Il Tirso

Il Tirso opened at its current location two years ago. Very soon thereafter my Italian business associates, who have also proven to be reliable foodies, have been encouraging me to give it a try. But despite it being located almost directly across the street from my hotel (Beverly Hills), I somehow could never find it on my several intervening visits. I found it on this trip. It is slightly hidden, being below ground level, but hardly obscure. Well I am glad to have found it.
The interior is very nicely appointed, with a profound sense of casual elegance. The white-​on-​white color palate gives the dining room a crisp elegance without that ‘hospital’ feel when white if poorly or overdone. The wait staff is friendly and, at least my waiter, had a good command of English and was very helpful and guided me through the menu.
Seafood is their strong suit and like the several other very good seafood restaurants in the area, the influence is Sardinian. I started out with some raw plates: sea bass carpaccio with a couple of raw shrimp. Both were excellent (keep in mind Mediterranean shrimp, unlike the fatter and stubbier version ubiquitous stateside, are very thin and delicate. They can be a fabulous delicacy) although perhaps slightly smaller than I’ve had elsewhere. For my main I went with a fish I knew nothing about. Recommended by my server, the Pezzogna was one of the most delicious fish I’ve had. White fleshed with a light delicate flesh not unlike a striped seabass. It was grilled whole and filleted before serving.
I had neither wine nor dessert at this sitting, so I can’t say much about those aspects. But from what I did sample, I will definitely return and would recommend giving it a try. It’s a no brainer if you’re staying at the Hotell Beverly Hill.