Hollywood Dining Section

Off Vine

By Veronika Lazabal 

You don’t need a casting couch to find romance in Tinsel Town. Just behind the perpetually noisy Sunset Blvd, in the heart of chaotic Hollywood, lies a modest 1908 arts and crafts style bungalow. With its cheery yellow front and handsome oak door, it looks like the home of a good friend. Welcome to Off Vine. In 1989, the house was converted into a restaurant. Since then, they’ve been serving up delicious food in hearty portions…and setting the standard for romantic ambience in southern California.

Behind that oak door, you will find a restaurant like none you’ve ever seen. A large fireplace takes up the far wall of the main dining room. Arrangements of exotic flowers set off the crisp white table cloths. Candle light flickers throughout the room. Wander up the banistered staircase and you’ll find an intimate escape. Under the eaves of what once was the home’s attic are a few more tables, perfect for that special anniversary dinner or romantic rendezvous. Or, have dinner out on the patio, underneath the vine covered pergola. Wherever you decide to sit, lean back and enjoy, because you are in for a rare treat.

As beautiful as Off Vine is, the real surprise is the food. It’s an amazing collection California-American cuisine with hints of French inspiration. The menu is extensive, both for lunch and dinner. Starters like spicy friend calamari and herb fried veggies on a cheddar doily (served with a smoky bar-b-que sauce) will leave you wanting more. The mango, avocado and shrimp salad is a must try. It’s tossed with a light vinaigrette that compliments the freshness of the ingredients. In the mood for something different? Try the red and gold beet and goat cheese salad dressed in sweet basil and pistachio oil. Lunch entrees include shrimp and crab stuffed tomatoes with couscous in a chipotle mayo dressing, citrus and caper chicken piccata, and grilled prime cut pork chops with an apple-lime salsa. If you go for dinner, the menu is even larger, with such dishes as pecan breaded chicken (with a pear rosemary sauce) and a sautéed maple leaf farm duck breast in a Bing cherry grand Marnier sauce. Staples like New York steak and linguini with clams make an appearance as well. Make sure you leave room for dessert, because Off Vine is famous for its delicious and innovative soufflés. Chocolate, raspberry… even pumpkin when it’s in season.

Off Vine isn’t JUST for couples, though. Its proximity to all the major theaters makes Off Vine the perfect place to grab a pre or post show bite. In fact, they even have a theater menu, complete with an extensive wine list. Also, it’s a quiet lunch haven for those that work near the craziness of Hollywood. Their family friendly weekend brunch can’t be beat. And for a truly memorable special event, the entire place can be rented out.

Off Vine is a hidden treasure; an intimate, romantic escape in the middle of Hollywood, where the only thing that tops the romantic ambiance is the delicious food.

Off Vine
6263 Leland Way Hollywood, CA, 90028
323-962-1900
Hours: Lunch: 11:30 am- 2:30 pm
Dinner: 5:30pm- 10:30 pm
Brunch: 10:30am 2:30 pm sat-sun
Reservations: Recommended
Good for Groups: Downstairs
Good for Kids: Weekend Brunch only
Parking: Valet
Cuisine: California-American
Pros: Romantic, beautiful, excellent service, fantastic food, large portions
Cons: Can be a bit pricey; long wait if you don’t have reservations
Amenities: patio dining, theater menu, upstairs private dining room
Additional Info: take out available; the entire restaurant can be rented out.

If you're looking for more choices of dining in/around Hollywood, view our Directory Section

-Back to Top

Interested in Moving to or from Hollywood?

If so, make sure to check out the Real Estate section.

- Back to Shopping