Hollywood’s pre-show dinner scene has a new option in Gable, a live-fire restaurant that recently opened in the lobby of the historic Hollywood Roosevelt hotel. Named after a classic movie star, Gable takes over the space formerly occupied by the French-leaning Shirley Brasserie.
The hotel, which is set to celebrate its 100th anniversary next year, aims for Gable to honor both Los Angeles's storied past and its dynamic present. This vision translates into a menu that features distinctly modern touches alongside a New American-ish bill of fare, infused with Korean influences.
The kitchen is helmed by Chris Flint, an alum of acclaimed restaurants Maude and Eleven Madison Park. Among the unique offerings on the menu is a cheesy bulgogi and kimchi pizza, which takes inspiration from Koreatown icon Sun Nong Dan. Seafood enthusiasts might opt for the family-style branzino, presented bossam-style with accompanying lettuce, perilla leaves, and two kinds of salsa, suggesting a communal dining experience.
Beyond the food, Gable also features a cocktail program crafted by Chad Austin, known for his work at Bar Benjamin and Palm Springs’s esteemed Bootlegger Tiki. Reports from a recent late September visit note a light Japanese whiskey welcome cocktail, preceding other precisely made drinks.
The cocktail list itself is thoughtfully structured, divided into four distinct sections: “spirited,” “whimsical,” “bright,” and “spiritless.” This approach integrates unconventional ingredients that might surprise some, such as tahini, gochujang, and charred corn. Drinks like the rhum-based Cosmic Joke have been noted for their balance, alongside an exceptionally smooth take on a dirty vodka martini. Even non-alcoholic options, such as the Bangarang, flavored with fermented cantaloupe and lime, are described as going down smoothly.
Gable aims to serve a variety of occasions, positioning itself as an elegant choice for dinner before a show at venues like the Pantages or a concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Its setup also makes it suitable for business dinners or private events, with a dining room that offers a cordoned-off area ideal for larger groups.
For those looking to extend their evening, the Spare Room, one of Los Angeles’s notable drinking venues, is located upstairs in the hotel, offering additional drinks and bowling after dinner at Gable.
