Oh Terrine… where to even begin? Let’s just say, one of us (ahem Alie) made a reservation to go back 4 days later while we were still in the middle of the meal. That should give you a sense of what we’re working with.

When you pull up on Beverly Blvd don’t panic- valet is available in the alley behind the restaurant.   A normally ugly/dirty LA alleyway is now framed with two large and in charge wooden arched double doors that open to their STUNNING patio.  This space is known for having one of the most favorite patios in the city; unfortunately it’s also had a revolving door of restaurants (remember the short lived Serena—we barely do either); but we do not see this being the case any longer with Terrine.  A huge tree is at center with twinkle lights strewn across the entire patio – very romantic.   We’re definitely down to be taken on a date here all day every day.  A loungier more laid back booth area and some longer wooden tables outside make it a perfect destination for parties or larger groups.

Our reservation was at 7:45PM on a Wednesday and the place was pretty packed (it filled up and stayed that way until we left around 10PM), but they seated us immediately.  We overheard the owner telling the table next to us that it’s been sold out every night since opening, so be sure to make a reservation.  RIGHT NOW.  We sat in the patio (you know we love a good one), but the inside was just as perfect. The place as a whole has a very high end French brasserie vibe going on. The best part about the indoor area: from the hot little red stools at the decently sized bar you have a view into the kitchen; there is a glass window separating both walls of booze.  We even saw Chef Kris Morningstar back there – we love to see that the advertising chef is the one actually running the show.

Simply put, we loved our meal. Nothing is worse than ordering multiple courses and everything coming out in a weird order; you feel rushed to eat quickly so there’s room on the table. Or, you end up eating your fries with the tuna tartar when you really wanted them with your steak. Catch our drift?  Not here. Each course was perfectly spaced out with just enough room in between enabling us to work up a little appetite but also not leaving us wondering where the hell our food was.

Service: On point.  Everyone was extremely knowledgeable and both the GM and our server walked us through the menu and pointed out the must-haves.  Also, our water (and cocktail) glasses were never empty. [BONUS: They serve Badoit. If you’re not familiar with it, get educated and then get it in your life. It’s a French sparkling water that you can’t normally find in the States that is just THE best.]  Owner Stephane Bombet, of Bombet Hospitality Group (Picca, Paiche, Faith & Flower, and now Terrine, to name a few) was even onsite and walking up to everyone’s table making sure everything was going well.  We love an LA restaurant that makes us non-celebs feel just as important- and this place did just that.

What We Consumed:

Sparkling Rosé ($11) – They spoiled us with two complimentary glasses to start.  Not too bubbly or sweet; just the right taste.  I see bottles and bottles in our future.

Octopus – toasted broccoli. burrata. salsa calabrese. ($16) – Loved it.  It had the perfect combination of consistencies and flavors. Crunchy, cheesy, chewy with an unexpected kick — you got it all here.

Agnolotti – truffled rice filling. hen of the wood mushrooms. parmesan ($20) – You guys. DIVINE. Like melt in your mouth, close your eyes to enjoy, and take a pause after every bite good.  Well worth the price. We would order this pasta again and again and again (and we will).

Bacon Pizza – fromage blanc. gruyere. caramelized onions ($16) – This was served to us at the same time as the pasta which could have put us in a carb coma, but even with the gooey cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and flawlessly cooked thick pieces of bacon (none of the gross undercooked parts), it was perfection. Not to mention the crust – we would’ve eaten a bread basket of just the crust. And the leftovers were just as delicious cold the next morning for breakfast (one of Alex’s day later favorites).

Moules Frites ($23) – Our waitress recommended this to us given the other heavier items we were ordering (ahem what was she trying to say??) but the GM recommended the “city’s best fish and chips” instead. We should’ve listened to the GM.  Honestly, skip this. The sauce didn’t make us want to bathe our fries in it either (which we’re known to do at other restaurants serving mussels).

Martini ($12)– Plymouth Gin, Dolin Dry, Orange Bitters – If you’re good with a gin based martini, then you’re good with this.

Almond Coconut Crunch ($10)-  Their version of a vegan almond joy, in a jar.  Just as good as it sounds. And did we say vegan? All the taste, none of the guilt (ok a little less guilt).

All in all, with the heat lamps turned up, on-site blankets provided for the casual breeze, Bowie playing in the background, a few martinis, and a chocolate finale while we finalized the finishing touches to our launch, everything indeed was pretty close to perfect!

——-and then Alie went back 4 days later (I just couldn’t get enough)——-

Note: This time around (granted I was in a party of 8), there were a few kinks in the service. Some dishes came out in the wrong quantities and order but as soon as I mentioned it, they were happy to slow it down so we didn’t feel overwhelmed.  The GM more than made up for everything with a complimentary dessert tasting round to top off the meal. Below are the new dishes I tasted:

Assiette de Charcuterie ($29) – This is not your typical plate of cheese and salami. If you consider yourself a brave eater, consider it a done deal. Truffled chicken liver, Pork rillettes, Andouille, Terrine de Campagne, Olives, Spicy mustard, Cornichons — paired perfectly with the warm in-house freshly baked bread.

Brussel Sprouts – pedro ximenez. pecans. dates. pecorino ($13) – This shaved brussel sprout salad with cubed cheese is the ideal light companion to some of the heavier items on the menu. Great to share.

Smoked Tuna Tartar Crostini – fromage blanc. scallion ($13) – If you’re looking forward to a super smoky taste, look elsewhere as it’s very mild. Also, make sure to eat it right away as the bread was a little soggy by the time we got to it.

Buckwheat Strozzapretti – veal meatballs. caraway, dill sauce ($18) – Like that guy we all know who becomes A LOT hotter when you realize he has a kick ass personality, there is more than meets the eye when it comes to these worm look alike pastas.

City’s Best Fish & Chips ($20) – Now I haven’t tried enough fish & chips in my life to determine whether they are worthy of the title “city’s best,” but I will say that they were pretty damn good. Definitely a better choice than the aforementioned moules frites.

Desserts ($10) – All were amazing but the standout was a chocolate layered cake with malt and toffee toppings.I mean, sigh.

Next up, Brunch!  A late Sunday morning on that patio with some bloody marys, avocado toast, good music and good friends- we see a lovely weekend in the near future.  Let us know your thoughts below if you beat us to it…

Terrine ↔ Menu ↔ 8265 Beverly Blvd. LA, CA 90048 ↔ 323-746-5130