Larsen's Steakhouse

This was, by far, the WORST steakhouse I've ever been to (and I go to steakhouses all the time; Boa, Ruth Chris, Mastros, etc). The food at Larsen's is just terrible. I'm confused by the reviews... are you people crazy? Every single thing was bland. The steaks were mediocre (if you're paying $49 for each steak, it should be good). Thank God, I was on a date and didn't have to pay for this meal. I will never go back to this place. TERRIBLE!!!!!!!!!!! more

My family and I come here from time to time to celebrate events. The food is amazing and the service is top notch. Yeah it's pricey but you pay for what you get. My favorite is their rib eye steak which melts in your mouth. I've been to many steakhouses and this place is no#1 on my list. Pros: Everything Cons: Sometimes room is too dim more

After my family decided not to make the trip into LA to Maestros due to Friday night traffic, we decided to try something new. Of course Ruth Chris is not far, but we were in the mood for something a little more upscale. We were the first people to arrive to restaurant. We were warmly welcomed (I'm sure having 8 people in our party didn't hurt). The lighted menus were quite useful in a darker atmosphere. \r Since none of us are seafood fans we all ordered the ""meats"" on the menu. The kids all ordered their various sides (creamed spinach, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes) and one dinner item, the stuffed chicken.\r Let me start with the mac and cheese for a second. The reason I'm starting with this item is due to an absolutely absurd comment by another reviewer. They called their mac and cheese worse than Kraft's. I tasted at least 4 types of cheeses in Larsen's version. There was some blue in there as well. It was superb. And this is a side dish.\r The creamed spinach was average. I also had a Caeser salad. It was average. Mashed potatoes were excellent (but not many ways to get this wrong). The stuffed chicken was a favorite with all 8 of us digging in.\r As for the steaks, we had NY, petite filets, and regular filets. Again, without a doubt, the best steak I've ever had. The table agreed. We passed on using the peppercorn sauce (a little overkill). All of us used the excellent bernaise (perfectly made - no separation).\r The service and attention were excellent till about 75% of our meal was complete. The restaurant got packed and our waiter went MIA. Even forgot a scoop of ice cream for my daughter. I would still give him an A, but this is something many restaurants have to work on. Larsen's is not an exception.\r I wouldn't say the place is kid friendly, but it was a lot more receptive than Maestro's. All of us had a satisfying experience and will return as often as our wallets will allow. \r Expect to pay $60-$75/person with a glass of wine and dessert. Pros: Without a doubt best steak ever had... Cons: After place got packed, service level dropped... more

Larsen's is an exceptional steak house with great service and excellent food. The lighted menus are great for those of us who need reading glasses but always forget them. The ambience is wonderful and the staff is courteous and knowledgeable. The steaks are fantastic and the fish items are just as good. They have a very good wine list and the drinks are generous. The owner/chef regularly comes out and asks how everything is and if there is anything they can do to improve the dining experience. Not common in today's environment. Its not cheap but well worth the cost. Highly recommended. Pros: food, service, ambience Cons: none more

I was in the Los Angeles area back in May of this year on vacation from St. Louis and was looking for a good steak house and knowing that on Ventura Blvd. I would come across something. I saw Larsen's Steak House and in talking with friends it came highly recommended so I dined there. I, nor my guest in any way was disappointed in Larsen's. The hostess was very friendly and we were sat promptly to our table. The decor was very pleasing to the eye, soft in tones with elegance. The waiter was very knowedgable and did not hesitate to offer suggestions (of which were good ones). I had the Filet Mignon with Bernaise sauce and Shrimp which was to die for. The filet melted with each bite and the bernaise sauce was the best I have ever tasted. I have been to Fleming's Steak House and Chris's, to me and my companions on that evening rated Larsen's Steak House higher than any other. The originality of the lighted menus and food that is very thought out and prepared to the delight of the customer, it is worth every penny and more to dine at a restaurant that when you leave makes you want more before you even get to the door. I have not stopped thinking about this restaurant and look forward to the day I return to dine again. Pros: Food, ambience, service, menus originality, class, elegence, friendly atmosphere Cons: none more

Ok...is everyone nuts? This place is horrible! The reviews must be from employees or something. I had dinner here last night and it was just bad. The oysters had sand in them, the spicy tuna tartar was bland and had no kick, the marinated rib eye was way too salty, and the mac and cheese was worst the kraft version you make at home. Actually kraft is much better. This mac and cheese was even burned. I am a huge foodie and I would first recommend Maestros. But if your stuck in the valley, Flemings is good, Ruth Chris is decent along with Arny Mortans. Save your time and money for a real meal. The CPK in this shopping center would have been better! Pros: Menu lights up Cons: Really bad food more

What a cool place! The atmosphere is great, the service was wonderful, and the food was outstanding. I have to say that I eat out often and this one is a keeper. I felt welcomed as soon as I arrived and plan to visit often. I have to give special recognition to the hostess and server they were both on top of their game. Well done!! Pros: Service more

Living in the Encino area for several years I have to say that Larsen's Steakhouse is a wonderful addition. My husband and I found Larsen's by mistake one evening and have yet to be disappointed. This is an upscale steakhouse and the service, food and atmospere is everything one would except and more! The service from the staff and managment make your evening a very memorable event. Ask yourself, when was the last time the GM or the "Owner" stopped by your table at Ruths Chris or Mortons? I do however find it interesting that in reading some of these reviews, someone would write a review begining with "let me preface by saying, I haven't eaten at this place yet" - I suggest they actually try this establishment and then comment! Also, the review about the $150 steak, "they didn't care to mention the cost" , not sure where this person has been dining, but again you have to assume a person reviewing the menu, noticed the prices prior to placing their order? Hello, Kobe Beef costs $97.00 at Costco!!! I strongly suggest you give this place a try and then write your own review. I doubt you will be disappointed. This is the kind of resturant we want in Encino - without having to travel to Beverly Hills or New York! Pros: Food, Location and Service Cons: None more

I was reading through the newspaper when I came across a review written about a new restaurant in the valley and to my surprise it is right down the street from my office. I decided that I would call a friend and we would give it a try as we usually eat out a few times a week. Upon arrival we were greeted by a lovely hostess, who quickly got us a nice table and let us know that our server would be right with us. When the server greeted us, he was extremely professional and attentive. I am usually a picky eater and he had no problem seeing to my needs. I found that everything was well timed and brought to the table perfectly. I usually find that in this day and age good service seems to be hard to find. I had 20oz New York, black and blue, it was great, and the peppercorn sauce that accompanied it was fabulous. My friend had the Halibut and he said it was one of the best he has ever had. I would also like to note that the wine list is superb and the fact that they had a few of my local favorites is just another reason that I will return. All in all a wonderful experience and I will definitely be back!!! Pros: Location, Service, Wine List more

I JUST WANTED TO SAY AFTER READING ALL THE REVIEWS AND THEN CHECKING IT OUT FOR MYSELF THAT I REALLY THOUGHT IT WAS A NICE PLACE AND GOOD FOOD. I'M GLAD A NICE PLACE LIKE THIS HAS OPENED UP IN THE VALLEY, IT GIVES ME A NICE PLACE TO EAT WITHOUT HAVING TO DRIVE OVER THE HILL. I HAD THE PORTERHOUSE IT WAS DELICIOUS AND THE FRENCH ONION SOUP WAS YUMMY TOO. ANYWAYZ I SAY GIVING IT TRY FOR YOURSELF IS THE BEST WAY TO EXPERIENCE THIS BEAUTIFUL NEW RESTAURANT. Pros: FOOD AND DECOR Cons: PRICE IS A LITTLE UP THERE BUT AS THEY SAY YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR AND IT IS A FANCY PLACE more

Went there on Thursday with my brother. I read good reviews about it. Plus I live close by and we were hungry, so why not. Great place. Had salads to start with. Very classic steakhouse style ceaser. They also bring a really nice poofy bread with butter. Awesome. Both of us got med-well new yorks. Great overall, maybe too charred for some people. Sides were creamed corn and mashed potatoes. Both incredible. Waiter was helpful and nice. I will be going back. Outside patio is a big plus. Some drinks and smokes after a big meal sounds good. Pros: Great traditional steakhouse, Encino location rules Cons: like all steakhouses, this one costs some good money more

Larsen's is a warm and welcoming upscale steakhouse. They prepare your food with care and class. The waiters are very friendly and informative about the choices on the menu. When my choice arrived, Chilean Sea Bass, it was perfect. The portions are large and mouth-watering. Larsen's is truly a place that will create a night to remember. So if you are planning a very special evening, Larsen's provides the best ambiance, food, and first-class service to make your night a night to remember! Pros: The food, ambience, and service more

I agree with the person who wrote the message re suspicious reviews....most of the "reviews" are initially, I suspect, posted by the owner's friends and employees thus all 5s. Then, I suspect, a would be employee doesnt get hired, an employee gets fired, or a neighboring restaurant doesnt want the competition and posts the 1's. I have absolutely no affiliation with anyone at Larsen's. I never review anything online - lazy. But, the wife sent me out at 9pm a few weeks ago for diapers and some breakfast items -Ralphs at Hayvenhurst. I noticed the banners announcing the opening and I am always interested in finding a new restaurant or nice place for drinks. I went in - I had a drink talked to friendly bartender/manager who was working on recipes. I had a few drinks and crab cakes. They were outstanding (while they cant take credit for the flavor of my bourbon (neat) - the fact that they had Blanton's was impressive and solid pour). I returned three times since. I have tried several cuts of meat - the filet, won - as good or better than any I have had - includes Mortons, Ruth's Chris, Mastro's, Smith & Wollensky, Del Frisco's, Peter Luger's. Nine, the Old Homestead and others. The Asparagus and Mash Potato sides were awesome. I'm not crazy about the mushroom side - soupy. As for the apps the crabcakes win, others were good but not exceptional. I like the lighting and the decor as well, and dare I say the fact you can sit outside by the fire pit and smoke a cigar or cigarette. There is always room for improvement (thus a four) and from getting acquainted with some of the staff there I feel confident that the owner cares deeply and will continue to do what is necessary to make this place a staple in Encino. I hope so because I love the place - like all great steakhouses it is a bit expensive -- four of us - that drink, urrr more than moderately, spent over $400 without tip. Love having this place in the neighborhood- I strongly reccomment it. more

Let me preface this by saying, I haven't eaten at this place yet. And that I've posted this same review on yelp because I find it kind of amusing. I was considering going here with my wife. So I checked the reviews on citysearch and yelp, and noticed something odd: all the reviews on Yelp and Citysearch are either 1 star or 5 stars. Nothing in between. People seem to either love or hate this place. Then I read the reviews. Maybe it's just me, but is there some strange review war going on here? A lot of the reviews sound really similar. A lot of the 5 star reviewers on citysearch sound suspiciously similar to the Editorial Description. They say the place is "a must" and end their reviews by "thanking" Larsen's for such a great experience. Who the hell "thanks" a restaurant in their review? Also, "Delaram B." posted the EXACT same positive review - WORD FOR WORD - on yelp and then on citysearch ten days later. Someone else posted the same negative review about a $150 steak on both yelp and citysearch. Also - according to their profiles, both on yelp and citysearch - this in the ONLY place that any of these people have reviewed. Whole thing seems a little suspect to me. You be the judge. more

Absolutely the best place ! The filet is mouth watering and was cooked to perfection, the service is right up there with the best of the best, the place looks great and we are so excited to have such a great restaurant right here in our back yard. Those lighted menus are terrific for us older people who can not see as well as we use to. We also had the tuna tar tar which was great as well, the fish was fresh and delicious, my husband had the chilean sea bass and tasted like it was just caught hours before our dining experiance. The wine list is terrific and they had our favorite wine Groth on the menu which is hard to find at most places. Keep up the great work we will be back many many times again. Pros: everything more

My wife and I went to Larsen's last night and was very impressed. My server Casey gave us a night to remember for our anniversary her service went along with the food that was impeccable. My 8 oz. filet is probably the best I have ever had and Ive eatan at all those others in woodland hills and let me tell you it was far better, my wife had the veal porterhouse and it had an unbeleivable taste to it. I am blown away that there is such a nice restaurant right in my back yard of encino I feel guilty and feel I need to travel over the hill for such a nice place like this one. The lighted menus are a must see and the place looks amazing and well as the playing piano. Thank you Larsens for coming to Encino!!! Pros: its in encino more

This new place in Encino is amazing !!! The Kobe New York melted in my mouth and the service was impeccable. The place is a hidden jewel this place will be standing room only soon. My wife thought her Halbiut was to die for and the piano is a nice touch as well as the back lite menus, my glasses and flash light was not neceassary to read the menu what a great idea. Pros: Encino more

I finally got to experience what my friends and co workers were raving about! I went in with my friends visiting from back east and am glad I did. The steak's were prepared perfectly by the chef.They were tender,juicy and flavorful! We tried the seafood tower for an appetizer aka.""The fruit of the sea"".It had fresh king crab legs,tasty Blue Point oysters,Australian lobster meat,jumbo shrimp cocktail and delicious diver scallops served on a bed of crushed ice. That is a must ,for you seafood lovers! From the minute we walked in the service was impeccable.We were greeted with a warm welcome and that was nice even though they were extremely busy.Our server was very professional and exceeded our expectations for a brand new restaurant.They didn't miss a beat.They had a piano player which was the icing on the cake.Speaking of cake try the molten lava cake,melts in your mouth.I will be back for sure.Thank you for the best dinning experience I've had in a long time Pros: Food Service and Ambience more

I decided to take my girlfriend after hearing about Larsen's on the Merrill Schindler radio program after they kept raving about this restaurant, and was very impressed with how incredible my New York was, probably the best I have ever had. The place was very very busy and the service was amazing to my surpirse for being so busy I am so glad to have such a quality restaurant in my neighborhood and will be frequently dining there often. Pros: complimentary parking more

Had to be the worst dining experience I've had in years. Service was horrible, after waiting an\r hour and one half, they brought out the wrong meals, should have kept the wrong meals at least they\r were hot. The manager kept apologizing, but still things didn't improve. The coffee was warm and not \r hot, and it seemed like there was a waiting list to see the managers. The food itself was just so so, not on a par with Monty's, Charlie G's, or Mortons. However, the Piano Player was terrific, and they were very happy to take my money even though they knew things were not right. A real waste of time, I wouldn't go back if someone else were buying.\r \r my money even though they knew things not right. A real waste of time, I wouldn't go back if someone else\r were buying. Pros: in Encino Cons: everything else more