Wally's Beverly Hills

Wally's Beverly Hills Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant: Wally's president Christian Navarro started out sweeping floors at the iconic Los Angeles wine store, but his potential as a sommelier was soon discovered and he became an integral part of the business. Decades later, he teamed up with brothers Maurice and Paul Marciano, co-founders of the clothing line GUESS?, to purchase the company and expand with Wally's Beverly Hills. (There is also a location in Santa Monica as well as Las Vegas.) From a wine shop and gourmet marketplace, it has become a restaurant and bar serving elevated bistro fare. The convivial atmosphere gives the feeling of an ongoing party. Out front are heat lamps and small tables flanking the glass doors of the entrance. Inside, the white marble bar and tables (mostly communal) are surrounded by impressive wine shelves. On one side, patrons will find the wine vault, and opposite it is the display of cheeses, chocolates, bread and more.

Food & Drinks: Dishes have included bone-in whole chicken with smashed fingerling potatoes, broccolini and Albufera sauce, or wood oven baked French sea bass with burnt lemon, blistered cherry tomatoes and seasonal vegetables. Desserts, such as dark chocolate fondant with hazelnut praline and nitro raspberry, are simple but flavorful. Wine director Matthew Turner is ready to assist with selections, while the bar team can whip up a classic cocktail or creation du jour. We like the "Pomp it Up" --- a wordplay on pamplemousse (French for "grapefruit") --- with vodka, Giffard Pamplemousse Rose and grapefruit juice.