GWEN

Curtis Stone’s Butcher-Driven Ode to Fire and Steak Dining in LA

In the heart of Hollywood, Gwen by Chef Curtis Stone continues to redefine what a modern American steak restaurant can be. Equal parts European-style butcher shop, open-fire kitchen and refined dining room, Gwen delivers an experience that is as theatrical as it is deeply grounded in meat mastery.

Since opening, Gwen has earned its place among America’s most respected meat-focused restaurants and in 2025, its influence only grows stronger. The space itself is dramatic and warm—polished brass, dark woods and visible dry-aging cabinets create a setting that is both opulent and raw, echoing the primal elegance of the fire-driven cuisine.

At the heart of Gwen is Stone’s unwavering commitment to whole animal butchery and premium sourcing. Working closely with top ranchers and artisanal producers across the U.S., Australia and Tasmania. Gwen’s kitchen showcases heritage breeds, perfectly-aged cuts and rare finds, grilled over open flames with absolute precision.

The tasting menu format, introduced for a more curated experience, leads guests through an evolving selection of the day’s best offerings—perhaps a dry-aged and grass-fed NY Strip from Cape Grim, Tasmania. Cuts are expertly seasoned, allowing the quality of the beef and the depth of smoke to shine without distraction.

Supporting dishes are elegant and restrained—think charred carrots with harissa crème fraîche, duck fat potatoes, or a bone marrow custard that blurs the line between savoury and indulgent. The kitchen shows finesse beyond the grill, but never loses sight of its fire-forward core.

The wine list is equally ambitious, with a cellar that balances Californian boldness and Old World structure. The sommelier team is highly knowledgeable, elevating each pairing with thoughtful intent.

Service at Gwen is polished and attentive, yet unpretentious—a reflection of Stone’s ethos of refined hospitality without ego. The staff moves with confidence, clearly proud of the story they’re telling on every plate.

Gwen remains a temple of meat in Los Angeles, where technique, sourcing and spectacle come together under the watchful eye of a chef-owner who treats every steak not just as a cut—but as a craft. For discerning carnivores and lovers of experiential dining alike, Gwen is essential.