Bocca - I hope word catches on before it’s too late.
Thursday, August 14, 2008 20:24
Bocca: Steakhouse Fusion Lounge
Encino, CA
I can’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon then relaxing over lunch and a glass of wine. And save a few minor drawbacks, Bocca in Encino, offered just that.
My boyfriend and I got to Bocca around 1pm and found the restaurant e-m-p-t-y…empty! I felt sad for the place. With it’s clean line, modern feel and inviting atrium and patio, this spot is perfect for a leisurely lunch (and probably a romantic night out too.)
We were greeted right away, and since we had our choice of tables, picked a nice spot by the window. The wine list was decent, if not overly inventive. I had a glass of Savignon Blanc, a perfect choice for a balmy Sunday nosh.
We browsed the menu, and while I’m always a little scared when the offerings are all over the map, as was the case with Bocca, they call themselves a “fusion” steakhouse and lounge, so I reserved judgment. I just wondered how well one can do Antipasto, Tuna Tartar, and Mini Beef Tacos. Instead of a standard appetizer I started off with the Creamy Wild Mushroom with Hazelnut Soup.
For $6.00 it was a decent portion. I wasn’t in love with the way it looked, but then again, it is pureed mushrooms, what can you expect? The flavor was really nice. Rich, meaty, earthy. If I had eaten nothing but that, I would have left satisfied.
We also ordered a sandwich which came with a side salad.
It was a very decent sized portion. While it was a very simple salad, I will say the greens and veggies were exceptionally crisp and fresh. The balsamic vinaigrette was also creamy with a good tang. Since their sign says they are a steakhouse, and since we weren’t prepared to scarf down a full steak meal, we compromised and got the Steak Sandwich. For around $12 we thought it was a pretty nice size. They also served bbq and steak size on the side. And if you love sauces, for the dippin’, like I do, this is a nice touch.
We ordered it medium rare and it was cooked perfectly. The roll and veggies were also really good. I just found the seasoning a bit lacking, there was nothing about the flavor of the meat that made it a stand out. I felt I could have seasoned it better at home.
Since we only tried 3 things, I can’t truly give this place a 100% thumbs up or thumbs down. I liked the feel of the space, but do love the energy of a bustling restaurant, which Bocca lacked. I will certainly give it another try, going on another day, at a traditionally busier time. And next time maybe I’ll get crazy and order something Mexican, something Italian and something Asian inspired! When I do I’ll report back here asap.
Bocca - Steakhouse/Fusion/Lounge
16610 Ventura Blvd. Encino, CA 91436
818.905.5855
By Erinn (see more of her posts). You can find more of Erinn's writing at her own website Sunday Dish.
California Girl says:
August 15th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Hi Erinn! I live right near Bocca. It’s quite good!
And FYI, it is a kosher steakhouse, so there are times when it is PACKED! When everyone leaves temple on Saturday (after shabbat is over) the place is rockin and rollin.
So their business is quite good - at times that coincide with the religious lifestyle :)
Erinn says:
August 15th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Hey there,
So glad to hear that, it’s such a good space I would have been sad to think it was not successful.
I was not aware they were kosher either, a very cool tidbit.
thanks for the info!
Jim Cook says:
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:10 pm
I made reservations at BOCCA’s as we have viewed it being built next to Maria’s and decided it was time to try. We were seated at a table where the wife looked at the wall behind me, but let it pass instead of asking for another table. There were only two other tables occupied. We ordered appetizers and glasses of champagne as it was my wife’s B-Day. I mentioned this to the waiter, John, but requested nothing special for her at all. We waited close to 20 minutes for the champagne to arrive, and it was flat and tasteless. We let it pass without comment. Appetizers were delicious and entries arrived with glasses of Cabernet which were drinkable. After dinner, John brought out a slice of cake with a candle and we were surprised and enjoyed it. The Bill arrived and birthday sorbet was charged as well? This was the very first time we have ever paid for something like a birthday slice of cake etc. as we did not order it, and every restaurant in the US and Europe will provide something tiny like this at no charge for a birthday or special day, at NO charge. Food was good, not great. Service was very slow and dinner was expensive overall. We tried it, but won’t be back.
Good luck to all and hope Bocca improves on some things.