Drago Centro..anyone been there lately?

[JENNYBEEAY]

My husband and I are considering Drago Centro for New Years' Eve when we come for a visit. Has anyone been there recently? We want a good meal out before the roads get filled with scary drivers...

Thanks for the input..

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Drago Restaurant
2628 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90403

Drago Centro
525 S. Flower St., Suite 120, Los Angeles, CA 90071

[Jack Flash]

I think ipse's being a bit harsh.

As for the food, I dined there most recently during the DineLA promotion and was impressed with their offerings. I've been there a few other times and the food has always lived up to its promise.

I do understand what ipse is saying about the ambiance. I wouldn't exactly call it corporate, because it's certainly not at all chain-like. I think it's quite attractive. But it is located on the ground floor of a bank building, and you never forget where you are. Nevertheless, I don't think it's soulless. It just has a different kind of soul, that's all.

[sushigirlie]

I agree that ipse is being too harsh. Drago Centro is excellent.

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Drago Centro
525 S. Flower St., Suite 120, Los Angeles, CA 90071

[ipsedixit]

Define "good meal"?

Drago Centro does fine in just about all departments -- food, decor, service -- but it does it with as much soul as a Zombie. Corporate dining at its finest.

Sort of like making love to a really beautiful mannequin. If you're ok with that, then go for it.

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Drago Centro
525 S. Flower St., Suite 120, Los Angeles, CA 90071

[schmoopy]

Can you elaborate on this ipse? My husband and I received a gift certificate for this place and are looking forward to trying it out. Obviously we'll go since we have the certificate, but I'm curious what you mean by no soul?

[ipsedixit]

Like I said, the food is fine. In fact, there's really nothing wrong with the restaurant.

But the entire experience makes you feel like you are dining at a hotel restaurant. It has a very corporate, business like feel to it.

[JENNYBEEAY]

Good meal?....italian food cooked by a native Italian in most cases. Authentic recipes that are not messed with too much. And, since it's New Year's Eve we want a little lively ambience..nothing casual for the night.
I understand what you mean about the Corporate atmosphere. Definitely makes me want to reconsider.

[mc michael]

I think that this is a good new year's restaurant (though I haven't been that particular time). It will have a good menu (better than some hotel, Ipse,with all respect: I'd say this critique applies more to Patina), the atmosphere will be nice, and the chef will probably make the rounds. You could do a lot worse and the price (except perhaps the wine) will be pretty much fixed. If you want better and more expensive downtown, look to Water Grill. But it will be more expensive, over booked (likely a half hour wait beyond the reservation time), and smaller portions. And, lest we forget, it was not that many years ago that Thomas Keller held forth at the Checkers Hotel.
All that aside, what would be your recommendation downtown for New Year's, Ipse? Ink is not downtown in my world.

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Water Grill
544 South Grand, Los Angeles, CA 90071

[Jason_King]

Water Grill is a classic for downtown. You can't go wrong if you want seafood. Rivera has received great reviews, but my friends seem pretty so-so about it. I haven't been.

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Water Grill
544 South Grand, Los Angeles, CA 90071