Amid the hustle and bustle on Sawtelle, Restaurant 2117 stands like a peaceful oasis in the crowded frenzy that prevails. Blissfully free of throngs of people crowding outside, Restaurant 2117 serves excellent Japanese-European food in its own understated manner.

Restaurant 2117 is our go to special occasion restaurant for birthdays and anniversaries, always available on short-notice.  While it’s not a restaurant that would normally come to mind as being kid-friendly, it’s brightly lit and peaceful so that one can converse without yelling. My daughter has been eating here since she was a wee one. While other restaurants have made her feel uncomfortable, she’s been eating here without worry for years.

If one is not too hungry, order a few of the appetizers instead of an entree. The appetizers here really shine, like the ahi tuna tartare on won ton crisps (pictured at the top). The Japanese tai snapper carpaccio is also another winner.

My daughter, lacking the adventuresome spirit, always gets the spaghettini with tomato sauce. While it’s not on the menu, they will happily accomodate the request (unlike our experience at the now defunct Bucato).

I tend to veer towards one of the meat dishes. This visit was the grilled half chicken that came with potatoes and vegetables. I had feared that it might be too much food, but I am ashamed to report that I polished off the entire dish.

Recently, Restaurant 2117 introduced “Sawtellini” to their menu – a housemade pasta available in both Italian and Japanese dishes. The Satwellini has a nice bite to it, compared to the regular pasta. My husband ordered it with scallops.

Normally my daughter finishes off the meal with a piece of flourless chocolate cake, a dense, rich slice that a normal person would normally manage a couple of bites, but somehow she devours the entire slice.

Unfortunately for the owners, Restaurant 2117 isn’t as busy as the other restaurants on Sawtelle. With its higher price point, eating here is a rare treat for us, compared to our weekly visits to Tatsu, a few doors down. However, if you find yourself on Sawtelle looking for a nice dinner, please walk over Restaurant 2117. You won’t have to wait an hour to get seated, and you’ll get good service and delicious food. Win-win-win.

Location – 2117 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, 90025
Website –http://restaurant2117.com
Kid-Friendly – Yes
Kid’s Menu – No
Pesco-Vegetarian Friendly – Yes
Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly – Yes
Gluten-Free Options – Yes