Bamboo

Venice Boulevard in West Los Angeles has become home to several small restaurants from many different countries. Bamboo doesn’t claim any particular country; it serves Latin-fusion dishes from the Caribbean.

In business now for 25 years, it is a neighborhood restaurant with a full bar dressed with bamboo that looks like it came right out of the Caribbean. Wear your shorts or dress up as you please. The mojitos are great on a hot day or any day.

Corn chowder is not to be missed. Instead of the chowders you’re used to, it’s a very thin broth flavored with tarragon. It was brought to Bamboo by the Chef of The Ivy. It’s very different, and a great start for a meal, given how light it is. If you don’t want one of the soups, there are also plenty of salads.

Chicken, steak, seafood, and pasta dishes make up the menu; so there’s something for everyone. The mango curry chicken is the most popular dish and it’s what I would recommend to a first-timer.  The sweet flavors of mango and pineapple work magic with grilled chicken breasts.

Most of the entrees come with rice, black beans, and plantains so you won’t leave hungry.

My only complaint on my last visit was that I parked in the back and didn’t see the banner stating that their famous soft shell crabs were back.