Sexy Garden Restaurant: Pump | West Hollywood, California

How hot is your waiter? This is the question to ask at Lisa Vanderpump’s Pump Restaurant located in the heart of West Hollywood.

The ambience at Pump is gorgeous, and it is also the selling point.

This trendy and romantic restaurant will immediately transport you to a magical garden that feels very Provencal.

The olive trees here are about a hundred years old with candlelit lanterns hanging from the branches and fresh pink flowers adorn this beautiful establishment.

The bar area is decorated by a plethora of antique crystal chandeliers that are dimly lit.

Pump is a a celebrity hotspot and a great place to meet people and mingle.

Perfect for your next night out in LA.

Cocktails
Pump-Tini (left): Vodka with fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime, muddled raspberry and garnished with a sugar rim. Strong, yet smooth. This drink was good, but it lacked the raspberry flavor. .
Big Pinky (right): Essentially Pump’s version of a mojito prepared with vodka, muddled lime, cranberry, and mint. Refreshing, delicious & minty! A favorite!

Appetizers
Artisan Bread with Salted Butter & Chives (left): The chives salted butter was good, however the chives flavor wasn’t prominent. The bread was a nice addition with alcohol.
Ahi Tuna Tartare (right): Raw ahi tuna tossed with heirloom tomatoes, sesame seed oil, red chili, soy, mango, avocado and pomegranate. Although I’m not a huge fan of raw fish, the tuna tartare was light, fresh, and the addition of pomegranate seeds added color and texture.

Entrees
Truffle Mushroom Chicken: Chicken breast seared crispy and served on a bed of mashed potatoes with a mushroom truffle reduction sauce and topped with shaved crispy asparagus. The truffle reduction sauce was so good and made this dish. The mashed potatoes were perfect and I liked how this dish was not overly buttery. Excellent.

Vanderpump Fish & Chips: Lightly battered sole, fried and served with thick cut country fries, tartar sauce and malt vinegar. Based on the rave reviews seen on Yelp, I decided to try the Fish and Chips, but to my dismay it lacked seasoning and was rather bland for my taste.

Sides
Warm Shaved Brussels Sprouts: Roasted brussels sprouts prepared with raisins, pine nuts and green onions. Roasting the brussels sprouts really brought out their flavor. Very well-made.

Coffee & Dessert
Coffee: The coffee was good, a bit burnt, strong in flavor, but also perfectly hot which was nice.
Chocolate Molten Cake: Warm chocolate cake with gooey chocolate sauce inside topped with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream. The dessert was definitely good, but also slightly sweeter than the norm, beautiful presentation though.
RESTAURANT REVIEW: Pump Restaurant
COST: $$$
CUISINE: Mediterranean/Lounge/New American
FAVORITES: Big Pinky | Truffle Mushroom Chicken | Warm Shaved Brussels Sprouts
VERDICT: 4 / 5
Pump is a celebrity sighting hot spot and a must-do in LA - if that is your scene. The atmosphere is beautiful, trendy and romantic making it an ideal place to meet people and mingle. I loved the ambiance at this restaurant, especially the hot pink accents seen throughout the stunning garden-like setting – so feminine and pretty. At Pump, you are paying for the ambiance more than the food. The food here is good, but nothing exceptional. On the contrary, the service here is outstanding. Our super hot waiter (Kevin) was attentive and helpful with the menu. My only regret was not going with Kevin’s suggestion and ordering the Pan-Seared Pacific Sole and Penne with Tiger Prawns. Well, next time. I look forward to visiting Lisa Vanderpump’s other establishments and visiting Pump again in the future.
Food: Good | Drinks: Very Good | Décor: Romantic/Gorgeous/Intimate | Service: Outstanding | Value: Fair

LOCATION:
8948 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood, CA.

Have you been to Pump? What’s your favorite restaurant in LA? Where do I go next?