Why Come Here? Fancy food that’s also light & healthy, lots of vegetarian options, gluten free, you want to dine with a lot of girls
The Little Beet Table describes itself as “Guiltin’ Free” which should give you some idea what you’re getting into. Yes, it’s one of those “healthy” restaurants that’s gluten-free and has lots of simply prepared vegetable-driven dishes. But don’t go thinking this is another place that’s just a bunch of quinoa salads and roasted beets (though they do offer those, of course). Pastas, flatbreads, a burger and some pretty good cocktails all find there way onto the menu here. It’s a combination that seems to be working well; good luck getting a table on less than a few days notice.
Inside, “LBT” looks like your cool artist friend’s loft. High ceilings are supported by conspicuous columns and tables made of reclaimed wood with mismatched chairs. There is lots of exposed brick covered in things like plants and paintings that looks like half a newspaper got stuck on them. Also like your cool artist friend’s loft, it’s packed with women. Seriously, my brother and I were the only table without a representative of the opposite sex. If you’ve got restaurant game, move this to the top of your list.
Overall, this means The Little Beet Table will loved by some and somewhere between enjoyed and tolerated by the rest. It’s a place to be seen eating healthy (which is sort of what I imagine every restaurant in LA being like). And if you’re vegetarian, gluten free or just looking to eat lighter meals, it has enough diversity you could eat here several times a week. But while the food is good, be advised most of it is not quite “I forgot I’m eating healthy good.” Below are my thoughts on what we tried:
Tender Shrimp 
If garlic and chili are your thing, this is your dish. While the shrimp were good, we continued picking at the sauce covered chickpeas long after the last was gone.
Mushroom Flatbread 
Mushrooms covered in three cheeses on a crispy flatbread makes it a vegetarian pleaser we can all enjoy. The best bites were the ones that caught some of the charred tomato sauce.
Tuna Tataki 
One way to make me unhappy is to not deliver on a promise of avocado. I guess it’s in the sauce but it didn’t really come through. Outside of that, it’s sort of your standard, solid Asian seared tuna dish. Enjoyable but nothing particularly special.
Roasted Sunchokes & Baby Leeks Served with a cranberry mostada, I enjoyed all three elements here but not necessarily together.
LBT Burger You wouldn’t expect to see this at a place that describes itself as “guiltin free.” But despite the gluten free bun, it has all the makings you want in a good burger. Bacon, crunchy potato chips, charred tomato ketchup and spicy mayo special sauce. It’s good for treating yourself, or your friend that didn’t really want to come to a “healthy” restaurant.
Right Amount for 2? 3-5 small plates and 1-2 entrees
The Little Beet Table
333 Park Avenue South (24th & 25th Sts.)
New York, NY
