Vespertine - Culver City

Vespertine is more than just a restaurant; it transcends the typical dining experience. While it does serve food, it creates an atmosphere that goes beyond traditional meals. A visit to Vespertine will challenge your expectations and make you rethink everything you thought you understood about dining.

Chef Jordan Kahn’s menu is a genuine testament to his creativity and innovation. Each dish is crafted with precision, utilizing the finest and most unique ingredients sourced globally. The flavors are bold and surprising, challenging the norms of traditional dining. From delicately arranged appetizers to striking main courses, every bite offers a burst of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. The service at Vespertine is flawless. The staff is knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive, ensuring that all your needs are met. They take the time to explain each dish, sharing the story behind its creation and the inspiration behind it. The level of care and thoughtfulness in the dining experience is truly admirable. Vespertine isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an immersive experience that challenges the conventional understanding of dining. It invites guests to explore their senses, pushing the boundaries of taste and perception. Dining here feels like attending a performance, where each dish is a carefully orchestrated act that showcases culinary artistry. Although Vespertine is on the pricier side, the brilliance and creativity it offers make it worth every penny. The experience will stay with you long after the meal, highlighting the heights that fine dining can reach. If you’re looking for an extraordinary culinary adventure that redefines excellence in dining, Vespertine is an essential destination. Prepare for a transformative journey that will change your perception of what dining can truly be.

Their takeaway meals during the Covid period, which we had the chance to try, were truly special. They were unique, enjoyable, and delicious.

After including tax and tip, the cost came to about $300 per person, and the dining experience lasted over three hours. I had mentally prepared myself beforehand, having heard that the cuisine was described as "dark" and not particularly enjoyable. However, I decided to try it, and I was pleasantly surprised to find it utterly delicious! The service was exceptional; all the waitstaff moved in perfect harmony, and the soft background music created a tranquil atmosphere that made me feel relaxed. This restaurant stands out because it offers an immersive dining experience. We first enjoyed seating in the garden, where we were enveloped in the fragrance of their special perfume. The heated garden benches were a lovely surprise on a chilly night. After that, we moved to the top floor for some appetizers before indulging in multi-course dining on the second floor, finishing with a fruit dessert back in the garden. The overall flavor profile of the dishes leaned towards the sour side, which I think will appeal to those who enjoy tart flavors. I found that the dishes were best savored slowly, ideally paired with wine. In addition to the sour notes, many bites presented a range of aromatic flavors, and each course was layered with complexity, leaving a lingering aftertaste. 1. The first dish, served on the top floor, was visually stunning. Underneath the petals were hawthorn pancakes, which had a delightful sweet and sour taste, along with a subtle floral note. The petals had a hint of bitterness, but it didn't detract from the overall flavor—such a novel experience! 2. The second dish was also sweet and sour with an intriguing meaty aroma, topped with something cheese-like. I can't quite recall the details. 3. The black garlic dish was another highlight; it had a sour note complemented by their unique cheese. Black garlic is something I adore, with its indescribable fragrance and delightful crunch that provided an unprecedented experience. 4. I don't remember what was under the petals, but it was also sour. If you're not a fan of sourness, I recommend tasting it with a bit of wine, which enhances the aftertaste beautifully. 5. There was a little smoked handroll that was absolutely delicious and fragrant. 6. The next dish featured crab meat cleverly spread at the bottom, adorned with flowers and plants. This was my favorite; unlike most of their courses that were served cold, this one was hot and paired wonderfully with a special sauce. The rich cream was exceptionally aromatic. 7. Finally, we enjoyed fruits and dates in the garden. The dates were paired with their special cream, which complemented many of the dishes throughout our meal. The presentation of the dishes was remarkable, albeit limited by how many photos I could take. The artistic ambiance of the entire establishment is perfect for photography enthusiasts. I don't see this restaurant as serving dark cuisine at all; rather, it reflects a great deal of care and finesse. Truly worthy of its two-star rating! The only minor downside was that the tables on the second floor felt a bit too close together, but overall, the experience was fantastic.

From what I've heard, they do not treat their staff well.