In the mood for a great dinner and wonderful attentive service? Then get going to Buddha’s Belly. Ladies and Gentlemen the greatest Pan-Asia restaurant I have been lately in Los Angeles area. I was surprised that for being in town all this time, just found out about this place lately and what a great dining experience we had. It was such an inviting experience that I can’t wait to go back for more.

 

The service is great, the atmosphere is casual, designed with the principles of Feng Shui, it has a bamboo and Buddha theme, with lanterns, comfortable tables and an open kitchen and bar. Great selection of Hot Sake, Chilled Sake, Wines, Beers, Herbal Tonics, Coffee and Teas. I had the best Mojito ever, and also a
delicious Soju Vodka infused with Lychee fruit.

 

Some of the most beautifully presented and tasty food we have seen and tried.

Buddha’s Belly has a wonderful eclectic Pan-Asian Menu, which includes a
variety of great dishes that you can’t miss, as starters we choose a variety of appetizers recommended by our friendly waiter.

We had the Spicy Ahi Tuna Tartare; a shushi-gred ahi tuna, giner, green onion, cucumber, wasabi flying fish roe, daikon sprouts, accompanied by crispy and
crunchy won ton chips, great choice to start our meal.


Spicy Ahi Tuna Tartare

Coming along we tried the special Rock Shrimp Tempura that comes only on Monday’s and Thrusday’s; this dish really rocks and the portion was big as well!

The Albacore and Avocado Spring Roll; seared albacore tuna, avocado, shiso leaf, daikon radish salad on a ponzu drizzle, no doubt another good choice.

 
Albacore and Avocado Spring Roll                   Rock Shrimp Tempura          
         
There was also another appetizer that I wanted to taste, and it was new to me called; Shao Bing; it had 6 little sandwiches with sirloin steak, chicken breast, Chinese sesame bread, cilantro on a ginger sauce. The flavors were really great, and this dish alone, is a meal by itself! Great choice.


Shao Bing

And finally the Crispy Soft Shell Crab; simply “F a n t a s t i c”, very tender juice pieces of crab that if you are a crab lover, this is a true fest for the soul…

If we were hungry? Well, I must say that just those appetizers were pretty filling but we have a job to do, and we need to try the entrees, certainly we did not feel regret, it was a combination of absolutely unforgettable dishes, with great taste and presentation, and the flavors were unbeatable, rich and delicious.


Crispy Soft Shell Crab

The menu gives Pan-Asian food classics a contemporary tweak; dishes are artfully presented, with many delicious and spicy sauces. Also signature salads include Spicy Crispy Calamary Salad, a lightly-fried calamari with mixed greens, red onion, glass noddles on a green curry vinaigrette… This one is great as well!


Crispy Calamary Salad

The variety of main dishes are truly great, from Seafood, Meat, Chicken and Vegetarian, you will not be disappointed, the food is extremely good, and the Japanese-Style Baked Alaskan Black Cod, it is so fresh you can taste the seawater, it comes in a box with broccoli and white rice, this is a must have fish, delicious, tender and fresh! definitely exceptional.  
Japanese-Style Baked Alaskan Black Cod

Also Teriyaki Salmon fish, was fresh, came with broccoli and white rice, very tender and the Salmon was also delicious.

 
Teriyaki Salmon                                            Pad Thai   

The desserts if you can find room are wonderful, we had the The trio of Mochi Ice Cream; green tea, red bean and cappuccino are to die for, you may also try the other delicious desserts that we did not have any space for, but will certainly return for more; among them are the Creamy Coconut Sorbet, Hot Sesame Buns, Coconut Tapioca Pudding, all these are great desserts to finish your meal.  
Trio of Mochi Ice Cream

The restaurant also offers seating outdoor for 90 guests, and also offers off and on-premise catering. They also have a comfortable Bamboo Room, located on the east side of the restaurant which accommodates up to 44 guests for dining and 60 guests for cocktail receptions.

I would like to give a special thank you to Jonathan Chu – founder and
owner who was extremely friendly and who kindly invited us over and also
thank the fabulous chef: Hisashi Yoshiara who is recognized to bring talent
and joy to each of his unique dishes.

The delights of the sea are here and in bountiful portions. If Pan-Asian
food is on your heart then a trip to Buddha's Belly is a must.

For map and location click Here!

For more information please visit their website at www.bbfood.com