Redbird

When Redbird opened in Downtown, it was a big deal. For one, it’s fancy. And with Ahmanson, Walt Disney Music Hall, and The Broad all within vicinity, you can’t have enough fancy restaurants. Also, it proved you didn’t have to bulldoze something to make Downtown cool. The massive revamped cathedral space is generally broken into two areas—a casual lounge area with a bar and the stunning main dining room with big white walls, an all-glass ceiling, and a bar. It’s epic, unstuffy, and our favorite kind of church.

photo credit: Holly Liss

Upon opening the menu, you notice one thing: it’s also gigantic. If you can utilize Redbird in a group setting, you should. Because there are about 35 shared plate options to go around, and you’re going to want most of it. While some dishes definitely provide more of a religious experience than others, everything’s still quite good. The foie gras in green curry and chicken pot pie are tremendous, and will basically be gone upon hitting the table. The duck is the best of the big dishes, and while the Thai-style crab soup needs some serious spice, we’ll order it every time.

Is this a place we’ll be popping in everyday for a quick bite? No. Redbird is a high-end destination where people go to live large or impress the shit out of somebody important. This is where you take your parents before seeing Wicked, a client with big pockets for lunch, or that friend in town who convinced herself there’s nothing impressive about LA. Because with a great menu, unpretentious vibes, and a truly beautiful space, Redbird is the definition of impressive.

Food Rundown

La Belle Farms Foie Gras

How did California go so long without eating this baby? Sitting on a bed of rice and curry, this is one of our favorite versions in town right now. Beware: The portion is small, and your table will fight violently for it. Order two to be safe.

Chicken Pot Pie

This was the last thing we expected to be a stand out at a place like Redbird. But sure enough, this baby is the rich, savory, comforting goodness you want from a chicken pot pie.

Cavatelli

Like a good Jennifer Aniston movie, this definitely isn’t bad, but it’s not particularly memorable either.

Thai Style Dungeness Crab Soup

If this thing had any kick at all to it, it would be the best thing on the menu. Oh well. The broth is still creamy, coconut goodness, and the mini crab tower in the middle is heaven.

Aged Liberty Farms Duck

One of the few bigger plates Redbird has on the menu, this dish is a must if you’re rolling in with a big group. And frankly, even if you’re not. The duck is cooked perfectly and that xo sauce on top is all we want.

Burrata Salad

Everybody knows that burrata is the best food in the world, but we need to give props elsewhere here. It’s the duck prosciutto on top of this salad that takes it to the next level and makes it a must first-round order.