Spartina Stephen Kalt Spartina

Spartina Awards

Seasonal Cal-Italian fare from chef/owner Stephen Kalt makes this one of Melrose Avenue’s best dining options.
Openings: Lunch Mon.-Fri., Dinner nightly, Brunch Sat.-Sun.

Features

Spartina, Los Angeles, CA


Spartina Restaurant Review:


Chef/owner Stephen Kalt’s handsome restaurant on Melrose Avenue offers the neighborhood an elegantly casual destination with a few dishes that will also draw in foodies from further afield. Polished concrete and mod wood stylings frame a sparkling open kitchen; the sprawling patio out front is a lively spot for exploring Kalt’s insightful California/Italian wine list, ranging from rustic Sicilian or Campanian picks to richer, full-bodied Nebbiolos or Barberas. Dishes hearken back to the chef's 1990s New York days, when his TriBeCa Spartina incarnation drew accolades. Stints at Corsa Cucina at Wynn Las Vegas and Caulfield’s Bar & Dining Room in Beverly Hills also inform some of the seasonal menu items --- wood-grilled duck heart spiedini are rich and smoky; delicate “panini” meld light textures of scrambled egg and sea urchin with fresh basil and chilies. Pizza with lamb sausage and pistachio is nice to share, and the kitchen’s fresh pasta rivals others in L.A. Don’t miss the trenette with velvety tender octopus and bone marrow. Mains include a savory lamb shoulder chop with mint chermoula. The walnut tart is our pick for dessert.