RESTAURANT REVIEW: BOA Steakhouse

101 Santa Monica Blvd. | Santa Monica, CA 90401 | 310-899-4466 | www.boasteak.com | $$$

BY SIERRA DAVIS | Pali Life Editor

There is no shortage of high-end steakhouses in LA, but it was the incredible service that made my recent experience at BOA’s Santa Monica location most notable. Joined by a colleague, I made a reservation for a late lunch on a Friday – and what a great way to slip into the weekend just a bit early.

While I’m sure it’s a romantic spot in the evening, our afternoon occasion had a casual air to it – not to say the dining room isn’t dressed in sophistication. Just a few blocks from Third Street Promenade, and a short drive from our Palisades office, BOA is easily accessible and boasts a cool ocean breeze.

Greeted promptly by our humorous and personable server Lalo, we dove right into the experience with a few of BOA’s cocktails. Looking for a new way to experience tequila, my guest chose the Salted Pig while I opted for a Perfect Pearing. While my martini was a bit harsh at first sip, the strong natural flavors of pear and spices ultimately balanced it out. Rimmed with bacon salt, the Salted Pig was similar to a margarita, erring on the tart side – which my guest enjoyed.

At the suggestion of our server, who continued to provide impeccable service throughout, we started with the Goat Cheese Baklava, Charred Tuna Tartar and the Classic Ceasar. I say with conviction, the baklava is a must-do at BOA. Light and flaky, just as you’d expect, it was topped with roasted pistachios for a tasty crunch, black truffles and frisée to add a slightly bitter flavor – deliciously sweet. Our salad was crispy and light on the dressing, as I prefer.

Sipping on our cocktails as we waited the final minutes for our mains, our water glasses never went empty. Our plates were cleared quickly and fresh silverware was provided.

BOA’s lunch menu includes some great options like the Balboa 1/2 Sandwich Combo, with a choice of House Roasted Turkey, House-Smoked Tuna Melt or Smoked Beet Reuben served with Organic Baby Greens or Today’s Soup. But, we opted for the 40-Day Dry Aged New York Strip from the dinner menu. Hey, ‘when in Rome.’

Served medium rare (they nailed it!) with a blue cheese crust, we were tickled pink – just like the steak’s juicy center. Those wishing to up the ante can make any turf go surf with the addition of Lobster, King Crab Legs, Sea Scallops or Prawns. We went ahead with an added side of Chipotle Lime Corn and never looked back. The unique and flavorful corn nearly outshined the New York Strip – it was that impressive – another great suggestion from our knowledgeable server.

No long lunch is complete without indulging in dessert and while the House Spun Cotton Candy piqued my curiosity, we chose the Mascarpone Cheesecake, which proved to be a deluxe variation of my usual favorite. I could have done without the strawberry syrup drizzle, but the cake was lighter than expected and perfectly complimented by its Vanilla Bean Ice Cream sidekick and taster of Strawberry Sorbet with fresh berries. It may have put us under, but we didn’t put up a fight.