Carlitos Gardel Argentine Steakhouse
Steak house · Beverly Grove
7963 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Highlights
Argentine steaks, extensive wine list, romantic ambiance, live music
Argentine steaks, extensive wine list, romantic ambiance, live music
"Not every group dinner equates to a splashy night out with friends who don’t go to bed until 3am. Sometimes it means meals with extended family from multiple generations. If that’s the case, make it easy and go to Carlitos Gardel. This old-school Argentinian steakhouse has been operating in the Fairfax/Melrose area for decades and is our go-to spot for giant platters of meat, never-ending red wine, and waitstaff who’ll probably recognize your grandparents from the grocery store. The indoor dining room has multiple big round tables, but if you’re rolling deep, snag a reservation on the string-lit back patio." - brant cox
"A portal into the classy, romantic restaurant era of the 1990s, this Argentine steakhouse along Melrose Avenue has served old-school hospitality, well-grilled beef, and excellent wine since opening 28 years ago. Founded by the Bozoghlian family and now operated by two of matriarch Azniv’s sons — Max with front-of-house and Gerard in the kitchen — Carlitos Gardel has finally graduated to icon status. Start with plump shrimp over red chimichurri, followed by gently blackened sweetbreads and empanadas. The main event, a parade of carefully chosen wood-fired steaks, pairs well with creamed corn or sauteed mushrooms. Azniv was famous for her desserts, and Gerard worked in recent years to perfect the layered postre Gardel, a Genoise cake with dulce de leche and meringue. Why do so many Angelenos sleep on this restaurant when it rightfully deserves a place next to Musso & Frank, Dan Tana’s, and Tower Bar? Some questions cannot be easily answered, but just know that a night at Carlitos Gardel will be one easily enjoyed and remembered. — Matthew Kang, lead editor" - Rebecca Roland
"This old-school Argentinian steakhouse on Melrose feels like the kind of place you'd only know to look for if someone told you about it. There’s a front dining room adorned with antique mirrors and family photographs and a string-lit patio out back where merlot flows like tap water. The menu has no shortage of meat. We’re especially into the prime ribeye, which comes covered in a bright, punchy chimichurri glaze. Whatever you do though, save room for dessert. All the options, like flan and ricotta cheesecake, come out on a giant tableside platter." - sylvio martins, brant cox, cathy park
"Beverly Grove’s Carlitos Gardel features Argentinian-grilled USDA prime steaks at attainable prices. Owned by a family that immigrated from Armenia to Argentina and eventually to Los Angeles, this 28-year-old restaurant has all the charm of a classic spot in Buenos Aires. The starters are fantastic, from the provoleta and empanadas to the grilled shrimp swimming in red chimichurri sauce. For wood-grilled meat, pick the shareable parrillada plate, which comes with skirt steak, short ribs, sausages, and sweetbreads to sample a little bit of everything. Always consult the sommelier for a rare Argentinian wine to pair with every cut." - Mona Holmes
"Showcases incredible Argentine grilled meats paired with some of the best vintage Malbecs available, offering a classic parrilla experience." - Eater Staff
