L.A.'s Top 7 Husband-and-Wife-Run Restaurants

I saw the review of Beacon in the Los Angeles Magazine and was excited to try it out.
I made a reservation and when we were seated at a table uncomfortably close to another couple, we asked to sit at the bar. We soon realized that the bar was a place where the waiters gathered to chit chat about how much they had made that night and how much they were required to tip out the sushi chef. It was as if they didn't think that those dining at the bar could hear everything they were saying. The dining experience was ruined by this atmosphere. Plus, the food was mediocre.

My wife and I come here about once a month and are always glad we came back. The short-ribs are really good and the appetizers are decent. The seabass is good if you like asian style fish with a hint of sweetness. And they have nice service as well. Overall it is a nice night out at a very reasonable price. Note: I would recommend making reservations to make sure you are seated promptly.

Ususally when I'm in the mood for asian, I'll head on over to Beacon. The menu has lots of flavorful comfort food-- I especially like the yaki udon, the pork katzu and the grilled organic chicken. The atmosphere is clean and hip, but somewhat cramped and loud. I usually prefer to get take out and eat quietly someplace else. If it's a nice day, definitely sit on the patio.

We went last weekend and were pretty pleased. We liked all of our appetizers, especially the ahi tuna pizza. The skewers were good as well. My wife had the duck confit and I had the hanger (sp?) steak. She liked the duck and I really like the steak. I ordered wine by the glass and it was pretty good. Dessert was a real treat. I had the cheesecake and my wife had a tart that was the special for the night. This wasn't cheap, but overall, pretty good, and no complaints.

I don't know if this is typical, but when we were there, street parking was easy. There seemed to be a lot of spots close to the restaurant. That isn't typical for a good restaurant in LA so I thought it was worth noting.

We had our son with his and the staff was very obliging. We sat outside with a view of the bakery truck sculpture and fountain (hard to explain) and our son was fascinated by it.

Beacon has been around for a few years and is still tops. The food, the service & the atmosphere is still the best in Culver City. Really clean Asian food. I went back last week, after have been away all Summer & had the Asian Short Ribs. They are melt in your mouth tender. The bartender was friendly & helpful. A great change from so many other trendy places in LA where food & service take a backseat to the hype.
You can't beat the prices for the quality & creativity of the food. Keep it up & I urge you to try beacon if you have not yet.