Odys and Penelope

Step inside Odys and Penelope and you’re immediately greeted by the intoxicating aroma of wood smoke. A towering two-story stack of carefully chosen logs feeds the massive ovens where every cut of meat gets its signature char. The space feels like a refined mountain lodge—rustic warmth meets polished sophistication in a way that’s welcoming without being stuffy. This is the kind of place where you can bring a first date or your parents and feel equally comfortable.

The menu leans into classic American comfort food, elevated through technique and quality ingredients. The slow-grilled tri-tip is the undisputed star, emerging from those beautiful wood-fired ovens with deep, smoky complexity that justifies every bit of the restaurant’s aromatic reputation. The oak-grilled branzino arrives as a testament to the kitchen’s skill with seafood, though the vegetables and accompaniments beneath it might steal the show. Start with the creamy cauliflower—it’s substantial enough to share and impossibly rich—or the fried wild mushrooms for a masterclass in how to properly fry vegetables.

The dining room strikes that elusive balance between classy and comfortable. You won’t feel underdressed, but you also won’t feel like you’re tiptoeing around. It’s the kind of atmosphere that encourages lingering over good wine and conversation. The vibe suits an intimate dinner for two just as well as a celebration with family.

Whatever you do, leave room for dessert. The chocolate rye pie has earned a reputation as one of the kitchen’s secret weapons, and it’s absolutely worth the calories. Odys and Penelope delivers on every front—the food matches the incredible aromas, the service matches the setting, and the whole experience comes together as one of the most reliable upscale dining options in Los Angeles.