Restaurants near University of Southern California

Amazing food, service is incredible worth every dollar

Los Angeles' Soul Food scene has really diminished over the last 30 years, so it's refreshing to have an authentic, high quality soul food experience. We went on New Year's night and the place was PACKED! Even though we were 45 minutes late for our reservation (Rose Bowl traffic), the hostess worked us in and we were seated about 10 minutes after checking in. Our server was very cheerful and knowledgeable about the menu (as was, we later discovered, the busser). We had the Ox Tails (amazingly tender & flavorful, with a touch of umami - not sure if it was Worcestershire or Soy - that gave them tang), Fried Chicken, Red Beans, Okra, Collard Greens, Yams, Corn Bread and Peach Cobbler. The chicken was crispy, yet the breast was still moist, and the red beans were classic. The okra was charred excellently (I usually don't like okra) and we enjoyed it thoroughly. Collards and Yams were authentic southern style. The cobbler was a little syrupy, but tasted great. BUT IT'S THE SERVICE THAT MADE EVERYTHING STAND OUT - from the greeters to the bussers, the staff was amazing, which made the experience all the better.

Very friendly service, interesting and very good designed inventory, terrific view!

We were staying nearby and wanted a good but casual dinner- which we got. Great choices, well seasoned and prepared. We had Mediterranean Bowls and sides of awesome garlic bread together with a small apple tart.

We visited to celebrate a birthday with a group of three, and since one of us is vegetarian, we made sure to choose dishes that everyone could enjoy, plus one dish with fish. We started with three dips—masabacha, baba ghanoush, and farm cheese—and four appetizers: Moroccan carrots, roasted cauliflower, grilled mushrooms, and prawns. For dessert, we had the kirsch custard. The dips were exceptional, each offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors; each was served with a different type of bread that perfectly complemented each dip. The appetizers were equally impressive. The grilled mushrooms had a lovely char, and the prawns, which were slightly spicy, were paired with a refreshing cucumber salad that balanced the heat beautifully. The kirsch custard was smooth and creamy, served with a cinnamon tuile and fruit compote, making it the perfect way to end the meal. We also enjoyed drinks from the bar, along with a bottle of wine. The food and service were both top-notch. One thing to note, though, is that the noise level in the restaurant is quite high, so if you’re looking for a quiet, intimate setting, this may not be the best option. However, it's a fantastic spot for enjoying a great meal with friends or if you don’t mind a livelier atmosphere.