Lemon Grove Restaurant: Salute to Hollywood

A new rooftop restaurant, bar and garden inspired by the agrarian past of old Hollywood. Menus courtesy of celebrity Chef Marcel Vigneron — views courtesy of Hollywood Hills.

Harriet and I are always scouting out new restaurants to try. We typically stay in the Southern California area so when it was suggested we try Lemon Grove in Hollywood, we decided to have dinner one evening. Located on Vine Street, it is near the Pantages Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, adjacent to the Capital Records Building and other Hollywood landmarks. Opened mid year in 2022, clearly there have been some growing pains (as evidence by some of the reviews) but we wanted to try it for ourselves. We were pleasantly surprised.

After ordering our favorite cocktails (a very light Cosmo and an Old Fashion which were perfectly mixed) we were treated to a duck starter on a bed of popcorn. Unusual but delicious. After perusing the dinner menu, we decided some dishes recommended by our server: Burrata Caprese, Local Lettuce Salad, Lemon Pasta and Branzino.

The Burrata Caprese was uniquely presented but nonetheless very good. The Local Lettuces was an interesting combination of kohlrobi, manchego and pepitas; it was a very large serving and easily sharable.

The highlight of the evening was the entrees. Naturally a restaurant named Lemon Grove should have a signature lemon pasta; it is the perfect combination of lemon flavor and cream. Absolutely yummy. The Branzino was fileted and cooked perfectly with a subtle mixture of greens atop. Honestly it was one of the best branzino dishes I have eaten.

We probably over ordered, but we always want to try something from every course. For dessert, we tasted the brownie pie, beautifully presented and quite tasty. To top off the evening, the bar tender offered us shots of a Japanese vodka. I wish I could recall the name because it was spectacular.

Lemon Grove Review

Convenient Hollywood Location

Amazing Views

Beautiful Space, particularly on the Patio

Excellent Cocktails

Friendly and Accommodating Service

Good Food

Evening View From the Patio

If you happen to be in the neighborhood, we suggest you drop in to Lemon Grove. They serve brunch and dinner, but if you simply come for cocktails and the view, you won’t be disappointed. Located atop of the Aster Hotel (which is private) Lemon Grove is open to the public. You can reserve a table on Resy.

1717 Vine Street Los Angeles

XO

Wendy