Malbec Argentinean Cuisine Reviews

Amazing food good atmosphere Real Argentinian food!!! Good service, parking at the back! Lovvvvvvvvvvvve it

Our pre-theater dinner took the six of us to Malbec Argentinean Bistro this time. We were seated quickly by the host and our server showed up promptly too. We inquired about the wine list (virtually all the wines were from Argentina) because we were not familiar with them. Our server kindly let us sample a few and we ordered a white and a red to go with our dinners. Six people, six different entrees and we agreed that all were very good.

The service was wonderful, the food okay, the wine very good....but, this was definitely the darkest restaurant I have ever been in! There was no way I could read the menu where I sat. I moved over to the bench seat my companion was sitting in because he had a little ceiling light that shined down where he sat. It was still difficult, but at least I could figure out what to order. Now I know I need to download a flashlight app onto my IPhone. Others were using them.

How delighted and impressed we were on our pre-LA summer Olympic visit from Chicago to be treated to this first-rate, romantic neighborhood eatery in Burbank. My foodie sister and her low key, high class husband, earned a “Gold Metal ,” for this little gem. Do what we did , if you have group, let Mauro, our personable, handsome server order for you. He introduced us to “Tabla Mixta” a smorgasbord of fine beef served on a hot skillet that included Oja de bide (rid eye); lomo (tenderloin) and Entrana a la parrilla (skirt steak) . We mused waxingly about each: mouth watering, tender; succulent savoy bite dipped in spicy chimichangas sauce. Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and a family style house salad were perfect compliments. Surprisingly, there only a few Malbecs on the wine list, but house Malbec , like the Bodega Malbec, was a winner! If you have room for dessert 🍮 their flan is extraordinary. 👍👍👍👍

Authentic Argentinean cuisine with an authentic Argentinean waiter! Food was delicious - especially the sweet breads! The pre-fixe menu offers great options at affordable prices. The Catalan Creme was the best I've had outside of Spain! One suggestion -- TURN UP THE LIGHTS!! It's VERY dark in the main dining room. We had dinner in the back dining room which faces the outdoor patio overflowing with beautiful bougainvillea.

The skinny: Parking- in back, paved lot Decor- wood and brick Restroom: clean single Service- friendly Coke factor- nicely carbonated in glass Food- excellent Noise level- loud Bonus- private room in back Ever since we moved to the neighborhood, we have been meaning to eat here and finally we went taking my sister-in-law for her birthday lunch. We sat inside although next time I want to try the outdoor patio bc it was very loud inside and kind of hard to hear the people at your table. The server was friendly and when she heard we were celebrating a birthday they brought an ice cream with a candle on it. We ordered: Ribeye- big portion, roasted garlic so good, sautéed spinach was delish, and the mashed potatoes come formed In a scoop Seafood Mixto- shrimp and calamari and mushrooms deep fried in a slightly spicy batter, tarter sauce and marinara dipping sauces but just using the lemon was good Clams and mussels- OMG! One of the best dishes I've ever had. No grit, pure deliciousness and the broth was so good that I took the leftover home and dunked fresh bread in it My sister in law had the steak Parmesan and said she really like it- very large portion with veggies and the scoop of mashed potatoes We will be back!

Small, expensive, boutique restaurant in Toluca Lake, Ca. Try the paella - really good. Everything else is very good also. You may need reservations. Parking is a real problem.

My only disappointment was they only serve beer and wine. My taste buds were looking for something a little harder to start with after a long day. Everything else was outstanding. Very attentive server, well prepared entrees, very nice setting. At our table was a steak and the pasta special (Shrimp, Scallops, Mushrooms over a Asparagus Fettuccine cream sauce). Beautiful! Great combinations. Cheers to the team.

Chris is fantastic and the pimienta verde is sublime. The peppercorn sauce is top notch as well as the chimichurri for your bread. Great wine selection, cozy atmosphere. The steak, calamari, charcuterie, polenta is perfect, empanadas, zucchini spaghetti etc. Great wine selection.

Dined here with a business associate while attending a conference in LA. We had the Bistec and Bife De Chorizo. Both steaks were perfectly cooked and the seasoning was very palatable. Our side order was the steamed vegetables. Our server could not have been any better. Highly recommend this establishment.

You must try this restaurant !!! The food and service are top shelf !!! The creativity of the dishes, the perfect preparations and presentations made this a memorable experience for me. I dine out 5 nights a week and it takes a lot to grab my attention and this neighborhood Gem did !!! I can't wait to get back there. The hardest part was what dishes to pick. Thank you Malbec for a great dinner on all levels. Your passion and caring for what you are doing can't be matched by a national chain restaurants !!! Great Job Amber and Luciano

Best Tomahawk experience in my life! Very warm atmosphere, free parking, amazing wine list, friendly staff, cozy veranda...

Had heard positive reviews about Malbec in Pasadena and was eager to try the Toluca Lake location. 4 of us went on a Saturday evening. It has a dark and cozy feel and we were seated right away. Unfortunately, the food was just average and I doubt I will go back. 3 out of 3 of us had our steaks overcooked and we ordered the skirt steak which we were told was their specialty. The vegetables were undercooked. The empanadas were tasty. Nice selection of wines although we opted to bring our own and pay the $20 corkage. We went elsewhere for dessert. All in all, nice atmosphere and perhaps better for just a cocktail or happy hour.

We had a wonderful dinner at the Malbec Argentinean Cuisine Toluca Lake. No problem finding a parking place, nice quiet table, excellent waiter and the menu was varied and delicious. We had the fish, the lamb shank and the pasta dishes which were prepared very well.

Food was good, little pricy for lunch. Service was very good, we had recommendation for a wine and it was on spot.

BEEF!! This is the word that comes to the forefront of your brain for Argentinean food...so I ordered pasta! ;-) Go figure! Seafood pasta at that! Why? I love seafood pasta, so leave me alone! :-) As far as pasta goes it was quite good. As far as Argentinean food goes...you'll have to read the other reviews! I loved the look and feel of this restaurant. It was artfully decorated, very clean, and just downright pretty.

Come for the delicious meats, and stay for the amazing Argentine wines. This is an Argentina steakhouse through and through. The owners are from Argentina. All the wines are from Argentina. The meets are cooked over natural hardwoods in authentic Argentina style. The BBQ pork was an unique experience. The sauce amazing, and the vegetables cooked to perfection. And lots of great argentine wines to pick from.

Terrific food and excellent experience. Hanger steak was so tastey, as were all of the dishes we ordered! Lovely staff/ambiance in a cosy setting. Overall, its relatively expensive so don't go unless you are comfortable paying top $ for good food.

Went here with friends, and enjoyed an outstanding dinner. Ample selection of Argentinian red wines, diverse menu. We had skirt steaks with a nice array of appetizers and sides. I’ll be back

We LOVE this place and it has become the restaurant of choice for us when we want to take out friends and family for a GREAT meal. Everyone we have recommended it to has loved it as well and made it a regular choice of placed to eat. They also have a Sunday brunch that one of our firnds said is really good as well. Have to try it soon. This is a cant go wrong place! ENJOY...

This is a very nice Argentinian restaurant and we are happy to have it right within walking distance of our home. The service has always been great, the food is consistently very good (sometimes over salted and that says a lot because I really like salt), and the ambiance is nice. Must try the melted cheese appetizer if you are even remotely a cheese lover. Yum!

Reservations are recommended, the service is always spot on and the food is amazing, the carpacio was on point and trying the empanadas is highly recommended. The skirt steak with chimichuri is a must and if have room for dessert try the flan with dulce de leche. Of course a nice bottle of Malbec should in order as well. There is valet service in the back of the restaurant.

My colleagues and I dined at Malbec last year during our business trip. This year, we decided to enjoy again. Whether you are fond of hanger, rib-eye or New York steak; u can definitely gratify! You can even 2 kind side by side for sharing or self-indulgence. Side dishes are great especially the mixed mushroom, potatoes and steamed veggies. 3 types of sauces come with every steak without extra charge. For me, the steak quality is so good and skillfully cooked that I don't need any sauce at all.

Don't let the frontage of the restaurant fool you, once you pass the threshold you have transported yourself to South America. The restaurant is small, intimate, dark, romantic and filled with people enjoying themselves. The owners have made this restaurant a reflection of their home country. Luciano is always there to greet each patron and enjoys making people feel like they are with an extended family. The food is outstanding and service (newlyweds Amber and Juan, Jillian, et al) enjoy their jobs and strive to make this vibrant restaurant enjoyable. This restaurant does fill up quickly and reservations are suggested but not required. I had my mother's 90th birthday at this restaurant and could not have been happier with the service, the menu, the ambiance and the friendship of the ownership and the staff. The wine list is fantastic and varied..... to be honest, I can not think of a better place to have a dinner and bottle of Malbec then here...... I highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in having a good time with friends and family....... there is no bar but they serve wine and beer....... but this is actually a plus.... this is for steak (or seafood or chicken) and good wine....

This restaurant is in Toluca Lake, just a few miles from Burbank. Open for lunch and dinner. The food here is incredible, simply delicious flavors. The complimentary fresh bread with herbed olive oil was so delicious - just that and bottle of wine, all wines reasonably priced, would have made us happy!! We opted to try the provolone appetizer, similar to Greek saganak. Although it is not flamed at the table, it seems deliciously more cheesier. It was served with a beautifully toasted bread. The rib eye and skirt steaks were both amazing, cooked to perfection. Side of mushroom plentiful for 3-4 people and tasty. The skirt steak was served along with fresh grilled vegetables of roasted peppers, eggplant, zucchini and a sprig of asparagus - a filling meal and I had leftovers. The rib eye was served with flavorful mashed potatoes and a large portion of sautéed spinach. Overall, the experience was delightful thanks to the great food. Our server, Jill, just made it all the better. We were so impressed that now we will travel 50 miles just to dine here again and again...worth every mile and every calorie! Highly recommend. It is a great find in Toluca Lake Burbank area, just four miles from the Falcon Theater.

Wonderful restaurant suggested by a friend of ours. Had a reservation for 8 which was honored immediately. Waiter was friendly and very efficient. Ordered empanades as appetizers. They were excellent. Each had it's own separate taste. Beef were the best. Had drinks with wine suggested by waiter. Everyone enjoyed the selection. Entrees were all over the place including: salmon, paella nautico, sausage platter with Brussels sprouts, ravioli and others. I had the sausage platter with three types of sausage. It was excellent. Ended with desert including chocolate mousse, crema catalina, and tarta tatn. Everyone raved about the deserts since at first no one was going to get any until waiter suggested that the desserts were really good. Malbec was wonderful, especially for our group. Will make it a regular stop when we go to Los Angeles. With food, drinks, tax and tip it came to about $70 per person. Not bad for LA.

We were looking for a good quality steak at reasonable prices. This place had been mentioned on TA and it was only a few blocks away from our apartment. The wine was exceptional, the food really really good and although 'you get what you pay for' we felt that the meal was very good value for what we had and we didn't have to pay the extortionate rates some other restaurants were charging for steak in the area. Well worth a visit :-)

I used to go to the Malbec in Santa Monica all the time but I heard the germ nazis caused it to close down. Too bad, it was the best steak I've EVER had, and I've had steaks all over the world. I moved out of the LA cesspool just before Burn-Loot-Murder started doing what they do, and I don't miss a thing except Malbec.

We eat here often. It's exceptional. Wines are excellent. As are the starters. I only eat fish - no other meat - and there are always good choices. Reservations are recommended on weekends.

Love this spot! The ambiance is lovely - dark and romantic - with a fantastic wine list. I've been impressed with the food I've had as well. I haven't tried too many of the heavy meat dishes here. I don't usually eat meat and I understand that they are "known" for their steaks but I have to say the sole that I had was really tasty and the sides were great. They also have this great appetizer platter that's basically an antipasto of sorts and it was big enough for a light meal for two! Great flavors with great wine to compliment. I would absolutely recommend. I do wish the outside looked a little tidier. I think the plastic awning is a bit of a turn-off for a lot of folks. It was for me for many years! But, hey, I gave it a shot and I hope you do too!

I just had one of the best dinning experience in my life. If you want to be taken away for the noise of the city and carried to the Pappas grass of Argentina with beautiful music and relaxed envorment this is the place .the food was outstanding even though I just had a salad and dessert .

Malbec is very consistent. The meet is always excellent as well as the service. The ambiance is not the best. Probably too dark

We had a fantastic surprise. Malbec, former Ushuaia, brought the best Argentinian meet to Santa Monica. The bife de chorizo is simply outstanding. Great service too.

The good: The waitress who was both beautiful and provided excellent service. I received a glass of malbec on the house for my birthday. The bad: The empanada was doughy and not that good. There was more dough than meet. The ugly: The food was average and costs too much. I tried the chicken Napolitano and the chicken was hard and chewy. I sent it back. I received another one and it was just okay. My birthday dinner was not very good.

This was our first experience at "Malbec," and we loved it. People at our table had the salmon (with a lovely tapenade) and filet of sole. Both were excellent. I had a glass of, guess what, malbec, and it was excellent. The waiter provided good service. We liked the intimate atmosphere of this pleasant restaurant, and will definitely return.

Excellent Argentinean cuisine in the year of Toluca lake. Start with the Empanadas (spicy beef and ham and cheese are killer) then move to the amazing skirt steak and close with the flan. It’s casual yet sophisticated. You need to make reservations.

It is really close to WB studio and its steak is juicy and tender. Great stuff and nice deco, would definitely come again

Food was great. Wine very good. Service terrible. Had to wait for ages, even though there were very few people in the restaurant.

A local find, but not obviously so from the outside. Four picky palates made choosing where to eat difficult. But Malbec hit the spot. A steak lovers paradise, we ordered their fabulous skirt steak (with grilled vegetables and super garlic fries) a seafood paella packed with an impressive selection of seafood, and a beautiful vegetarian plate, so large that half of it went home. The only down-sides were the paella wasn't as flavourful as hoped for - compared maybe unfairly to others eaten in Spain - and the Trio de Cebiches appetizer got mixed reviews. The staff were very attentive and helpful, and although the wine list isn't long our Malbec was delicious. Arriving fairly early on a Friday evening it was quiet, dark but cosy, with a busy bar in the front. A couple of hours later, the place was packed. We also discovered you can BYOB! Next time, we look forward to trying their home-made pasta and other Argentinean dishes. Also, apparently there is another Malbec in the Pasadena area.

I don't go here enough as I should. Always a great lunch. For and service is a+. Parking is super easy with valet behind. All entrees and salads are safe and deish choices. Don't forget a glass of red. I suggest the Malbec

We enjoyed a dinner of fresh baked bread, empanadas, skirt steak & ravioli all were delicious. We had no complaints would definitely return if they were not a couple thousand miles away :) This restaurant is not far from Warner Brothers Studios.

Had this place on our list to visit since moving to the area and finally made it in. We chose to sit on the patio where it was a bit quieter. The inside is really a cool space with a bar to sit at and lots of cozy tables. Jill was our server for the evening and she took really good care of us. She helped choose a wine. Never rushed us, she let us enjoy the night, sipping our Petit Verdot while catching up. We started with an appetizer and then shared the paella and ribeye steak wit green beans & bacon. Jill had me at bacon! Food was amazing. Perfectly seasoned and the flavors were just what you'd expect: fresh and yummy. The paella included several seafood options and surprisingly there were a lot of scallops which are my favorite! This restaurant is a great date night spot. So if it's not on your list put it on. We also found out they have a weekday happy hour which we can't wait to try.

I had been wanting to try Malbec's for a long time, so some friends took me here for my birthday. The service was outstanding and the food delicious! Two of us enjoyed the skirt steak and my other friend had the beet salad and empanadas, which she loved. The only negative was the level of darkness in the restaurant. We literally had to use the flashlights on our phones to see the menu! I may try the Studio City Malbec to see if they have better lighting.

We met some friends here for dinner. The restaurant was very loud! We asked for a booth and the hostess informed us that the booth we had pointed to was for 6 people. 15 Minutes after being seated at a table we noticed the hostess seat a party of 4 at the booth we had asked about. Which I will also state that we called to make our reservation and we specifically asked for a booth. Bad call on their part. We started with a sausage plate for the table for $20 we all felt that the portion here was not worth the price and that the dish itself was forgettable. the next round of food consisted of soup du jour (which was good) the Malbec salad and the beet salad. While we thought both of the salads were a very nice size and you could absolutely split them, the Malbec salad was boring. The beet salad was great. now on to the main course. Two of us ordered the risotto and while it was very good it was lacking an ingredient that was listed on the menu but like I said it was very good. One of the ladies ordered the sole and she said it was bland but the vegetables were good and the other lady ordered the Ahi which was first delivered way overcooked and after being remade was still underwhelming. So while there were things we liked here we wont be back. There were just as many things we didnt like and beyond that we all felt that there was really nothing else on the menu that sounded great to us. I will say that out waitress Amber was very good

Tasty food. Good meat cuts and fresh pasta. The inside dining area is cozy without feeling crowded. Mostly couples but willing to accommodate a stroller with a sleeping baby. Attentive service. I would recommend you make reservations because it was full. Valet parking in the back. Will definately return.

Stylish cafe offers authentic Argentine cuisine with delicious chimichurri salsa, succulent steaks, and delightful desserts! The bife de chorizo (NY steak) was deliciously seasoned and masterfully prepared. The chocolate ganache dessert was rich and smooth with a deep, decadent chocolate flavor. Service was great, and Argentine wine selection was great. Be sure to find the convenient valet parking in the back alley ($5.50 with validation)

Parking: Didn't look difficult, but we walked the 15+ minutes from The Tangerine. The neighborhood is good, so there's no worries about walking. Ambiance: Beautiful wood floors, dark tables, very romantic. A little too dark to read the menus, but I'm getting older so there's that. Outdoor seating if you wish. They have a nice bar you can sit at and eat if you wish, but don't serve cocktails. Service: Mixed Results. On the plus side, our waiter steered us toward perfect wine pairings with our ceviche appetizer and hangar steak main course. However, we had a major hiccup in that our main dish came while we were still finishing our appetizer. On the tiny table it was very awkward space-wise, not to mention not yet being ready for the main course. Food: Amazing. The Corvina Ceviche was perfect. The fish was light and tender and not over powered by the leche de tigre, with thinly sliced onion, and crunchy corn. The tartness was well balanced and went well with the sauvignon blanc wine. If you love beef, be sure to get some here. The hangar steak was perfectly medium rare to order with a beautiful char on the outside, served with 3 sauces: garlic confit, chimichurri and a pickled pepper / onion. We also ordered the green pepper corn cream sauce for an additional $3 - well worth it. I could have eaten that alone as a soup (just kidding - but it was delicious and paired perfectly with the meat). We had a side of creamed spinach, which was a cheesy cream sauce disguised as a vegetable. That is not a complaint! Dessert was fine - I had the crepes but wouldn't order them again. Nothing wrong with them, just overly sweet. My husband had the bread pudding and couldn't stop raving about it. Overall, an excellent experience. If we are back in the area, we will definitely be back, but we wouldn't order our whole meal at once to ensure it's not rushed.

Visited with friends who recommended this place and it did not disappoint! Great food, great atmosphere and great service (especially from Gillian our server). Will definitely eat here again on our next vacation.

Great food, staff, atmosphere. Favorites include the Skirt Steak, Grilled veggies, Arugula Salad, Gespachio, banana and Carmel crepe. Don David Malbec. Service is always great and friendly from all. Can do larger groups and parties in back. Outdoor seating available as well.

Exceptionally flavorful food in a welcoming and cozy atmosphere with good selection of wines. I highly recommend the paella.

We've been to this restaurant twice and it has not disappointed. It is small and inviting with a good mixture of salads, fish, chicken and steaks on the menu. The prices are moderate and the the wine selection appropriate. The dishes are good sized, not too big or small. Definitely a good neighborhood restaurant to visit while in the area.

Very nice dinner option in Toluca Lake. Yes, they had traditional steaks, but also have wonderful fully Argentinian cuts of flank steak and tri tip done perfectly and if you wish with Chimichanga sauce as well as other unusual sauces. Did not try the chicken or fish on the menu. Also, very well priced. Outdoor patio as well. Very nice service.`

Our dinner was nearly perfect. We had the provoleta and Argentine chorizo to start. Both were excellent!!! For main courses we had stuffed pasta, milanesa and loma. All wonderful and the desserts did not disappoint. Pancakes were absolutely delicious! We will be back!

Friday night we went to Malbec and what a wonderful meal we had. We started with the carpaccio which we loved. Raw thinly sliced beef topped with arugula, Parmesan & some olive oil. Very flavorful. My husband got the bacon wrapped filet and I had the flat iron steak with chimichurri sauce. Both were excellent and I would highly recommend either of them. I also got the mushroom, carmelized onion & Gorgonzola sauce on the side-delicious!! Our waitress Amber was spot on and gave us great service, good recommendations and was friendly. Dessert crepe was amazing! Can't wait to go back!

Had a reservation at 7pm for two. Arrived at 6:55p. “Five to ten minutes to seat you”. One hour later, still waiting (even though a table for two had been cleaned & available for at least 30 minutes). I make a reservation to be seated, NOT to wait on your sidewalk. STOP overbooking your tables and get a hostess with some customer service skills.

The food was excellent and the wine was affordable. We ate the beef, chicken, spinach and ham empenadas and the bottle of red was $32.00.

We wanted to try a new restaurant and did we make the right decision in choosing Malbec. Street parking wasn't easy to find on a Saturday night but they have valet parking. Without validation, the cost is $8; with, it's $5.50. The restaurant has low lighting for ambiance. It's good for a date or family dinner as well. We had the ceviche for appetizer. It was delicious. For main, we ordered the skirt steak and the salmon. The steak was cooked as ordered and was very tender. The salmon as well, nice and flaky. The desserts were good too. Next time, we will try their empanadas and paella.

Great food and ambiance. I like the variety and that it is a different flavor then I am used to. Wine is terrific learned a lot about Malbec and now always pick up a bottle when I can. I really enjoy eating there or taking home.

We've been several times, and the food and service is always very good. Servers knowledge of the wine is always spot on.

We had a great dinner at Malbec's. The wait staff were cordial and always remembered our names upon returning to the table. The wine was outstanding and we enjoyed all of the selections of appetizers, main course and desert.

We ordered pulpo for appetizer, which comes with steamed potatoes. The potatoes were cold. It felt like eating ice cubes. The potatoes were at the bottom, so we got to most of the octopus before realizing that the potatoes were horrible. We complained to our server who was very apologetic. She took it to the kitchen and apparently... steamed potatoes were supposed to be that cold according to the chef. They didn't make a mistake so they just returned the pulpo to our table. We finished the octopus but left the potatoes. They were not edible. We also can't believe that steamed potatoes were supposed to be served cold... in what world? My bf works as a server at an upscale restaurant in San Diego County and asked his executive chef if they were supposed to be cold. The executive chef said no and that this restaurant's chef is just a "lazy ass." We ordered 2 New York style steak, medium rare and got 1 rib eye and 1 New York style.. how do they even mess up such an easy order? I don't know. We didn't care about this that much though. They did give us the other NY style steak. We came in for my birthday as we were in town. We just were not having a great time. Server offered free dessert as a consolation but we just wanted to get out of there. I didn't even bother finishing my food. My bf doesn't like complaining at restaurants as he works at one too. He understands the struggle, but the chef insisting that potatoes were supposed to be served iced cold was very unprofessional. Server did remove the pulpo from the bill, but insisted that we should have taken the free dessert offer. Look... if someone refuses free dessert, y'all are doing something wrong. If you still come here after reading this review, I'm hoping you don't get served ice-cold potatoes. It's gross.

I have hear good things about Malbec Argentinean Bistro and decided to get it a try. I made reservations on a Tuesday evening at 7:30PM. Walking in the atmosphere is cozy and dark. When the host arrived he was very pleasant. The service was going well until we were serviced our main course. Then bam gone until it was time for desert. The busboy did keep our filling my glasses with water with I do like. We each had a meat dish and I must say that the the food was average at best in my option. Best part of the meal was the appetizer we had beef and chicken empanadas. We favored the beef. For desert we had the Sorbet which started out good but after the first bite we noticed that is was mostly freezer burned ;-( not a great way to end a meal. Not sure I will give it another go.

Malbec was recommended by a work colleague. It is a cozy, although very dark, neighbourhood bistro situation in Toluca Lake. As I was a walk-in and solo diner, I opted to sit at the bar. The restaurant filled to capacity on a Tuesday evening, which is always a good sign. I had the skirt steak with the chimichurri sauce and grilled vegetables, which was cooked to a perfect medium rare. Watching the salads come out of the kitchen, they looked very good and definitely meal size if accompanied with a chicken breast or could easily split between two people for an appetizer. The service was friendly, menu prices moderate and food very tasty.

Deciding where to share a birthday dinner during the busy holiday season became a "no-brainer" when we decided to slow down the pace & enjoy each other, the food, & the cozy setting of Malbec's Argentinean restaurant in Toluca Lake. We devoured a shrimp appetizer--absolutely delicious, & dipped our bread loaf in the remaining sauce on the platter! Main courses were enjoyed by all--salmon, peppercorn steak, & a delicious beef stew! Don;t miss the Malbec wine--it's a 5-star in itself! Kudos to the staff for letting us linger after dinner for a l-o-n-g visit over birthday cake!

Had lunch here with my colleagues. I've only been to the Malbec in Pasadena and I believe this location has slightly more to offer on it's menu. I typically eat steak and there are definitely a couple more to choose from here. I ordered the skirt steak with chimichurri and a glass of Malbec (because it's Malbec). Great lunch!

Located along a congested portion of Riverside Drive in Toluca Lake, Malbec is for those who plan to spend serious cash for their dinner. Valet parking is available to ease the hassle, but if you arrive around 6 you may be able to find a space on a side street, though, many have a 2-hour limit. Malbec has modest décor with muted lighting which could make for a romantic evening. You can sit outside under a protected canopy, inside at any of several small square tables, or, if in a group as I was, in a couple of back rooms. The larger room has a transluscent cover to let in sunlight and a couple of large bench seats to sit on when not eating. The four-page menu features a range of Argentine dishes most of which are quite good. However, almost all items are ala carte so if you want a potato, rice, or vegetables with your dinner you pay extra. For an appetizer I tried the provoleta (fried provolone cheese with prosciutto on top $13) which was delicious. This was followed by a delicious bowl of Gazpacho soup $10 which included a number of bay shrimp accompanied by chopped cucumber, radishes, and avocado. My choice for a main course was Churrasco or hanger steak $24. This is also known as "butcher's steak" because the cut was so good that the butcher would save it for himself. In this case I wish the butcher had kept it as it was quite "chewy." The flavor was good and it was cooked perfectly, still, I got a lot of jaw exercise before I was done. If you're "feeling lucky" order it, but I would pass as there are better choices. Unlike the dinner plate pictures shown for this restaurant, the meat and the garnishes were the only thing on the plate so I also ordered some steamed vegetables $6. These were prepared on the crunchy side. Malbec does have a few wines by the glass so I tried a cabernet, Ducero $13, which was very smooth. Finally, I ordered Affogato (vanilla ice cream topped with whipped cream in a glass and a small container of espresso to pour over the ice cream $8) which was a perfect ending to this meal. So after all this, the bill was around $75 before tax and tip which for me is an expensive dinner, but not out of line with what nicer restaurants charge. Since I was part of a group of 22 people it is hard to judge service. Overall it was very good with a perky, cute waitress taking all the orders and managing to get everything delivered to the right person and in reasonable time with the help of a couple of wait staff. She also provided samples of various wines that some in our group wanted to try before ordering. The staff also made appearances to keep water glasses full and to remove completed items from the table. It's hard to imagine how a restaurant can get 22 main courses ready at the same time, but they managed to do it. The consensus of our group was that all the menu items ordered were quite good. A few were a little under or over done, but not enough to worry about. So overall you can expect a good meal at Malbec, but you expect that given the price.

My husband and I celebrated our anniversary at this quaint little bistro. I found it on OpenTable and it was well reviewed. Little did we know what a treat was in store for us. From the minute we were greeted at the hostess table until we left a few hours later, the customer service was probably the best we have ever experienced. When I mentioned we were celebrating an anniversary the hostess brought us two glasses of complimentary champagne. We decided to order from the $45 prix fix menu. I ordered the burratta cheese and prosciutto appetizer as did Hubby. Gorgeous presentation and the freshest burratta I have ever had, just melted in the mouth. For the entree I ordered the skirt steak with chimichurri, mashed potatoes and vegetables. The brussel sprouts were listed as roasted but there was no char on them so I would say they were more steamed. The steak was well seasoned and served perfectly medium rare. The hubby had the duck. It came out a little dry and when he mentioned it to our waitress she brought the manager over who had the duck redone by the kitchen. For dessert we shared a panna cotta and crepe with caramelized pears....both were the perfect end to the meal. This place hit it all for us, great atmosphere, wonderful food and impeccable service, give it a try!

I went to Malbec on Sunday evening. The restaurant is very quaint with dark walls and mood lighting. The menu was limited at best. I would have loved to see more options for Argentinean food. For a drink I ordered the Sangria. Quickly I switched to Iced Tea. The Sangria seem like a mixed of a sour lemonade, wine and a hint of carbonation. Then we ordered a salad from the menu along with clams and mussels. Here is when it all went south. The sauce for clams and mussels was funky! My friend chalked it up to the sauce being the problem. I do not eat any seafood that does not smell right to me. I let it slide and wait for the main course. We get our salads and there is no dressing in sight. We ask for dressing..we receive one. It was not the balsamic dressing that normally comes with the salad. It took an additional 5mins to get the other dressing. The food is just not worth it. They are pricier than other restaurants along that strip in Toluca Lake. I will say, the manager and waiter were very nice. I appreciate their efforts. Our meal was a bust.

We dined here as a family. Small and cozy spot. Good food. Small wine list - focused on (wait for it) Malbec! Service was good. Chicken was a bit overcooked. Worth a stop.

Dim lighting and dark decor gives Malbec its warm atmosphere. In addition to table dining, one can enjoy the full menu and drinks at the bar. Since it was not busy the night I was there, I received service from two waitpersons: one not very friendly; the other polite and courteous. Appears to attract a fair number of regular customers. Interesting menu choices. Upon the recommendation of the waitstaff I had the Carpaccio for an appetizer. This is thin sliced raw beef with arugula, capers, red onions, avocado, and slices of Parmesan cheese. Very well presented and absolutely delicious. Candidly, I would not have selected this myself; I am glad I asked for a recommendation. For my main entree I selected skewered beef with peppers, onions, and figs. Good, but not memorable. My appetizer was the hit. Definitely deserves your attention if you are in the Burbank/Toluca Lake area for it's food quality, innovation, and atmosphere.

Loved this little place which was near our hotel. Sat on the patio eating appetizers, loved all five of them. Wonderful meal, lovely service and thank you for making our evening.

The cuisine is fresh and tasty and I always have a delicious meal. The service is outstanding. It is not a big restaurant, which is part of the charm.

Excellent moderate prices we are from Phila and this restaurant would do very well there. For LA the price points for the meals and the services were truly remarkable . We had the Carne entree and a veggie entree , salads, and a crepe concoction that was truly off the charts, all for under $50 for two inc an Argentine beer. Five stars from us , Adam & Di from West Chester Pa

Absolutely delicious food with a terrific wine selection. Great for special occasions or a business lunch. Salmon is outstanding.

Second time in two months I've booked and ate here for biggish parties. There were7 of us last week, and I didn't love the table out back, compared to the one in front we'd had previous time (5 of us) but we had plenty of room and the waitress was excellent (and suggested two really good wines at a fair price). Good appetizers to share, the empanadas were excellent as was the fried seafood. Steaks are good, side orders great, wine excellent. Recommended. [to the guy complaining the pulpo was served with cold potatoes. That's common in Spain and Portugal, cold potato with olive oil. Perhaps your 'high end chef friend 'needs to travel outside the US.

I think I've reviewed this Argentine-inspired eatery, that hugs the borders of Burbank in LA, before. But this charming, stylish bistro deserves my thumbs up again. The staff are super friendly. Each dish is better than the next. I've never quite made it through to desert. So I can't comment on postres, but I'll bet they're just as good. Of the wine lust not surprisingly draws on some if Argentina's best. Despite not having tried the puddings, proof is in the pudding to use a well-coined phrase, and I've been back more times than I can recall. And I'll continue to come back. You won't be disappointed. The only disappointing thing is that this eatery isn't in my home neighborhood in London.

I ate here with friends on a Thursday night. We had reservations and were seated promptly. Then the service became spotty. Three beverages were ordered but only 2 arrived. We ordered 2 appetizers but only one arrived. The food was delicious. The room became very loud making conversation a bit difficult. I really enjoy Malbec but this visit was not as good as others I've experienced here.

I love Malbec. This is their second location I've tried and it's just as great as their Pasadena restaurant. You can't go wrong ordering any meat entree. Pair it with a house Malbec wine and your meal is seat. Don't forget their mashed potatoes, they're to die for. Dinner for a couple on a date with a glass of wine each will run you $100 but it's so worth it. Ask to be seated outside to enjoy the weather. But be warned that there is a pub next door with outside seating as well that can get pretty loud. This is a great restaurant for friends and dates but could get pretty expensive for a family outing.

The skirt steak was what the waiter recommended and said it is their most popular one. They cooked the steak very tender and juicy surrounded by chunk of roasted veggies, with a nice presentation. So, I went back on my next business trip. Ordered steak, more expensive than the skirt steak. It was OK, but not very tasty and the presentation is lousy too.

Loved the food and the environment. Great presentation of each dish. Arugula salad beautiful and delicious! Clams and mussels was a tasty appetizer. Steak was perfect! Great service!

The service and food are always good in this restaurant.They make you feel so welcomed.Thay have a great staff.

Was looking for a new place for lunch and found this gem. Quickly on our fav list. Can't wait to come back for dinner. Chicken milanese cooked to perfection!

This is probably the best Argentinian food in the Southland. Located in toluca lake on riverside dr, 4 blocks east of cahuenga. Incredible rib-eye and lamb chops. Good service.

I love Malbec's! I go there every time I go back home for a visit. My favorite thing there is their chimichurri sauce. I could eat it on everything! I love that they give you bread and chimichurri sauce. My favorite dish there is the grilled skirt steak with chimichurri (of course) and grilled vegetables. It's a nice portion but still a light meal. I love the ambience of this neighborhood restaurant gem. Their creme brulee for dessert is a lovely way to end a meal here. If you are in the neighborhood you should check it out.

I found this....to start chorizo and provoleta followed by skirt steak and provenzal fries. Impressive!!!! Panqueque at the end. Not cheap but the quality of service and product was A+!!!!!