Just as though you were walking down a street in Paris and happened to walk through one of several doors along the skinny sidewalks, stepping through the Palihouse Hotel door is like stepping into a secret courtyard garden. You’d never know what existed behind the door from the look of the exterior, yet just beyond the 4(ish?) story facade is one of the most gorgeous indoor/outdoor, restaurant/hotel lobbies I’ve seen in Los Angeles. True story. There really is something very “European” about the hotel and restaurant’s whole feel, with the gilded gold accents, the black and white floors, the white table cloth tables, etc, but at the same time there’s something very “California” about the whole concept as well. Mardi, the hotel’s restaurant, opened only recently and has already managed to quickly create quite a little buzz around their perfect al fresco dining situation and drool worthy design.
Last weekend I was on the hunt for a new brunch to try with a girlfriend and after seeing my friend Anne Sage‘s GORGEOUS photos of the space, Mardi was at the top of my brunch to-do list. I came in around 11 on Sunday morning and was oddly relieved to see the restaurant so quiet, probably because I was a touch hungover, but it was such a relief to be able to pick a table of my choosing and relax in the open air courtyard in peace. As the afternoon went on more people came in, but there wasn’t a point that it felt like it got “busy” – depending on your preference that could be a good thing or a not-so-good thing. I personally enjoyed being able to take in the space as if it were in on some exclusive secret garden club. I genuinely enjoyed Mardi and could spend many-a afternoons and warm summer evenings on that patio, but for me the highlight was the space and the experience it gave you being immersed in it. So long as you’ve got a bite and a cocktail somewhere on your table though, you’re definitely doing it right.
Favorite Beverage | I’m a mimosa kind of girl on Sunday mornings, and even though I didn’t get one last weekend (hungover, remember) it’s worth noting that starting this weekend Mardi will be offering a bottomless mimosa option! I couldn’t possibly think of a more picturesque place to have all the mimosas ever.
Must Order | I ordered the avocado toast, the eggs benedict, and a side of bacon. All were good, not life changing but still good – the bacon was probably my favorite oddly enough. My friend Anne ordered a bit differently and raves about the buckwheat pancakes though and the house smoked sausage. The menu is quite large and filled with familiar items, the prices though aren’t exactly those brunch prices I’m typically used to. Most dishes are priced around $14-$24 which makes wanting to order one of everything a bit difficult, but that doesn’t mean it’s not necessarily worth it. *sharing is caring*
Perfect Spot For | al fresco dining // large parties // Instagramming // design inspo // walk-ins // cocktails & wine // romantic setting // a place to impress
Pro Tip | This weekend Mardi will begin to offer live music and bottomless mimosas during brunch on the weekends!
// MARDI // Palihouse: 8465 Holloway Dr. West Hollywood, CA 90069
HOURS
DINNER: Tuesday – Sunday 5:30 pm – close
ALL DAY MENU: Monday – Sunday 7 am – 3 pm
BRUNCH: Saturday – Sunday 10 am – 3 pm
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