Discover New Restaurant Midtown Bar and Kitchen on Melrose

For those of us who have lived in the area for awhile, perhaps one of the most unexpected transformations is happening along Melrose at Larchmont. A recent addition to the area is the new restaurant – Midtown Bar and Kitchen – which is adjacent to Osteria Mamma on Melrose. It’s a contemporary spot with many attributes the neighborhood will truly enjoy.

The restaurant is a collaboration between Maximillian Mamikunian & Marko Shafer (owners of acclaimed Hollywood music venue The Hotel Cafe), Filippo Cortivo (Osteria Mamma) and Nora Schaefer (fashion filmographer and photographer). Shafer, who lives near the LA Tennis Club, told the Buzz how important it was to develop a spot that delivers on a variety of things locals look for – great ambiance, delicious food and a selection of good wines. In our opinion, they hit on all points.

Upon entering the space, the inviting bar screams “yes, we do have time for a cocktail.” It’s a nice, wide bar area (Calcutta Gold marble) – with classic cocktails served in sophisticated bar-ware, under warm lighting. A great meeting spot for after work or before dinner.

The dining area is subtly separated into spaces that will keep it fresh every time you dine at Midtown…each with a unique feel. If you are dining with a small group (4-5), perhaps the best conversation space resides in the u-shaped banquettes that sit a bit higher than the rest of the restaurant. There’s also a room that can serve as a special place for parties of 8-12. But no matter where you sit – the tasting style menu is where the adventure really begins.

While the menu changes in order to incorporate seasonal fare, there are lots of classic favorites done up with a twist. You can count on a reliable foundation of small plates and tasty sides  – from the Avocado Salad (avocado, corn, grape tomatoes and red onions); to the Black Truffle and Duck Salami and the Grilled Lamb Chop Balsamic.

Midtown Bar and Kitchen presents a neighborhood dining option that Larchmont Village can be proud of. “The Hotel Cafe was our project in our 20s – now that we’re a bit more grown up, Midtown is our place for our 30s “, Shafer told the Buzz. Introduce yourself to Marko when you drop in – he’s there early most nights and as a local, he definitely embraces the neighborhood, wanting to know the familiar faces who come to drink or dine.