I was invited to a birthday dinner at Avra last week and left genuinely impressed. After living in Los Angeles for years and dining at many well-known restaurants, it’s rare for a place to truly surprise me, but Avra did exactly that. The appetizers were outstanding. The calamari was perfectly prepared- light, crisp, and delicate without being overly heavy or salty. Our table of eight enjoyed it so much that we ended up ordering multiple plates. The Avra chips, a mix of zucchini and eggplant chips, were another highlight. Even for someone who isn’t usually a fan of eggplant, the combination was excellent and very well executed. The octopus was also exceptional, with a perfect texture and flavor that stood out among many versions I’ve tried elsewhere. By the time the entrees arrived we were already fairly full from the appetizers, but my Dover sole was beautifully prepared and showcased the delicate flavors the dish is known for. The overall atmosphere was lively and welcoming, and the experience made a strong impression. I’ll definitely be returning soon—next time with my family.
Avra Beverly Hills
Excerpts
I was invited to a birthday dinner at Avra last week and left genuinely impressed. After living in Los Angeles for years and dining at many well-known restaurants, it’s rare for a place to truly surprise me, but Avra did exactly that. The appetizers were outstanding. The calamari was perfectly prepared- light, crisp, and delicate without being overly heavy or salty. Our table of eight enjoyed it so much that we ended up ordering multiple plates. The Avra chips, a mix of zucchini and eggplant chips, were another highlight. Even for someone who isn’t usually a fan of eggplant, the combination was excellent and very well executed. The octopus was also exceptional, with a perfect texture and flavor that stood out among many versions I’ve tried elsewhere. By the time the entrees arrived we were already fairly full from the appetizers, but my Dover sole was beautifully prepared and showcased the delicate flavors the dish is known for. The overall atmosphere was lively and welcoming, and the experience made a strong impression. I’ll definitely be returning soon—next time with my family.
The hostess was warm and welcoming and thoughtfully accommodated our request for outdoor seating. Although it was raining, the covered patio was comfortable and well set up, making for a relaxed and enjoyable meal. Everything we ordered was excellent. The food was fresh, beautifully prepared, and full of flavor. The coffee, in particular, stood out—rich and well made, which is always appreciated. Our server, Alex, was exceptional. I was especially impressed by her deep knowledge of the different fish offerings. Being able to personally select your own fish and have it prepared to order is a wonderful touch—it immediately brought back memories of doing the same in Italy. The octopus and fish we chose were both outstanding, perfectly cooked and seasoned. I also really loved the pasta-and-fish combination, which was both comforting and elevated. We will absolutely be returning to try another fish dish.
The hostess was warm and welcoming and thoughtfully accommodated our request for outdoor seating. Although it was raining, the covered patio was comfortable and well set up, making for a relaxed and enjoyable meal. Everything we ordered was excellent. The food was fresh, beautifully prepared, and full of flavor. The coffee, in particular, stood out—rich and well made, which is always appreciated. Our server, Alex, was exceptional. I was especially impressed by her deep knowledge of the different fish offerings. Being able to personally select your own fish and have it prepared to order is a wonderful touch—it immediately brought back memories of doing the same in Italy. The octopus and fish we chose were both outstanding, perfectly cooked and seasoned. I also really loved the pasta-and-fish combination, which was both comforting and elevated. We will absolutely be returning to try another fish dish.
Lunch was such a vibe! Hummus is included with the table. We had Greek salads for our starters, Octopus and Fried Dorado for the main and orange and strawberry cheesecake for dessert. We enjoyed it all. Beautiful atmosphere. Very fresh seafood. Definitely worth your time if in Beverly Hills.