When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
Girl & the Goat Los Angeles
Why Girl & the Goat Los Angeles is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles at 555 Mateo Street, Girl & the Goat stands out as a premier destination for food lovers seeking a vibrant, social dining experience. The restaurant offers a modern American menu with bold global influences, thoughtfully crafted by Chef Stephanie Izard and her team. This culinary gem embraces the bounty of California's local produce and long growing seasons, resulting in a unique fusion of flavors that resonate with both locals and visitors alike. The spacious and sunny indoor dining room creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, ideal for gatherings with friends and family. Whether meeting for weekend brunch — including popular dishes like the potato crepe — or enjoying dinner featuring savory offerings like roasted oysters, goat curry, and a variety of creative small plates, Girl & the Goat consistently provides an elevated dining experience. The lively ambiance combined with an inventive cocktail menu, such as the distinctive Farmer’s Market Margarita with celery root and orange masala salt, make it a perfect spot to celebrate special occasions or casual meetups. With flexible dining hours including brunch on Sundays and dinner midweek, this restaurant is an accessible and exciting venue for any social outing in LA's bustling downtown scene.
Here's what people think of Girl & the Goat Los Angeles
As of recent, Girl & the Goat Los Angeles holds a 4.8-star rating based on 2974 reviews.
User reviews paint a glowing picture of Girl & the Goat Los Angeles, reflected in its impressive 4.8-star rating from nearly 3,000 reviewers. Reviewers frequently highlight the exceptional quality and creativity of the food as a significant draw, noting the fusion of bold, global flavors that distinguish the menu. Many visitors appreciate the innovative dishes that showcase seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, often mentioning standout items such as the heirloom tomato salad, chickpea fritters with goat yogurt, herb chutney, and tamarind, as well as the perfectly crafted cocktails. The ambiance receives consistent praise for being lively yet comfortable, making it a fantastic venue for celebrations, casual dinners, or brunch gatherings. Positive reviews emphasize attentive and friendly service, adding to the overall enjoyable dining experience. However, some negative comments focus on aspects typical of popular restaurants, such as occasional wait times and the high demand making reservations necessary. A few reviewers note that prices are on the higher side, reflecting the upscale nature of the venue and quality of ingredients. Despite these minor critiques, the consensus is overwhelmingly favorable, with most diners recommending Girl & the Goat as one of the best restaurants in the Los Angeles area for both food quality and atmosphere, making it a top choice for locals and tourists seeking innovative American cuisine in a contemporary setting.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Morgan Dixon (The L & T MD)
Beautifully creative flavors and fresh takes on familiar foods. Really enjoyed the surprises we experienced with the food pairings. Portions are designed to share. Heirloom Tomato dish was my fave! Bright, airy dining room with relatively friendly staff. Very homogenous clientele/staff that were not the most welcoming but that didn’t deter from our experience too much. Reservations required as it is a popular location. Paid garage parking nearby with elevator access.
Andreas Kaiser
Long on my to-go-list, we finally did it and found it a magnificent experience. The modern interior is very stylish, cool and comfi, even though the chairs are less comfi. The staff was a bit anonymous and lacked the personal touch and attentiveness. But forget about the latter two issues: The food was perfect!!!! I/we really enjoyed the sophisticated combination of flavors and presentation in every single item we chose: naan and dips, liver mousse, beet salad, chili Sichuan basted bass, tadka crunch chicken, carrots, and Hamachi poke. Even the mocktail (sun rise spritz) was a wonderful starter. Definitely remains on the fav list. (Originally posted by me on Yelp)
L L
Had to make a visit after hearing all the hype. I’ll admit, the flavors are good - well‑balanced and nicely executed but nothing that really blew me away or felt worth the buzz. all in all decent meal, but definitely over‑hyped in my opinion. glad I tried it once, but not sure I’d rush back. reservations are absolutely required.
Jen
Came here for brunch on a Sunday, and it was about a 20 minute wait. The ambiance was cute and modern. Here’s what we got: - Crabby Benedict ($32): 3/5 stars - This was a pork belly dish on top of crumpets. The pork belly was solid, although a little on the dry side. The crumpet was dense and heavy - Goat Curry Omelette ($36): 4/5 stars - This was such a unique dish with a good curry flavor. The goat was tasty, although not the most tender, and there wasn’t much meat. The omelette was tasty with a lot of rice inside. - Brunch potatoes ($16): 1/5 stars - Not memorable and nothing special. Our group barely touched this dish. - Short rib chilaquiles ($36): 1/5 stars - Barely any short ribs, and some pieces were completely burnt. The chilaquiles were too fried/battered/greasy - PB&J pancakes ($23): 5/5 stars - The texture of the sourdough pancakes was so good! It was thick and soft. The pancakes were very sweet - I like sweets, but it might be overly sweet if you’re not a sweets person. There were these crunchy pieces on the pancakes that were sooo good! Overall, the best items in my opinion were the PB&J pancakes and goat curry omelette, but all the other dishes were either average or disappointing. For the price, I expected all the dishes to wow me.
Bobby Wong
I had the pleasure of celebrating my birthday at Girl and the Goat, and it was an unforgettable experience thanks to both the incredible food and the warm atmosphere. My sister treated me, and we ordered a spread of dishes that showcased the creativity and bold flavors this restaurant is known for. We started with the goat liver mousse, which was silky, rich, and perfectly balanced with its accompaniments. The grilled oysters had a beautiful smokiness while still being fresh and briny. The sautéed green beans—a dish I’d heard so much about—absolutely lived up to the hype with their savory, garlicky punch. For mains, the tedka crunch chicken was crispy, flavorful, and playful in texture, while the goat curry was deeply spiced and comforting without being overwhelming. The standout, though, was the sticky glazed pork shank—fall-off-the-bone tender, with layers of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that made it impossible to stop eating. Every plate felt thoughtful and exciting, and the service was attentive without being overbearing. It was the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion, and I left with a full heart (and stomach!). Highly recommend Girl and the Goat for anyone who wants an adventurous, flavor-packed dining experience.
How to reach Girl & the Goat Los Angeles
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Why Girl & the Goat Los Angeles may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Girl & the Goat Los Angeles with your friends?
Gathering your friends at Girl & the Goat Los Angeles is an exceptional choice for a vibrant and memorable meetup. This acclaimed restaurant boasts a stellar 4.8-star rating from nearly 3,000 reviews, reflecting its consistent ability to impress diners with its atmosphere, food, and service. The moment you step inside, you're enveloped by a sleek, modern design set within a lively yet comfortable space in the Arts District. Its ambiance strikes the perfect balance between energetic and intimate, creating the ideal backdrop for friends to reconnect, laugh, and enjoy an evening out without battling noise or overcrowding. The restaurant’s menu is built around small, shareable plates that encourage communal dining, making it perfect for groups who want to taste a variety of innovative dishes together. This family-style approach not only sparks conversation but transforms a meal into a shared experience, strengthening bonds. Couple this with expert wine and cocktail pairings and attentive yet warm service, and you have a venue that feels less like a restaurant and more like a gathering place where friends can rally for a celebration, casual catch-up, or special occasion.
What activities and dining experiences make Girl & the Goat perfect for a group meetup?
At Girl & the Goat, your meetups are elevated by a wealth of experiences centered on social dining and sensory exploration. The core activity here is the tasting of a globally influenced menu specializing in creative small plates that blend unexpected flavors and ingredients. Diners delight in dishes like the acclaimed goat curry or roasted oysters—each plate designed to be shared rather than consumed solo. This sharing format means your group can sample multiple adventurous dishes without overwhelming individual appetites, perfect for diverse tastes and dietary preferences. The restaurant also features a lively bar with clever cocktails and high-quality wines suggested by an expert sommelier, which makes enjoying drinks part of the communal activity. The ambiance is set with quirky, artsy décor and sleek brick-lined interiors, supplemented by an airy outdoor seating area to enjoy California’s famous weather with friends. Unlike some upscale eateries, the atmosphere at Girl & the Goat remains friendly and approachable—no “LA snootiness”—ensuring everyone in your group feels welcome and at ease. This combination of excellent food, drinks, and a convivial environment gives your meetups a dynamic rhythm and lasting impression.
How does the menu at Girl & the Goat encourage sharing and conversation?
The menu philosophy at Girl & the Goat revolves around creating a five-part small plates experience that encourages diners to order multiple dishes for the table to share. This style naturally promotes interaction and engagement, as everyone tastes and discusses each plate’s unique blend of flavors. The food itself is crafted to challenge and delight with combinations that can surprise—such as shrimp paired with strawberries and pickled vegetables or corn glazed with coconut caramel. These unusual but harmonious mixes invite curiosity and debate among friends, stimulating lively conversation around the table. The portion sizes are deliberately designed to be communal—large enough to split but not so big that someone's plate dominates the meal—supporting a vibe of inclusivity and sharing. From the thrilling goat carpaccio praised for its sublime taste to standout items like the pork belly salad and chickpea dish praised for brightness and depth, each dish offers a talking point and a memorable taste sensation. The menu’s diversity means groups with different palates will find something to enjoy and discuss, making it a perfect spot for exploratory dining with friends or family.
What makes the ambiance of Girl & the Goat suitable for group gatherings?
The ambiance at Girl & the Goat Los Angeles is crafted to foster a lively but comfortable group dining experience. Located in the trendy Arts District, the restaurant features a spacious, modern interior with exposed brick walls, sleek furnishings, and plant accents that create a relaxed yet chic urban vibe. The space buzzes with energy from happy diners without becoming overwhelming, so conversations flow easily even when the restaurant is busy. Additionally, the restaurant offers flexible seating arrangements, including indoor tables for intimate group dinners and a pleasant outdoor patio that benefits from Los Angeles’ temperate climate—ideal for gatherings that spill into the evening. The attentive yet unpretentious staff helps ensure that everyone feels cared for, fostering a welcoming atmosphere that encourages groups to linger over plates and drinks. The carefully curated soundtrack and lighting amplify the ambiance, making it neither too bright nor too dark, which is often a challenge at bigger group venues. Whether your group is celebrating a milestone or simply catching up, the atmosphere at Girl & the Goat effortlessly balances bustle and intimacy to support your social experience.
Why are the cocktails and wine selections at Girl & the Goat integral to group meetups?
In addition to its food, Girl & the Goat features an imaginative cocktail program and thoughtful wine pairings that enhance the social dining experience. Each cocktail is crafted with creativity and care, designed to complement the food’s diverse flavors rather than compete with them—making drinks an adventure in their own right. While some reviews hint that the cocktails might not be the absolute highlight, the wide selection offers something for everyone, from classic styles with a twist to original concoctions. The presence of a sommelier who provides expert wine recommendations tailored to the group’s meal adds another layer of sophistication and harmony to your dining experience. Sharing bottles of wine or rounds of cocktails is a ritual that naturally brings groups together, supporting toasts, conversation, and a sense of occasion. Moreover, the bar’s informal yet skilled bartenders create a social hub inside the restaurant where friends can mingle or start their evenings before seating. This dynamic interplay between drink and food turns your visit into a full sensory and social event, underscoring why Girl & the Goat is an outstanding choice for meetups.
What makes Girl & the Goat stand out compared to other group dining options in Los Angeles?
Girl & the Goat differentiates itself through its unique culinary vision, design, and hospitality. Unlike many restaurants that offer either formal dining or casual atmospheres, it strikes a rare balance by combining sophisticated, globally inspired cuisine with a friendly, unpretentious vibe. Its menu’s distinct fusion of flavors is adventurous without being inaccessible, inviting groups to step outside comfort zones together while still feeling assured of excellent taste quality. Positioned in the dynamic Arts District, it benefits from a creative neighborhood energy that attracts a diverse crowd, creating a rich social fabric for your meetup. The glowing 4.8 rating from thousands of reviews reflects a high level of consistent satisfaction, particularly praising the attentive service staff who make group experiences smooth and enjoyable. Compared to similar venues, the restaurant’s price point is considered reasonable for the quality and innovation offered, making it possible to host memorable evenings without an exorbitant cost. While some criticisms exist around specific dishes or portions, the overall consensus highlights an engaging mix of ambiance, excellent food, and a culture of sharing that few places replicate with such flair.
How can planning a meetup at Girl & the Goat enhance your social bonds?
Planning a gathering at Girl & the Goat can deepen social bonds by offering a shared sensory adventure and relaxed environment conducive to connection. The communal sharing of small plates encourages active participation and mutual discovery as everyone samples and discusses the menu’s highlights. This breaks down formal dining barriers, making the meal feel more like a collective event rather than individual orders. The blend of bold, inventive flavors paired with quality drinks engages multiple senses, which neuroscientific studies suggest can increase positive emotional experiences and strengthen memory—important ingredients for lasting social bonds. The comfortable yet exciting ambiance allows friends and family to both celebrate important events and enjoy everyday moments, fostering intimacy. Attentive, personalized service reduces distractions, ensuring groups stay focused on each other. In sum, Girl & the Goat offers not just a meal, but an occasion where food, drink, and atmosphere combine to create meaningful shared memories.
What practical considerations should groups know before meeting at Girl & the Goat?
For a smooth group meetup at Girl & the Goat, there are several practical points to keep in mind. Reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant’s popularity and limited seating, especially on weekends and evenings. Groups should plan to share plates family-style and order multiple dishes to experience the full range, considering the menu’s moderate portion sizes designed for sharing rather than individual servings. Those with dietary restrictions can expect some flexibility, but it’s advisable to communicate these needs ahead of time to the staff. The restaurant operates from 5 pm most evenings with later closing times on weekends, and brunch service is available on Sundays, providing options for different meetups times. Parking in the Arts District can be challenging, so carpooling, rideshares, or nearby parking facilities are practical options. Finally, the restaurant’s lively but conversation-friendly ambiance makes it well suited for groups seeking interactive yet relaxed dining, so it is less ideal for very large, rowdy parties but perfect for groups of friends or families who want to share and savor together.