Got the Hots for Grilled Octopots!

[Will Owen]

Sorry, couldn't resist throwing in the Pogo riff … anyway, someone on another chat group entirely is just back from Greece, and keeps going on about the grilled octopus there, and how good it was, and we ate it three times, and - oh! - did I mention it's delicious? Now, I've had it fried here and there around LA, and I get the cold stuff for dim sum at 888 when Mrs. O doesn't hiss at me because it's (relatively) expensive. But I've never encountered grilled, which sounds pretty good, especially since this woman (whose opinions I tend to trust) cannot stop bringing it up. I'm going to assume a Greek place might have it, and that it would be more of a seaside tavern thing than a regular restaurant item. Anybody got a suggestion? Or a solid lead?

[Foodandwine]

For $19.99 AYCE the Road to Seoul Korean BBQ has Baby Octopus and Larger Ones as well. They dance on the BBQ they are so fresh and still taste of the ocean. Not the greek style that I prefer due to the seasoning and better char. But heck this is one great spot and the Prawns are good too. You can wash it all down with some meat too, You can tell I like the place :)

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Road to Seoul
1230 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006

[ipsedixit]

Uncle Yu's Indian Theme Restaurant (f/k/a Indian)

[Charles Pepper]

As mentioned, Mozza's version is great.

But, strangely, it didn't taste all that octopus-ish to me, compared to a typical Greek version. Mozza's tasted almost beefy.

[Jeryy]

malibu seafood good but not great, but perfect for a summer evening by the sea. and very reasonable prices.

[Will Owen]

Okay, now let's try this: prices? I don't necessarily mind paying American upscale for Mediterranean street food, but I do like to be prepared.

[Servorg]

Osteria Mozza has prices on their website.

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Osteria Mozza
6602 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

[cant talk...eating]

From Papa Christo's website:
OCTOPODAKIA - grilled baby octopus $7.99

It's goooood.

[Ciao Bob]

Best I have had lately Will, and I get this dish alot, is at Terroni. I prefer it to the Mozza version by a long shot.

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Terroni
7605 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

[TonyC]

Cube. I really dig Cube's version. Very Medi.

[foodiemahoodie]

By a long shot?

I checked Terroni's website and couldn't find it on the menu.

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Terroni
7605 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

[Ciao Bob]

I believe it is a perennial "special" of late, not on the main menu, but there most always...call them first to be sure.
And yes by a long, long shot, in fact. Mozza's is overly fussy for me: "Grilled Octopus
with potatoes, celery & lemon." The extra stuff detracts, Terroni's is much simpler, as I am used to from good Greek/Southern Italian venues; and the coils are larger and more robust at Terroni...Mozza chops it up to much.

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Terroni
7605 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

[Will Owen]

The woman who was going on and on about the octopus sent me a personal email with some pictures, along with a description of the dish and where to get it. She says that the good stuff is found at waterfront tavernas; you CAN get it at restaurants in Athens, but it's more expensive and not nearly as good. Sounds kinda like here, then …

[Servorg]

Both the Mozza's have it I believe, but the appetizer version at Osteria Mozza that I had was excellent.

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Pizzeria Mozza
641 N. Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Osteria Mozza
6602 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

[la2tokyo]

+1

Osteria Mozza serves the best grilled octopus I've ever had.

[foodiemahoodie]

I'm adding my vote here too. I get it EVERYTIME I go to Mozza. Hm. Are they open now?

[Jase]

Papa Cristos has grilled octopus in their appetizers.

[cdub]

2nd. a good plate of them. they're always tender and delicious at papa cristos. get them pretty much every time i'm there.

[Plato9]

Been to Papa Cristos many times and always get the grilled octopus as is is very good.
Delphi Greek on Westwood Blvd., also has very good octopus.

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Papa Cristos
2771 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006

Delphi Greek
1383 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024