RDEN Bar & Restaurant, the city’s latest culinary sensation, has opened in Hollywood combining Hollywood glamour and culinary excellence. This establishment offers a dining and drinking experience that seamlessly weaves together the timeless charm of old Hollywood with the pinnacle of modern culinary artistry. Nestled on the street level of the iconic Taft Building, RDEN will swiftly become the epicenter of Hollywood’s dining scene, drawing in both locals and visitors with its magnetic allure.
Steeped in history, the Taft Building, constructed in 1923, is a veritable Hollywood landmark. Positioned in close proximity to the illustrious Pantages Theater and the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Taft Building has witnessed the ebbs and flows of Tinseltown’s illustrious past.
Guiding RDEN’s culinary odyssey is Chef de Cuisine Noe Olivera, a maestro in his field. Olivera’s menu reveres classic steakhouse offerings while infusing them with modern global twists. Appetizers like the zesty Spicy Hummus and Lavash Chips, the tantalizing Peruvian Ceviche, and the opulent Charcuterie pave the way for a gastronomic adventure. The Salad section presents creations like the vibrant Summer Beet Salad, the refreshing Sunomono Crab Salad, the seaweed-infused Wakame Salad, and the succulent Albacore, ensuring a delight for every palate.
However, it is Olivera’s Entrées that truly command the spotlight, with Hollywood classics receiving a contemporary makeover. Dishes such as the indulgent Uni Pasta, the harmonious Surf & Turf, and the awe-inspiring 32 oz Wagyu
Tomahawk dance on the taste buds, displaying Chef Noe’s culinary mastery. Sides like the decadent Lobster Tail with Butter, the velvety Mac & Cheese, and the signature Brussels Sprouts round off the unforgettable dining experience.
Adding an extra layer of excellence, Executive Sushi & Omakase Chef Tommy Ko brings over two decades of sushi expertise to the table. At the intimate six-seat Omakase Bar, Chef Tommy crafts unique, chef’s choice Omakase menus for the adventurous diner. A complete Sushi menu also enchants patrons with traditional Rolls, Sashimi & Carpaccio, and Nigiri Sushi & Sashimi, ensuring there’s something for every sushi connoisseur.
Complementing the delectable cuisine is the RDEN Bar, a grand homage to Hollywood’s Golden Era. Adorned with a resplendent marble bar top, opulent chandeliers, and a well-stocked back bar, it stands as a haven for cocktail enthusiasts. The cocktail program features delights such as the Beautiful Garden, Japanese Martini, Florecita, and the signature RDEN Old Fashioned.
RDEN Bar & Restaurant offers an exquisite dining experience across its various spaces, including a glamorous upstairs dining room with panoramic views of Hollywood Blvd., a sleek omakase bar, and a stunning patio for alfresco dining beneath the celestial canopy.
By Kinya Claiborne, STYLE & SOCIETY
Photo Credit: Ryan Tanaka