Redbird

Redbird Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant & décor: One of the few remaining 19th-century structures in Los Angeles, the Cathedral of Saint Vibiana was dedicated in 1876 and served as a religious landmark for more than 100 years. After suffering damages in the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the historic building was eventually decommissioned and transformed into a special events venue. The rectory building adjacent to the cathedral houses Redbird, a restaurant from chef Neal Fraser. The restaurant's name is a reference to the cardinal whose offices were once located on this site. Entering from Second Street, guests find the lounge area with a marble bar, vintage furniture and a few tables at banquettes. The bar continues around to the courtyard garden, which functions as the main dining area and features a retractable roof. The simple design elements allow the architecture to shine.

Food & Drinks: The dinner menu delivers appetizers such as a delicious chicken liver mousse or hiramasa with passionfruit, shiso and hibiscus salt. Continue with bucatini with uni and lobster butter; Liberty duck with wild rice, plums and XO sauce; or whole grilled Basque turbot. Finish with olive oil cake. A vast array of choices from Austria to Argentina is presented on the worldly wine list; craft beers and cocktails are also a draw.