Just as when we visited a few years ago, the food at Otium was first rate. This time, though, we discovered why many reviewers say the service is, uh, spotty. I have a dairy allergy and asked our waitperson what dishes had no butter or cream or could be made without them. He basically went through the menu and said EVERYTHING either had dairy or would taste bland without it. Period. Most restaurants make an effort to check with the chef and a few even provide a menu marked with items that I can eat. My wife and I were preparing to walk out but instead I asked to speak to a manager and demanded a different waitperson. Everything went well from there and the food including a few dishes adjuste...
We were very disappointed. The lasagna was cold and so heavy with creamy cheese. I’m pretty sure it is meant to be served warm. Bread didn’t come until the end of our meal when it was the first thing we ordered. Salad was extremely salty. Another dish we ordered never made it to the table for unknown reasons. The gnocchi had pork in it, which is only a problem because I was the one who ordered it right after telling the server that I’m a vegetarian. It would have been nice for her to let me know that there was pork in the dish so I could have ordered something else. Service was friendly and the guy who poured water kept us very hydrated!
I want to start by saying that the food that we received (2 apps) were FABULOUS!!! We are SO bummed as we were looking forward to going to Otium for months. Unfortunately, our food took sooooo long to come out that we had to cancel our entrees. The tables next to us ordered about 2-5 minutes before us and as they were completely finished with their meals (the table next to us ordered almost ALL of the same items that we ordered), we were told it would be another 10 minutes and they were so sorry for the delay.
The atmosphere and service at this restaurant are pleasant, but the food doesn’t quite satisfy. While the dishes are visually appealing, the flavors fall short. I ordered the spinach bucatini and the pan-seared scallops. The bucatini looked fantastic, but the noodles were undercooked and lacked depth of flavor. The scallops, presented beautifully, were also disappointing as they didn't have much taste. Additionally, there is no parking lot available, but valet service is offered for $18.
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This was my second time dining at this restaurant before the LA Opera, and the food was fabulous once again. The wine selection is excellent, and the service is mostly attentive. However, the music didn't quite match the food and the overall atmosphere. A more eclectic, sensual, and vibrant playlist would enhance the experience instead of the “college cafeteria” vibe that creates a sense of dissonance and adds to the noise level.
Food was extraordinary. Best service ever. Kitchen was delayed getting food out, unfortunately. Many diners arrived at 6 to make it to an 8pm show across the street and were served parts of their small plates after 7:30. The restaurant didn’t charge for those late deliveries but next time I will plan on getting to the restaurant a bit earlier to (I hope) avoid rushing through the last part of my meal.
The highlights of the meal were definitely the naan and the chicken liver mousse. The waitstaff were excellent, but unfortunately, the rest of the dishes we tried were a bit too oily or too salty for my taste.
Early dinner for 2 before Opera on Saturday night. Staff was so lovely- 2 out of 3 dishes were terrific- the duck pie, not so much. Really enjoyed the Italian sparking wine( not Prosecco)
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Incredible! Every dish we tasted was outstanding; we couldn't find a single one we didn't enjoy. I'm excited to return in the summer to explore their summer menu!
The food is amazing and creative. The ambience is nice with good music.
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