Seafood Centric Restaurant Bottlefish Uncorks Your Fishiest Fish Wish List

Three years ago Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax opened Bottlefish, a seafood-centric restaurant. They had been successful for 25 years owning a California Pizza Kitchen (the one across the plaza) and wanted to try something different.

Located on the second floor of the Brentwood Gardens, it is a big space with floor to ceiling glass windows overlooking San Vicente Blvd. There is a narrow balcony that borders the whole front window of the restaurant.

There are 88 seats in the dining room, 36 seats on the patio, and 16 seats at the bar. Combined there is enough seating for 140 people.

A glass wall allows the guests to see the chefs at work in the kitchen. At the end of this is a window is a display of grassy bar oysters, sitting on a bed of crushed ice. 3 kinds of oysters from the East coast and 2 from the West coast are available. Not caring for oysters I have one, but was assured by Mrs Rosenfield there is a slight flavor difference.

The main space includes an enclosed patio that during the day brings in glowing natural light. This can be closed off for private parties

Near the bar are two floor to ceiling glass cases filled with 7 different kinds of wines, and in each of these categories are 4-10 variations.

The main menu consists of a seafood bar, small plates, soups/salads, grilled fish "from the sea," and "from the land"- chicken, steak, fried chicken sandwich and a cheeseburger. There are also sides of vegetables, and a separate dessert menu.

I began with a lobster bisque with a tomato/cream base. It contained chunks of lobster and had a delicate flavor. No crackers or bread is served with it. I then chose a Branzino fish, from the Mediterranean, sautéed and served with cucumber labneh. It was presented on a bed of slighted curried lentils and was delicious.

No bread was served with the meal but at my request the bartender bought me some. It was a grain bread, that had been grilled, and brushed with olive oil, accompanied by a small crock of butter. A fine choice to scoop up the remaining lentils.

I passed on the dessert menu - though there were chocolate chip cookies to take home. Also available was lemon pie, bread pudding with ice cream and a chocolate spiced brownie.

The bar menu has "small bites" of fish dishes, and many varieties of beer.

At dusk, with candles on each table and the reflection from the lights of San Vicente, the atmosphere changed to a glow.

A prix fix 3 course menu for $99 per couple, named Monday Date Night has been added beginning October 7.

Bottlefish is a fine place for a contemplative dinner or a romantic rendezvous. It is possible to order food online.

Bottlefish Restaurant: 11677 San Vicente Blvd, Ste 200, Los Angeles, CA 90049

Phone: 310 954 9495

Restaurant hours vary, and are 11:30-9:30 Mon-Thurs, 11:30-10 Fri-Sat, and 5-9 on Sunday.

Link to Bottlefish webpage:

https://www.restaurantji.com/ca/los-angeles/bottlefish-restaurant-/