Exploring the Menu at The Garden at Horses in Hollywood

As a foodie living in Los Angeles, I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting restaurants to try. Recently, I came across The Garden at Horses, located on the iconic Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. After hearing great things about their seasonal California cuisine and intimate garden patio I knew I had to check out their menu.

An Intriguing Space with a Garden Oasis

Stepping into The Garden at Horses, I was immediately struck by the beautiful indoor-outdoor space. The interior has an airy, greenhouse type of feel with greenery and natural light filtering in. But the real gem is the back garden patio, which lives up to the restaurant’s name. Lush trees, vines and plants make you feel transported from the busy city. The eclectic decor and furnishings create a bohemian vibe perfect for lingering over drinks and good conversation. According to their website, the garden is meant to “provide an escape from the world outside into a verdant wonderland.” After exploring the space, I couldn’t wait to sit down and soak it all in.

Cocktails That Pack a Creative Punch

As I settled into my garden table the first thing that caught my eye on the menu was the robust cocktail list. The Garden at Horses puts their own imaginative spin on classics like margaritas and spritzes. I decided to start with the Horses Vesper, their riff on a vesper martini with vodka gin, lillet blanc and a lemon twist. The drink had the perfect balance of herbal and citrusy flavors. I also spotted more adventurous options like the Umeshu Tonic with umeshu plum wine and tonic water or the Bellini with white peach puree and prosecco. They offer wine by the glass or bottle as well as beer and non-alcoholic choices like housemade iced tea and soda. There’s clearly something for every palate and preference.

Fresh, Seasonal Dishes Showcase Local Produce

After whetting my appetite with cocktails it was time to explore the food menu. As a California seasonal spot, I wasn’t surprised to find lots of dishes highlighting fresh, local ingredients. For starters you can’t go wrong with their selection of pizzettes. I opted for the Zucchini Pizza with roasted squashes, burrata and basil. The crust was crispy, the cheese creamy and the veggies sweet and aromatic. Other intriguing small plates include Deviled Eggs topped with trout roe, Roasted Dates stuffed with chorizo, and a Watermelon Carpaccio drizzled with olive oil, mint and pecorino.

The heart of the menu is the seasonal entrees that shift with what’s fresh from local markets and farms. During my visit, mouthwatering options included Pan-Seared Scallops with summer succotash and lemon beurre blanc or the Pork Milanese with California plums and mustard vinaigrette. For vegetarians, the Rigatoni with sungold tomatoes, zucchini and almond pesto looked delightful. I ultimately decided on the Seared Salmon with sweet corn, chanterelles and peach mostarda. I was thrilled with my choice – the salmon had perfect crispy skin and flaked apart delicately. Each component of the dish sang of summer and worked seamlessly together. For dessert, you can continue the seasonal theme with options like Peach and Plum Galette or Panna Cotta with market berries.

A Thoughtful Wine and Cocktail Program

In addition to the standard wine-by-the-glass options, The Garden at Horses showcases a rotating selection of boutique and small producer wines. When I visited, this included biodynamic Cabernet from Santa Barbara and an orange wine from a winery in Mendocino. There are also reserve specialty cocktails that aren’t listed on the menu, so be sure to ask your server for additional recommendations if you’re craving a craft concoction. It’s clear that beverage director Brandon Burkhalter puts care into curating a menu to complement Chef Raphael Lunetta’s food.

An Intimate Vibe Great for Date Nights or Group Dinners

With its secluded patio seating, romantic string lights and garden surroundings, The Garden at Horses makes for an idyllic date night locale. But it would also be a wonderful spot for a group dinner or birthday celebration. The food encourages sharing and lingering over your meal. When it’s time to go, you can pick up a signature Garden at Horses hat, shirt or other merch to commemorate your visit.

Overall, I was thoroughly charmed by the intimate ambiance, playful cocktails and fresh flavors at The Garden at Horses. It’s the perfect spot to slow down and savor a meal, while still being steps from the Sunset Strip. I can’t wait for my next visit to see what new delights they come up with as the seasons change. This new addition is sure to become one of my regular Hollywood haunts.