Asa Meza

Yeah… i hit that already. Overpriced small portions but restaurant has a beautiful atmosphere. Unfortunately I’m not here to see a your clean place. If you can’t provide affordable dishes you honestly won’t last long. Besides you aren’t that special or amazing. I can walk a few more blocks down your street and feed a whole family equal to what i would spend with you. I will not be returning here. That’s for sure unless i see an amazing advertisement for a killer deal. Hope this honest review helps you become a better restaurant.
… now you can put ice on your backside.
I like to sweat.

Had brunch here Saturday and loved it! Food was excellent — I had the sweet potato pancakes and my guy had the chicken and waffles. The service was very attentive and friendly, as well. Also really liked the décor of the place and try have a really cool looking patio I bet is great for hanging out with a cocktail in the evening.

asa meza is a great looking place and i always prefer to sit outside
the greats dish thay have is the cookies with the banana ice cream
and thats the first thing you wanna try
the bar offers a great verity of beverages and evening time treat is always fun
enjoy!

Came here for my besties 28^th birthday party!!! We had a huge table in a very interesting area with bookshelves. it was kinda cool :)
Service was a bit slow… and kinda strange… the waitress took our meal orders before our drink orders… i think the waitress needs a quick waitress-​ing refresher course lol…
there was a crowd by the bar and they were watching a game or something on tv and kept constantly cheering but very loudly and it was getting a bit annoying after the 15^th cheer –_​–
Anywhooo wish it was more private… the lounge area outside is really nice though and fun… they have fire pits… another bar and music to go along with the mood…
ill def be going back :)

I honestly find it is a bit hard to start this review because I am conflicted. The food we had was delicious, but the service left a lot to be desired. The only reason I chose this South American/​Asian fusion restaurant was for its close walking proximity to the Pantages Theatre.
My parents arrived and ordered two drinks. Me and my boyfriend arrived 10 mins later where we were given ample time to look over our drink menu. When our server finally came to take our drink order he then asked my parents what they wanted. They both told him that they had just ordered from him about 15 mins ago and he kind of got flustered. While we waited 25 mins for our drinks to come out while our server came to check on us once to let us know that they ran out of olives for my Dad’s martini and that the bartender was really backed up (with all 4 other tables occupied: /​)
We ordered the tiny empanadas ($ 7) which were great with the dipping sauce but about enough to feed half of a baby. I would not recommend the chilaquiles nachos at $ 12 because they were stale with boring toppings.
We split the 5 spice chicken ($ 22) and Bistro Steak ($ 26)The steak was tender, flavorful and cooked to perfection topped with garlicky chimichurri sauce and the juicy spiced chicken came with extra crispy skin, just how I like. The bok choy ($ 7) was watery, bland and seemed to be missing all of the green tops — don’t order.
Just imagine waiting about 40 mins for your food to come out with one check in stating that the kitchen was also really backed up (I lol when he used this again). I took a look around at 4 other occupied tables where one was paying, one was eating and the other was eating desert. WHAT WAS THE KITCHEN BACKED UP WITH?
Final thoughts: Choose either Asian or South American cuisine (each have enough dishes to make a full menu) and decorate accordingly. Train your staff! If you have to go to Asa Meza order the chicken and steak. The end.

Hubby took me on a surprise date to the Pantages. We looked around on Unilocal and found this place based on the reviews for our pre-​show dinner. We weren’t disappointed.
The décor and atmosphere is modern contemporary but feels cozy. Being a nice day, we opted to sit in the charming little patio outside.
The service was friendly and the menu enticing with Asian-​infused flavors. Being a native from Taiwan, I was hoping to try their Taiwanese sausage and see how good it was, but they were out of it that day.
We shared a baby kale quinoa salad, fried fish & yucca fries, and the five spice chicken. Every dish had excellent mixture of flavors. We especially enjoyed the five spice chicken and this has motivated me to cook more with the Chinese five spices. The portion of the food was decent. We weren’t stuffed nor did we feel we needed another dish.
We had room for dessert and tried their churros with chocolate and sweet corn dipping sauces. Wow. The sweet corn sauce was out of this world. I’ve never had something like that before and wished there were more churros to go with it.
We are happy that we discovered this little gem. We will definitely be back when we come see another show.

Dessert only review.
My friend and I stopped by after a comedy show craving the ice cream sandwich image we saw on Unilocal.However, that dessert is only offered during lunch. Lucky for us, the tres leches was an incredible substitute! The cake was moist and sweetened to absolute perfection. You just have to try it!

Everytime I go to Hollywood I leave feeling less impressed with the city. Restaurants like Asa Meza don’t help.
It is a beautiful restaurant no doubt. The décor is something out of a luxurious study with lots of dark wood and it makes for a hip and swanky vibe. It seems to be equal parts club/​bar as it is Peruvian restaurant.
The cuisine itself is where I think Asa Meza falls flat. I had the lomo saltado for take-​out and it took nearly 20 minutes to prepare. Then, the portion itself is tiny. You get about 4 – 5 strips of skirt steak and a few veggies and thats it. On the plate it would look nice but the prices are higher than normal and that doesn’t sit well with me when you get appetizer sized dishes.
The skirt steak itself was overcooked and ended up having a gamey texture almost like bad hamburger meat. It is drenched in sauce too and so this is not your traditional Lomo but rather some unrecognizable fusion dish that I ended up not liking.
I think Aza Meza fits right into Hollywood because it definitely has the «look» but I think they could step up their game with their menu.
Tip: Unilocal Free dessert check in on dine in only

I definitely recommend trying this place out.
Great Dinner before heading into Pantages.
Wonderful flavors and plate presentation
I love how they showcased the sweet potato 5 different ways; a light simple dot of sauce on the himachi, raw, purée, mashed and in a chip form
Our server also was mindful of our 30 minute time frame. The bartender and server were very helpful choosing the best options for our taste buds.

We had a great meal here after visiting the Pantages.
Everything was spot on. The owner was attentive and helpful in helping us order. We had many of the dishes on the menu. All were excellent. The restaurant is beautiful with a lovely outdoor patio. Highly recommend the restaurant

I love when a restaurant incorporates Peruvian faire… let’s just hope the LA turnaround time doesn’t affect Asa Meza’s longevity.
I walked into this place the same night a fierce rainstorm terrified everyone in the city. I appreciated the fact that the back of Asa Meza was flooded and they stayed open.
I’m not going to lie — I was so excited about this restaurant I went all out. The hamachi and tuna sashimi was fresh and the perfect size. I also ordered the charcuterie — only a fat sweaty Italian with too much time at the «gemini club» could finish the thinly sliced lamb, chorizo, and pancetta…(and I mean that as the highest compliment).
Sea bass, salmon, shrimp, aji amarillo, sweet potato, and choclo together in a leche de tigre mixture… yes please! The ceviche mixto was everything I could ask for… even the choclo was authentic!
I wish I got more helpings of the chicken anticucho’s — only because it was tasty and the pesto was perfect.
I was SO tempted to order the crab dip… but I’m so grateful I didn’t destroy my gastrointestinal lining that night. Yet you can count on me attacking the Pollo Guisado next time.
Feel free to order as if you were in a party of six, after all, its tapas. Hell, I hope to order all the crudo, soup, salad, small plates, large plates, and sides.

This place is pricey considering portion size but you pay for the ambiance. Nicely decorated and furnished. Many photo opportunities inside and outside.
If you ask for water make sure you aren’t paying for it… It tastes like any regular bottled water.
The food is okay. We ordered a large assortment. My friend got the ceviche and didn’t like that it felt raw although they do cook it lightly. She prefers her seafood completely cooked. I didn’t mind it but it did have the texture and appearance of sashimi. The fried rice was meh. Didn’t finish it. The yucca fries were okay. Dry.
My friend and I loved their fried chicken! And their chocolate lava cake with banana ice cream was good.
The server was really good. She even split all the checks and we had a big party. We didn’t even ask, she insisted on splitting it which was convenient when paying.
We came here before going out dancing in Hollywood. We took some nice pictures here.

3.5 stars. It’s a beautiful place, the inside is a mix of modern and traditional. With really a cool librarian-​look in the dining rooms, very modern bar, and an amazing patio.
What I liked:
The ambiance; and the presentation of the food. While it wasn’t the most tasty nor well-​priced (it was on the high side), each thing we ordered was beautifully presented on rectangular plates. Sitting outside was absolutely lovely.
What I didn’t like (so much):
6 other people were dining here. Sure, it was a Tuesday night and they are fairly new, but still and it can’t go without mentioning, it totally lacked vibe. Service, while nice and funny, was borderline unprofessional. He’s was flirty, talked about how he liked older women (I happened to be dining with 2 older gals, but very attractive), he’s best friend is dating a porn star, etc. Wasn’t necessary at all.
What we ate:
Starting with Hot Wings (double fried gochujang wings, sweet ranch sauce, $ 12, 3.5 stars) and the Cheese Plate (3 types of 2 – 3 slices of each, $ 18, 4.0 stars), Beet Salad (yum and nice portion but where’s the beets?, $ 11. 4.0 stars).
Entrees:
Short Ribs (small portion for a big price: braised pear, sake, soy, kabocha squash farro, $ 27, 4.0 stars), Five Spice Chicken (On the bone made it hard to share easily: Mary’s Farm, five spice marinated chicken, ginger scallion sauce, $ 22, 3.5 stars), Branzino (full body with bones and all wasn’t hardly touched by group, $ 32, 3.0 stars).
Sides:
Eggplant (this is the name they’ve come up with?: garlic, green tomato sambal, chili, dry shrimp, $ 8, 4.5 stars), Yucca Fries (mmm…but eat while they’re hot or they’re icky, $ 5, 4.0 stars).
Desserts:
not memorable, but tried two. Nicely presented.
Summary:
It’s worth giving it a try. Perhaps I didn’t like the food or the vibe too much because they are new. And for the server, down boy!

2.5 stars. I organized a dinner here on Tuesday night with my colleagues before heading off to see Motown at nearby Pantages.
Pros:
— a majority of the food was tasty
— beautiful outside patio (it was especially nice when we went as it was so warm)
— service from our waitresses were good (though our dinner waitress seemed nervous)
— very convenient for pre-​theatre eating
Cons:
— small portions
— very expensive for the type of food you are getting. $ 450 for seven people doesn’t really seem much but I would have expected better quality for that price.
— horrendous service from front staff and especially the manager that night!
Our group consisted of seven people. Two of us arrived exactly at 6pm and I advised the hostess that two will be very late and will follow when they can. I asked if we could already get seated so we could start ordering cocktails and appetizers so they would be ready by the time the other folks arrive (since we needed to catch the show at 8pm). Hostess says we can’t get seated until he whole party was here. I reminded her that two will be late so she conceded and said then we can get seated when five are present. She said we could sit at the bar instead. I said ok that’s fine but when we move to the table, could we have our bill combined as we were going to expense it for work and needed it to be in one dinner bill. She said unfortunately not.
When she kept saying that it was their policy (not seating us until whole party arrived or combining bill), that really set me off. I mean, the restaurant was basically empty except for four people at the bar. I understand the seating policy when it’s a full restaurant but no one else is there! And the whole cannot combine the bill thing???
I went up to the manager and talked to him about it. He already gave off the vibe that he really didn’t care about customer service and again kept alluding to their policy, even though the restaurant was empty! He finally approved the bill combination requesting saying «fine, that i will allow.» Wow.
When five of us were present (by 6:15), I went up to the hostess and said we’re here except for the two i mentioned would be late so please seat us now. She then says that she cannot as they need to be sure the two other people were coming. Wtf?! She already mentioned previously that it was fine and secondly, what if the two actually couldn’t make it? Then they were going to turn us away??? The manager finally told her (begrudgingly though) that it was fine and just seat us.
The rest of the dinner was non-​eventful but the service at the front really ruined it. They had potential to be a nice spot for fun bites and drinks but I was left with a bad taste in my mouth. Our firm spends a lot of money taking and holding events for our ultra high bet worth clients and restaurants appreciate out business. This will not be one of those that we will patronize again in the future.

Was wondering what they were going to do with the old Lexington Social House. Well bravo, because Asa Meza is a welcomed replacement in my book! Chef Joey finally brought the NYC flare I’ve come to know and love of his food to the west coast. We started with SASHIMI, BRASILIAN CHEESE BREAD and CHICKEN WINGS… YUM. I suggest they bottle up that sweet ranch sauce because it may save lives. For entrees we had FIVE SPICE CHICKEN and SHORT RIBS, so good! Great drink menu as well that truly complimented the menu perfectly.
Great staff that made sure the night went smoothly. Even the owners came out to great guests table to table, which is something I’m big on when trying a new place.
BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO! As I sit here and type this at 6:28pm I realize I’ve yet to eat dinner and maybe headed back again. BYEEEEEE
P. S. Molten cake for dessert… the perfect reason for you to get up and run the morning after.

Asa Meza is the total package! This new start up is sure to do well. This is a welcomed addition to Hollywood’s dining scene.
THE SETTING: Hollywood and Vine. Close to the Pantages theater. Located right on Vine, facing the street. Of course there’s traffic and bad parking. I was lucky by scoring metered parking. Valet is offered, but the valet wasn’t there so I just went with my meter.
The layout of the restaurant is very nice! There’s ample space in between the indoor tables. Outside the indoor dining area, offers one of the most charming outdoor seating space that I have seen! This outdoor area is like a charming patio meets little garden nursery with all the foliage here: lavender, orchids, potted plants… it all works! There are lights strung along the the patio, so I’m sure it’s romantic at night. A bar with a TV are in the outdoor dining area, which may or may not be good for sporting events (That’s just what came to my mind). They played easy listening and smooth jazz, making the scene perfect for the Sunday brunch I was there for.
THE SERVICE: Wonderful. The owner, who was sitting in the patio area with his family, brought my order out and explained each item with great detail. He was incredibly hospitable. My server was very pleasant and while although she didn’t know everything about the menu, she made it a point to find out. That’s always better than the «I don’t know.»
THE FOOD: Here’s what I ordered:
*The Mimosa: very good. Strong citrus taste without being overwhelming.
*The Sangria: I didn’t like this as much. It had an after taste that could be likened to cough syrup.
*Huevos Rancheros: Well seasoned, beans with feta cheese crumbles atop cornmeal of some sort. Excellent. I recommend it.
*Short Rib Mangú: Fried egg atop of a plaintain mash/​braised short rib mix. Very good. It reminded me of a softer version of a potato pancake.
*Free Dessert with Unilocal check-​in. I took full advantage. I ordered the Asian Pear+Apple Fritters. Scrumptious! So light and fluffy. Not too sweet, which was perfect for me.
IN CONCLUSION: I thoroughly enjoyed my dining experience. I can’t wait to try more menu items! Asa Meza really met my expectations. The prices are reasonable and the portions sneak up on you, giving you a nice bargain. A good meal, coupled with a beautiful dining space makes this place 5 stars!

A friend opens a new restaurant — you better believe I’ll be there to support his endeavor. And after my experience there — if I lived closer, I’d be there more often.
It’s right off the corner of Hollywood and Vine — so if you’ve ever been to the area, you know what parking is like. If you don’t mind walking, drive up Vine and if you’re lucky, there’s street parking that’s free after a certain time. I parked in the pay lots on Hollywood. Easier to just drop $ 10 than driving around looking. Hoping.
Walked in and I liked what I saw. Modern. New. Nice. I asked to be seated in the Library — or I was told it’s called that because of the design with the bookshelves. There’s outdoor seating as well though our group sat indoors that night.
Service was excellent. Even before our server found out we were friends of one of the owner. Not that we expected preferential treatment but at least for me, I tend to expect decent customer service anywhere I go. Altogether, I believe our group of four ordered most of the menu and there not one plate had any leftovers when all was said and done. I also enjoyed the craft beer selection though I will admit I wish I saw more dark varieties.
I’ll be back again and it’s not just to support a friend — I really enjoyed just about everything about the place.

Guess who’s back? Back again…
The menu has once again morphed into something even better, which I didn’t think was possible but apparently it is.
The Taiwanese sausage (one of my favorites) is still on the menu. My Taiwanese friend said it was on par. Also got to try the new items on the menu, empanadas and Brazilian cheese bread. Empanadas were flaky and had good portion of meat inside, it wasn’t greasy either. The Brazilian cheese bread was appetizing, I could mildly taste the tapioca and it was dense. The only bad thing was that it was hard for me to stop reaching for these little balls of goodness and because they are dense, it becomes filling. Chilaquiles are different now, with carnitas vs beef. Either way, it still a solid dish.
Okay, let’s talk drinks. Mother’s Milk x 2. So delicious. I thought the Oaxacan Sunshine and Strawberry Caipirinha were heavenly but Mother’s Milk takes the cake.
P. S. I’ve been here, in between my last visit and first. I did make it to the crudos and it was mouthwatering. But they’re no longer on the menu. Now if I can only make it to the main menu…

I’ve been thinking, dreaming, fantasizing about the sashimi for days. You can watch it being made fresh to order.
The drunks=amazing. Great looking full bar.
Ceviche, second best item on the menu after sashimi.
This will be my happy hour, post theater, anytime I need food, go to place.
The owner Edgar is so kind and welcoming. For being a new spot the servers know their menu items and are honest.
Banana ICE CREAM… enough said.
The patio area is beautiful and the lights of Hollywood enhance the look even more.

I absolutely loved this place! The ambiance reminds me of being at a friends home and backyard. It has such great vibes that makes you just wanna sit around the wooden tables or outside around the fire pit, drink delicious wine and order every dish they offer!
I can’t wait to try out their full menu when they open fully!