4 1/2 Stars actually.

Sparse, mod/retro-ish decor lends an interesting vibe. The ambience was not cuisine-specific, so I’m guessing it’s just the chef’s general aesthetic.

Yes, my girlfriends were hoping for a glimpse of the hotness that is Harold, and he did not diappoint, as he brushed through this small-ish restaurant a few times with signature pencil behind his ear.

Luckily, that is not the main draw. I echo the compliments for the tasty and delicate duck meatballs. Faro, while it sounded like a health-food grain, the ‘risotto’ dish it made from was surprisingly rich and tasty. It was definitely our favorite of the appetizers/sides. The peekytoe crab with mango salad was nice for a summer evening, if not terribly inventive.

My friend loved her angus steak with figs, (so did the rest of us who forced her to share). I loved my summer truffle ravioli. Again, delicate and fresh.

The only disappointment was the ice cream dessert. We were full already so we didn’t go for the more interesting desserts, which was a mistake. The kaffir lime ice cream just reminded my companion of cleaning products, the chocolate sorbet was fine, but not mindblowing. The toasted almond ice cream was ok, again, nothing special. However all the more substantial desserts going by looked infinitely tastier and more interesting.

I love the laid-back, unpretentious vibe. The decor was spare, stylish, but certainly wasn’t distracting or contrived.

Can’t wait to come back.

Perilla just started serving brunch!!! It was almost empty when we arrived at slightly past 11. The brunch menu was small but had a terrific variety of selections. I had the poached eggs, which were very well done but a bit on the heavy side (like an eggs benedict). I do wish I’d ordered (and I will likely go back for!) the beautifully done challah french toast or the omelette of the day (duck confit). Someone else at our table had the duck burger with tater tots. I only had one tater tot, but it was to be remembered! 3 of us shared a nice spiced butternut squash cake for dessert as well.

We actually saw Harold at the restaurant and even got him to take a picture with us.

I wavered between 3 and 4…good, solid food, but New American’s not really my thing. Perfect steak and a great pork belly appetizer, though.

So I’ve been to Perilla a bunch of times now. Every single time it’s been fabulous. Dinner or Brunch, you can never go wrong. Try the cuttlefish appetizer. The wild boarchop is a MUST. For dessert their creme fraiche panna cotta is perfect to top off the meal. If you want to get the Perilla experience with a slightly less crazy crowd, go for brunch (which they stop serving at 2:30pm) and try the Rock Shrimp Sandwich. YUM. Love Perilla. Love. Love. Love.

i had the duck meatballs and duck for my entree. both pretty interesting. i kind of expected more tho..but nevertheless…pretty good

I managed to get a table at top chef harold’s restaurant after my friend made the reservation the night before. I got to sit at one of the cool orange booths and had most perfectly cooked steak and awesome cuttlefish. for dessert, get the murrary’s cheese plate. The blue/brie cheese was better than both of the other desserts I had. I’ve never had cheese plates but after tonight I’ll be ordering them more often.
Had a 5:30 table and saw harold several times during the beginning of my dinner; he sort of disappeared into the kitchen once it got busy after being there for about a half hour. looks exactly the same as he was on tv.
I will def go back and hopefully they’ll the tasting menu.

Harold—that guy who won Top Chef season one—just opened this place in May. Tasty, tasty appetizers and solid entrees, though some (black bean cod, duck meatballs) were better than others (the chicken). For dessert, get the lemon fennel doughnuts or coconut cake—trust me, we tried every single one on the menu. The place itself is unpretentious, which is always great, and had great music. The lighting was a little dark for me though…I like seeing my food and wine before I eat it.