Tapenade Tapenade

Tapenade Menu

11301 W. Olympic Blvd., Ste. 116 (Sawtelle Blvd.)
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Map
An upscale Mediterranean alternative in an area known almost exclusively for Japanese restaurants.
Openings: Lunch Mon.-Fri., Dinner nightly

Features


Tapenade Restaurant Review:


Slowly emerging as a hidden gem in the Sawtelle neighborhood, Tapenade offers a stylish atmosphere perfect for date night or a gathering of friends. Walls are adorned with playful portraits that pay homage to food, particularly one of a young girl shoving a handful of noodles in her mouth. To start, it’s practically a requirement to order one of the varied preparations of Brussels sprouts. The “classic” features the roasted bulbs tossed with sliced almonds and Parmesan, though we enjoy “Thai” style --- a bold combination of chile, peanuts, mango and spicy rice vinegar. Ricotta with olive tapenade on crusty bread is simple and satisfying; grilled squid is a tender cut atop a classic Spanish combination of tomato, white beans and chorizo; and paella is an inventive adaptation of the iconic dish --- a single-size plate of orzo pasta both soft and crunchy that is mixed with chorizo and corn, and finished with plump shrimp. Lamb shank is a slightly intimidating mass of meat served in a cast-iron pot loaded with fresh rosemary. For dessert, banana gratin has a decadent similarity to crumble. A very brief wine list is full of large California producers.