The Hobbit

Review summary

1. S

   Sharon

   Los Angeles

   6 reviews

   2.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on 9 November 2024

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 1

   This used to be mine and my husband’s “special occasion” restaurant. It was a magical experience and no other place could compare. But there have been a lot of changes and unfortunately we do not think we will be returning again. One of our favorite things were the cocktail hour upstairs and hors d'oeuvres in the cellar. Hors d'oeuvres are now three small bites served at your table, rather than the incredible spread that used to be in the cellar, including steak tar-tar. Dinner is still good but since our first visit it has nearly doubled in price but not in quality. It used to be that every course was exquisite. But it has dropped significantly. The worst part is the ambiance. For our special occasions, we prefer a nice, quiet time together. Especially when we indicate when making reservations this is dinner for 2 for an anniversary (for example). And the last few times we have gone, we are surrounded by extraordinarily loud groups. This last visit was the worst. One party near us got more and more intoxicated throughout the evening, all shouting over each other to the point of literally screaming at times. Another party near us also had shouting matches, trying to outdo each other in a very loud conversation. The noise never once let up until everyone in the room left for intermission. Another table even blasted a sports game on their phone during dinner. It just made the whole experience very unpleasant. It truly felt like being in a bar or sports lounge rather than a nice restaurant. And at the price you’re paying to be here, it should not feel like a cheap, loud sports lounge. It was disappointing and we have noticed that has become the norm over the last couple years. Unfortunately for us, it seems the magic is gone. This used to be an occasion unto itself and it just no longer lives up to our expectations from prior visits.
   

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2. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Cincinnati

   1 review

   vip
   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 9 November 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Such a great experience, probably our next go-to for anniversaries!
   

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3. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Orange County

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on 3 November 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Spectacular dinner. Everything about the experience was extraordinary and memorable. The service was perfect. Quality of food way exceeded our expectations. Super cute and cozy space.
   

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4. L

   Luis

   Orange County

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 1 November 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This is a hidden gem that we are glad we discovered. If you are thinking about coming to this place, please do not hesitate! It is worth the experience!
   

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5. D

   Daniel

   Orange County

   9 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   9 reviews

   Dined on 28 October 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Went for an anniversary dinner on Sunday. Alexander made great cocktails in the cellar before dinner. The updates to the menu with the new chef are excellent. The lamb ragu was so good, and when I raved about it, they brought out another plate of it for me! After taking over the Hobbit, Matt continues to keep up the traditions and wonderful reputation of this place.
   

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6. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Los Angeles

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 21 October 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   My husband and I love every opportunity we have to make the hour drive. The food, service and ambiance are unparalleled. Highly recommend the wine pairing and seeing the kitchen during the intermission.
   

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7. c

   cheryl

   Orange County

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined on 17 October 2024

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 2

   The experience was mediocre. The food was not good at all. One of the guest in our party got sick. The new owners have changed the dining experience. Needless to say I will not be returning.
   

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8. J

   J.P.

   Orange County

   16 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   16 reviews

   Dined on 14 October 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The food, ambience, and service were all excellent. I strongly recommend the wine pairing — each wine perfectly complemented the course. It’s pricey, but well worth it for the high quality of the experience.
   

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9. J

   JON

   Los Angeles

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on 13 October 2024

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   Had high expectations for this restaurant. The experience overall was alright. Nothing close to what I expected. The food 9/10. Drinks were 8/10. The service was amazing, except we felt excluded. The New owner went around and greeted all the tables except ours. He didn't seem happy. There a 15 min break in the middle of the meal to explore the restaurant and we took a trip to the kitchen. Had a lovely conversation with the chefs until the owner cut us off mid conversation to speak to his chefs. Kind of rude.
   

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10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 13 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    The Hobbit has been one me and my husbands favorite extra special occasion place for 10 years. The price does mean we’ve only been able to go a couple of times, but the experience has made it worth it every single time. The food is delicious, the wine pairing on point, and the ambiance elegant and elevated. I was worried after reading some reviews that it was not as up to snuff after the new owner, but we did not find that to be the case and it continues to impress us. This is more than fine dining, it’s an experience. I do however miss the hors d’oeuvre carts in the wine cellar during cocktail hour.
    

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