The Stage

Fundamental DTLA sits off 7th and Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles. It’s quaint, compact, and Bohemian layout draw you inward to a modern and city-focused environment where you are invited to eat, drink, and listen to the nightlife of America’s second-largest city rumble to life.

The Food

If I were to use five words to describe the food of Fundamental DTLA, I would say imaginative, flavorful, familiar, wide-ranging, and eclectic. On our visit, we were treated to an Old Fashioned and white wine, as well as house-made cornbread, a salad featuring snow peas with grains, a short rib pappardelle with house-made pasta, chili flake, and parmesan, and we finished the evening with churros. Each dish was creative, yet ranged from classic cocktails, Asian inspired, Italian, and south of the border. On paper, it would seem this collection of dishes wouldn’t work well together, but in reality, the flow and differences in taste complemented the next with ease.

The Service

The service was exceptional. Our waiter was attentive, conversational, and responsive. In his eyes, our entrees took too long to arrive; something we hadn’t noticed. For this unspoken trouble, we were given a dessert on the house. It was an unexpected yet appreciated move on his part.

The Price

For two people, our total bill was $122. Glancing at the wine menu, we could have spent considerably more. This price point made this the perfect restaurant for a date night, which is what we were there to do.

The Takeaway

The LA food scene is crowded, and downtown is exploding with unexplored options. Of all the choices before you, Fundamental DTLA is worthy of your time and taste buds. It isn’t the riskiest thing you will ever eat, but it manages to do a whole bunch of things right which is more than I can say for all these spots that want to serve me burgers, burritos, and teriyaki.

Be good to each other,

-Nathan

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