shows sushi but we were told there was no sushi at *that* Larsen's; they were out of certain desserts; the desserts they *did* have were *left over* from Valentine's Day two days previous to our visit). The meal came to $327 for this "experience." I did something I have NEVER done which was to leave a 10% tip. Our "waiter" (I don't know if he's the franchise owner -- he never introduced himself to us -- called us the next day and offered yet *another* excuse saying he had been short a waiter that night. uh huh. That was a rationalization but it fell far short of an apology; he should have invited us back...on the house because I will *never* go back to *that* Larsen's again and I recommend you find a different one as well.
(2)John L.
OK so this is a place in the league of Ruth Chris and Company. Not impressed. The restaurant was nice. and the service was food. Our waitress was terrific. The said was ok but was wilted and over dressed. We ordered the garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus, a filet and a rib eye. First the mashed potatoes were good but the garlic was left in the kitchen. The asparagus was also not well seasoned. The filet was done nicely but the seasoning was all in one spot. At least 50 percent of the filet was not seasoned. The rib eye came out with a nasty burnt taste. They did take it back and brought out another which was better but not that well seasoned. It also meant that I sat there while my wife ate and then she had to sit there while I ate. As it was 15-20 minutes before I got my steaks. At a fine dining restaurant this was not acceptable. If this had happened at almost any other restaurant they would have thrown us a free dessert or something. Here they did nothing. Ok if we were comparing this experience to say a sizzler or the coffee shop at Canoga Bowl I would say it was very competitive but as against the top and middle steak houses in Los Angeles. Not even close. For 160 some odd dollars for dinner for 2 your money can be better spent elsewhere. Almost anywhere else.
(1)Anna S.
Came here last year and never went back. If I'm going to pay $50+ for a steak, then it better have some flavor! I could have made better steak at home for wayyyy cheaper. My fiance and I are huge steak lovers, so we're not afraid to spend more on some good steak....and we were hoping to find a steakhouse closer to where we live instead of having to go all the way to Beverly Hills or Santa Monica. Man...we were disappointed. The service was lacking, the food wasn't great. There was a table of a few well-dressed business men at the table next to us and they told us they have been waiting forever for their food and it wasn't even that great either. I hope they have stepped it up. They are at a great location for people in the valley, but I will have to travel back to BH or SM for my steak. +1 star for having a variety of options and a nice menu.
(1)Mick R.
Overpriced. They did not know where the Wagyu beef was from. No pedigree information. Just that it was grade 8. The Tomato and Mozzarella salad was inedible. The mussel and clam gravy was decent, the mussels were ok, but the clams were worthless and too tiny to eat. The steaks were ok, the french fries were good, and the macaroni and cheese was great. I had the bone in rib eye, but the best was the grass fed fillet. Everything about the order was screwed up, things came out of order, things were not right, the filet had to be sent back, the meal dragged on for 3 hours. Not that that's a bad thing. The also poured a vintage port when a tawny was asked for, and they did not correct. No artisan cheeses. Did not have dessert. I'm from San Francisco, and Los Angeles needs to get caught up on food. I wish I had gone to Mozza instead.
(2)Tamara C.
This is truly a fabulous Steakhouse in every sense of the word.. Nice ambience, the dim lighting & old steakhouse feel also gave way to modern features like back lit menues. We sat at the bar and were welcomed by a very friendly and attentive bar tender and wait staff. We started with cocktails and I ordered a Moscow Mule which was refreshing, delicious and served in a icy copper mug. The bartender then told the story of the Moscow Mule and the Copper Bucket which was just as interesting as the cocktail. We started with Lobster Bisque, which was fantastic with big chunks of lobster and a creamy base. There was no problem with our request to split the soup and it came with a warm loaf of Larsen's home made bread. For our main course which we also shared with no splitting fee, we had a Bone in Filet Mignon charrred rare, which was perfectly cooked and melted in your mouth. Our sides were the Garlic Mash Potatoes (a must have) and the Spinach which was equally good. If you enjoy a good steakhouse; you can't go wrong with Larsens.
(5)Bella F.
Loved it! Everything was perfect. My family like this restaurant more then Mastro's.
(5)Brooke M.
9 of us went there for a birthday dinner. I believe Lisa was our server. The restaurant was beautiful, the service was outstanding, and the food was beyond amazing! With 3 bottles of wine, 5 shots of tequila, a few beers, a bunch of appetizers, the bill was $1007.00. Considering all that it really wasn't that expensive. It was worth every penny just to have a place like that around. I was there 30 seconds before I told my husband we are coming here for our upcoming anniversary. Well done Larsen's!!!
(5)John C.
average quality.....not going back here again though.
(3)andrea a.
great happy hour- especially for sleepy Encino! Friday nights are very crowded though. Derrick , the main Bartender, is AMAZING but could use more help before 6 or 6:30...he is spread too thin trying to help every customer on his own. Otherwise it is a fun place to go for Happy Hour with Friends, Co-workers or your honey..
(4)Allison T.
I've had dinner at Larsen's several times. The food is fantastic, staff is very friendly and accommodating, but the boothes are a bit small and there's not much on the menu that my younger kids enjoy.
(4)Daniel M.
If only i was able to put zero stars! First off me and my girlfriend made reservations here only to find out they want to place us in the only HALF booth they own with zero lamps but expect this little piece of shit battery powered candle will suffice to supply some sort of light for our table. Its then we meet our waiter who i personally liked because he had great personality. He took great care of us and made sure we always were satisfied. Our drinks were on point for being an old fashion and strawberry basil martini. The bread they gave was just straight delicious. The bad started when the main course came. I had ordered a medium rare porter house and my lady had order a med rare hawaiian ribeye. I gotta say my porter house was perfect. But unfortunately the hawaiian ribeye was WAY over cooked. It wasn't even close to a medium rare. We had mentioned this to our waiter who was more than accommodating and as he went looking for his manager, who was nowhere to be found, he just took matters into his own hands and had the chefs recook a new streak. After another 10-15 mins of waiting for her steak (while i ate my porter house (: lol) they finally brought her ribeye back out which this time was straight RARE. Now i never had ordered a rare steak before but they brought out was a piece of charred slab of meat on the out and was gross and chewy and cold on the inside (i assume they turned the heat up on high for a few seconds and served it to us) at this point she had filled up on the super delicious bread and lobster potatoes. After the third time on her steak they finally got the medium rare right. If only she wasn't full and able to eat more then two bites. The manager finally showed up at this time with a flash light (again we were sat in the only that didn't have a lamp) and when he asked how the steak was this time and she told him good he just turned around and walked away. Never a apology or anything. We immediately asked for a box and check and the very kind waiter offered a free desert for the inconvenience but at this point we were so fed up and ready to leave. Once we received our check the manager walked by and with out skipping a step in his stride he walked by said free drink on me an kept on moving. I was very disappointed with management and how he addressed issues such ad these but thankfully our waiter defiantly made up for the managers bad manners and terrible customer service. I am a huge fan of steak houses (such as STK, MASTRO's, BOA, HOUSTON'S, FLEMING's ect) and just because of one inconsiderate garbage manager decided not to provide with a half decent quality in service i WILL NEVER EAT HERE AGAIN. When i spend over 200 on a dinner i expect some sort of respect, and not a drive by free $10 drink when it took three attempts to cook a $60 steak. But hey at least they got my porter house right first attempt if that offers some sort of conciliation prize! Thanks LARSENS for the terrible experiance!
(1)Brian C.
Service on the patio tonight blows. Be sure to check in with the hostess before sitting down! Words can not describe how dissappointed we were of Larson's tonight.
(1)Steve M.
In all truth, I've been a fan of a Larsen's competitor - Morton's, for a long time. Larsen's is in many way *better*. The steaks actually taste better.
(5)Andy D.
I'm a bit of a steakhouse lover... my favorite being BOA in West Hollywood. That being said, I gotta say, I love Larsen's for a place in the Valley. The bread they have, if there is such a thing as a break god, it's been cooked by a bread god. That's not even getting into the food, that's just the fucking bread. Oh, and the shittiest Pinot Noir wine they have is way better than most places offer for their top selection. Yeah, and then there is the steak... the gods have smiled from the heavens and blessed the steak with their holy taste buds. Overall, I just can't say anything but great things about Larsen's! I've been there so many times. They also have a great fire pit balcony thing going on. Come to think of it, I need to get my ass back to Larsen's this week. Love it.
(5)Larry K.
We were given a $ 50 Gift Card, so decided to try Larsen's out. I read the YELP reviews and decided that we would eat at the bar instead of in the dining areas. We arrived at 6:15 and there were two other people in the bar. I immediately said hello to the bartender, who introduced himself as Derrick. Well, many of the YELP reviews mentioned Derrick the terrific bartender. He turned out to be even better than that. He was a wonderful gentleman. He helped us decide what to drink and eat and carried on a great conversation the entire time we were there. He made the evening special. Eating at the bar was a good idea. Now to the drinks and food. NOT PERFECT. I ordered a Margarita. It was very good, but for $15 that was outrageous. This was one of the most expensive drinks I've had recently. Even drinks at the best hotels in LA don't cost $15, especially a margarita. As for the food, we ordered the Grass Fed Filet Mignon Bacon Special with Blue Cheese and Scallops and Shrimp salsa. In addition, we ordered the New York Steak and a side of Potatoes Au Gratin along with a side of Sweet Potatoes. We ordered both steaks RARE, even blood red or purple. The Filet was delicious. The New York was so-so, a little grainy. However, it turned out that my special, not on the menu, was $68 without any sides. That was highly overpriced for a 10 oz. Filet. The Au Gratin Potatoes were very dry and too cheesy, almost impossible to eat. They were nothing like the Lionaise Potatoes at Morton's. The Sweet Potatoes had a mini-marshmallow topping. It was good tasting, but couldn't have cost them more than 50 cents to make. These sides were $10 each. Now for the thing that ruined our evening: The Filet arrived Medium instead of rare and the New York was straight MEDIUM, with hardly any red -- almost Medium Well. I spoke to Derrick and told him that it was inexcusable for a steak house to cook meat wrong. And for a $200 check, we were grossly disappointed. Note that we did NOT have any starter or a dessert and only one drink each. Morton's is still our favorite steak house. They have NEVER cooked our steaks wrong. Something is clearly wrong for a kitchen to overcook prime steaks. We won't be back. Too bad, because Derrick is such a great person. We may just have to come here for a quick beer sometime just to say hello to him.
(3)Sheri C.
Have been here twice within the past week, once for a business lunch and again for dinner. For lunch I ordered the French cut veal porterhouse and grilled asparagus. The veal was tasty, but with a bit of gristle that interfered with the delectability of the dish. But still, it was good. The asparagus was grilled to perfection and very good. The other person devoured the filet mignon, so obviously it was really good...and she said so. Her fries were excellent too. A friend wanted to take me to Larsen's Steakhouse, who coincidentally didn't know I had just eaten there. This time I had the filet mignon; it was cooked to perfection, very tender and great tasting. I had a salad and it was fantastic! Forgot which one it was, but was impressed, as I eat more salads than anything else and this was a great one. My friend had the ribeye steak and creamy garlic mashed potatoes. Really really good! The wine with dinner was good, and the service both times was excellent. Some people complain about the prices, but if they can't afford it, or don't like to pay them, then they probably shouldn't go there rather than spend and complain.
(5)Zakia W.
This place is awesome! I don't have any complaints :) The staff was very helpful and attentive. The ambiance is very nice and relaxing. The food was absolutely incredible and mouth watering. Great place for a special occasion. I even got a call today from Larsen's asking how my dining experience was! Awesome :)
(5)Christie R.
half-assed, incredibly condescending apology from the manager for poor, shitty service. after reading through several of the comments below, i see i'm not the only one who thinks its manager and the restaurant itself has a unspoken policy of treating its customers differently. great happy hour menu though so i gave it a star.
(1)Meredith R.
My boyfriend & I took my Dad and his wife out for a Thank you dinner. We are big fan's of the classic steakhouse with the ridiclous size sides. We usually make the trek over the hill for Mastro's but decided to give this valley steakhouse a try. We arrived for our 8pm reso right on time but the gal said they were running 10 minutes late. No problemo we waltzed over to the bar to kill time and ended up waiting 30 minutes for our table. Side note the bar was extremely busy so when were able to flag down a bartender he rattled off a couple wines- I choose a wine off the list and to my great surprise my bill was $25 for a glass of wine - WTF ? We finally were seated and the waitress was trying to be nice about our long wait but ended up being very aggresive in rushing us to order. On to the food- To start I order the caesar salad with anchovies,then for the main I ordered the petite filet mignon medium rare. We also sides for the table which were mac n cheese, broccooli rabe, and cream of corn. The bread came out very fast and it was freshly baked deliciousness ! Really great start unfortunately it was down hill after that. I choose a Caesar salad because usually that something a steakhouse makes from scratch and it excellent. To my disappointment my salad was just blah and there was no taste of anchovies at all. My steak was the highlight and it was cooked to perfection . The sides on the other hand were complete shit- the mac n cheese tasted like velveeta gooey disgustingness,while the cream of corn tasted like a cup of sugar fell into it, and the broccolii rabe was too spicy. In addition to the meal the wine was so outrageously priced! Their mark up is quadrouple the cost. We will not be returning this definitely was not enough bang for the buck.
(2)Bobby C.
We dined here on Valentines Day. We were running late due to traffic but we called Larsen's and the hostess was very polite and assured us we would have a table when we arrived late. That was the case when we got there ($3 for parking in the lot below), and we were seated promptly. They serve you a large loaf of cheese bread when you arrive which is very good, but don't fill up on it! We started with the clams and mussels which come in a tasty broth and some toasted baguette slices. That was very good and almost too filling. We shared a bone-in ribeye that was cooked to perfection, a redder medium rare which was exactly how we like our steak. It was delicious by the way. Not overly seasoned and so juicy. We also split a glass of their house cab which was mellow and fruity. You'll need to order any side separately but they come in a large portion so it's enough for at least two, we got the creamed spinach, also tasty. Great place for a special occasion!
(5)Trenna H.
I had a really good experience at Larsen's the food and customer service was stellar. I was celebrating my boyfriends birthday, so I splurged a little for the dinner but it was worth it. I made reservations online and made note in the comment section that we were celebrating a birthday. When we arrived their was a Larsen's birthday card signed by the staff on the table and the pianist did a birthday song. I felt that was a very thoughtful extra touch based merely on my note in online reservation. We both had the Bone In Rib Eye Steak and it was big but very tender and juicy and sides mashed potatoes and asparagus. A good place for special occasion or for those who can eat within that $$$ range on regular. My only con would be I wish the location offered a nice city view to add to the indoor ambience. Being on the upper level of strip mall takes away somewhat from it being a romantic date spot. I will definitely return when I want to stay local within the valley and not tussle with the LA and Beach city traffic.
(4)Dee D.
Happy Hour here is awesomeeee, making their expensive prices reasonable for the average joe. It's everyday from 5-7pm. So it is basically the after work spot. GREAT FOOD good drinks. They have an outside area with fire pit too. And if you happen to go for lunch, make sure you get the open faced steak and avocado sandwich. It never disappointing. Their bread alone melts in your mouth and the steak is so delish.
(5)Steve V.
PROS: - It's a great place for a nice quiet dinner, accompanied by mellow live piano, followed by drinks in the patio - The staff is great, the food is great. - Excellent management (very understanding) - Beautiful outdoor patio with fire-pits and heat lamps for those cold evening Cons: - Closes too early MENU ITEMS I LIKE: - Excellent ahi tuna steak (biggest portion I have had anywhere ) - Creamed corn side - Steak is great
(5)Ariel B.
Being back the honey butter! Most delicious food! This place is great when you are in the mood for yummy food or a lovely place to dine for a special occasion. The staff is super great and knowledgable; and the ambience is really nice. I have come here lots of times and always had a wonderful experience. Looking at some of the reviews I don't understand how this place has 3 1/2 stars. Some people that have dined here and have negative things to say really need to get off their high horse. It's a delicious and delightful experience. If you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all. People want to know how the food is, not how rude you are.
(5)Cherrylaine A.
the ribeye steak was yummyyyy!!!!
(4)Steven B.
Nice place can't wait to go back for happy hour!the drinks are strong and the bread pudding is so good. Also the service is really good.
(5)Richard B.
If you love steak, it is hard to go wrong with any of their prime steaks. Better still, the mac and cheese and the creamed corn has a serious drool factor. Highly recommended, and much better than the NY style clip joints over the hill.
(4)Adam H.
***IF YOU HAVE FOOD ALLERGIES, I WOULD NOT DINE HERE. *** Let me begin by saying, everything started off nice here: Setting, service, waiter, etc all seemed nice. But even then, I thought it was sub par considering the prices on the menue. But, Here's the reason for my poor review... I have very sensitive food allergies and I let our server know right from the beginning specifically what i am allergic to and to make note of anything that I order to be sure it doesnt have those ingredients in my order (peanuts or fish). He seemed sensitive to the situation as he mentioned he has a gluten allergy as well. However, a few bites into my beef tartar appetizer (which i've had numerous times elsewhere), I started to feel an allergic reaction come on. Before having to rush home to take my medicine, I asked our server if my food contained any known ingredients which can be harmful and his reply was, "No. However, we cant prevent any cross-contamination." He also continued to mention that he has had allergic reactions at this place (where he works) even though he's made them aware of his food allergies as well. This leaves me to believe that Larsen's Steakhouse restaurant does not use proper cleaning and cooking habits and uses shared equipment w/o properly cleaning in between dishes. Maybe it's just me, but if I'm eating at a "nice restaurant" (~$100/pp), I expect to have zero issues or concerns of "cross-contamination" when I make aware of a life threatening food allergy. I have eaten out quite often and at usually similar quality places (mortons, mastros, sushi restaurants, etc) and have never had a problem when they are aware of my particular allergies. Needless to say, my birthday dinner was ruined and my family had to finish their meals w/o me while I was home sick contemplating going to the ER. I had high expectations for this place but unfortunately, will not be coming back as they are too much of a liability for my health. I have had better experiences at Mastro's, Morton's, and even Flemings to name a few.
(2)Cory C.
I have heard great things about this place for quite a while, and finally got the opportunity to go there last night. We had a reservation at 8:00 and we were shown to our table as soon as we walked in, and it was a saturday night. Restaurant seems almost full, noise level not a problem. My wife and I split a porterhouse steak, wedge salad and two sides. Enough for three easily. We brought our won bottle of wine, paying the $20 corkage. Asked for medium rare on steak, came slightly well done, but still very tasty. Wedge salad was excellent as well as were the garlic mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. Only slight miss was service, slow and not very attentive. Pricey steakhouse in same vein as Ruth Chris and Maestros, but lacking in the service. We will definitely be going back.
(4)Kevin T.
We all know the American steakhouse concept; large portions of food and drink ordered ala carte, and pay large prices at the end. Larsen's is no exception. Like a few of the other reviews mentioned, I live on this side of the hill and was looking for a steakhouse. Not wanting to drive over the hill, we found this place and went. We were able to get a 830pm reservation on a Friday night last minute. Try doing that at Mastro's or BOA. True to form, we shared an appetizer, got a steak for two, two sides, one martini, and $150 later we had ourselves a meal. Our filet tartar, was heavy on the mustard, and our server, recognized our disapproval and kindly removed it from the table and our bill. Our porterhouse for two was cooked properly, green beans were overcooked and unsalted, and garlic mashed potatoes were fine. No dessert as I mentioned above. The ambience was the classic steakhouse theme. A piano, dark lighting, and a staff uniformed in jackets and ties. My wife liked the lighted menus, as a way to alleviate the strain on your eyes caused by a dimly lit place. Service was average, although at times was a bit slow. If you do come here, I suggest coming earlier in the evening than we did. It seems that as the night gets later, the staff all congregate in the bar with the other employess that have finished their work. It makes asking somebody for salt an awkward task. Surely our server isn't the only person responsible for our service. It would seem that there are plenty of steakhouse choices in LA. Most of them cost $150+/- for two people. Most of them have a piano and and well-cooked steaks. I can think of a handful of them though that just do it all a bit better than Larsen's. The next time that I go to a steakhouse though, I will go elsewhere.
(2)Mazen B.
Great place. Good food. Very nice quiet ambience. James our server was extremely nice and courteous. Will definitely go back.
(4)Jessie T.
I love the atmosphere here... very CLASSY... I do think the menu is a little over priced for my taste. I do enjoy the "Happy Hour" here, it has great pricing and yummy food choices.
(4)Jeffrey E.
I come here for lunch and for a splurge dinner. The lobster bisque is delicious and contains a surprising amount of lobster. It's pretty much all you need for a meal. The steak salad with blue cheese and pralined pecans is excellent. And the tuna tartar is great. For dinner, the KC strip steak has been outstanding. Pricey, but when you get it you don't come away thinking, "this was no better than what I could buy and cook at home." I also like their creamed spinach recipe. Not sure what makes it so great, but it's amazing. My gripes are: (1) lousy diet coke. This won't make sense unless you are a diet coke addict. But the stuff that comes out of the multi-drink spigot at the bar is never mixed right. (2) staff is frequently inept or inattentive, which rankles at a place with upscale ambitions. We have had very long waits to get an order taken, drinks don't get refilled, and we've been brought the wrong thing several times. But overall, I like the atmosphere, and the food is undeniably good. Oh, I don't like getting a follow up phone call after the meal. It's intrusive.
(4)Emily B.
This was my first time at Larsen's and we were a group of 11. Our group are regulars at Ruth's Chris, Maestros, Flemings and other steakhouses in the area. The dining room is nice, a bit dark, and their lighted menus are cool, albeit some have pages are not working and they are heavy. That all being said, the steaks here are nowhere near the realm of the steakhouses I mentioned above and they are too HIGH/OVERLY priced for what you are getting. We had to return two steaks, one twice and a fish dish. The bone-in ribeye was charred and over cooked, requested medium rare. We sent it back and the replacement was cooked correctly, but was not seasoned well. The filet mignon was sent back twice for being over cooked and not seasoned well. The sole was soaked in lemon and inedible. The cream served with coffee after dinner was spoiled...the replacement also was spoiled - two cups of coffee undrinkable. The maitre d' did attempt to smooth things out but one cannot fix something that is broken. The broken is the food quality, seasoning and knowing how to cook a steak. I was so excited to see the roasted garlic bulb on each plate but only to discover it was cold by the time the plates were served. Not sure how this restaurant is staying in business. My suggestion in a fix: Gordon Ramsey!
(1)Matt K.
Overpriced. Decent steak and atmosphere but not close to others like Maestro and Capital Grille.
(3)Mona J.
My fiance and i had such a wonderful experience here. Im a pescatarian so steak houses have never really been my thing, but my fiance is a steak LOVER so i found this place near us and decided to check it out! Our server was fun and relatable and helped us out with recommendations. I had an amazing seafood dish and he had the Hawaiian Steak. I think it was the one steak they said do differently than places like Mastros etc. He loved it! I even called back the next day to tell them what a wonderful experience we had and i normally never would go out of my way to do that! Great staff and good food. Check it out!
(5)Randall H.
Just when you think customer service is a thing of the past, the management at Larsens goes above and beyond to make everything right! Recently I dined there, as I have several times before, and we ran into some issues with the meal. The manager Nigel went beyond the call of duty to make right and even called me a couple of days later to personally talk to me about our experience. If you are in the valley and looking for a steak house that not only serves an amazing steak but cares about their customers, Larsens is it! Enjoy!!
(5)Paul D.
Very expensive, as is common for steakhouses. Service was excellent. Steak, however,was mediocre at best -- not nearly as good as backyard barbecue or Ruth's Chris. It, for $60, shared, was just an undistinguished blob plopped on plate. No charring, taste, or distinction. House wine was good. Broccoli au gratin was delicious, although hardly virtuous. Ultimately, very disappointing.
(2)Keith J.
All my meals here have been near perfect, with tasty food and great service. Steakhouses are pricey, and this place is no exception. But there's a way to beat what could easily be a $100 per person tab. We didn't order a salad this last trip, and then had a DELICIOUS 24 oz bone-in rib eye split between the two of us. That gives each person 8 oz minimum of meat (which is enough for one intestine to handle in an evening). The steak was cooked perfectly (they even got "medium-rare plus" right), and in it you can taste the slight funkiness of a small amount of dry-aging (plus additional wet-aging). And that's a good thing. It's what places like Ruth's Chris misses with wet-aging only. They had a variety of specials, several of which had caramelized bleu cheese crusts (damn that sounds good). Will definitely need to try one of these next visit. Creamed corn for one side, and au gratin potatoes for another. Perfectly done, both of them, with great flavor. Meals come with a huge wheel of freshly baked cheese bread. To die for. Didn't order wine this time, but they have a nice wine list. By the glass is up there, between 9 and 15 dollars. In the past, I've had very nice wines there. We both did iced tea. I liked mine, but Ken didn't particularly like the flavor of his, and asked that it be replaced with a Coke. And it was, with quiet whisper-fast precision. We shared a dessert, an absolutely perfect apple pie, with real live apple slices! (I hate pies that are just jelly-mush). Nice crust with a hint of caramel, and served with vanilla ice cream. And not a small dessert either. With tax and a generous tip, we got outta there for exactly $111. Not bad for two people at a prime steakhouse. Atmosphere is VERY nice at this place. Dark, clubby, contemporary, with beautiful soft lighting. And of course the cool lighted menus. A modern guy's type-of-place, but a woman would be very comfy there too. Wonderful for a date. Perhaps a bit too seductive for a business meeting, unless it's a meal that's celebrating a newly inked deal. Excellent, and I'm very glad this place is nearby in Encino and doing well.
(5)Eri V.
My boyfriend and I tried Larsen's on Saturday night in March 2012. Our reservation was 7:45 pm and got a table after several minutes. It was a typical steak house interior -- dark, piano playing, booth seating, fake candles and servers in uniform -- but rather cheap and tacky side. A menu with back light was not working well. We sat at 8 pm and ordered our salads and steaks. A cheese bread came immediately, however. we then waited, waited and waited for good 30 min to get our wedge salads. While we were waiting, our server never came to check on us and no apologies for a wait. It turned out a salad was the best part of our meal. The steaks. petite fillet and rib-eye, were not bad but not worth the price. With the same price range, I would rather go to Wolfgang's or Morton's in BH (and the service is much better at these restaurants). We never return.
(2)J. M.
I've been to Larsens a few times and we've always had good service and usually good steaks. I took my parents and wife there last Friday night and had a strange evening. Nothing majorly bad happened but it was just a number of small annoying things that contrived to make the visit not as fun as it usually is! I'll list what happened before rating the food and service:- 1. The menu's. We were handed 4 menus. 3 of them were actually the dinner menus, 1 of them was the same shaped menu but for wine. We also had a separate wine menu. Not a massive problem, my parents had to share a menu in the semi darkness but just small attention to detail. They should have looked at the menus before handing them to us, especially if they have multiple menus of the same size. As I said no biggie. 2. The food we ordered was wrong/missing. My Mum is somewhat of a picky eater and asked for her stuffed chicken to have no cheese and another ingredient removed (I can't remember which and the entree isn't listed on the menu on their website). The chicken dish came with the ingredients my Mum had asked to be omitted. My Mum didn't want to cause a fuss at the restaurant and said nothing, she only told us on the drive home..... We also ordered mushrooms as a side. They never arrived, the waitress went missing for 15 mins or so during our meal. By the time she came back it was too late to have them as we had eaten most of it. The biggest issue of the whole evening was when our steaks were served, my Dad was handed my wife's steak and my wife had my Dad's steak. Neither realized at the time, my wife thought hers was over done and my Dad thought his was under. Only after we finished eating and after discussing the food we realized they got each other's steaks... 3. Feeling thirsty! Personally I drink way too much diet Coke during a meal. It's a bad habit I'll admit! When the waitress disappeared after the steaks were served both my wife and I were drinking diet Coke and were both finished our glasses and didn't have anything else to drink in the middle of our dinner until we finally saw her. She saw me looking out for her and realized what I was looking for and brought two over without me asking. 4. The bill was wrong. I told the waitress about the mushrooms being missing. She apologized and said she would take it off the bill. I took her word for it and didn't look when she handed the bill to us. My Dad and I split it with two credit cards, when I had a quick glance before finalizing the check lo and behold the mushrooms were still there. 5. Phonecall on Sunday. Out of the blue on Sunday afternoon I got a call from Larsens asking me about my experience. I started mentioning some of what happened above and got a strange response, I think she expected me to say everything was awesome and that was the end of the call! She seemed quite taken aback that I hadn't had a good experience, mumbled something about letting the kitchen know and put the phone down! Strange. - Service Our waitress was very nice, had a good sense of humor with us throughout the meal. The errors above though shouldn't have happened. Especially the food. - Food Bearing in mind only one of us (me unfortunately) actually got what we asked for it was very disappointing. We are not really the kind of people to start making a fuss about small issues. If I had known about my Mum's chicken and the incorrect steaks I would have let them know though. We just found out too late. We will come back to Larsen's, we've had a good experience there in the past. Hopefully we just caught them on a bad day!
(2)scott s.
Rib Eye to the Soul: The Best Steak in Los Angeles Nothing fritters away the frustrations of the day like the ultimate dynamic duo of an ice-cold martini followed by a sizzling hot steak. That is unless the steak suffers the indignities of a sloppy prep and a poorly rendered side of beef. What should be simple and serene often succumbs to chefs who over-think the process of delivering lean, well-aged beef, seasoned subtly and then prepared to perfection. So we present a handful of carnivore caverns in LA with a level mooing field of ordering nothing but a simple rib-eye prepared medium-rare each time. The Best: Larsen's (Encino) Grade: A Sometimes it takes a new cut on the block to learn from other's mistakes and make their own mark. Larsen's has succeeded. Located on Ventura Boulevard in Encino at Woodley, the place feels like a cool jazz bar from decades past brought into the present with a hip wait staff and a fire-pitted outdoor patio. There's a science to Larsen's take on steak. Traditional quality steakhouses serve mostly USDA Prime corn-fed beef. A few premier steakhouses dry-age their beef on premises for up to 21 days. Larsen's requires four to six weeks of aging and keeps a highly skilled butcher at the location at all times to monitor airflow temperature and humidity. During dry aging, the prime meats' natural enzymes act as soothing tenderizers. At the same time, moisture evaporation improves the supple texture and hearty taste of the meat, making it richer and more buttery. Dry aging continues until a thin coating develops on the meat surface. This coating seals in flavor and juice and is later trimmed off. Furthermore, their diligent method of preparation includes slowly searing the meat in its own natural juices at 500 degrees, rather than blast-cooking it at 1500 plus degrees like most steak shops. They also excel in service, automatically splitting a Fred Flintstone-approved 32-ounce rib eye, baked potato and Caesar salad without being prompted or charging for the process. Classy. From the perfectly shaken ice-cold martinis to the softness of the piano to the backlit menus that render a Kindle-like presentation to the ordering process, Larsen's has paid attention to details and created an instant classic in a city's sea of cooked cow. Always bet on the underdog.
(4)Diana W.
Yum! Lunch Special is incredible for a place like this. Same prices as CPK but of course a whole lot better quality. -------------------------------------------------- ---------------- Food: You have to try their French Onion Soup -- Terrific! I got the BBQ Chopped Salad was awesome. They're expanding their lunch special menu to add more salads! yay! I won't get into a food coma after work then! Friends recommend the philly steak sandwhich. and more. Environment: Very upscale, but don't worry because lunch is for everyone & very much affordable for excellent service, excellent seats, excellent food....great for small business talks over lunch or dinner for those who want to take their clients out. I like this restauarnts design better than Mortans or Houston's Steakhouse design. Parking is in the Encino Financial Parking Structure. There is parking on the streets too. The restaurant is upstairs so you'll have a great view! I will be looking forward to their new lunch menu & the next luncheon there! =) -------------------------------------------------- ---------------- P.S. Their lighted/rechargable menu lighting is awesome! Never seen it before and you may get a chance to catch a glance of the chief Mr. Flemmings himself!
(3)Matthew K.
I honestly eat red meat, especially steak, about once or twice a year. When i do get my random carnivorous hankerings i like to go somewhere i can get a quality cut that is bloody as hell. I am not kidding tho, i think the last time i had steak was for a business party at Maestros a year or more ago. That being said i am no steak-spert, i know filet, i know strip, porter etc. Last Friday we decided to splurge and go to a nice work lunch, having been craving some cow i spotted this place on Yelp and figured it would be worth a try. I would come back just based on the ambiance and decore, it is classy. Really nice classic Frank SInatra-ish appeal that makes you want to sit at the bar and sip fine scotch. They give you a huge loaf of tasty bread with some kind of baked cheese on top. yelp.com/biz_photos/WX0o… We all got the 10 oz Ny strip with fries, my rare steak was still cool in the middle, amazing!. yelp.com/biz_photos/WX0o… The steak was good, the fries were pretty mediocre (maybe homemade but prob not just judging off looks but still not cheap tasting) and i really dug the peppercorn sauce it was served with. Again, i never eat steak so if it is meaty, tender and flavorful i am happy. I took a star off for the 'crumber', the little spatula with which you sweep up my table, with me sitting there, making me feel not only awkward but messy. I hate restaurants that 'crumb', so invasively pretentious and fawning. Other wise, great service, good red meat and all around a cool little place.
(4)Hilda A.
I came here on a date and loved it. The atmosphere is great, costumer service is excellent, and the food is nothing short of perfect. They start you off with a huge piece of oven baked cheese bread - delicious. The steak was made to perfection and the lobster tail was also excellently prepared. We ordered a side of french fries which were good (but I wish we tried something different or more exciting) We also ordered a side of mac n cheese which was the best mac n cheese I've ever had! Their wine is a bit expensive, but also great. If you sit outside, you can request to be seated at a table with a small fire pit in the middle. That definitely does add on to the experience. Another cool feature: the menu lights up when you open it! For desert, we tried a brownie with ice cream and it was perfect. The waiter was attentive, patient, and sweet. He had overheard that we are celebrating a birthday and he brought out the brownie and ice cream as a treat for my date, free of charge. There is parking in the shopping center where it's located for only $3. You can't lose. This place is AWESOME.
(5)David D.
Great atmosphere and attentive service along would give this place a 4 or 5 star rating. But alas, we were here fo the steaks.I Ordered the rib eye and was very disappointed. Maybe it was just me but it tasted gamey and as if it was charred over a the flames of the burning fat dripping off the meat. That or the "aging" process was just not my cup of tea. The creamed spinach and mashed potatoes were very good. But for the price we paid for the steaks I was left with a very unpleasant taste in my mouth. On a good note, my g/f's filet was very good. Best of luck folks, if I come back it will be to have a sit down with someone and talk about how the steak are cooked so I have a better understanding of what to expect. Or....just go to another steak house.
(2)Liang W.
Many things about Larsen's are fantastic (LIGHT UP MENUS - GENIUS!), but when it comes down to it, a restaurant is only as good as its food, and this place is, as yelp! puts it, A-OK, but that's all. Came here for a holiday dinner, so please read this review knowing that I did not have to pay for my meal (thank god this place is pricey!). I want to start with some immediate positives: the service is impeccable. Our waitress was so nice, VERY attentive and all in all made the meal a very enjoyable experience. The lighting is a bit dark, but no worries the menus LIGHT UP. This for me was my favorite part of the night - I mean I'm surprised every restaurant with "dim ambiance" doesn't have this, it's honestly genius. Now on to the food: Appetizers were surprisingly...average. We got the Spinach Dip, Ribs, & Tuna tartar. I tried all of them. Once. And that's it. To be honest, I've had better spinach dip at CPK, and this is a steakhouse! Sides are served family style, but the servings are NOT family sized. It's a little annoying the sides do not come with entrees, but I suppose this is how it is in expensive restaurants, so that's ok. We got a smorgasboard on sides: -Sweet potatoes (it was fun to see this at a restaurant, it came with marshmallows and it was great) -potatoes au gratin (umm salty salty salty geeeesh) -hash browns (WHAT are you doing at a steakhouse? get to IHOP where you belong!) -creamed spinach (good, but really not the best i've had. a solid 3) -Mushrooms (so salty, this places LOVES their salt) -Asparagus (it was good, just grilled, my favorite dish but i also love asparagus) -green beans (again, good but not mindblowing) I also had the French Onion soup, but I enjoyed but ugh it just didn't WOW me. I feel like I am being super nitpicky - I am not that picky - it's just, when you've had something great, if it doesn't compare to that it just won't satisfy the same way it does. In this case, I LOVE the french onion at Doughboys and this just didn't compare! As for the entree, I got the filet mignon with bernaise. It was a good slice of meat, and tender. I asked for medium - rare but the waitress told me their medium is more rare, so I said ok medium. To be honest...it had very little pink, which I was surprised at. Still, it was a decent steak, but I mean filet mignon? I've had MOUTH watering, and this was just...fine. Dessert saw the apple crumble pie for me. eh. again a solid 3. I realize this was a very long review. So allow me to give you some bullet points: -expensive -amazing service -good food, not great -satisfactory at its best -light up menus though....that itself is ranked 5 stars! INNOVATION!
(3)J P.
Their tri-tip and baby back combo lunch plate is really good. $19. And it's really enough for two. Cold slaw side was very good. I asked them to cook the broccoli side a bit more because it was basically raw. Last time I was here the petite filet mignon was way over salted and the mash potatoes had a 1/4 inch of butter floating on top. All was returned last time. Service good. Reminds me of the decor of some of the upscale places in Palm Springs. Also has a very good bar and outside patio dining.
(3)Bethenny P.
Went to Larsen's Steakhouse with friends to celebrate a Birthday. All of us enjoyed our meals . The dinning room is beautiful with large booths on an elevated platform surrounding the windows with nice views of the boulevard. The menu is really a shocker in the sense that there are small lights so that when you open the menu it is all illuminated for easy reading with large print too. You will not need to use your reading glasses! After the iniatial sticker shock we all ordered different steaks. We started with Fried Calamari It came dissapointly at room temperature as if it had been cooked earlier in the evening. It tasted good but was not as hot as it should have been, The delicous Ribeye and Lamb Chops was good and it is really hard to find steaks like this anywhere in LA. For sides we all split Creamed Spinach---very nice and Mushroom--delicous too. We were given a Birthday Ice Cream Sunday for dessert . A nice touch to finish.
(4)Paul W.
- At Bar for Happy Hour - Menu lights up when you open it ! Wow, I can see the menu. Met up with a friend at the bar, and there was a Happy Hour menu for some things to eat. We had the spinach dip and the beef sandwich's. Both were quite good. The house w
(4)dana b.
After a not so good day at work, i felt the need to indulge and this was the place to do it. I met two friends there and we all had a great time and all thought the food was delish! Two of us had the lobster - AHmazing! And the other had a bone in rib eye; it was something Fred Flintstone would be proud of. I am not a beef eater, but i tasted the steak and it was great! We also had three fantastic sides: garlic mashed potatoes, mac n' cheese & creamed spinach. And we topped off our meal by sharing a chocolate bundt....oh man, that thing was insanely good! Even though their bartender makes mean martinis; If i had one complaint it was that the beverage service was a smidge slow. All in all...with tip - it was $325. Not bad, in my opinion, for the goodness we ate. (BTW - their menus are illuminated! kinda fun to open & close them over n' over again!)
(4)Alex L.
awesome cuts of meat, awesomer service. the entire staff here are exemplary, as people as well as service professionals. seriously, get to know any one of them (it's not hard, just say hi) and you'll be met with some bona fide and substantial hospitality.
(5)Rachel T.
Everything here is REALLY good. The burgers, the filets, the crabs legs, the picatta, the ahi, the sides... The service is good and everyone is really nice. One of my favorite places in the valley!! And the bread, they make their own bread and it's delicious. I have a hard time leaving it alone.
(5)Lital R.
Amazing restaurant! Took my husband there for his birthday and will definitely go again. He ordered the porterhouse steak, I had the chilean sea bass, and we both split an order of the garlic mashed potatoes and the artichoke appetizer. Absolutely incredible food, great service, and really nice ambiance. The location is convenient, and the price was very reasonable for the quality and quantity of food you are receiving. Will definitely go again and I have recommended this place personally to my friends. I would recommend this for a romantic dinner or special occasion. Great place!
(5)Kowboy S.
I was immediately impressed with the ambience and chill atmosphere. Lots of space between the tables too and a pleasing and relaxing décor. The light-up menu is a plus; we didn't have to go through the pass-the-candle routine in order to read it! They offer white or black napkins too! Hurrah! When one is wearing all black, as so many of us do these days, a white napkin can be a disaster. Just ask for a black one if you need it and it is there in a flash! The food was wonderful, my steak was cooked perfectly. The side portions are very large; a vegetable dish can be split four ways easily. All in all it was a very good experience. I didn't give it five stars as I ordered sparkling water and was brought the large sized bottle. I was the only one who ordered it yet they told me they do not serve the smaller ones. I felt caught right there. Not a good practice. I would recommend this for sure if you are in the neighborhood. It is not Mastros or Ruth's Chris but it is very very good!
(4)Marci C.
by far the best & most attentive staff! you're guaranteed to get A+ service all the way from the hostess, servers, bartenders (IE: Adam & Derek), to the managers (IE: Nigel & Harry). food is scrumptious and so is their variety of wine & spirits - if you don't know what to get, just ask, i haven't been disappointed by a single recommendation yet. my personal favorite is the stuffed chicken while the boyfriends is the t-bone steak. oh and if that wasn't enough to sell you on the place, they also have a beautiful patio area with fire pits!
(5)Rick N.
Save ur $ - Below average steak, decor and service - why open another steakhouse if it's not going to rock out whats already there? When they called for an evaluation a week after the meal and I gave them a candid assessment they really didnt even seem to care...oh well.
(1)Kezia D.
I wish that I could hang out (on a daily basis) with the people that work here. My boyfriend's parents introduced us to this place, as they are regulars. Perhaps that is the reason we get taken care of every time we go. Regardless, I think we would even if they didn't know us. They are so friendly and the food is so incredible. Everything on the menu that I have had a bite of is one to remember. The steaks are cooked so perfectly, and the fish is exquisite. They really know how to do it here. The salads are also unreal. If you're in the Valley and want a great steak dinner, please go here! It will no doubt leave a dent in your pocket, but it's worth it for a special occasion. I recommend splitting a salad and an entree, they are huge! And I think they may give you more if you split...
(5)Blair H.
It's great food - especially the bread in the beginning. Problem is - especially for dinner, it can get super expensive! It's also very upscale....don't go in wearing sweatpants - you might be glared at. :) the kind of place for lunch you imagine some CEO's or business people go to discuss stuff. Maybe that's just me. Very good food, not usually too crowded, very upscale.
(4)Laura S.
I like Larseen's very much. I think the quality of the food is very good. Here are my thoughts : I would stick to basics though ie: Lobster bisque, Larsens Salad, Bone in filet or new york strip, salmon. The prices can produce a somewhat of an OUCH to your wallet so again stick with the basics you will get the most for your money that way. It's ridiculous that they charge $29,99 for lobster mash potatoes, I mean come on... i'll say it one more time ridiculous. DON'T get this side. I'd recommend the potato gratin or creamed spinach. I always eat at the bar because Derrick the bartender there is AMAZING, attentive, sweet , knowledgeable. ALL and ALL he makes the experience there that much better. Also Adam the other bartender is very nice and makes the dinning experience a plus. My only gripe beside the $29.99 lobster mash are the prices they charge for wine. La Crema Pino Noir is at most a $20 bottle of wine, they sell it for $73 BUCKS - oosh. So when you go to Larsens , the piano playing is romantic , the dim lighting makes anyone look good and the decore is sexy. Oh I almost forgot the menu lights up which is good for those who always need that extra help seeing. PLEASE remember to sit at the bar or in that area for GREAT SERVICE... STICK WITH THE BASICS so that you don;t feel ripped off at the end when your bill comes, Bring your own Bottle - the corkage fee is worth it. AND have fun. OH an don;t forget to tip the piano player he does take requests.
(4)Josh M.
So frankly, a steak house is just not my thing. But this place has it pretty tightly racked, and I have to give credit where it's due. The ambiance is basic "modern steakhouse" but done well, with the leather seats, giant wine goblets, and all that. It's hard for me to judge the staff since I was there on a Monday night work outing, but they seemed friendly and as professional as you'd expect. The food was really quite good, and again it's not a genre that hits my personal wheelhouse. I had tuna tartar, beefsteak tomatoes, and ribs. The ribs were dry, but the rest was very solid. Everyone digging into their steaks and bearnaise seemed pleased as well. As steakhouses seem to do, the portions are just absurdly large. And dessert was pretty unimpressive (except for its size), so I would skip that. But overall, nicely done.
(4)C M.
Consistently mediocre steak served in a reasonably nice setting. If it was not so convenient, I would never return.
(3)Sara H.
Disappointment. We sat outside and felt ignored. For the high prices, I expected much better service. Maybe the service is better inside. The food was good, but again, I expected much better for the cost. The filet with bernaise was okay, but not enough sauce. Our server did not check in with us enough to fix things like needing extra sauce or a second drink. The seabass was good, not great. Mac n cheese side dish was a bit dry. The grilled asparagus was very good. Ruth's Chris blows this place out of the water for the same prices. Actually, most places that charge these prices blow this place away. It's too bad, because the outdoor tables have firepits and it would be such a great relaxing dinner if the service and food fit the bill.
(2)Aaron W.
Brief Summary to start: Get a steak here, any steak. It is a steakhouse. You will not be disappointed. Longer bits here now, Having been to Larsen's a number of times over the past three years, I have to say, they serve the absolute best steak I have ever had in my short life. The sides are above average, but nothing spectacular. Their desserts are very good, especially the banana cheesecake things. The light up menus make you feel like you're in a classy place, as is having a cigar selection on the menu (no I don't smoke, I just think it's classy) and a sommelier on staff to aid you in pairing a glass or a bottle with your dish. Price: $$$$ Absolutely worth the money. Steak for 2, 1 alcoholic drink each, 1 small side salad, 2 desserts = $160
(5)Olga L.
Went there last night for a business dinner. They were not shy in their pricing, but the portions are HUGE. I had the best piece of halibut in my life there. I am still dreaming about it today. Menus light up too (good thing because this is a very dimly lit place) good ambience, great and fast service were added plus. Fresh baked bread which smells amazing didnt hurt either. I would definitely go there again.
(4)M S.
Great room, classic, refined, white table cloth's and backlit menu's. Jazz piano at the bar can be heard throughout the restaurant and just makes the great steaks all the better. Great wedge and blue cheese salad and the steaks were enjoyed by everyone. Attentive service and warm interior make for a great evening. Been many times and will continue.
(4)Travelling G.
A nice enough dark wood and brass style steakhouse in the Valley. Is it as good as Wolfgang's or Mastro's? No, but if you are looking for a decent steak in a dark place, Larsen's will hit the spot.
(3)Henry L.
OK my fellow yelpers. After wanting to go to this place so many damn times i decided to give this place a shot. Why didn't i go before. Because of the bad yelp reviews. But since i tired out it seems like every steak house in the valley i had to knock this one off the list. First of all this place is very romantic. The staff is friendly. Even thou alot of yelpers think not. Maybe they changed staff. Not sure. We ordered the crab cakes for appetizers. Not bad, not the best, but not bad. And trust me I'm saying this because of the price of the crab cakes. it wasn't off the wall like most places. so for the price it wasn't bad. We shared the steak, again a bone in rib eye steak. ordered a side of portabella mushrooms and dont laugh at me but hash browns. yes people they have hash browns for a side! only thing i was missing was some eggs and i would have felt like i was in a classy Norms. So as for the food. Steak was excellent. very juicy, and moist. Ordered it medium. The mushrooms i have to tell you was good. And they gave so much! The hash browns was crispy and buttery. In my opinion was too buttery. But heck, its steak house. who's watching their calories. Didn't order desert. Overall was pleased with the selection of going to this place and bypassing the bad reviews on yelp. Diff check this spot out.
(4)Joanna H.
So my date took me to Larsen's and it was my first time. The service was great, attentive but not smothering, and the food was amazing. Large portions with more than enough for two people and leftovers. Will definitely come back again.
(5)Mark S.
Larsen's is a great place for a business lunch (or any kind of lunch for that matter). The restaurant provides a quiet place for conversation and the waiters blend perfectly into the background. The menu provides plenty of variety for those who want a salad, pasta, seafood, or a steak. The french dip sandwich is phenomenal and the ahi tuna salad packs great flavor. The sandwiches and non-pasta entrees all come with your choice of side, so indulge. The 5 cheese mac 'n cheese was particularly decadent. Prices are not bad with most entrees between $15 and $20.
(4)Adam B.
Had the ribeye. Enjoyable but nothing special (I am very picky when it comes to steaks).
(4)Michelle M.
When we first walked in we were not greated very warmly. We then were seated in the middle of the room and ignored for quite a while. We almost walked out. Our server Jennifer saved the day! She was so attentive and eagar to please. We ordered two mixed drinks and she did her best to make sure that they were made correctly and even brought us carrafes of mixers so that we could tweak our own drink! The fresh-baked bread is marvelous. Jennifer recommended a wonderful Sauvignon Blanc which wasnt overpriced at $44. I ordered the steak and lobster which was cooked and prepared perfectly. They have music and a piano bar playing which at times is strange. The creamed spinach and au gratin potatoes were ok not great. The key lime pie was delicious and not overly tart. The latte was one of the best that I've had.
(3)Gabriel G.
It is excellent, great food and patio sitting too. Yes, spicy but worth it!
(4)Carmila K.
The prices are outrageous, the food is O.K. but not more than that, the service is lousy, we sat outside and were ignored, our drinks were never refilled, we had a problem with a too salty soup nobody came to check if everything is O.K. the side dishes were less than good , the steaks were good, but not worth the price. We have better steaks for less. In short, this was our last time there.
(2)Michael T.
Why don't the on-line menu and wine list have prices indicated? NO restaurant is so good as to think that they can withhold prices.
(1)mark s.
The steaks are ok! Robert gives great service. The hostess is rude and quick to argue. I will think twice about eating there again.
(1)David K.
The food was fairly good. But the prices were out of control. Not worth the dinero in my opinion. Plus, they couldn't keep my Diet Coke refilled, which should be possible at a $200+ dinner for two.
(2)Brian R.
Larsen's Steakhouse (Encino) was about as good as it gets. I've been to Mastro's, Cut, Arnie Morton's, etc... I don't think I've had a better steak dinner. The ambiance is sophisticated, casual and cozy. I used to work on these premises when it was the Daily Grill (in my year off between college and law school), and the room is absolutely transformed. Dark wood, flagstone columns, recessed wine racks, gorgeous bar, live piano. And by the way, they have these large, amazing menus that are backlit when you open them. Not sure how that works (LED?), but it's a great touch. I brought a bottle with me ('94 Lynch Bages) and the wine service was very competent. We also had cocktails and beers first (good mixologist on the premises). Fresh hot bread was terrific. Appetizers included bacon-wrapped shrimp (fat, tender, bursting with flavor), Caesar salad and sliced tomato with blue cheese salad. All very refreshing. For the main course, my rare Porterhouse was perfect. My wife had the Filet Mignon, and raved too. Their aged beef program is great. For side dishes, we had lobster mashed potatoes (get them!!) and some veggies (asparagus spears, creamed spinach). Honestly, after this, we were too full for dessert. With cocktails, corkage, appetizers, entrees, sides and tip (but no dessert or coffee), the tab came to about $100 per person. Not an inexpensive night out. But if you're celebrating a special occasion, or have a fat expense account, I recommend without reservation! (Although I do recommend making reservations. I made mine on OpenTable.com .) By the way, I'm going back for my second dinner at Larsen's a week from now coincidentally - and I'm already looking forward to it.
(5)Marisa C.
If you have a vagina and are on a date, then this is not the place for you. We were seated on the patio and told that someone would come to take our drink order and start the heater for us. Some older fat men were seated after us and had their drink orders taken, server goes back to tell them beer tap wasn't working, ran thru botld options, then had their new order, and was ready to take their dinner order (never acknowledging us) Then another group of 2 older fat men were seated. A busboy walked by our table, pushed our extra chairs in, then dragged a heater passed us to the 2 men and lit it. The original bunch of 3 began smoking cigars - I was furious and was sick of being ignored when I was ready to spend some serious money for a nice dinner w/my husband. We got up and left and my husband told the host that we were leaving b/c of the no service whatsoever - i decided to do my public service and warn ppl away from this dingy crap excuse for a steakhouse.
(1)BnT B.
Good steaks and seafood too
(5)Barry H.
Great Food. Great Service. Restaurant was very busy. I'm looking forward to going there again.
(5)T H.
Very good food but expensive and the service is just ok.
(4)Eric L.
Amazing. We went there for the 1st time for my wifes birthday and we were treated like family. The steak was the best that we have ever had. WOW
(5)Mary Y.
We went to Larsen's Steakhouse about 6 weeks ago to celebrate the birthday of my friend. My lobster was cooked perfectly. I noticed my friend who was seated next to me was not happy and when I asked her how was her lamb she said it was dry. I tasted her lamb and it was not only dry but bland as well. It is had to believe it came from the same kitchen. My three other friends ordered steaks and veal and they were all very happy. However the side dishes were below my standard. The beans was bordering on the undercooked side, the asparagus was too charred and the mashed potatoes was mediocre. Obviously the side dishes were not all consumed because they were not that good. What a waste of money because each side dish was a little pricey. However the bread was quite good and my friend ordered some more of it. The atmosphere was classy with the piano playing a beautiful music but as more people came later the air got stuffy. I believe we were seated close to the kitchen and the air can't circulate well so air purifier would have been appropriate in a restaurant setting like this. I did not notice this early on but later when the place got busier with more people and the kitchen got busier the circulation of air was compromised. I noticed my nose became obstructed and I developed headache. My friends were not bothered so much because they do not suffer from allergies. Then came the birthday cake which we all shared with the celebrant, it was actually a very good cake. Our waiter was very knowledgeable with the menus but he was a little pushy. When we were served broccoli by mistake instead of the beans that we ordered he kind of suggested or commented that why don't we take that as well. I told him I just had broccoli for lunch! My guests/friends did enjoy the dining experience except my friend who ordered the lamb. I have been to a lot of high end/ upscale restaurant and everybody was happy but not on this one. The one that turned me off was the side dishes - they are not good at all. I can cook my beans better with my eyes closed. I felt cheated on the side dishes because they are mediocre at best and not worth paying for what they are charging. Also, it should be served with the main entrée just like the other high end restaurant I have been to. Anyway, three of my guest did enjoy their entrée, one did not and me, I did like my lobster but not the side dishes. I think I am being fair if I give them a rating of 3 stars.
(3)prianka M.
Really one of the best steak houses ever.....Great food , Tasty sides , yummy drinks. Live piano...great service. The 12 oz filet mignon and veal porter house were amazing. From the sides the creamed spinach , asparagus (grilled) and garlic mashed potatoes were ah-mazing.
(5)Henry A.
We came here for a bday and what a mistake. First off the waiter and very rude and uptight. We ordered steak and we had to order every side dish. The steak was drenched in oil, rare and extremely salty. The waiter was too arrogant and didn't even apologize. And the prices were ridiculous. For the prices I paid I expected great food and service. Never going back! The only thing nice were lighted menus and nice ambiance.
(1)Mer L.
best place ive ever been too hands down amazing food and wonderful service !!
(5)Casey B.
There are many single words I could use to describe Larsen's Steakhouse, but I choose two: Mind blowing. The owner Flemming Larsen has done a magicians job on second story location in Encino Plaza, which has formerly been occupied by the likes of Bennigans, Daily Grill and Moulin Rouge. The beautiful, stacked stone pillars and dark wood finishes create an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and soothing. It is the right place for both a kick back, chill night on the patio or in the bar, or a fine dining night on the town for any special occasion. And we haven't even gotten to the food yet! If you are looking for the #1, topnotch, creme of the crop Filet Mignon-look no further. The flat top cooking method combined with savory seasoning creates the most wonderful piece of meat you've ever tasted; tender and flavorful, with a delicious crust on either side. The New York and Veal Porterhouse are both close seconds. Sides are generous and flavorful. You definitely get a lot for your money here and you do NOT leave hungry! My favorites are the Mac and Cheese with 5 different kinds of cheese and scallions, and the Au Gratin potatoes. Luscious desserts provide a fine finish to this feast. My mouth still waters at the thought of the semisweet, dark chocolate ganache bundt cake warmed and served with vanilla ice cream. Delish! There isn't a restaurant in all the Valley, and I would even venture to say L.A., that I would put above Larsens. It is a well rounded, quality restaurant with ambiance and wonderful food. Morton's, Maestros, Ruth's beware!
(5)Todd B.
Went on 9/9/11 Fresh hot round cheese bread to start the dinner. Very good. Tuna tartar and cesar salad apps. Very good. Filet mignon special....Bacon wrapped with blue cheese on top sitting on scallops and shrimp. Amazing! The largest piece of Chilean sea bass I've ever seen. The fish was good alone, but the side sauce made it great. Too full for dessert. OVERALL. We will be back, it was great. 4.5 out of 5. Compared to Boa or Mastros.....Larsen's food is as good or better, but the ambience isn't. Yes, prices are comparable.
(4)Naz E.
This was the best lobster bisque I have ever ever had. I consider myself quite obsessed with lobster bisque, and I have found very few time in Los Angeles where I rave about it. Larson's wins!!!
(5)Dmitry G.
Have enjoyed both lunch and dinner here numerous times. Great Steak!!!
(5)Shirley G.
well, on the good side....it's comfortable, great piano bar, nice selection of bourbon. Good Pepsi. Good grief, if you have to mention the soft drinks, then you KNOW the restaurant is bad. Totally tasteless food - the Porterhouse, the NY steak and the rib eye - no flavor. Blech. Hash browns were greasy and mushy. The cheesecake was so-so. Ordered the rib eye medium, it was very, very rare. Back it went, returned burnt. DON'T GO HERE.
(1)Jonathan G.
Went there Sat night. It was my third or fourth time at the restaurant. Tuna Tartar appetizer was very good, but their fillet was so over salted that it was barely edible. The service was sporadic, and we missed ordering a bottle of Cabernet because the waiter had no idea that we might want something other than the last few drops of our white wine with our steaks, and by the time he was done futzing around looking for the '05 Jordon everyone a the table was 3/4 done with their meal. As other reviewers have noted, their prices are similar to Ruth's Chris or Arnie Morton's, with similarly steep prices for side orders. For $75 a person, you can do a lot better.
(2)Tim D.
This was my first visit to Larsen's and I will be coming back. The service was top notch and we had a very friendly and attentive waiter, Jaime, ask for him and you will not be disappointed. I began the evening with a Manhattan and it was superb, just the right amount a chill and very boozy. I must say I enjoyed a few of them over the course of the meal. The house bread is out of this world and they serve the whole loaf at your table. We ordered the Artichoke dip and it went better with the bread than the chips they serve with it. The lobster bisque was very rich and satisfying and almost a meal in itself, they also have salads for those who do not want something so heavy getting in the way of the main course. I ordered a 20 oz New York cooked medium rare and it came out perfect and sides of creamed spinich and garlic mashed potatoes. The atomosphere was relaxing and felt like a private room. Request a booth by the window overlooking Ventura Bl as the resturant is well above the street and provides a good view and also give you a great vantage point of the whole establishment. They have live piano music that keeps the groove going throughout your meal. The lighting is dim for that romantic feel and the menus light up which is a nice touch. I had a great time and the food, service and atmoshere was amazing. You might ask then why only 4 stars, well when trying to park they did not valet and the attendant just took the $3 and pointed in a uncaring way about where an open spot might be. Other than that I have no complaints and would highly recommend coming here.
(4)Stephen D.
Don't bother with Larsen's as the food is great but management 's policies have a way of making you feel like a second class citizen. I go out to dinner usually two times per week and have never felt the arrogance or elitist like attitude thank came across at Larsen's. They even manage to insult you with their follow up call regarding complaints.
(2)CW C.
Came here on 2/12, it was nice to get here ahead of Valentine's day. Best items were bread, really warm and tasty; the house Pinot Noir was quite smooth to complement both a ribeye steak and bacon-wrapped scallops. Service was good and attentive. This place is becoming a favorite spot for a special night out
(4)Sara L.
5 stars for service. (Michael, our server was excellent.) But the food at this place, that wants to be an upscale steakhouse, is off. Steaks very good, but not the best in the valley (Mortons, Flemings, Ruth Chris) all have comparable, if not better, steaks for the same money. It's the sides, salads and desserts that are so very disappointing at Larsen's. Honestly, it seems as though the sides and desserts are purchased from Costco, Sysco, or some other food supplier. Our slice of apple pie, at $13.95! for one slice, reminded me of Claim Jumper store bought pie. The crust was mushy, it just didn't seem freshly made. And who charges $13.95 for a slice of pie? Even the most upscale spots charge $8 - $10 for dessert. The house salad was limp, overdressed, and seemed to come right from a bag to our plate. Not even rinsed or refreshed first. Au gratin potatoes seem like a purchased caserole. Compliments for a good baked potato (for $9) and my steak was perfectly cooked. Larsen's is stuck between going for it, hiring a good chef and delivering good food in a nice restaurant, or serving good steaks only, and ignoring quality for the sides and dessert by being so uncreative in the kitchen. They also gouge you on prices. Bummer.
(3)Rob M.
Overall excellent steakhouse. A bit pricey because it's in a very odd location with no view. But once inside, the steak, as well as sides like sweet potatoes and creamed spinach, are excellent and the service matches. Management cares very much about service and satisfaction.
(4)Anne P.
Ok so I am catching up on reviews - thanks Kayvan for reminding me about Yelp. So Larsens is a great great place for Happy Hour. Upscale, very classy bar. Derrick is a great server. All the sliders good - wedge salad and flemings salad good. Calamari is also good. Not crazy about the crab cakes or the mozzarella salad. Martinis very good. Snap dragon Cab also very good and the prices are great. Just get there before 7 during the week and I think it is Thursday and Friday they have a piano player.
(4)Michael S.
How to ruin 2011 Valentine's Day by Larsen's in Encino. Step 1: Overbook the restaurant so all patrons must wait an hour after their reservation time to be seated Step 2: Overcook a beautiful piece of filet mignon (ordered medium rare, came medium well). Absurd for a steakhouse Step 3: bring sauteed mushrooms that look like they've shrank into a rubbery, dry veggie that's been sitting for hours under a heat lamp. In fairness, they did comp our meal which was a pleasant surprise. Sadly though, there was no true sympathy for the hour wait to get our reserved table - almost a matter of fact attitude (i.e. - well, it is what it is). Sad showing for newcomers to the valley that would have gone back often.
(1)Steve W.
I have been to Larsen's 3 times and love it. My brother eats there all the time and he loves it. I do not know why some people say they do not like it. Maybe a bad night or their tast buds are ruined Steve W
(5)Sam S.
Tried it for the first time today. The prices are pretty similar to Morton's or Mastro's but the food wasn't even close to either of those restaurants. Overall, not bad food, but the quality doesn't match the prices.
(2)James M.
Based on Yelp reviews we found Larsen's Steakhouse. I've been up and down Ventura Blvd. a million times and never noticed it so I had no idea really what to expect. Its set back a bit from the street so make sure you don't drive by the property and have to deal with turning around on Ventura Blvd. When first seated we sat WITH NOTHING, no drinks, nothing and I almost walked out. However, server Jennifer saved the day. Once they told her about the new two-top in her section she was attentive and friendly. We asked for a drink that many places don't make... the bar tender pulled out a book and they went to a back storage area to fish out Apple brandy. The drink wasn't quite there... Jennifer recommended lime juice (I believe she would have removed the drinks if we weren't happy). Once we agreed she shows up with little beakers of lime and cherry juice. We doctored up the drink a little and it was PERFECT! They get an "A" for effort. We weren't sure which Sauvignon Blanc to order and she sent over the Sommelier and he directed us to the right wine. Really impressed when he didn't point us toward the most expensive on the list. We paid $44 for a GREAT bottle of wine, chilled in a bucket tableside. After a fresh baked loaf of bread (delicious) we looked at the menus. They are backlit (very cool in a darker restaurant). All the classic steaks we hoped for were there. I had a 12oz filet that was EXCELLENT and cooked perfectly. Came with a whole roasted garlic and a wonderful bearnaise sauce... the sides of creamed spinich and au gratin potatoes were good, not great. The key lime pie was one of the best I've ever tasted. Beautiful and right sized after a filling meal. Along with this the latte was one of the best I've had out dining. So... after almost wanting to walk out, the staff pulled together and delivered a beautiful meal, worthy of a 16 year anniversary celebration! We spent a little over $200 and left a great tip so felt visiting Larsen's for the first time was well worth it.
(4)Lucy B. S.
this place really REALLY pulled it together! Derek and Amy are awesome behind the bar, and the wait staff seriously rocks. I've become a regular, and I'm proud of it. They have people on staff with celiac, so they ALL know exactly how to deal with Gluten issues. This restaurant is the real deal when it comes to ambiance and service. The food is really good too. I don't think its possible to leave this place feeling hungry. Unfortunately I'm moving back to the east coast soon, and I'm so sad that I can't take the whole restaurant with me. You are really missing out if you don't check out the happy hour.
(5)austin o.
Dinner was fabulous fri. Evening, we ordered seafood tower, salads,steaks seafood and was all delicious, chrissie our server was as good as it gets, it's my wife's favorite special event place to go for dinner
(5)Larry S.
Wouldn't go there again. Always a hit or miss, and service and attitude are also up for grabs.
(1)Kathy H.
This place was so good, I don't even know where to begin. Alright, I'll start with environment. We sat on the outdoor patio at this great table with a fireplace in the center. It was a little chilly out and we promptly got warmed up by the heat lamp as well. Since the restaurant is on the second floor, you have a nice elevated view of Ventura Blvd. I know - who cares - Ventura Blvd. but it was nice. I had the 16 oz. New York Peppercorn steak and my husband had the Kobe New York steak. Both of them were excellent, cooked to order, but the regular New York was actually better. The meat was flavorful and just melted in your mouth. My husband got the mac n' cheese which he loved and I got the grilled asparagus, which is hard to mess up. Also, the bread was super yummy. The owner came by and chatted with us, and we learned quite a lot about steaks. Everyone was very friendly and the service was prompt. We will definitely be back.
(5)Jason B.
This past Saturday evening, my wife and myself returned to Larsen's Steakhouse for a follow up meal, and to celebrate our anniversary. We were seated promptly and courteously at a nice cozy booth at one of the windows. Our server was attentive and cordial. Nigel, the beverage manager stopped by our table and introduced himself to us. It was Nigel who had contacted me after the negative review I had written about Larsen's a few months ago. We ordered a couple of appetizers, which were fresh and tasty. For entrees, my wife ordered fish with a salad and side, while I ordered my favorite steak, a 20oz. Porterhouse med. rare. I had a wedge salad and some skinny fries. The meat was excellent. Done perfectly AND at the right size and weight this time. I didn't understand the candied walnuts in the blue cheese wedge salad though. It was interesting that the server at the table next to us was discussing that evenings specials with the guests, but our server made no mention of specials that evening. We didn't order wine or mixed drinks nor did we order desserts. We were being treated to a fine meal and didn't feel like taking advantage of the situation by over ordering. Nigel returned to our table with the house manager introducing him to us and asking how everything was. We appreciated that. Even though the restaurant was not busy for a Sat. night, we appreciated not being rushed thru our meal, and the piano player sounded great in the background. Bottom line: We had an excellent meal with quality attentive service. I still feel that some of the menu items are overpriced, especially the sides and fish entrees. However, it does seem that Larsen's has tightened up their prior kitchen and server problems. We will be happy to return in the future.
(4)DD P.
I've been to Larsens 5 times now and it's consistently good. I recommend early reservations as the service is great! After 8pm, you may or may not see your server again for little things you need. Hint: I always generously tip the busboy separately at the beginning of a meal as i get great service that way when the server is too busy and these guys/gals work really hard. Food is excellent, best bread i've ever had anywhere. Bring your own wine. Sides: mashed yams with marshmellows, creamed spinach, mashed potato, filet, ribeye.....just amazing. Great place for special occasion. Less costly than Maestros and Ruth Chris'........
(5)Celeste C.
DO NOT GO HERE. I ordered a steak from the specials as described by the waitress and she did not feel the need to inform me that it would cost $150. That's right a ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLAR STEAK. Here's the kicker, it wasn't even good. When I got the check I started to bawl my eyes out because I felt so betrayed, this practice is unethical. I will forever refer to it as a MISTEAK!!! Please don't give these people you're business. Once I complained they explained to me that this dump in a strip mall in Encino, CA is an -elite- steakhouse. I know what an elite steakhouse is, I told them to go to NYC or Boston and then tell me about an elite steakhouse experience. The real deal places would never give me a shitty steak and charge me $150, obscene what a TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE.
(1)Aram T.
Love coming her for dinner. If you haven't tried their steak yet, you're missing out! Ambiance is very cozy and dark. Service is exceptional and on point always. Pricing isn't cheap but you get what you pay for...(wink wink) They have a balcony area where you can enjoy drinks, cigars and food if you'd like. Can't wait to come back!
(5)John E.
The best steak ever!!! It's gonna cost you, but well worth every bite. Server's are EXCELLENT
(5)Jonathan S.
Excellent dinner as usual this is not my first time at Larsons but it was the first time at this particular Larson's location. We got there approximately 20 minutes before closing time and was greeted as if he was the first customer of the day. The manager gave me a call about two days later to check up and see how the service was which I found very welcoming opportunity to be candid and give you my opinion of the restaurant.
(5)Deniz S.
I can't get enough of this place!!! I have been coming here for about six years and every time is such a treat. The staff is great, the food is great, and it's one of those places that makes you feel at home. I love being able to dine without being rushed or overwhelmed by the anxiety of most servers. This place really has a great vibe. Four Words: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake...for those who have a sweet tooth. Also, let's no forget how divine that Mac n Cheese is... Steaks are fantastic, but let's also talk about the drinks. Best Moscow Mules in Los Angeles. Oh, and if you like good eye candy, the manager Adam is a pretty good piece of meat too. Just putting that out there.
(5)Ian S.
As others have stated, the bar is made great by Derrick, Tracy and Junior. They make a great cocktail and I have never seen them anything but charming and welcoming. I mean, seriously, these guys work the room without making it feel like it's gratuitous or a performance... and know when to cut the charm and get to work so that everyone has food and drink in front of them. I think the guys know they have a good gig and the restaurant knows they have a good team at the bar because I've been in there many times and there are only three people I've ever seen working the bar. I've been in the bar 15 times or so and in the restaurant proper maybe 3 times and service is always good everywhere. I'm not a steak connoisseur but it seems like that kind of over-the-top fare that you see at most of the classic places like Mastro's. Aside from the beef, they have the Seafood Tower (haven't tried) and the Lobster Mashed Potatoes (haven't tried that either) so I don't think anything stands out as unique. But that's not the point here. The point is CLASSIC. And between the bartenders, the menu and the live piano, it's pretty classic.
(5)Richard L.
Defiantly a nice surprise. Since I had a steak recently I ordered a chopped salad and sea bass. The chopped salad was good but nothing to write home about. As far as the fish goes it was one of the better Sea Bass dinners I have ever eaten. Moist and a nice sized piece. The garlic mashed potatoes were quite good as well.
(4)Tiffany Z.
Amazing service Amazing food Amazing all together I was just disconnected lol. No wifi or phone service lol. The bartender is great, his name is Derrick. Some of the greatest service I have ever had! We will be coming back for the food and the service. The French dip was great, the mac n cheese amazing! And my favorite the wedge. Happy hour 4-7pm
(5)Steven B.
Had lunch here today with a friend and really enjoyed it. Service is great, smart atmosphere, and food was delicious, with one exception. The fresh baked bread they serve was delicious, my cobb salad excellent and my buddy's Chinese chicken salad very good, and we split a disappointing bacon wrapped shrimp appetizer. The shrimp and bacon are deep fried, with overcooks the shrimp, so I found it tasteless. It's also $18 for 3, which is absolutely ridiculous. Based the $$$ price point, I would return with a Costco gift card or if someone else is paying. Mandatory valet parking under the building - $2 for 2 hours, with validation.
(4)Teren V.
This was my 1st time here. I was having dinner with a friend at another restaurant when I mentioned to her that I was craving mac & cheese and the place we were at didn't serve any. She raved about the best mac & cheese ever at Larsen's. Not being terribly hungry anymore, yet still craving man & cheese, we ventured out to Larsen's - I had to see what she was talking about. Best mac & cheese ever?? I had to know! I have to be honest and the service was shaky when we arrived; and the bartender definitely acted more like your boss than your server. The confusion and frustration from it got to us. We were beginning to regret the trip to Larsen's. But then, we had a very attentive busboy (wish I'd asked his name to acknowledge him here). Then the food came and OMG - it was amazing! Mind you, we had already eaten so only ordered the mac & cheese and a filet mignon sandwich which were total perfection. It was the best mac & cheese I have ever had. The sandwich had this yummy parmesan bread and tender flavorful filet mignon cooked at exactly medium, as requested. The small taste made me want to return another time to sample more of the menu. Before we left, my friend had a chance to speak with the manager, Adam, about how our visit began. He was also amazing and took the time to listen, thank her for bringing it to his attention, and acknowledging what could've been better. The food is worth the trip. I am betting the service is normally on par with the food. I will be back.
(5)Tat V.
My first time here last night and it was nothing short of a-m-a-z-i-n-g. I ordered the dry aged prime filet (well done, of course) with asparagus and mashed potatoes. It was satisfying, filling, and I savored every single bite. I also ordered the Moscow Mule but I must say, the cocktail was not impressive. I don't think I had a drop of anything but sparkling water. The service was stellar and the location was nice for a Monday night. I also ordered the flour-less chocolate cake to share and it was dense but also not impressive. So, my recommendation - come here for the steak (and avoid the cocktails and desert). Will be back with my carnivore dad and likely order a nice dry red wine to pair with the 12oz filet :) Also, I just received a voicemail from the manager following up on the dinner experience - now that's some impressive customer service!
(5)Nicole B.
Food was really great! Between my sister and I we ordered the 12oz filet, stuffed chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, cream corn, and I ordered a chocolate martini. My only complaints are for my server Lisa, she treated my sister and I like we were children that wouldn't tip well the whole time and her check backs were way over do every time, we were also ready to order and she just came up and told us specials and ran away. The man who brought us our bread and removed our dishes was a delight with a happy smile on his face. Also my chocolate martini was described as having a chocolate covered strawberry garnish and it was a piece of cut up strawberry no extra chocolate lol. I'll come back! Food was delishhhh!!
(4)Bonnie J.
I attended dinner with a group of 15 people for dinner mid-week and found the service was very poor. Several people ordered steak, which was not fully cooked and sent back their meal. At the end of our dinner an unexpected cockroach came out of the kitchen and went to our table. Needless to say, we all immediately left. I would not return to this very expensive restaurant.
(2)Joe M.
Came here and enjoyed dinner and dessert with some old friends. The ambience is great here. Dimly lit, the menus are backlit to help you see them in the dark! Service here is fantastic and what you'd expect from a nice steak house. Since I'm cutting back in the red meats lately, I ordered the herb crusted chicken breast, which came with a generous helping of rich creamy mushroom sauce and wild rice. The huge portion was large enough to fill me up alone, but I had to take some of it home after devouring way too much of their delicious pre-dinner bread and butter. I know I'm going out of order, but the bread is ahhhhmazing!!!! It's a buttery flaky loaf of perfectly baked bread, which tastes very close to a croissant. The butter melts all over it and I could make it a meal in itself. My friend ordered the 8oz filet, which was cooked to perfection. Dessert? Yes, please! We split the chocolate and peanut butter cake, which had drizzles of chocolate and peanut butter amidst chocolate cake. There were chunky pieces of chocolate in the cake, with veins of peanut butter throughout. The cake was soft and delicious as it melted in your mouth. A decent sized scoop of vanilla nut ice cream accompanied the cake and complimented it well. Another great visit to Larsen's!
(5)Ryan S.
Blood awful , overpriced , inexcusable waste of a evening out with my wife for anniversary dinner To be continued ..... In interim avoid !!!!!! Lived next door door for years and wanted to try So disappointed. From the stale table side uninspiring bread to the tasteless rib eye which begged for steak sauce to the bland chocolate lava cake this place is a overpriced sham with zero class Has the look of a imposter Never going back Glad I had a $ 150 buck gift card
(1)Justin M.
Went to the restaurant today for dinner. We ordered a salad and decided to split the 28 ounce steak ribeye. We specifically asked for medium well. After 20 mins the steak came out but it was rare and bloody inside so we sent it back. 5 minutes later it came back again and it was bloody again. So we just told the waiter to take it back and to give us the check. In addition to the $65 steak, we ordered a $15 small salad and $30 worth of sides and a drink. Now they did take the $65 steak off the bill but the manager did not come talk to us about the steak and also I still had to pay $60 for the rest of the stuff. The whole point of going to a steakhouse is to eat steak. They should have taken the whole thing off as we didn't really eat anything. Very disappointed
(2)Jean J.
Lovely restaurant. Their steaks are always prepared well, an ample offering of fine wines, fabulous for lunch/dinner/happy hour. Happy hour food -- I've tried them all -- and they are quite good. (A special nod to the bartenders, who are always fab and make sure that they give you a whole lot of TLC.) The patio area is lovely with fire pit/tables and comfy chairs. I've enjoyed happy hours, then sat down for dinner, and often wrapped up the evening by sitting outside enjoying a glass of wine with friends. Their complimentary bread.... mmmm yummy. ^___^ (I love bread, so I always feel compelled to critique this.)
(5)Jacqueline R.
2014 YELP 100 CHALLENGE - 100/100! CHALLENGE COMPLETED! WOOHOO! A few months ago, my co-worker/friend randomly hit me up after work on a Friday night and asked if I was busy. Apparently multiple friends had bailed on her for dinner plans, so she decided to hit me up (good to know I wasn't her first priority...cool). Anyways, we were trying to decide where to go, and I realized I had a $50 gift card to Larsen's (courtesy of Costco/my parents), so we decided to go there for dinner. I knew that I was definitely going to use up the entire gift card and still pay a nice chunk of change afterwards. It's a nice steakhouse and if you dine at any steakhouse without spending a pretty penny, you're doing it wrong. I felt kinda bad because I didn't exactly tell my friend how expensive dinner would end up being (she was probably looking to spend maybe $30 max), so she was quite surprised when we started checking out the menu... Whoops! All of this was really spur of the moment, so we ended up calling ahead and making a reservation while we were driving to the restaurant. We arrived 5 minutes later LOL. Anyways, parking was easy. Just a garage underneath the whole shopping center/plaza. Larsen's is located on the second (or maybe third?) level. Fortunately, Larsen's really wasn't busy at all. We were both surprised since it was a Friday night and expected it to be super crowded. We were seated immediately and there were tons of empty tables still available. Like I said earlier, this was all very unplanned, and thus we were just wearing normal casual clothing and probably looked a little out of place. Everyone in there was dressed much better than us, and were probably a good 20+ years older than us as well. On her way to the bathroom, my friend said that one woman seated at the bar gave her a very cynical look and was totally judging her because she was wearing a Big Bang Theory t-shirt and jeans. Sorry if you're too cool for Sheldon Cooper, mam! The menus were ginormous. It's not that they have an extensive novel-sized menu...but rather because the menus light up! Well, my friend's did anyways. I apparently got a defective one that had run out of batteries. It was pretty cool and useful because the restaurant is ridiculously dim inside. Honestly, it was a bit TOO dark IMO. I felt like I was dining during a black out. We both ended up getting drinks (around $8-10), and the petite filet mignon (8oz). Cheapest steak on the menu! Can you tell we are recent college graduates? :P I ordered the macaroni and cheese as a side dish, and my friend got the creamy garlic mashed potatoes. The steak was pretty good. Very tender and moist, and was exactly what I had expected from a filet. We ended up sharing the side dishes and the creamy garlic mashed potatoes were REALLY...gloopy? Or liquidy? Sounds gross but they were just more on the runny side than I was expecting. Not light and fluffy like cumulus clouds. The mac and cheese was pretty delicious, though! I took some home for leftovers and they were just as delicious the second time around. Our total bill including tax and tip ended up being something short of $200. I thought it was going to be $150 at most, but because of LA's wonderful 9% sales tax rate and tip, it was much more expensive. I didn't have to pay too much because I had a gift card, but I think my friend dropped like $90. SO SORRY! Next time I'll just take her to the dollar menu at Mickey D's. Overall, I didn't LOVE my experience at Larsen's. It was too dark, kinda stuffy atmosphere, and I left there feeling like I didn't really eat the equivalent of $100 worth of food. Maybe it's just me. I would go back, but only if somebody else was paying for me ;P
(3)Kate L.
This was my first dining expirence at Larsons Steak House and lets just say I will be coming back for more. It's pricey but the quality of food is worth it. I had the Chilean sea bass and my friend had the aged grass fed filet mignon. We split a side of spinach and a side lobster mashed potatoes. Let me just say Yum Yum Yum! My fish was very fresh and I love the soy glaze that was on the side that you could put on it. My friends filet mignon was very juicy and seasoned and cooked to perfection. We actually wound up buying the in-house seasoning That they use on the different meats they serve. The spinach was also good But what blew everything out of the water was the lobster mashed potatoes. There are no words to express how delicious the side dish was!! There were big chunks of lobster all throughout the mashed potatoes. It was literally like it's own main course of lobster and mashed potatoes....just all mixed together. The service was excellent and my friends blueberry lemon drop was very tasty. I highly recommend this restaurant for birthdays, anniversaries or if you just feel like grubbing on some pricey but delicious food!
(5)J L.
In the spirit of keeping an objective perspective I believe my two star rating is more than generous. Waiters are professional but everything that follows falls very short of par. Outrageously overpriced for the mediocre food they prepare. Several of our entrees were improperly cooked and resulted in at least one steak returned to the kitchen. Not what I would expect at that price point. Pompous "assistant" general manager (aka Harry) whose misplaced choice words have lost Larsen's at least six future patrons. Well done Larsen's!
(2)Russell H.
So, this was our second visit and this time around was fantastic. Our first visit we had some issues with service. But they absolutely made up for it with our second visit. Our server tonight was Molly and she was wonderful! She was so attentive and every need we had was met with a friendly smile. I ordered the Ny steak with peppercorn sauce and it was perfect! We also got the creamy garlic mash potatos for our side which was amazing. We will definitely be coming back!
(5)Nerrissa S.
This meal was divine! Everything was perfect. My fiancé and I just had a baby and it was our first night out for dinner. The server was on point and suggested the prime of primes filet with crab legs added on, with the lobster mash and crab cakes. They do not skimp on portions and we had a ton of food. Every last bite was excellent! We loved this place was a much better meal than Maestros in Beverly Hills. We will be back for another special occasion. They had a live piano player and the ambiance was very dark and romantic. Perfect way to celebrate. They have underground parking which was $4 prepay. Located in the center plaza across from cpk
(5)Mark T.
Over the last five plus years I have eaten 100's of times at this wonderful steak house,as my office is next door. Need I say more. The quality of the food is superb, the staff is friendly and extremely professional. Sure sometimes there is a glitch,seldom, but it is always taken care of in a quick and pleasant manor. We have had large groups for festive dinner and intimate private suppers. We have lunch there 2 or 3 times a week. This is by far the finest and classiest restaurant in west valley! 41/2 stars!
(4)Angeline A.
Story Time: I was searching for a last minute steak house to go to for my boyfriends birthday. He never really goes to steak houses and I'm not from LA so I don't really know that many good places over here. His two friends came with us. To start we called earlier that day and asked what their dress code was. They said "casual". Casual: Although it can be considered "informal" in the senses of "not formal" or "suited for everyday use," informal attire actually refers to a dress code much more formal than casual wear, a step below Semi-formal wear. Jeans and a T-shirt have been described as the "casual uniform". My friend was wearing a Tank and shorts and the rest of us were comfortable. We arrived and are excited. Mind you the place is absolutely DEAD. Nobody is in there, except for maybe a handful of people. The hostess in the front was on the phone and barely acknowledged us. Already got off on the wrong foot. Then a man walks up to us and tells us that we cannot dine in the restaurant wearing what my friend was wearing. Our mouths just dropped. Of course my friend was furious, and I just couldn't believe that he was turning us down. NOBODY WAS IN THE RESTAURANT. We started to walk out and these 3 gentlemen, who I assume just finished dining there were shocked as well. They told us that we looked great and that they're crazy for not letting us in. We walked all the way down and the manager came down and told us that he's sorry but if we were okay with eating outside on that patio that it would be ok. WHY DIDNT HE OFFER THAT IN THE FIRST PLACE?! It was a little cold but there were fire places and heaters so it wasn't too bad. What turned me off was that he did say we weren't allowed to use the restroom, because of he was dressed. Seriously? Idk why we stayed but we were already there. The only reason this place gets 2 stars is because the Busser was a sweetheart. And the bread was TO DIE FOR! We couldn't stop eating that bread. We ordered and then got our food. I got the filet mignon with mashed potatoes & peppercorn sauce. It wasn't too bad but not the best. The greens, string beans, broccoli were TERRIBLE. DRY & FLAVORLESS. We barely touched it. My boyfriends plate was a steak and he said there was way too much fat. He kept trying to eat around it & and it just wasn't all that great. His friend had the salmon and drizzled my peppercorn sauce for flavor...he said he could make better. We chalked this place up as a funny memory for his birthday. We were disappointed that Managment didn't even bother to comp anything for the trouble they had given us but it was okay. Money wasn't an option that night. But the fact that he was willing to turn down money was shocking. I couldn't believe it. We payed and we left. We had left over vegetables. (the ones we didn't eat) and gave it to the first homeless person we met. If you want a good steakhouse go to Bourbon Steakhouse. I've heard the best reviews from them and will be going there next time I want to go to a steak house.
(2)Elliot S.
Had a group dinner 8/21 4 couples and our steaks were very disappointing. I shared the 28 ounce bone in ribeye and we took home enough for a family of dogs. The sides were good but not good enough for me to ever step into this restaurant ever again. As I left I said take a good look because I'm never coming back. My teeth still sore from chewing that first bite.
(1)Ana O.
This was my and my partners first time here to celebrate his birthday. His dad introduced us and treated us for dinner (how nice of him). I've been to many different fine restaurants in last few years and this by far was my favorite. The restaurant has a nice ambiance setting: dim lights, piano music, and great view to Ventura blvd from the booths. Everything was delicious! From the lobster tails to filet mignon. The oysters were fresh and non fishy. The bread was so soft and flavorful- a must have! The onion rings so crunchy and sweet. The spinach side dish was my favorite. Service was pleasant too. Pricy but well worth it! We are planing on going back for our next celebration!
(5)Jackie L.
I have only eaten in the dining room here one time and it was pretty good. However, I have been to their happy hour a few times and it has gone downhill. We got two orders of sliders for my son and his friend. My son couldn't even finish one because he said it was so bad. His friend didn't like them either. Their meatballs taste more like little frozen meatballs than homemade. Their steak tacos were awful and so are some of their other sliders. I am only giving them 3 stars for their restaurant dining. Their bar food is a 1 star and the restaurant is probably a 4. it does seem odd to me though that the door to the patio is in the middle of the restaurant instead of off to the side so there are constantly servers walking by the diners and the doors opening. It gets very windy up there.
(3)Karen M.
Having a yen for a good steak, after some research we decided on Larsen's. Kent was excellent and provided top notch service. Great wine list got us off to a good start and I have to admit I could eat the chopped salad everyday - the champagne dressing is to die for! The Kobe steak sashimi appetizer was very tasty and could have had more of that but not quite sure it was worth the $50. We found the lobster bisque to be rather bland and flavorless. The rib eye was good but would not have it served "Oscar" again - found the crab to be very flavorless and certainly not worth the extra money. Kind of drowned out the flavor of the steak - tasted more like what would be used in crab cakes rather than on a steak. And, no Hollandaise sauce, just a compound butter. The mashed potatoes were so creamy and delicious and were a great leftover. The green beans, however, were not to my liking. These were sautéed and while some might like a nice crisp (raw) green bean, I like mine with a little less crunch and snap. Good meal and while I enjoyed myself, I think I'll try some of the other local steakhouses before coming back.
(3)Mane S.
Expensive but worth every bite. I'm not much of a meat person but this place changed my mind. I ordered the stuffed chicken and my boyfriend got the pork chops (the chop was so juicy). The tuna tartar was amazing and fresh. The mash potatoes were creamy and very delicious and the oysters I could have a plate by myself. Oh and let's not forget about the amazing bread.
(5)Ben G.
I took my wife there for her birthday,despite the great service I cannot recommend this place as i found it to be below average, especially the stakes which were just terrible. For the price we paid we would expect a lot more.
(2)Simon M.
I wish yelp allowed us to give zero stars, as this restaurant is surely deserving. Let's start from the beginning. I came to have dinner with my family before I went back to New York for grad school. To celebrate our last dinner for a year, we decided to order wine. I gave my ID (I am 22) to the gentlemen who asked for it but he said it was fake and refused to allow me to order or even have a sip of my parents wine. He came and forcefully grabbed the wine glass out of my hand and scolded my parents for giving it to me. I had to drive a half an hour back home to bring my passport for him to examine so I could have a glass of wine with my parents. Not only did the gestapo-like employee examine my passport for close to a minute he told me "don't bring this attitude here, buddy, got it?" I was astounded at his level of rudeness considering he is in the service industry. We then ordered steaks and sides. My mother and I ordered filets cooked medium. They both were cooked well done. The general manager came and apologized for his underling's behavior and promised to comp one of severely over-cooked steaks. We were charged for all the steaks, no charges were taken off the check nor was any dessert offered on the house. To pour salt on the fresh wound, to my 9 year old sister's delight, she withdrew a black hair from her mouth after a spoon fool of creamed corn. While I think it's clear by my expressions above, I'll say this anyway: this will be the last time me or my family eats here.
(1)Gigi L.
Amazing blue cheese steak. Good oysters. Amazing spinach. Flawless service. Huge shrimp cocktail. Fantastic wine list. I had the Napa Pinot and it rocked. The wedge salad was amazing and ask for the warm blue cheese and candied walnuts. The restaurant is particularly generous. A couple of us ordered extras and they have us plenty. Won't disappoint. The patio is beautiful. Again, the steak. Just mmmm.
(5)Jet J.
I had an amazing experience at Larsen's. This is not my first time at this location, but definitely one to remember. Molly was our server. She is AMAZING! She fully takes care of you and makes sure you are satisfied with everything. Molly, thank you for being so awesome! I also had the pleasure of meeting Adam, the remarkable manager. Adam, your commitment to excellence will allow you to accomplish every goal you set up for yourself. Larsen's is fortunate to have you. Last but not least, the food was delicious. It is the quality you expect at an upscale restaurant. Every time I go there, I know that I will have a succulent meal.
(5)Maggie J.
I had dinner at Larsens's tonight for my birthday with my sister, my mom and dad. It was perfect. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. They had a card on the table for me which was so nice. I had the Miso Seabass and it was incredible. Can't wait to go back.
(5)David J.
Very very very overpriced. Not comparable with the top steak houses in town. Lots of attitude horrible service high prices. Do not go. I wonder how they stay around.
(2)Alan S.
The waitress spilled 3 drinks on my table, got me and my guests wet (all wearing business suits) and my brand new iphone 6 wet! then served up lunch with a bad attitude, Cold food, and orders messed up. They should close this dump!
(1)Arthur B.
Took some clients for celebration dinner to Larsen's and it was my first time being there also and it was a great experience. We were seated on time and the service was impeccable. The steak was cooked just right and just a great experience overall. Would definitely go back again.
(5)Tom M.
We came here for dinner earlier this week for the first time since I moved to CA. We all ordered a good amount of food, and everyone enjoyed what they ordered. I tried the grilled artichoke, which was prepared perfectly, and the NY steak oscar style with a crab cake and asparagus on top. It was really good, and I had a good cut. It wasn't a really fatty piece, and was pretty tender for a NY. My fiancé ordered the crab legs, and she really enjoyed them. For dessert we ordered the chocolate molten cake and chocolate/peanut butter cake. They were very good. The biggest plus for us is they have Sea Smoke Pinor Noir.
(5)Sharon N.
I love this place every time I eat here the food is so good and the staff is so friendly. I have recommended this place to all my friends and family.
(5)Sona G.
Service here with Koji was 5 stars plus plus! Our drinks, smooth and perfect, appetizers were delicious! Main course steaks...my sister got bone in rib eye and I got the grass fed filet with king crab...they forgot the crab but my steak was good. Personally I can make a better streak at home. My sisters rib eye was much better! Side dishes were just okay, nothing grand. Our salads were very good. Do not bother with coffee or dessert, it's not worth it. Bread pudding tasted like bland gluey nothingness and the pecan pie was as good as an ordinary market brand. Coffee which I think needs to be the best to finish off a great meal was watered down blah. I'm glad we tried this place. I'm not worried about the $400 tab for 3 people but I definitely wouldn't bother to go back.
(2)Bobby S.
Had a business dinner meeting for 8 people. Excellent food and service. The piano was a little loud but other than that great place for dinner if you don't want to drive to the west side.
(5)