Smeraldi's Restaurant

Despite its elegance and classical architecture, this high-ceilinged former lobby is a decidedly casual spot where guests can enjoy an espresso or indulge in the Biltmore's renowned afternoon tea.

In Short
A destination all its own, this architecturally stunning space is reminiscent of a Spanish cathedral with Moorish engraved wood ceilings, classical paintings and sparkling gold...

Posted by by Whitney Moore at Citysearch on September 08, 2008. Brought to you by Citysearch.

Disappointment

Average Rating

100

I have been to numerous teas in the LA area, and all of them have been wonderful, but I am sad to say this was a great disappointment. I was taking a friend for her birthday & first tea.
Since I don't eat meat, I asked for a substitution on two of the four sandwiches, but I was told that couldn't be done. Any other place I have gone, they have been most accomodating. I got 4 cucumber & cream cheese ""bites"" - not very much for the price paid. Everything was a miniature of any other tea I have been to in LA.
Even though the hotel is beautiful, I would recommend people skip this location &...

Posted by by CC57 at Citysearch on April 16, 2012. Brought to you by Citysearch.

Pretty but not much else

Average Rating

20

The hotel is beautiful but don't have high tea there. I have had high tea at many other locations that have been wonderful but the Biltmore has a long way to go. The bread on all of the sandwiches was stale as were the ""famous maple scones."" Most of the desserts were no better than what you get at a Vegas buffet. We also did not receive one pot of tea per person, and the tea was never strained as it was poured. I guess the reviewer below went on a good day. We went during their holiday tea and were hoping for maybe some Christmas music but all we got was noise from the club room...

Posted by by calcal63 at Citysearch on December 10, 2009. Brought to you by Citysearch.

Afternoon Tea A Unique Experience You Will Love the Elegance, The Food and Tea

Average Rating

100

The Biltmore Hotel is on many ""must see landmark"" lists and it deserves it even more than other famous hotels such as the Beverly Hills Hotel. The impressive architecture and interior design of this building are a timeless classic full of extraordinary elegant details like the beautifully done ceilings and the rare rose marble fountains and marble trims and columns. You have to see it several times to fully absorb everything, including gorgeous metalwork everywhere. The center of the court is a gorgeous rose marble fountain surrounded by gilded tables, chairs and little sofas even. ...

Posted by by vmarg at Citysearch on February 14, 2009. Brought to you by Citysearch.

Like a teleporter to the 30's...

Average Rating

80

What a surprise this hotel was to me. Old school class, fantastic ground level building and bar. The building was so beautiful and I could completely imagine the academy awards having taken place here back in the days when they called the Biltmore home. Very clean rooms, and Great Service for a very reasonable price. The restaurant was underground and I feel like it was an afterthought decor wise.. it could have been cared for to a much higher standard, and joxtaposed with the rest of this building it left me disappointed. The food however was not bad. Overall I will definitely recommend...

Posted by by FlowerFeather at Citysearch on September 22, 2008. Brought to you by Citysearch.

very nice, very good, reasonable prices

Average Rating

80

my gfriend and i came here after a downtown walk tour and enjoyed their lunch menu. I had a steak sandwich which was very delicious. my gfriend had a half sandwich and soup, very tasty as well. prices were reasonable and the service was excellent. i'd come here again if i'm in the neighborhood.

Pros

+ service, ambience, location

Posted by by akira101 at Citysearch on May 21, 2006. Brought to you by Citysearch.