Verse

One of the best restaurants in LA. It has a great vibe and the food is just phenomenal. The duck was delightful and the cookies and cream dessert was absolutely to die for! It’s worth the trek from the west side - you’ll need a reservation for sure, thought. Milk buns are a must order as well. One note is that the restaurant is a bit of the loud side (live music too!), which some people might enjoy but others might find less desirable.

Went here on a Saturday night for dinner, and it's an awesome venue. The vibe, aesthetics, service, and food was top notch. They also have live music, which was so complimentary to everything else. We were also advised by our server that it used to be a music production studio, and a lot of the sound equipment remains, so the quality of the sound throughout was impeccable.

This is our go to place for our monthly date night. We almost always get our favorite server Drew. The milk buns are to die for. Minimum 2 orders of it every time (3 if we have more room). The pork belly risotto is AMAZING. The croquettes, the mushroom linguini, the fried yucca, the beans, etc etc etc… honestly, everything on the menu is above and beyond. The manager (I believe his name is Matt) is also kind and delightful. The atmosphere is 10/10. Absolutely love this place.

Wonderful place. Delicious food and wonderful live jazz. Hokkaido milk bun was extremely impressive. As someone who’s in love with all milk bread and hokkaido related items, this one is definitely lived up to its name. Love their duck breast as well. Very tender and delicious. Cocktails are fun as well. Guava sorbet caught me by surprise - very delicious and refreshing! Reminded me of the thai guava dip, very nice! Definitely make a reservation to secure your spot. The place is dimly-lit with fun live jazz that is at a perfect noise level and doesnt interrupt the conversation.

Wow ! I haven't felt this kind of high-end taste for a long time. Professionalism down to the details will earn everyone's respect. Verse in North Hollywood is a standout dining and entertainment venue that masterfully blends gourmet cuisine with an immersive live music experience. The menu, curated by Chef Oscar Torres, offers a refined selection of dishes, from fresh seafood to expertly cooked steaks, all complemented by a well-crafted cocktail list. The acoustics, designed by Grammy-winning mixer Manny Marroquin, create an unparalleled atmosphere, making every live performance a treat for audiophiles. Whether you’re there for an intimate dinner or a lively night out, Verse delivers on both ambiance and quality. A must-visit for food and music lovers alike. I also found so many nice BGMs that are used in the restaurant. Great taste.

Celebrated my birthday here with friends. Everyone enjoyed the food and the lively ambience at Verse. Parking was easy - street and valet. I will definitely return and will recommend this place for special occasions!

Intimate yet spacious spot for live music. The food was truly fantastic; rivaling some Michelin tasting menus. Looking forward to going back (and updating photos).

Great food and impeccable service, our waitress Geine was extremely helpful and a breath of fresh air. The live music was top notch, this is a must if you are visiting LA. The restaurant boasts an amazing wine list selection. All in all, 5 stars 🌟

Hello so we were there for dinner amazing place.Valet welcomed us with good looking young guys and gave good service.Host was sweet and welcoming. We like the menu.

To celebrate my 46th birthday, my girlfriend and I decided to treat ourselves to a truly special evening at Verse in Toluca Lake. I've always been intrigued by the concept of a supper club - the combination of excellent food, great company, handcrafted cocktails, and live music sounded like the perfect recipe for a magical night out. From the moment we arrived, Verse exuded an air of mystery and exclusivity. The building itself is unassuming, with no visible signage, but stepping through the doors transported us to a lively and vibrant space. The atmosphere was buzzing, with a sleek bar at the back and seating options to accommodate groups of all sizes. We felt fortunate to snag a prime table near the stage for our 7 PM dinner reservation. Our server set the tone for the night with warmth and enthusiasm, sharing the backstory of this modern supper club. Visionary 18-time Grammy-winning mixer Manny Marroquin imagined Verse as a place where a state-of-the-art recording studio could merge with a dining experience. The result is a space surrounded by 52 speakers, offering a sound environment unlike anything we'd encountered before. Conversations felt intimate, yet the acoustics perfectly showcased the smooth jazz classics performed live shortly after our meal began. We started the evening with two exceptional cocktails: the Raspberry Beret and the House-made Mojito. * Raspberry Beret: This delightful concoction of Bombay Sapphire Gin, mango-infused St. Germain, raspberry, and egg white was perfectly balanced--not too sweet, with an effervescent, creamy topping that added a unique texture. * House-made Mojito: A refreshing mix of Bacardi Aged Rum, Lyre's Cane Spirit, yuzu, lime juice, mint syrup, and Fever Tree Club Soda. It was smooth and expertly blended, a classic with a modern twist. For appetizers, we chose the Hokkaido Milk Buns and the Mediterranean Octopus - both amazing standouts. * Hokkaido Milk Buns: Warm, soft, and topped with sesame seeds and Murray River salt, these buns pulled apart effortlessly. The accompanying brown butter spread was silky smooth and utterly addictive. * Mediterranean Octopus: Cooked to perfection, the octopus was tender and flavorful, complemented by agave honey, grapes, and squid ink for a dish that was as visually stunning as it was delicious. Our entrées were equally impressive: the Pork Belly Risotto and the Braised Lamb Pasta. * Pork Belly Risotto: This dish was a revelation. The pork belly was rich and decadently seasoned, paired beautifully with creamy risotto and a touch of maple syrup to balance the saltiness. The butternut squash and chile de arbol added depth to this truly exceptional plate. * Braised Lamb Pasta: My girlfriend was enamored with this dish, and I couldn't resist stealing a few bites. The lamb was tender, the pasta perfectly al dente, and the flavors from pepita seeds, charred green onions, lime, and Grana Padano were beautifully harmonious. The Roasted Corn Side deserves special mention. Served with a green coriander powder, this dish revealed its magic as soon as the spoon dipped in. Layers of corn, burnt husk aioli, and creamy cheese came together for an unforgettable flavor experience. A must-try for anyone dining here! Throughout the evening, the wait staff was attentive and knowledgeable, enhancing the experience without being intrusive. The live music created a soothing ambiance, and the acoustics were nothing short of spectacular. Even the bathrooms, with their communal washing area, were impeccably clean and thoughtfully designed. Verse in Toluca Lake is the perfect destination for a special occasion or a memorable night out. While the price reflects the high quality of the food and unique experience, it's well worth it. Whether celebrating with a loved one or gathering with friends, Verse offers an evening of culinary delight, unparalleled sound, and captivating live music. Pro Tip: Curbside valet parking is available on Lankershim for $12. Highly recommended - this is a night out you won't soon forget!

If you're a lover of food and live music, you should add Verse to your Los Angeles restaurant bucket list. Located along Lankershim in Toluca Lake, you probably wouldn't know about this restaurant and live music venue unless you were seeking it out because you heard or read about it. The restaurant and bar is owned by Manny Marroquin, a well respected record mixing engineer with his Larrabee Studios located just steps from the restaurant. It's mind blowing to see the list of recording artists Manny Marroquin has worked with and the people who have popped in the restaurant like Dr. Dre and Kendrick Lamar. Check out the list here of his clients he has worked with at his studio in the San Fernando Valley - https://www.larrabeestudios.com/clients. Depending on the night, you might have to make a reservation on their website and pay an entertainment fee if you're going to see an artist perform live. Along with the entertainment fee, you will be asked to order a minimum of $55 on food and beverages. Verse is not an inexpensive experience. Expect to pay $100+ per person including gratuity and the live performance. I ordered the following items: Aged Yellowtail Crudo $24.50 Leche De Tigre, Parsnip Chips, Fresno Peppers *I would not order this again at this price. A few thin slivers of aged fish to me was not satisfying for the price. It felt I was eating for parsnip chips than fish.* Mediterranean Octopus $25.50 Pepian Verde, Saffron Gastrique, Squid Ink Potato, King Oyster Mushroom *If you love octopus, you should order this dish. I felt like this was a good value because it was filling. It was on the starter/appetizer list, but the octopus can easily be your main with a side maybe of brocollini.* Custom (requested) mezcal old fashioned with smoked presentation. I've had this drink at other bars, but this one was a bit too sweet for me. Kavlan Concertmaster Port Cask (Taiwanese whiskey) paired with a flourless chocolate cake and miso caramel ice cream? (not 100% as I wasn't presented with a dessert menu or wasn't given an explanation as this was just dropped in front of me). Instead of the dishes selected being coursed out one dish at a time, they were both dropped off at the same time without explanation of the dish and ingredients like a fine dining restaurant charging these prices would. The service level was attentive throughout the evening. They do ask for your card in advance when you dine at the bar which felt a little strange to offer your credit card before dining as if I was ordering at a bar and not a fine dining restaurant. Perhaps they have had issues with dine and dash people? It was a little off putting and uncomfortable for me. On Monday nights probably if there isn't a special event, you can try their "limited" fried chicken sandwiches. On this Monday evening with a live performance, they did not have this off menu fried chicken sandwich when I asked about it. There's valet parking for $12 (from what I recall), but if you get there early enough, there's plenty of free street parking after 6 pm.

I can't even describe the deliciousness of the uni crab pasta with almonds 6/5 I had last night. I'm not a pasta person, but my friend insisted on ordering this, and boy, and I glad she did. I know it may sound very unusual, but let me tell you, the flavors and textures all complemented each other. The raw scallops were not as good as I remember 3/5. The milk bread was delicious as usual 5/5. I did not care for the Bina. It was a very small piece and tasted fishy. The sauce also did not go well with it 2/5. Overall, it was a fabulous evening. We enjoyed the music, service, and delicious bottle of Sancerre that we paired with our meal. I can't wait to come back for that pasta dish!

Verse was incredible in both ambiance and presentation. Stopped in here for what amounted to a brief cocktail hour before a work Christmas party and we were pleasantly surprised by the romantic and intimate setting. We loved watching the jazz band set up and were impressed that Verse keeps a sommelier on staff. Their cocktails were innovative and fun and acted a punch. They have a MIND JARRING wine list (hence the sommelier) and an impressive liquor menu as well. I had a couple mezcals on the rocks and loved them. We tried the scallops and some crudo fish dish. Also, the milk buns are worth the hype

This place is simply amazing. The ambience the decor drinks and food were all amazing! I started the night off with a special Smokey old fashion! Let me tell you the drinks were on point! Strong and good! I came on Monday they have a special on their chicken sandwich! When I came they were sold out of the chicken sandwich but the food we ordered was amazing and very tasty.

Pro Live music Delicious food Beautiful restaurant Excellent wait staff Meticulous attention to detail Presentation exceptional Superb drinks Speakeasy vibe Great for intimate dinners Great for large crowds Valet Con Parking can be tricky

There are a lot of great things to love about Verse. I'll start with saying I recommend going to Verse and I will be back! But, the food and what we ordered was very just ok. I believe they probably have some stellar dishes on the menu, but the duck was a let down and the branzino was forgettable. I will say, the drinks are really great and the ambiance is sexy and cool. I loved it! The live music is really the cherry on top. The service is also top notch. Our waiter was very kind and helpful. I say come here for after dinner drinks and vibe or before dinner drinks and vibe.

Wow!!! All around wow!! Ambience, music, decor, drinks, and food, this place DELIVERS!! Elevated and thoughtful LA cuisine really is something to be experienced. We started off with a couple of cocktails, my husband ordered their Smokey old fashioned and I ordered a gin fizz. Both were excellent and some of the best drinks we've had. For dinner we started with the Hokkaido buns, which were a lot smaller than I thought they'd be, but in a good way. They were so fluffy!! The buns themselves were not sweet, but the butter served on the side was, I was hesitant about the sweet butter, but it totally worked. The croquettes were very good, not at all what I expected from a croquette as it used masa instead of potato. Everything we ate and everything we drank was incredible. From food, drinks, music, decor, service, and ambience, this place hit the nail on the head over and over again. 10/10 would recommend for any special occasion or date night.

For my 500th review I'm choosing Verse for this memorable milestone! During our visit we celebrated a special Birthday. I loved the speakeasy curb appeal. Only discovered by those in the know. Walking through the main entrance was magical. The city bustle silenced as the dim intimate lighting glistened across the table settings of wine glasses and silverware, polished gold table touch lamps with luscious velvet seating. The acoustic wall treatments and focal wall behind the stage warmed the space with an inviting elegance. As we walked further inside, the bar area illuminated like lighting a match to ignite a candle that glowed throughout the night. Upon check in we were warmly greeted and welcomed by front of house. Escorted to our seats, front and center one of the best seats in the house. Our personalized five course menu was displayed at our table. Our mouths began to water and eyes widened as we read what was in store for us. We admired the instruments awaiting the musicians to bring them to life. Benjamin Ring then took the stage on drums, jazzy compilations with stand up bassist and keyboardist holding down the night. The accomplished talents of these individuals was mesmerizing. Sommelier Matias Marroquin welcomed and introduced us to the wine selections. A whole menu of opportunities to pair with dinner. Shortly after our server checked in on us and we awaited our experience. Fun facts: Verse was created by 18 time Grammy winning mixer Manny Marroquin, he designed a recording studio big enough to fit a restaurant. With 52 speakers guests are treated to a fully immersive environment that blends perfect acoustics, enabling private conversation while enjoying live performances. Executive chef Oscar Torres then graciously welcomed and introduced himself and our journey began. He personally explained every dish as the progression of each course was presented. 1st course Kingfish Crudo: leche de tigre, pickled Fresno and parsnip chips. 2nd course Grilled Kushii oyster: Potato, smoked ikura and ginger oil. 3rd course Croquettes: Pepian chicken, burnt tomato and mustard frill. 4th course Lamb Risotto: Pepita seeds, butternut squash and chives. 5th course Dry aged duck: pommes purée, potato pave and duck jus. Dessert Cookies and Cream: waffle crisp, coffee soil and brown butter. Everything was absolute perfection! We appreciated the building of flavors from sweetness, umami, spicy, salty, floral, herbaceous and savory complexities creating a symphony as each texture worked to compliment one another. We savored every bite. Our journey lasted two and a half hours which flew by. We were so enraptured by the evening and thankful for every minute. Thank you chef Torres and Verse family for an unforgettable evening. We will be back again!

Came here for NYE and the food was great. They had a set menu for NYE that butternut squash, crudo, Alaskan King Crab risotto, wagyu, and cardamom tart. Everything was flavorful and well designed. My personal fave is the cardamom tart since the pairing with the caviar was very unique and not something I would've expected to go well together. Service was highly attentive too. I'll need to be back when they have a jazz session as there was just the pianist when we were at the NYE early seating.

Last week, I came here to celebrate my anniversary with my partner, and overall, it was a memorable experience. However, we faced some challenges finding parking, as it's valet only and there's limited street parking available. Once we walked inside, we were immediately struck by the dim lighting and beautifully designed interior. The ambiance was lovely--intimate and romantic, enhanced by live music that was perfectly balanced, allowing for conversation without overwhelming us. Throughout the evening, we noticed many other guests celebrating birthdays and special occasions, which added to the festive atmosphere. Our server, Daniel, was exceptional--friendly and knowledgeable about the menu and the restaurant's history. He shared that the establishment used to be a studio, and the owner has a unique vision that combines art and culinary excellence. Daniel suggested several dishes, and we decided to try a few. We ordered scallops, croquettes, almond steak, Australian wagyu, and finished with the olive oil cake. Every dish was bursting with flavor and beautifully plated, making each bite truly satisfying. The olive oil cake was a standout--it was incredibly moist and just the right amount of sweet, serving as the perfect cherry on top of our wonderful evening. Overall, it was a fantastic dining experience, and I would highly recommend this romantic spot for anyone looking to celebrate a special occasion.

I returned back and unfortunately Mike and Matt have zero class. The servers and bartenders around them strongly dislike them and are not shy about vocalizing this to the customers. The way Matt walks around this establishment is quite frankly embarrassing. The need to hire someone older with less ego that has years of hospitality experience in order for this restaurant to serve a Michelin star experience.

If you like jazz and dimmed light vibes I highly recommend Verse. Looks like a random gilding from the outside, but when you enter you walk into mixture of modern and classical jazz vibes. Live music is a great touch if you enjoy it. Service is great, servers are personable and attentive. There is street parking across the street, but if you need to there is valet available. We ordered the milk buns (a must) and waygu steak tartare. Milk buns are sweet and not too filling a good way to kick off your night. The steak tartare is solid and paired well with the buttery toast. We shared a lamb pasta, which was excellent and highly flavorful. The lamb melts in your mouth. Not pictured are the drinks, we got the following; white Negroni, the verse Manhattan (has sesame oil, interesting notes. Worth the try to get outside the traditional Manhattan), the godfather, and a traditional espresso martini. The bartenders get down with presentation and a spirit forward. Highly recommend booking a reservation in advance. If you are looking for a date night or a night out with friends give Verse a try.

Love love love this place! Just discovered this hidden gem in the valley and it has that speak easy fun jazz vibes if you're looking for a cute date night or just night out with your girl friends. They have live music on the weekends and the food was delicious! We came here to celebrate a birthday and ordered the Hokkaido milk buns (so soft and deliciously melts in your mouth), Mediterranean octopus (so tender and flavorful), Aged Yellowtail Crudo (fish was very fresh and tasty), braised lamb pasta (savory and hearty dish), Lobter Tagliatelle (gave a good amount of lobster meat) and Dungeness Crab Campanelli (my personal favorite with the creamy uni on top). The drinks were also delicious! Definitely make reservations as it gets really packed at night!

I recently had the pleasure of dining here, and it was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere exudes class and sophistication, with dim lighting, elegant decor, and the smooth sounds of live jazz filling the air. The menu offers a wonderful selection of dishes, each artfully presented and bursting with flavor. I particularly enjoyed the pasta with uni, which was so tasty with a kick of spice. Service was top-notch--attentive without being intrusive, and the staff made sure every detail was perfect throughout the night. If you're looking for a sophisticated night out with delicious food, great ambiance, and incredible live music, Verse is the place to be. Highly recommend!

Fantastic date night spot! Came here with my husband and wow were we impressed. Food and entertainment and not so loud you could not have a conversation at the table whist enjoying delectable bites. The service, every plate we ordered, the drinks, and the music were top tier. I couldn't believe we had never been here before and we will be returning. This place is 10/10.

I love--love that this type of restaurant/bar/lounge exists in the San Fernando Valley. Very chic and chill. This was a special occasion -- a birthday so I have to say the service by Daniel our server and Matthew -- one of the managers was exceptional! Def 5 star service. I ordered to start the old fashioned which was presented with a nice smoke finish. It was good and the presentation is prob why they set it at $20. We ordered only a couple of dishes bc I have to say the only drawback was the prices on the food. Just a wee bit too much and did not actually match up to the level of taste and presentation that the price tag came with. The place is immaculate, with an air of lounge but an open space type lay out. The starters which we had two were pretty good. We had the tuna tartare and their famous Hokkaido Buns. Good but again over priced. We ended up getting the lobster pasta which we shared and tbh was a bit of downer. The sauce was good but so saucy that the squid ink pasta just sat in so long possibly as to make it doughy and not so much al dente. Again...somewhat over priced. A little bummed but fortunately our hosts were very nice in inquiring how everything was -- we were honest and mentioned the pasta which they noted and took care of us. Obviously they wanted to be sure everything was good with the meal and service which I very much appreciated. Overall it's an amazing spot. I'd recommend for drinks, to lounge, and the live music! Enjoy! ;-)

TL;DR: Beautiful, unique LA restaurant with live music, studio acoustics, and delicate-yet-flavorful dishes PARKING: The restaurant is nondescript with basically no signage. I had an "uh, is this the right restaurant?" moment if it weren't for the.l valet standing in front, but I had to confirm with him first because I was confused. It's located on Lankershim so parking is valet... but I had no problem finding street parking and walking about half a block. AMBIANCE: We arrived for our 5:30 PM reservation on a Friday night and were surprised with how empty the restaurant was! I found out quickly that it fills much closer to when the live music starts, which is about 6:30 PM every night. Even though it was empty at 5:30, it felt so intimate, with dark lighting and all the tables facing where the musicians would be. The server told us Verse was opened in 2019 and meant to have studio-quality sound, with the speakers perfectly placed so the sound is even all throughout the open restaurant. The musicians were incredible: live jazz! SERVICE: Our server was very nice and attentive! You can tell there are some high class people (director-like people?) coming, but we normies still felt valued, heard, and cared for. FOOD: Normally I'm not one for fancy food, but I felt like these dishes were all very well-balanced and flavorful! Per the server's recommendation, we ordered 4 dishes for my husband (good appetite) and me (medium appetite) (basically one on each page: appetizer, raw starter, grain/pasta, and main) and were pretty full by the end of the meal! Hokkaido buns: The bread is incredibly soft and the butter is nice and sweet to counteract the slight saltiness of the bread! While it was good, it was my least favorite dish of the ones we got, only because I think we are used to having soft Asian bread from other bakeries. But if you have never had bread like this before, it is a must try! And it is still good, even though it was not as impressive as the other dishes we got. Yellowtail crudo: DELICIOUS. It was so light, bright, citrusy, and delicious. I just wish there were more!! But ooh, I can't wait to have it again. Pork belly risotto: verrrry good. The pork belly melts in your mouth. It got a little heavy for me by the end of the meal (when I was really full) but the way the flavors fuse together was delicious. Dry aged duck breast: perfectly cooked duck with a great ratio of fat and meat. It was soft and crispy and tender. The potato/cheese cube thing was a little too cheesy for me (I'm a little lactose intolerant) so I couldn't eat too much of it, but it had good flavor. Overall, even though I don't usually frequent restaurants like this, the quality of the food for the price AND the legit musicians with the ambiance are definitely worth it. I was thinking about how you pay admission for jazz clubs and concerts, but this comes with the meal, which made it feel worth it to me. Overall, a lovely meal for a special occasion!

Only come here if you want spend a perfect night with great music and food! Went with some girlfriends on a very busy Friday night. We had a last minute change to our party size, the front of house team went above and beyond to accommodate our changes and sat us at a beautiful table near the live band. The food in the expanded menu was excellent. We ordered the Peruvian scallops, the Ora King salmon, famous milk buns, tiger prawns, crab campanelli, branzino, braised beef, roasted carrots and broccolini to share and each dish was better the one before. Our waiter gave us detailed wine and food recommendations and was very patient when we split the final bill. The service and ambiance were impeccable, I'd recommend this wonderful experience to anyone looking for a wonderful celebration in LA!

We had a fun time. The bartender was really helpful and we loved the cocktails We sat near the bar on the high tops. Love the cocktails. The food was was wonderful. If I'm being honest, the tomahawk was a bit disappointing as it was a bit tough. But the bone salsa, the carrots, the potatoes, made it a fun evening. And the service was great. We would go again for sure

Verse will always have a special place in my heart. I went to Verse a few years back as it was highly recommended by a friend and the experience was exceptional. We enjoyed one of the best meals and they had a great live band. We than decided to go again for our anniversary. Same romantic experience and we loved every moment of it. Time flew by and my now husband and I decided to get married and plan a wedding quickly. Like 2-3 months quickly. We thought about Venues and we both said what about VERSE! Verse loved the idea and hosted what all of our family and friends say was the best wedding they have ever been too. The food was exceptional and Jordan the coordinator was an absolute Joy to work with. She was sooo kind and made the experience so seamless. The vibes were exactly what we wanted and our friends even thought to have there wedding there! The biggest compliment was everyone saying they couldn't decide if they should dance or keep eating because the food was so good! My Grandfather said he didn't want to leave his seat because he didn't want to miss out on the next dish! Since then we have had friends send us photos that they are there for a live band and great drinks. Its such a gem and Verse will always have a special place in our hearts and our belly's :) MUST ORDER DISHES & DRINKS: Cocktails: Malamante Espresso martini Old fashion Dishes: Lamb Pasta Hokkaido milk buns Tiger Prawns Tostada Mushroom Linguini Crushed Potatos Desserts: Guayaba Sorbet French Toast Just to name a few. Thanks Verse With love, The Kims

This place is definitely a spot to go to for a special night out. My family loves this place and we frequent often for special occasions. It feels very speakeasy like walking in- you'd never know it was a full blown live music lounge/bar. The service is immaculate and the food and drinks are off the charts. 1000/1000 would recommend.

Highly recommend for a special occasion. I loved the decor and dark ambiance of this place. It's meant to replicate the sound experience of a recording studio in a lush supper club. (I belatedly realized the connection to the name Verse as I bopped along to 90s and 2000s hip hop.) There are a lot of small speakers, but the music was not overwhelming or obnoxious. There's also a stage to enjoy live music, but true to the restaurant's claim, you can still hear your dining companion easily. Okay but how was the FOOD? It's a steakhouse, but not your traditional steakhouse where you only have a couple of cooked veggie sides and a seafood tower. It's LA, so of course gojuchang and quinoa are incorporated in the menu. We got Peruvian scallops, steak tartare, kale sprouts (with said gojuchang), and crispy vegetable quinoa for starters and sides. We got a New York strip as the main. This was plenty of food for 2 people. My favorite were the scallops. The citrus foam paired nicely and really brought out the sweetness of the shellfish. Steak was perfectly cooked, and it came with plantains and beans, so it was nice to have some additional filling sides. I loved the kale sprouts. It was a twist on your typical roasted brussels sprouts in a sweet tangy vinaigrette. The spicy red pepper gave it an interesting twist and the raisin added some more sweetness. The crispy vegetable quinoa bowl was chock filled with avocado, so it was very filling and a great side to have if you aren't loading up on the red meat. Overall, all the dishes had interesting crunch or sauce and were meticulously prepared. I want to come back and try some of their other pastas and grains.

I'm torn between wanting to shout about this place from a mountain top or keeping this secret all to myself. The outside is subdued, but the inside is undeniably sexy. On top of that the service is top-notch, the food is delightful and the atmosphere is unmatched. This is a real hub for The grown and sexy. The live music was at a perfect volume where it didn't interrupt conversation, but also so enjoyable that we took breaks in conversation just to listen and enjoy. The menu has a good variety of meats, pastas and vegetarian dishes. I loved the braised beef and the crushed potatoes is a must-order side. Cocktails are interesting and have cute names. Our evening was made even more special by our server Roger whose impeccable service and attention made us feel like the only couple in the room. I can't wait for the next special occasion to come back here and share this unique LA find with a few friends.

It's really hard to beat the food, service and vibe at Verse. The food is top notch across the board. I've had almost everything on their menu and nothing had disappointed, the duck is my favorite. The service is impeccable and the ambiance is second to none. You get a true "LA" vibe while feeling alone in your own group, it has a lot to do with the acoustics of the build out. This is a must try when in the area!

This place has a best vibes. The music was so nice. The food, particularly the milk buns were amazing. The cocktails were on point! The staff was super friendly and fast. Great experience would definitely come back again!

A true 5 star first time experience. Though a bit hard to find off the street, once you get there you will enjoy yourself. Beautiful ambiance, with live music. Walking in my first reaction was - wow it's dark in here, but you will adjust and get used to it. The restaurant is a big square, like a warehouse style recording studio with insulated walls. We sat next to the band in a corner booth, the band plays on and off with breaks, so it's not loud non stop. We ordered the tomahawk steak, delicious! It's at market price, which was $195 in June 2024. The steak was flavorful, cooked well to our liking (medium) and came with a side of roasted veggies (spicy), and bone marrow. We also ordered the corn, which was served covered in cilantro powder, street corn flavors. Also ordered shredded potatoes, also good. For dessert we got the puff pastry, which was served with a side of vanilla ice cream. Drinks, food, and dessert, as well as the service were great.

Came here a year later for our anniversary and I'm so happy we did. I don't know if this place has a Michelin star, but if they don't, they definitely deserve one. From the ambiance, to the service, to the food, everything is meticulous and perfect! The service all around, especially from our server, was so welcoming and friendly. The ambiance was really nice, music was lovely. We ordered a lot of what we had last time because it was that good that we wanted to have it again. I will say that the tomahawk is good but it's not exceptional, the only thing I love about it is the tomato based bone marrow salsa that comes with it, that makes the dish forsure! Their octopus and milk buns are must orders, as well as a new dish we tried, the tiger prawns. They were sold out of them the first time we came but so happy they had it this time, it was exceptional! We also ordered the Wagyu tartare for the first time, and shockingly it was the worst tartare I've ever had. It was awful, I've just had better everywhere else I've ever tried it. This tartare was very dense and not tender, if it wasn't for the red caviar, there would be no flavor. I wouldn't recommend ordering it. They were so kind and brought out a vanilla dessert for our anniversary, perfect way to end the night. Can't wait to come back here for great food, drinks, and vibes.

The restaurant was super intimate and romantic. Perfect for date nights! Our servers were amazing!!! We loved every plate we had. We started with the octopus, Hokkaido milk buns, and wagyu tartare. For our entrees, we had the pork belly risotto and dry aged duck breast with roasted carrots on the side. Highly recommend this place and booking reservations! They played live music closer to 6pm ish. We definitely would come back with the experience we had.

If you're looking for a vibe in the valley, this is the place to check out. From the food, the music, the ambience, to the cocktails -- this place is a place to see and be seen. Chances are you'll also see a celebrity sighting here too. I loved the cocktails, the bread, and the octopus here. The staff was more than accommodating. They educated us on the wines they had as well. Overall, this a great date night or for a group of friends!

We travel a lot. We've had a lot of fine dining experiences. This is literally top of my list for favorite dining experiences. Live music. Amazing ambiance. Even better food. There's no other way to say it. Go experience it for yourself. You can thank me later.

Such a cool spot with great food out here in tolouca lake. It works for them in this location. Nice vibes with good jazz music. The place was busy and all tables will filled up. It's the first time I had a clase azul cocktail that was mixed and infused with different things. We ordered a variety of items including : apple salad the Wagyu A5 as well as the duck, corn and some chocolate dessert. Everything was delicious. I didn't care much for the duck but that's a preferred taste however they executed all the food items extremely well. The service was fantastic. Everyone was friendly. The inside was nice and had a cool vibe. It's a great date spot to go to. I would come back and try some of their other items. If you're in the area and looking for a great date spot this is it.

came here for a friends birthday and we had a part of atleast 14 people! service was pretty good! since it was all of our first times here, i just wish they told us that some of the dishes we ordered were on the smaller side - like tapas size. the food was amazing though, i would recommend to try this place out atleast once! obsessed with the hokkaido milk buns & the pastas! the ambience is great and looks like a great place for a date night as well! *green light - def gotta drink this quick cause it's not good once it gets warm/room temp *moonlight sonata *standing in the garden *hokkaido milk buns - must try! *yellowtail crudo *kale sprouts *branzino *tiger prawns *crab campanella *pork belly risotto *braised lamb pasta *mushroom linguini *crushes potato's *roasted broccolini *tomahawk *roasted corn

Our first time here with our dear friends. It's a nice place with live band, but we didn't hear much of them playing. It is a bit expensive and corkage fee is $50 dollars per bottle. Food wood delicious and very professional service. Jake and the team was very professional, and they were very nice.

This is a really interesting jazz venue hidden on lankershim. You'd drive by it and think its just some old sound studio or something (because it was!) When you walk in the atmosphere is delightful and mellow. The food is good. Dug the live music, the xylophone guys was on fire! I kept thinking, it must be nice to get to jam on the xylophone for an audience in 2024! My only minor complaints are the arrangement of the steats to the stage can be weird. Make sure you ask for a round table if you wanna face the music. I was also "noticed" by a chef while having a serious discussion. It's cool and I appreciate him recognizing my work, but... it wasn't the best time! lol The music acts also seemed to take a lot of breaks. Which is ok I guess. Anyway, fun hidden date place in/around studio city / North Hollywood! recommend.

Hands down the best n fanciest place I've ever been. And what more could you ask for than to celebrate it on your birthday? Well that's exactly what me and my wife did! So amazing We got the full 5 course meal chef "especial", w/ plate descriptions by the chef, sat right smack in the front to see that night's jazz musicians do their thang. Such an amazing evening we had. I highly recommend this place. Now finding it could be a challenge, but I think that's on purpose. At least it adds to the mystique.

Has Verse on my list of places to go and finally went. First, the outdoors is unassuming and you wouldn't know you're at the right place outside of the address above the door. But once you step inside, you're not in a restaurant but rather entering an experience. The whole restaurant is designed like a sound studio with sound proof walls and photos. The acoustics inside are just as amazing as you can feel the music that is playing We started off with a couple drinks and a few appetizers. While both cocktails (Moonlight Sonata and Toluca Sunrise) were decent, they both felt like they were missing something. As for appetizers, the Hokkaido Milk Buns are so delicious. The bread itself is so soft, and you spread that brown butter over it and it just bursts with flavor as it melts in your mouth. The octopus is cooked perfectly and served with this green saffron gastrique that you will want to clean the plate of. The wagyu Tartare, while good, wasn't on the level of the milk buns or octopus. Definitely get the buns and octopus and thank me later For entrees we tried the lobster tagliatelle and pork belly risotto. The tagliatelle has a good amount of lobster meat but felt like something was missing, maybe something texturally. It didn't write life up to what I had envisioned but it wasn't bad. The pork belly risotto was very flavorful and that flavor pops as you put it in your mouth prior to biting down. The pork itself was cooked well, had a nice crisp on the outside and very juicy inside As for the music, again, you can feel it in your soul as the space is designed to optimize the music itself. Whether it is the live music being performed or a DJ spinning, it is such a wonderful experience. An absolute must try

Love the interior, it gives me speakeasy vibes with the dark and cozy interior as well as the entrance which is only marked by a letter V for only those who are in the know. - Moonlight sonata drink is great, definitely recommend. - love that the back of the menu includes a small glossary All the food was delicious! - Hokkaido Milk Buns (10/10) was to die for, I loved the butter that came with it, just *chefs kiss* together - scallops (10/10) were delectable and not fishy at all - yellowtail crudo (10/10) and the tigre de leche sauce was so scrumptious, I'm glad I got it - lamb pasta (10/10) was so good, I'm glad that they weren't afraid to let it resemble lamb taste- it was perfectly balanced: little gamey but not too much to overpower your senses - Dungeness crab Campanile (10/10) was amazing! It had real crab meat - the corn (5/10) was the only dish that was a miss for us as the cilantro powder was just too much and the corn was too heavy for our tastes Overall an amazing place and love the live band with drummer, pianist, and someone on the cello. Very Jazzy and apparently they play all original music! Definitely coming back again!

What an experience to say the least! It's tucked away in such an unassuming location. It makes sense though because it used to be a recording studio. We got seated right up front so we got a close view of the band. The food and drinks were so refreshingly good. I'm an oyster girl so sit me in front of some oysters and I'm in heaven. The sashimi was melt in your mouth fresh and I regrettable didn't order another serving. I should have, because I still dream about the sashimi if I'm being quite honest. We ordered the Almond Wood New York Steak Ann's it was cooked perfectly. I didn't expect the Peruvian beans to accompany it but it was quite nice. We also got the Lobster Tagliatelle with squid ink. That was probably my favorite thing I had that night along with the sashimi of course. We got to listen to some amazing music and met the pianist who wrote us a song (totally not kidding!). If this happened to you too, please don't tell me. I want to be delusional in peace and believe I'm special lol. Oh yea the drinks we had were delicious too. I'm not usually a gin kinda gal but the moonlight sonata and standing in the garden were drinks I see myself enjoying again. Wait staff were very attentive and was able to answer any questions I had about the food, drinks, the space and the musicians. Did you know they don't rehearse? They play on the spot and they never play the same song twice. Well, now you know.

Absolutely fabulous experience. Was in town on business and grabbed dinner with a friend. It's such a beautiful space with fabulous live musicians and even more fantastic food. Our server Arthur was gorgeous and even nicer than he was good looking. We spent around $185 (before tip) and ordered: milk buns, lamb pasta, pork belly risotto, olive oil cake, French toast, and 3 specialty cocktails--the Moonlight Sonata. We shared everything and left happy and full. My favorite was the pork belly risotto, the lamb pasta (absurdly good) and olive oil cake! So so so so good.

Service and Ambiance is AMAZING! the only reason i'm giving it a 3 is because for a very bougie restaurant the food was very mid. I ordered the pork belly risotto and the risotto was hard, felt like i was eating grain and the pork belly just tasted like a fatty meat. I had tried all my family members food as well and again flavor just isn't there. Very bland for such expensive food. The only food i really enjoyed was the hokkaido milk buns.

If I could give it 6 stars... I would! Holy crap- I have NEVER been in a place where I can hear the music perfectly, while being able to talk to my table and hear THEM perfectly. Never been in an establishment like it. The service? Impeccable . I felt like I was in a Michelin star restaurant. So attentive, so polite, so on it. I didn't get a chance to try all the dishes - but the band that was playing was incredible. If you are a music and sound lover- be prepared to be BLOWN AWAY! Manny you're a genius!

Last night was my specials lady's birthday and for dinner she chose Verse. I wasn't aware of the theme of the restaurant but to my surprise it also serves as a live music venue. Now don't think the house of blues, this is a legit fine dining establishment that just so happens to have bands playing in the background. We had a 6:30pm reservation and our group was seating immediately. I also learned that the owner of the restaurant is the same person who at one point owned Larrabee studios which is where some of your favorite albums were recorded. Ambiance: 5/5 Walking in from the outside I was not sure what to expect. Upon walking in you immediately feel a very relaxed vibe. The restaurant was dark but cozy and had smooth jazz playing when we first arrived. Later in the evening they had a young lady come in and sand R&B. As I mentioned there are speakers tastefully tucked away so the sound is amazing. Service: 5/5 My waiter was Arthur and he was fantastic. We asked for some course recommendations and everything he recommended was spot on. Not only that but his enthusiasm while explaining each dish was commendable. It definitely made us all excited to try the food Food: 4/5 Braised Beef- Honestly with all the other dishes I didn't expect much but this is a silent killer. The meat is super tender and flavorful. Portion size was just enough to fill you up without feeling bloated. Pork Belly Risotto- Amazing. The pork belly had a nice charred bark on the outside which texturally worked very well with how tender the pork was. Flavored extremely well. Risotto is risotto but as they go this was one good, not great. Iberico Pluma - I was super excited to try this dish because I've heard iberico pork is the mother of all pork. It was good and very tender but surprisingly I enjoyed the pork belly way more. Great flavor on the meat but I think I would've preferred it be a little more charred or cook longer. Lobster tagliatelle - Good not great pasta dish. Sauce profile seemed a little bland but nothing a little salt didn't cure. Would've liked to have seen a little more meat in the dish. Oysters - delicious and very fresh. Not sure if they were Kumamoto but they were the smalller type which I prefer. In addition to mignonette they brought some other dipping sauces that included house made Tabasco and some other house made ones that were all delicious. This spot is definitely a welcomed addition to the NoHo arts district. It's a dining experience you'd expect in Hollywood without having to drive to Hollywood and im sure I'll be returning in the near future.

Their cocktail menu is a refreshing take on classics, with a few unique creations that are worth trying. They also offer a solid selection of local wines, which pair beautifully with the food.

I'd give more stars if I could. The ambiance, live band, romantic setting, professionalism of staff, tasty drinks & food were all a pleasant suprise! Everything was perfect! The only thing I'd avoid are their desserts, but literally everything leading up to desserts was perfect so we didn't care about that. I'm definitely coming back & telling everyone about this hidden gem!

I can't really remember the last time I went out and had a nice dinner, but I do know this much: I will absolutely remember Verse because literally everything about our experience here the other night was phenomenal. Outside it is very unassuming and low key which I dig a lot. Inside is a contemporary and tastefully designed restaurant. It's dimly lit and very intimate. Everything about the place just oozes elegance. Anyway: FOOD Our table ordered: Hokkaido Milk Buns, Mediterranean Octopus, Aged Yellowtail Crudo, Braised Lamb Pasta, Wagyu Tartare, Pork Belly Risotto, & Dry Aged Duck Breast. Hokkaido Milk Buns: Pillowy soft, sweet, moist, and slightly nutty/salty from the sesame seeds/salt. The butter was excellent, but I could have eaten these without anything else because they were that good. Mediterranean Octopus: My wife enjoyed this, but I didn't care for it. It wasn't bad by any means, just not a fan. Aged Yellowtail Crudo: If you like bright, fresh, and acidic flavors, this is it. The yellowtail crudo soaks up the leche de tigre and makes every bite addicting. Braised Lamb Pasta: Come on. This was one of two dishes that made me INSTANTLY go MMM. I kept thinking about this dish ALL NIGHT after dinner. Super comforting dish with bold flavor. It is absolutely insane how good this is. Wagyu Tartare: I love tartare and I love "wagyu." It was great, but didn't really notice the umeboshi. Pork Belly Risotto: The other dish that made me instantly go MMMMMM. I don't really eat risotto very often to be entirely honest, but again: It's insane how good this dish was too. Every single bite of this and the lamb pasta was so craveable that I just needed to keep going back for more. I am a HUGE fan of bold, comforting flavors and this and the risotto were right up my alley. SO GOOD. Dry Aged Duck Breast: Not really a big fan of duck to be honest and still am not sold on it. It wasn't bad. I'm sure for the people who DO enjoy duck would've found this to be good. The pommes aligot was a little bland to me, personally. The best part about it for me was the potato pave. Crispy exterior with a very flavorful interior. I could probably fit the whole thing in my mouth. Cookies & Cream: Since it was my birthday, they allowed me to select a dessert on the house which was really nice of them. I didn't expect a single thing, so this was a very pleasant surprise. Certainly a grown-up version of the classic Cookies & Cream. Sweet, creamy, subtle notes of salty and bitter. Anyway, service was excellent. I forgot bro's name, but he had a septum piercing. Very attentive, thorough, and professional. I loved Verse so much that I am seriously considering coming back for Valentine's Day possibly so when my wife reads this, this is me telling her now. And maybe for her birthday... and our anniversary. Just kidding... mostly. Still thinkin' about that risotto and lamb pasta.

Ummm can we add the option for a higher rating than 5 stars?!? Verse deserves a 5 star PLUS PLUS. The decor of restaurant exudes elegance and contemporary chic vibes. Similar to a speakeasy, the space is dimly lit with intimate individual lighting on each table. Perfect for date night, a special occasion, a well deserved great meal or stylish cocktails!! I went with a somewhat big group of friends (there were 7 of us) on a busy Friday night... And at no point was there an issue with the service or the timing of our drinks & food orders! The Oysters & Sashimi were excellent, and came served along with a suggestion on how the chef recommends eating it. The Hokkaido Milk Buns should come with a warning label they're literally that good - dare I say perfect !!! My friends were all ummming and ahhhing while eating. So, really it's safe to say that everything ordered was a hit!! The live music portion was yet another highlight of my visit at Verse!! Truly exceptional talents grace the space... So, if you are a fan of jazz; look no further and make a reservation ASAP so you can explore and experience the lively and sophisticated vibes here.

This is definitely... different. Sort of a speakeasy-ish look and live music, great food, and a mixed bag for drinks. The best part was the food. Hokkaido milk buns were super light and addictively tasty, and the raw Ora King in Aguachile is nicely balanced with plenty of flavor. For main dishes, both the dry aged duck and the New York Strip steak were well cooked, juicy and flavorful, and had great accompaniments like beans and plantains with the steak that brought a nice Caribbean vibe. We also ordered a bunch of delicious sides - the mushrooms, broccolini, amd potatoes did not disappoint. All of the above were generous portions given the quality, really much for two people, and some of it ended up being a great stir fry hash for breakfast the next day. Drinks, unfortunately, were not as good. The best thing we had was the All I Wanna Do, which is nice and balanced and creamy-smooth. My wife was not a fan of the Malamente, which is basically a floral Margarita with (too much IMO) spicy salt on the rim. The by-the-glass Rasteau (southern French) red wine was meh, and they were out of not one but two dessert wines I was interested in (at least they had some Taylor 20 Tawny, which never disappoints but is not exactly exotic). Music - well, basically get ready for sporadic performances of jazzy lounge pop and classic hip-hop. Enthusiastic and lively,, but not real legit jazz. Between sets, they played increasingly more straight up modern jazz as the night went on - come late if that is your thing. Overall, fun and stylish (though more of a neighborhood crowd than a from all corners destination). Service is good. A few areas to polish at the bar, I suppose. $400 out the door for the above, completely unrestrained spending - you could enjoy yourself here for less. Street parking is no problem at all.