Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Arcadia

I’m a guy who doesn’t usually write reviews. Good food and service are expected when I go for a night out. But, Azabu is a place where simply goes above and beyond expectation to give you a high-end, premium experience. It is so awesome to them in Whittier! Definitely a place to go when you want to impress a date or you have a special occasion to celebrate! Every time I come, I keep ordering different things on the menu, and I am never disappointed! The sushi is always high-end. This time I ordered the Charred octopus as an appetizer - I mean, it was SO GOOD! I’ll be ordering this again and again! Also had their delicious signature sushi roll with wagyu beef slices. It comes out with an incredible presentation, unveiled with mysterious smoke swirling around it. The wagyu is melt in your mouth, and I absolutely LOVE the subtle tinge of smokiness that is imparted to the flavors. On past visits, I have ordered Japanese beers and sake. They have some delicious high end options that you don’t get at other sushi restaurants (even really good ones). On this visit we explored several different cocktails. Every single one was smooth and well balanced. We were celebrating, right, so I was delighted to try their top level old fashioned., and yes it is actually worth the price tag! When you come here, this is not a place to skimp, it’s a place to celebrate and treat yourself to a premium experience. Don’t be afraid to try the high end items, I promise you, they will be worth it! I have to give a shout out to Christine, our server - So attentive and friendly! No five star experience is complete without staff that can make you feel relaxed, comfortable, and welcomed. At Azabu you get a super special, high-end experience without any snootiness or snobbishness that could ruin the vibe. Everything about the place is a high-end experience, from the beautiful murals on the walls to the chairs you sit on. The owners of Azabu know how to dot their I’s and cross their T’s!

Very great experience dining here! I usually come here when it’s super packed but luckily the day I went (and the time) it was not packed at all. With it being less busy, the ambiance was nice and quiet. I was able to hear my conversations. The food was amazing!! The Sweet Corn Agnolotti was very good but lacked a sufficient amount for how much the dish is. The Spicy Pomodoro was amazing!! One of my favorites here and for the amount of pasta it has, it is worth your money. I was not expecting to like the Banana Tiramisu but I enjoyed it so much! I wish I got two but I ended up getting so full haha. Overall 9/10 experience!

Last night, we had the pleasure of dining at Shirley Brasserie, located in the iconic Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, CA. From the moment we walked in, we were captivated by the elegant and inviting ambience. The decor seamlessly blends classic Hollywood glamour with modern sophistication, creating a perfect setting for a memorable dining experience. The food was nothing short of exceptional. Each dish was a delightful blend of flavors and textures, showcasing the chef's creativity and attention to detail. The service was impeccable. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about ensuring we had a great experience. They were more than happy to provide recommendations and accommodate any special requests we had. Overall, Shirley Brasserie exceeded our expectations in every way. We can't wait to return and explore more of their exquisite menu.

Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious! We started with the octopus and the caviar. While the octopus was decent, it was slightly overcooked and just okay. In our opinion, the Little Door Caviar was the standout starter—its flavor was far superior. For mains, the Branzino was perfection—crispy and flaky on the outside, tender and soft on the inside. The ribeye was equally fantastic, cooked beautifully and packed with flavor. We finished the meal with the crème brûlée, which was the perfect dessert—smooth, creamy, and with a perfectly caramelized top. The service was impeccable, making the evening truly special. We celebrated my friend’s birthday, and it was a memorable experience from start to finish. We’ll definitely be back!

I have been here before and have received excellent service in the past. They were not that busy this time , yet we had to look for our server many times through out the night . Also, I had the sushi this time around it was not as fresh as times in the past. Still one of my faves from the area, but the quality did dip a bit.