If you’re heading to Los Angeles this fall be sure to check out PINK’s picks for the best in Southern California dining. From awesome organics to fresh seafood and modern fusions, these eateries have something for everyone. A sampling of LA.’s finest eateries, by area. |
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| BEVERLY HILLS | |
| BELVEDERE | |
| The Peninsula Hotel, 9882 Little Santa Monica Blvd., 310-788-2306 | |
| The Belvedere has long been regarded as one of the finest restaurants in Los Angeles, with impeccable service and a sophisticated atmosphere. Executive Chef Bill Bracken’s menu includes a selection of “Small Bites”: Guests create their own tasting menu from a selection of signature menu items such as his famed macaroni and cheese (elbow pasta with taleggio cheese, shaved truffles, and a parmesan tuile) or potato-crusted California sturgeon. | |
| The Grill on the Alley | |
| 9560 Dayton Way, 310-276-0615 | |
| The Grill on the Alley was opened in 1984 as a living tribute to the great American grills of yesterday. The menu is classic American grill - prime steaks, fresh seafood, traditional dishes such as chicken pot pie or meatloaf and mashed potatoes, and homemade desserts. The Grill is home of the entertainment industry’s “power lunch,” but is also open for dinner seven days a week. | |
| Spago Beverly Hills | |
| 7213 Sunset Blvd. • 323-850-5350 | |
| Spago Beverly Hills is the foundation of Wolfgang Puck and Barbara Lazaroff’s fine dining group. It serves Wolfgang and Executive Chef and partner Lee Hefter’s world class, innovative American Cuisine with influences from Europe and Asia. The famous open-air garden is the jewel of the restaurant, featuring two imported 100 year old olive trees and a sculpted granite fountain. | |
| WEHO & LA CIENEGA | |
| CafÉ La BohÈme | |
| 8400 Santa Monica Blvd., 323-848-2360 | |
| An eclectic feast for the eyes and palate, La Bohème is one of LA’s most glamorous rooms. By combining tastes from around the world with a romantic atmosphere and attentive service, this restaurant offers diners a delightful night out. | |
| Chateau Marmont | |
| 8221 Sunset Blvd., 323-656-1010 | |
| The famous 1920’s era hotel has a restaurant that’s all but unknown to those who are not guests at the hotel. You can dine in the courtyard garden or in the small but elegant dining room. Chef Mohammad Islam offers a short but frequently changing menu of varied delights. Desserts by his wife Malika Ameen are not to be missed. | |
| O-Bar | |
| 8279 Santa Monica Blvd., 323-822-3300 | |
| The room is notable for its cabana seating, each wrapped in a cocoon of draped fabric, with elongated, elegant chandeliers of agate stone gently descending from above. The dramatic use of stone is further seen in large fountains, stone sculptures, and stone treatments on the surfaces of the bar. All of these dramatic details rest between two patio areas where diners can find peace and serenity. Chef Joseph Antonishek, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, set out to create an impeccable dining experience at affordable prices. The menu is described as “familiar, with a twist,’’ and plays on old favorites as well as traditional classics borrowed from the dining rooms of haute cuisine. | |
| THE VOODOO BAR | |
| 8948 Santa Monica Blvd. • 310. 657-4832 | |
| This ultra neo tiki hotspot at Santa Monica and Robertson offers a real treat. Your hosts Dina and Rob invite you to sample their tropical drink creations like the Voodoo Doll and Dirty Rotten Scoundrel on fire before escorting you to window-front dining or the luxurious fireplace patio lounge. The menu created by Celebrity Chef William Annesley offers such delights as Tandoori Shrimp and Weeping Tiger that will put a voodoo spell on you after the first bite. | |
| HOLLYWOOD & MELROSE | |
| ERAWAN | |
| 7119 Melrose Ave. • 323-692-0600 | |
| Authentic Thai cuisine thrives on high quality with a touch of California and Pacific Rim accents. Erawan features the smell and feel of the old traditional Northern Thailand through the skilled craftsmanship of the decor and the warmth of the cuisine. | |
| FALCON | |
| 7213 Sunset Blvd., 323-850-5350 | |
| This ultra-hip spot features a sleek modern interior contrasted with comfort foods like upscale meatloaf and grits. It’s a bar and restaurant that feels like a nightclub. Dine indoors or on the spacious patio. | |
| Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro | |
| The Grove, 189 The Grove Dr., 323-965-9595 | |
| A multi-level French restaurant. The bistro features quiches, soups, salads and sandwiches with an oyster bar. The restaurant features fine steaks and seafood inspired by the coastal regions of France. Signature dishes are prepared with the freshest of meats, fish and produce. Extensive wine list and full-service bar. | |
| SANTA MONICA & MALIBU | |
| Ivy at the Shore | |
| 1541 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica 310-393-3113 (303) 860-0055 |
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| A sister restaurant to the Ivy on Robertson Boulevard, this little oceanfront spot offers spectacular views and American favorites including seafood specialties. | |
| OCEANFRONT | |
| 1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica | |
| As the name says, this romantic restaurant in the Hotel Casa Del Mar is located along the ocean in Santa Monica, with beautiful views of the sea. Cuisine is California/American with an emphasis, naturally, on seafood. | |
| SILVER LAKE & LOS FELIZ | |
| Baja Fresh Mexican Grill | |
| 2921-1 Los Feliz Blvd., 323-644-0164 plus numerous locations throughout the area | |
| Baja Fresh is all about healthy Mexican food for the active lifestyle. The salsa is hand-crafted daily using the freshest ingredients. Meals feature boneless, skinless chicken breasts and marinated and charbroiled USDA choice steaks. Try the fish taco combo or the chicken picado, both big on flavor and high in protein. Fast friendly service when dining in, or party packs to take home to your guests for any occasion. | |
| Netty's | |
| 1700 Silver Lake Boulevard, 323-665-DISH | |
| Netty's is a low-key, casual, self-order restaurant in the heart of Silver Lake which features delicious pasta and American dishes. Relax and enjoy a beer or a glass of wine while your order is prepared and then brought to your table. Located in what was formerly a plant nursery, Netty's features a big open dining area and outdoor seating, and takeout is also available. | |
| SAN FERNANDO VALLEY | |
| Amalfi | |
| 143 N. La Brea Ave. • 323-938-2504 | |
| Owner M.D. Sweeney and Chef Nano Chrispo present “creative Italian” cuisine—taking traditional ingredients in a new direction and adapting the menu to today’s lifestyle. Chrispo creates new textures and flavors by using unexpected vegetables and introducing techniques from other cuisines into his Italian cooking, creating a sort of “Italian nouvelle.” | |
| Cedar House Café | |
| 4805 Whitsett Ave., Valley Village, 818-769-9994 | |
| Here you'll find fantastic and authentic Mediterranean cuisine in a warm, attractive setting. All the dishes are made from scratch with the freshest possible ingredients. The fatoush salad is a healthy, delicious winner. Heavenly meat sambousek is phyllo dough filled with spiced ground beef, onions and pine nuts. The baba gannouj is outstanding, as are the many other vegetarian dishes. Flaky baklava and addictive rice pudding round out the meal. | |
| CRUSTACEAN | |
| 9646 Little Santa Monica Blvd. • 310-205-8990 | |
| Part of Chef/Owner Helene An’s empire of four Asian restaurants, Crustacean is an awesome showplace modeled after An’s grandparents’ 1930s French Colonial Vietnamese estate. An’s cooking is based on healthy principals of Eastern medicine and healing properties of herbs, spices and roots. Selected recipes come from the heavily-guarded, family-eyes-only secret kitchen. | |
| ENCORE | |
| The St. Regis, 2055 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles | |
| Encore is an elegant restaurant that showcases inventive California cuisine. Diners relax in the restaurant’s lovely interior reflecting casual elegance with lush garden views. | |
| McCormick & Schmick’s Pacific Seafood Grill | |
| 206 N. Rodeo Dr. • 310-859-0434 | |
| Located in Beverly Hills’ retail shopping district at Dayton and Rodeo Drive, McCormick & Schmick’s Pacific Seafood Grill features fresh and delicious seafood. The menu is printed daily and showcases an extensive selection of fish flown in every day from around the world. Guests can enjoy their meal in the mahogany and stained glass dining room, in the sunshine on the patio or in the bar. | |
| Milano Pizza | |
| 12510 Riverside Dr., Valley Village, 818-509-1148 | |
| Milano’s is known for authentic New York style pizza, big pasta servings and huge salads. They use all natural ingredients. They feature salmon sautéed in white wine, halibut lightly marinated and roasted in the pizza oven, mahi mahi grilled in garlic sauce and seasoned red snapper. | |
| MR. CECIL'S CALIFORNIA RIBS | |
| 12244 W. Pico Blvd., West L.A. • 310-442-1550 | |
| Chow down on a mouth-watering and tender slab, choosing from three types: St. Louis pork ribs, baby back or big ol’ beef ribs. Add your own sauce, either mesquite or cajun. Sides include grilled corn in chili lime butter, slaw, baked beans and hushpuppies. There’s another location at 13625 Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks. | |
| Pinot Bistro | |
| 12969 Ventura Blvd., Studio City 818-990-0500 | |
| From the people who also bring you Patina, Pinot Bistro serves classic French bistro fare and more. Try the oven-roasted lamb sirloin with root vegetables or the twice-cooked pork with choucroute and red bliss potato. The main dining room features a fireplace, skylights and lace-curtained french doors. | |
| The Stand | |
| 17000 Ventura Blvd., Encino 818-788-2700 | |
| This is the place to go for hot dogs, sausages, brats, burgers, knishes, chili, entree salads, ice cream floats and more - all in a lovely garden setting. Get your dog with all the fixings – even with coleslaw or baked beans. Wide choice of sausages includes polish, chicken pesto, andouille, even a lemon chicken low-fat sausage. Beer and wine also available. | |
| LONG BEACH | |
| The Jamaican Grill | |
| 2943 Broadway (at Orizaba) • 562-434-3311 | |
| a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream is a must. Keith and Winsome Seaton and son Richard own and operate this spot. Jamaican cuisine is traditionally spicy, but the dishes here have a subtle heat that adds depth without being overpowering. The Jerk Chicken is delicious served with plantains and rice and beans. The Ox Tails simmered in rich brown gravy melt in your mouth. | |
| Sunfish Grill | |
| 423A Shoreline Village Dr. • 562-285-2288 | |
| What better way to eat fish and chips than to sit on the sun-drenched patio overlooking the Marina? Sunfish Grill is a favorite hangout on weekends, with full bar service and live music. Executive Chef Don Tomas keeps his customers happy with the house specialty, the Sunfish, plus fresh clam chowder served in a sourdough bowl and fresh, hand-sliced calamari. | |
