Seemor
Manila InasalB+Worth Trying
Silver Lake Plaza, 240 Virgil Ave A Floor 1, Los Angeles, CA 90004
· Filipino restaurant, Asian restaurant, Live music venue
· 4.9/5 Google (650 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Destination for modern Filipino flavors with live music and warm hospitality; tasty but pricey with occasional consistency and service hiccups.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Manila Inasal delivers strong food quality with standout dishes like crab tortang talong and lechon belly sisig, paired with warm, attentive service and genuine owner engagement. However, inconsistent execution—dry chicken, cold plates, occasional item outages—prevents a higher grade and reflects real reliability concerns diners should expect. The cozy plaza setting with live music creates appealing ambiance, though premium pricing for Filipino cuisine limits broader appeal.
Restaurant Summary
Inside a small Silver Lake plaza, Manila Inasal feels warm and bustling with live acoustic sets and staff who greet you like family. Reviewers describe plates that arrive vibrant and aromatic, with one noting, "the owner made rounds to be sure we were happy." It is an easy spot to celebrate, though the music can be a little loud near the stage on busy nights. The cooking leans modern and produce-driven Filipino: sizzling lechon belly sisig, crab tortang talong that many call a must, and chicken inasal that reads nostalgic to some and too smoky to others. Portions trend sharable, pricing is premium for the category, and the experience is more comfort-forward than fussy—think familiar flavors with elevated touches rather than theatrics. Families do well here. Kids can zero in on chicken inasal, lumpia, garlic or white rice, and sweet finishes like ube mochi brownies or pistachio sans rival. Despite a few spice-forward sauces, there are straightforward options, and staff can suggest milder pairings. Expect a lively room on music nights, which many families enjoy.
At a Glance
- Welcoming service with owner presence and live music vibe
- Standout dishes include crab tortang talong and lechon belly sisig
- Pricing is higher than typical Filipino spots
- Occasional inconsistency (dry or cold plates, item outages)
- Music volume can be loud near the stage
What Sets It Apart
- live_music_every_night
- elevated_traditional_dishes
- warm_owner_presence
What People Love
- Feeling of being treated like family
- Crab-forward specialties with beautiful presentation
- Lively, celebratory ambiance with music
- Sharable plates that encourage feasting
Points of Concern
- Some diners report dry chicken or cold dishes on busy nights (isolated but notable)
- Group auto-gratuity and cake holding fee caught one party by surprise
- Parking can be tight or time-limited in the plaza
- Pricing is premium for the cuisine; a few mains feel overpriced
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$50-$72 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Build a sharable meal: Laing Focaccia + Crab Tortang Talong + Boneless Chicken Inasal, finish with Pistachio Sans Rival
- Value combo: Lumpia Shanghai + Chicken Inasal Bowl + Ube Mochi Brownies
Perfect For
- Celebrating birthdays with live music
- Introducing friends to Filipino flavors in a polished setting
- Comfort-food date night
- Family dinners with shareable plates
Location Insights
Area: Trendy, creative Silver Lake micro-plaza serving locals and destination diners; relaxed but polished vibe with evening draw.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked plaza; typical urban precautions at night; indoor garage access reported.
Nearby: Small shopping plaza with subterranean parking; near residential blocks and neighborhood dining scene; live-music friendly evenings.
Silver LakeSilver Lake is a trendy and artistic neighborhood known for its hipster vibe, indie music venues, and a strong food culture featuring eclectic and international cuisines. The dining scene is casual yet innovative, attracting locals who appreciate unique culinary experiences and live entertainment.
Silver Lake PlazaSilver Lake Plaza is a local shopping and dining hub within Silver Lake, offering a variety of eateries and shops that cater to the neighborhood's creative and diverse population. It provides a casual and community-oriented atmosphere with easy access to live music and cultural events.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday11:00–22:00
Wednesday11:00–22:00
Thursday11:00–22:00
Friday11:00–22:00
Saturday11:00–22:00
Sunday11:00–20:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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