True, it may be put together by students but they’re last-quarter Art Institute culinary students which means if they’re cooking in Bistro 31, they have previously honed their skills. Reviews I’ve read compliment the excellent fare but put down the chefs as servers. You have to call ahead to reserve a space for lunch and dinner and get there early since the more crowded it gets, the longer you gotta wait for your food apparently. From what I understand, meals like this usually cost at least twice the amount the bistro charges so a little wait seems a small price to pay.

From CitySearch:

Dishes feature vegetables balanced on potato bases and plates dotted with colorful sauces. The menu changes frequently, but may include seared sea scallops in passion-fruit buerre blanc, tequila-lime barbecue ribs, or classic coq a vin.

Lunch items include:

Tequila Lime BBQ Ribs: Garlic mashed potatoes and Southern Slaw, $7.95

Sherry-Honey Glazed Salmon: Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Steamed Spinach dressed with a White Wine Vinaigrette, $6.25

For dinner, some items are:

Tournedos of Beef with Roquefort served with Mashed Potatoes and Julienne Carrots, $12.95

Roasted Veal Chops with Riesling served with Mashed Potatoes and Steamed Broccoli, $14.95

Coq a Vin: Chicken with Carrots and Mashed Potatoes, $9.95

For dessert, you gotta try the Bananas Foster which is prepared tableside with Brown Sugar, Liquor Sauce (for two or more), $9.50

I keep meaning to check out this place for the bananas foster presentation alone but am too lazy to make a reservation. But one day, one day, I will and I’ll let you know how it is.

The Art Institute of California–Los Angeles
2900 31st Street
Santa Monica, California 90405
Reservations (310) 314-6057

Hours of Operation
Monday thru Wednesday
Lunch 11:30am-2pm
Dinner 6:30pm-9pm