I have never had an issue with the food or service...

I have never had an issue with the food or service - I've had reservations in the past, but never really needed them as the place wasn't packed (I guess I eat at "off-peak" times compared to other reviewers - but I try to always do that in the Santa Monica area to avoid huge crowds). I wish the place was a bit larger, but they can't really do much about that - the location itself is great.