Vermont Restaurant

It took 45 minutes to get seated. I was hoping food was going to be great. but it was ok. I probably would eat their again.

Pros: food ok

Cons: long time to wait for table

Posted 07/10/09

Three of us spent New Year's Eve here. My husband and I had the lamb loin wrapped in pistachio pastry. We both felt it was over-cooked and dry. Our third dinner had the breast of duck. I tried a piece and thought it too was over-cooked and dry. The second course of salad was very good with a lot of taste. The first course of potato leek soup was too diluted and not hot enough. The restaurant had run out of the other soup - crab bisque, and possibly added liquid to the potato leek to stretch it out. I reviewed this restaurant about a year ago and felt positive about the food. Perhaps being New Year's Eve the crowd over-whelmed the restaurant. However when you charge $79 a person and add an 18% gratuity, it needs to be good. Our waitress got a $52 tip and was not that good. I will ask if the gratuity is included next New Years.

I probably will go elsewhere next year.

Pros: Heather is a great Hostess.

Cons: parking

Posted 12/31/08

been to vermont many times. this time the best so far
the value of the $34.00 menu is incredible.
the cassoulet was the best i had in a long time,
and always great service and the ambience
will go back again and again

Pros: food, food, food

Cons: none

Posted 11/19/08

Let me start by saying after my meal here, LITERALLY my food rose through my esophagus into a toilet (citysearch bans the "v--mit" word"). Maybe the scallops were bad. Maybe the cream in the "soft potatoes." was bad. I don't know. But I coughed it up into a toilet. And then I felt fine.

The rest of the dining experience went like this :
I used to live in LA, was in town for the weekend.
Wanted to have a nice dinner with a good friend.
We decided on Vermont after perusing the online menu.
We show up. The menu is completely different than what was on the internet.
STRIKE 1.
My friend ordered from the price fixe menu ($34) which came w. a salad, entree and dessert.
I ordered regular menu.
Both salads were - eh.
STRIKE TWO.
Then the entrees came. Mine was an overly priced scallop and shrimp dish with "soft potato" and fried zucchini blossom. Read GREAT! Tasted...bland at best. Also the nausea began. uh-oh.
My friend's entree was 4 raviolis on greens on a long plate. Looked like an appetizer.

They could tell we were queasy and not happy, so the waiter brought us out a "complimentary" pumpkin cheesecake (which was one of the choices of desserts on my friend's price fixe menu).
The cheescake was dry and not so good.
And we would have picked a different dessert from the price fixe, anyway.
So, we even got ripped on the dessert we actually paid for that was (without choice) presented "complimentary."
YOU ARE OUT.

The total for our two meals and wine with tip was $140.00.

What a waste.
What sickness in my stomach.

A general tip for any major city : if a semi-upscale or upscale restaurant has been open more than two years - AVOID IT. The original chef and management has long since left and they will most likely be serving mediocre food for way too much money.

And you may have the food move from your belly through the mouth to a toilet when you get home.

You will do better with the local taco stand.

Pros: silverlake location

Cons: food, service

Posted 11/17/08

it seems that the menu has changed recently and truly enjoyed the experience. Husband got the scallops salad...yummy!!! And my green salad was so refreshing and perfectly dressed. The lamb dish was to die for and hubby was in heaven with the shrimp and scallops polenta and tempura blossom. The waiter was really professional and caring also very knowledgeable in regards to the menu. Everybody was very attentive to our need. I highly recommend this place. Great evening.

Pros: great menu, food to value

Cons: parking

Posted 07/19/08

My girlfriend and I ordered a salad to-go for a picnic for $15 (we even added a tip to the bill), and were planning on splitting. Contents of box were 2 or 3 soiled pieces of lettuce balled-up in the corner, a plastic cup of sad looking mushrooms (we think), and a fried piece of cheese. to give you a better visual of our disappointment: the shoebox size take-out container could've easily been swapped w/ a small soap-dish.

we threw out everything but the fried goat cheese.

Posted 07/17/08

I've eaten at VERMONT on a number of occasions.
The ambience is elegant without being
snobbish.
My favorite dishes are the mussels, fettucine, duck salad,
and their homemade soups.
Also, the apple tart is a classic as well as the flourless
chocolate cake, and once in awhile they have a delicious
cheesecake.
Apart from the waiters who are caring, the host/hostess
come around to see that all is well and my friends
have commented it is like eating at a friend's home,
in a personal dining room, with much attention paid.
Bon appetit!

Pros: ambience, parking

Cons: none

Posted 06/17/08

Most recently I dined at VERMONT prior to attending a concert at the Greek Theater. Simply put, VERMONT is a reliable restaurant --- consistantly good food, beautiful ambience, friendly and helpful service. The restaurant is moderately and fairly priced and especially so in comparison to other restaurants in the same category of dining. My friends and I have dined at this gem of a restaurant many times over the years ( I've twice dined at VERMONT in the past month ) and we have always enjoyed our experience when dining there, without fail. Without a hint of hesitation I highly recommend VERMONT.

Posted 06/17/08

I attended Vermont with my friends for the new years menu for the second seating of the night. The decoration and the vibe was incredible. The best part of the night was the food. I had the Crab Bisque to start and the endive salad and ended with the Sea Bass, one word, EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The presentation was excellent and great flavors. All the food was great, agreed with all my friends. One of my friends ordered the Fettuccine and he said it was the best dish ever. The service was kinda slow, and might have needed improvement. My compliments to the Chef of Vermont. One of the waiters passing by had a smell of ciggarettes, which was a real dissapoinment. The Valet was good too, although they were really busy.

Pros: The FOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cons: Slow Service

Posted 12/31/07

This is a very nice place with a very nice staff. They are both friendly and accomodating. This is true in both the bar and restaurant. The food was well-prepared and offered generous (but not overwhelming) portions. The menu is not particularly creative or unusual and there are nearly as many salads and starters as there are entree choices. Can't imagine becoming a regular at $70 for a drink and a 3 course meal, but I will come back when I need a nice venue in the neighborhood.

Pros: Nice people in a nice room - valet parking

Cons: Good, but not great American food

Posted 10/01/07

I went out for a business cocktail and decidided to have dinner in the dinning room with clients....we tried the menu and I ordered the duck salad which was soooooooooo delious....it was lightly dressed herb salad with medium rare duck sliced on the top.....the favors combined in each bite..the herb salad with a slice of duck.....amazingly yummy.....................filet was like butter.................and we shared a flourless chocolate cake with fresh whop that melted in your mouth......It was an unexpected evening treat and it made business a pleasure..I can't wait to go back with friends............for fun! ...............Great atmosphere too

Posted 09/16/07

Love this Los Feliz neighborhood restaurant. The ambiance is very appealing and seductive. The staff is friendly and responsive. The food is excellent and has never disappointed after returning several times. The crowd in the adjoining bar is very eclectic and the vibe in the room is relaxed and sophisticated. If you haven't tried it, try it, you will be delighted. For all you celeb watchers, the last time I was there I saw Kiefer Sutherland with a group of friends. I was told he was a regular. All in all, I highly recommend it.

Posted 09/04/07

We went to dinner before a show at the Greek and found the staff responsive to our schedule needs. Food was good and relatively quick given the crowd - many who were theatre-goers too. Our party enjoyed a wide array of selections from seafood to steaks to salads which were good value (not stingy in size) for the money. Sadly we could not take the left-overs with us as they would be sitting in the car all evening. The wine selection was also good - enjoyed a northern Italian Pinot Grigio which was excellent - two bottles for the table! I have recommended this restaurant to others going to the Greek - a good time before the show!

Posted 06/13/07

I have lived in the area for over 5 years and have recommended Vermont many times in its early days. Unfortunately, it has progressively gotten worse and I continue to be disappointed in the food and in the service. My last attempt was a birthday dinner which left me so disappointed I will never return and will recommend against a meal at Vermont. My ribeye came back over cooked (it also did not seem like a ribeye cut). I asked them to take it back and the new steak which "appeared" to be a ribeye came back raw (bloody and cold to touch on the inside). The waiter was indifferent and unaccountable for the service that should be provided by a restaurant in this price range. Subsequently, I shared my partner's chicken, which was over-seasoned and dry. The only saving grace was the hostess who tried to make the situation better and gave us two free deserts. It was generous but we were there for dinner not a sugar high. I was sent a birthday coupon as a gift for the restaurant that they advised I use at another visit. It went into the trash. Sadly, I used to love this place but there are much better options in the area.

Posted 06/02/07

I went to Vermont for my friends bday this past weekend, and it was a unique experience.The ambience of the place was simply decorated with Asiatic themes and dim lighting. I ordered the chicken breast which was delicious except for the fact that they ran out of chicken breast and gave us chicken strips instead (same difference). The meals were a bit pricey but the portion seemed just right.The bar was pretty hoppin' but it seemed like the place was filled with young professionals, not college students. The deejay surprisingly played good music. We got reservations, but it seemed as though others who didn't had to wait a while. This might sound silly, but you have to check out the women's bathroom because they have this teeny tiny sink in the corner that everyone in our party had to check out.

Pros: nice ambience, good food

Cons: parking, slow service

Posted 03/05/07

I can not say enough about this place. I go every chance I get!

The restaurant itself is perfect - the ambience is perfect both for dressing up to go on a romantic dinner date, and yet can also be casual for a easy going spot to go after work or with a group.

The service is always friendly and courteous, and the staff welcomes you like family, instead of the usual pomp and snobbery you encounter at similar kinds of establishments.

Every menu item I have tried has been amazing, and the wine list is impressive. Must try's include the crab cakes, the pepper steak, and the hazelnut cheesecake.

There is also a lounge is you just want drinks - again, very cool and classy, but without any kind of pretension - perfect for a first date!

Pros: Ambience, Service, Food

Cons: What Cons?

Posted 11/09/06

My friends and I dined here on Saturday night for my husband's birthday. Although we enjoyed the atmosphere, the lighting, the crowd, and the D.J, we did not enjoy everything. We were greeted by a not-so-nice hostess that appeared to be bothered by finding us a table, even though I had made reservations. She even complained to our waiter right in front of us. I wish that I can at least say that the food was good but......unfortunately not. All of the steaks were under cooked, the risotto was salty and under cooked, and the fish was rubbery. All in all a great time with friends but not a restaurant I will recommend.

Pros: atmosphere

Cons: everything else

Posted 10/15/06

I dined here one Saturday evening and was quite impressed with the service I received from the hostess, the waiter AND especially the bartender. Patrons appear to be a "artsy" bunch. Decor is very chic yet warm and cozy. Good drinks.

Posted 09/19/06

I had not been to Vermont in a few years and was looking forward to celebrating a birthday dinner there with some friends. To say that we were disappointed is an understatement. The pepper steaks had to be sent back (no pepper!), the highly touted salmon dish was flavorful but totally lacking in texture, the crab cakes were cold, and the filet was overdone (not to mention over priced!). On the plus side, we all enjoyed the poached pear salad and the bread pudding. But that was hardly enough to tip the scales in favor of recommending this restaurant again. At this price range, I expected a lot more.

Posted 05/09/06

The food is good, the service is good, it is a nice place to go, not ground breaking but nice.

Pros: food, service

Posted 03/19/06

The last few times I have eaten here have shown me they are consistent and have entrees that are very good. Last night I had the halibut. It was baked in its final preparation and was very moist. My partner had a manhattan which the bartender made very well. All in all the dining experience was quite enjoyable.

Pros: great bar, nice ambience

Cons: difficult parking

Posted 02/18/06

On a Wednesday there was a nice small crowd, plenty of seating available. The service was exceptionally friendly and very attentive. We ordered the clams and muscles appetizer and it was very strange. It had orange rinds grated on top and it didn't seem to be garlicy enough or buttery enough. The green spinach goup to put on the bread seemed under the flavor factor as well. Our main courses were pretty good. My man got the steak special which was excellent, and I got the porkchop with proscuitto and gruyere oozing out of it. Let's just say I ate more of the mashed potatoes and green beans of the pork chop. Perhaps they were just a little off that night. Oh, and their drinks sounded amazing, but they were the typical $9 martinis with all fruit juice in them.

Pros: Quiet, Romantic

Cons: Pricey, Weird flavors or, no flavors

Posted 02/08/06

Have eaten at VERMONT many times and have never had even a slightly off experience. Have turned many friends on to VERMONT and all are grateful and all are now regulars. Aside from delicious and reasonably priced food / wine / cocktails, the VERMONT has a feel that I've not found anywhere else in Los Angeles. I suggest that a new diner allow himself / herself to be "open" to the charms and quirks of this restaurant and, in doing so, you will come to understand what a unique and special restaurant this is. The bar is perhaps the most beautiful bar in the city. Dollar for dollar / lb. for lb. VERMONT is in a class by itself. BRAVO!

Posted 12/18/05

I have dined at vermont since it was only about 6 months old, and I have never been disappointed. Michael and Manuel have made sure that the food remains tasty and appealing. The decor is simple yet classy. I've introduced many a friend to vermont over the years and I've never heard a dissatisfied comment. Only ONE complaint: the wait staff is sometimes inconsistant. If you get Eric, or MOST of the others, you're assured a fine experience, but one or two seem bored with their jobs and their appearance. But, DO NOT let that deter you...it's an excellent, unassuming, comfortable restaurant that has been a great addition to the Los Feliz neighborhood! Hey, even the valets are friendly! Especially recommended: the Salmon and the Lamb Shank!!! Capital Y, capital U, capital M!!

Posted 11/26/05

My steak was decent, though my dad LOVED his goat cheese salad. The problem was the waiter was not a nice guy, and sort of made everyone uncomfortable. However, the owner came by to say hello, at least I think she was the owner, and was very nice. Overall I think the place is average.

Posted 11/17/05

We live in the neighborhood and decided to try Vermont. Service was slow and unattentive with only 4 tables full in the restaurant. We couldn't even get a glass of water refilled. We constantly had to flag our waiter down to order, get the food we ordered, and get the check. Overall it was a beautifully decorated restaurant without much more to offer. Would not return there with so many other great options in the neighborhood.

Posted 05/10/05

i've eaten here twice and it's the most delicious food/lovely experience in the city. the duck salad -- oh my goodness. oh my goodness, the duck salad. true, the entrees aren't as special (tasty, but not amazing to the same degree), but the vanilla custard blows my mind completely, as does the flourless chocolate cake. at least go for drinks and dessert.

Posted 05/09/05

Great food and ambience to get together with friends. The appetizers are terrifice and the salmon and specialty dishes are tasty. Waiters are friendly and the lounge is especially fun.

Pros: Inexpensive, Conveneint Valet, Good Atmosphere

Posted 05/08/05

My friend ook me to The Vermont on Monday September 13, 2004 and I had an amazing experience. I had their ribs, and they were so good. My friend had the chicken breast which was also very good. We had shrimp appetizers and a mozzarella salad, everything was excellent. It was my b-day so they brought me an apple crisp dessert with ice ccream on top, it was EXCELLENT! They also had me wearing a daisy headband on my head since it was my b-day. :) Very friendly employees and great food.

Pros: food, ambience, friendly employees

Posted 09/14/04

Went there in Nov 2003.

The service was VERY good!
I had filet which was great!!! Better than the Little Door filet which I use to think was great.

I started with crabcakes that were one of the best I've had. And my girlfriend had Crab ravioli which was also GREAT!!!

A freind loved the food too on different visit but said desert was not too good. I didn't have desert so can't comment.

Pros: Service, Cozy/romatic, Not too noisy

Posted 01/28/04

I finally tried Vermont. It's not worth the money. Very beautifuyl interior, but mediocre food. I started with an apple and mushroom tartlet which was unevenly cooked, ranging from chared black to cold, and bland. The beef tenderloin was cooked more than the rare that I ordered and too tough for that cut of meat and the potatos that came with it were cold. The side salad was blandly dressed. Also, waiter was very sloppy...loosened tie, five o'clock shadow, unkept hair, dribbbled water. He did remove the appitizer from my bill, but still was a disapointing meal.

Pros: Handsome crowd, Beautiful interior

Cons: Mediocre food

Posted 01/21/04

Michael and Manuel have made vermont a nice occasion for the Los Feliz area. But frankly it is a toss-up between a good experience or marginal.

The food is usually quite good although sometimes I can't find anything interesting for entre. Starters are better. Wine selections are very good and offer good value (if they have your selection)

Very romantic and wonderful setting but very noisy. The voices just bounce off the brick walls and the music - well why bother because it is muffled under the voices.

The bar is a great place to gather with friends for a cocktail before dinner.

I love this place but wish it were more consistent with food quality and service.

Pros: atmosphere, great bar

Posted 06/11/03

Everything we ordered was simply amazing, but I particularly recommend the salmon. Quiet, romantic ambience, which was a nice change. Incredibly attentive service -- also thoughtful, because our server brought us "complimentary" after-dinner drinks, knowing it was a special occasion. THIS is how you earn big tips and repeat business, people!

Pros: AMAZING food, great service, nice and quiet

Cons: somewhat snotty

Posted 02/04/03

The Vermont is a beautiful restaurant, the lighting is perfect, the service was wonderful and the food was excellent. I would highly recommend the salmon it was great. They have recently expanded and opened a new bar "bar Vermont" it's a great crowd and excellent drinks.

Pros: Service, Moderate pricing, Excellent dessert

Posted 10/03/02

This place has got to be one of the best restaurants in LA!! Everything on the menu is amazingly thoughtful, and is always perfectly done. The waitstafff is always very pleasant as well. Despite comments to the contrary, I have not see any snobbery here at all. This place RULES for any occasion! Has to be my favorites restaurant of 2002! The highlight for me at Vermont has to when we were seated next to Reese Witherspoon on a Tuesday night. She looked tasty, but the Crab Cakes with Fennel Salad was tastier !!!

Posted 09/24/02

Lovely ambience for drinks, over 40 crowd, and though the enticing menu advertises classic American faire, -run! There are at least a half dozen excellent resaurants within the local community that offer far superior grub than Vermont, e.g. Lotus, Marouch, et al.

Pros: Clean

Cons: Bland Food

Posted 07/19/02

This is one of those classy restaurants you read about in Gourmet magazine. I like the renocation that was done to the Old Sarno's bakery. As sad as I was to see Sarnos go this restaurant is a nice replacement, and good addition to the neighborhood.
I had a nice dining experience here, the service was good, but not great, the food was ample, and tasty. I thought my vegetables could have been a little more cooked as they were a little tough. The wine cellar could use some more cases, as I had to order three bottles of wine to find one they had in stock.

Pros: ambiance, seating

Posted 06/14/02