The Gaslamp Quarter is known for its fun, trendy nightclubs and many great restaurants. But tucked into the folds of Fourth Street near Island Avenue is a hidden gem that many locals have already discovered and want to keep for themselves – Tabule Restaurant & Bar. This cozy eatery has been open for just more than a year and a half. Its warm atmosphere is comfortable yet upscale. Owners, sister and brother team Moe and Moji Sadighian, strive for a living room mentality. “After a long day, we want our customers to feel as comfortable as they would at home in their living rooms,” Moe said. The decor is chic and inviting, with walls of burnt sienna, rich chocolate leather seating and a floating fireplace behind the bar. Contemporary fixtures glow with perfect lighting and subtle art adorns the walls. Relaxing tunes are played at an enjoyable level, yet do not drown out conversation. The most impressive aspect of Tabule is the freshness of its food and drinks. Touted as global fusion, the menu spans a wide variety of international cuisines including Italian, Thai, Middle Eastern, ceviches, sushi, seafood dishes and steaks. The menu changes periodically to add new and exciting dishes, and features such favorites as the seared diver scallops cooked to perfection with a scrumptious oyster and crab demi-glaze. Another popular appetizer is the flavorful mini mesquite duck tacos. Fresh, hot sourdough bread is served at each table with a yummy garlic aioli and a habanero salsa that comes with a kick. The several Italian dishes on the menu feature pastas made fresh in-house and are infused with chipotle. Incredibly, all of Tabule’s sauces are made fresh when you order them. The filet mignon medallions are tender and deliciously seasoned. All of the seafood Tabule serves is caught in the wild and served with jasmine rice topped with saffron butter and grilled vegetables, tasty with a hint of smokiness. The restaurant’s specialties are its ceviches. I tried three: the caracole, the white sea bass and tuna ceviches, and they were excellent, served with crunchy grilled tostadas. With so many to choose from, it may be best to try the Ceviche Trio, with your choice of three ceviches. Each is served with its own signature dressing and a variety of fresh ingredients like seeded cucumber, peeled and seeded tomatoes, kalamata olives, capers, cilantro, avocado and red onion. Tabule offers a unique and wide selection of cocktails, meticulously prepared with fresh fruits and juices, no artificial sweeteners or syrups. Known for their fabulous pomegranate martini, they offer 16 other flavors of martinis, served in their own shakers, and several choices of margaritas and mojitos. The wine list features a collection of international wines as well as a good selection by the glass. When you choose a wine, you‘ll find the reds decanted and aerated for you at the table, and the whites chilled, which is a really nice touch. Tabule offers “Power Hour” happy hour from 5 to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, all evening on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and Sundays from 3 to 6 p.m. featuring half priced appetizers and drinks. I cannot say enough about the impeccable hospitality and attentive staff at Tabule. From the friendly hostesses to the accommodating and professional servers and bar tenders, everyone seems to have a smile on their face. Tabule was built for the locals. Its steady crowd of regulars is growing by the day, but they welcome out-of-towners and business travelers who happen by. No doubt about it, whether a regular or first timer, Tabule’s staff makes everyone feel welcome. Tabule makes a great venue for a first date, a romantic night out or special occasion. Tabule Restaurant & Bar:535 Fourth Ave. in the Gaslamp Quarter • Open Mondays through Fridays for dinner, Saturdays and Sundays for lunch and dinner • (619) 238-0048 • tabulerestaurantbar.com