Bites Nearby: Kate Mantilini

Not sure where to dine in town? Let Patch help you choose.

Kate Mantilini: If you’re looking for a great place to take guests but feel you’ve worn out La Cienega’s "restaurant row," try on Wilshire Boulevard and North Doheny Drive.

The menu is versatile, with options for even the pickiest of eaters. For starters, there’s a raw bar with items like oysters, jumbo shrimp and stone crab claws. If you like to eat light, there are numerous tapas to choose from that cost around $10.

Those who are calorie-conscious can order from the “Healthy Alternatives” section of the menu. Try the garden burger with roasted peppers and tomatoes ($16) or the all white meat fresh ground turkey burger with lime salsa ($16).

If you prefer beef in your burger, try the One Delicious Cheeseburger ($12). Served with both Muenster and cheddar, you can add two meaty pieces of bacon for an extra $2.50…it’s well worth it. Order it with the spicy shoestring fries for one of the tastiest burger-fry combos in town.

But Kate Mantilini is best known for its homemade chicken pot pie ($18.50). Only available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, it was voted the best chicken pot pie by Los Angeles magazine in 2005. With a golden, flaky crust, white meat chicken and fresh veggies in a light—yet creamy—chicken broth, it’s a must-try Beverly Hills dish.

Aside from the pot pie, other rotating weekly specials include lamb shank Tuesdays and braised short ribs that are available Thursday through Sunday. Pastas, fresh seafood, chicken and steak entrees are available all week long.

Desserts are about $10 and under. If you’re a fan of creme anglaise custard sauce, try the warm bread pudding with caramelized apples ($9.50).

Kate Mantilini is located at 9101 Wilshire Blvd. Reservations accepted for parties of six or more, call 310-278-3699. Hours: Mon 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Tue-Thu 8 a.m. to midnight, Fri 8 a.m. to 1 a.m., Sat 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Sun 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. On-street metered parking and valet available.

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