These days, if you want to open a restaurant that’s going to draw the A-List and the rest of the world alike, Century City is the place to do it. Certainly, people are still talking about last year’s flashy opening for Pink Taco, which had enough celebrities to fill the Sgt. Pepper album cover. This year, David Overton (who brought luxe and scene-making casual to the general public via The Cheesecake Factory and Grand Lux Café) is jumping on the Pan-Asian bandwagon with the launch of RockSugar. While PanAsian is obviously established at this time, give Overton credit for making upscale elegance accessible and fun, and in a setting that bears a resemblance to The Peak’s restaurant in Hong Kong—a lofty 7,500-sq. ft. interior of soaring ceilings, hand-carved timber beams, limestone flooring and intricate Asian art, accented with saffron and plum hues, wall fountains and two water walls.
While Overton focused on building RockSugar into a “New destination concept,” New York-trained chef Mohan Ismail (Spice Market, Tabla, Blue Hill) is responsible for taking diverse influences of Southeast Asia and transforming them into a menu as stellar as L.A. itself, with a heavy emphasis on Asian cuisine (from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia) not as widely available in Southern California. While Chef Ismail is adamant in his declaration that he’s not doing Asian-Fusion or the whole “East-meets-West” thing, what we actually experience is something more resembling a collage of the culinary Asian map. At the opening night party (with a guest list that included such famous foodies as Chris Evans of the Fantastic Four, Evan Handler of Sex and the City and Joanne Krupa), bites such as crispy chicken samosas, green curry chicken, green mango and papaya salad, spring rolls and Indian stuffed flatbread were definitively Asian, and certainly not fusion (i.e. no foie gras in the egg rolls and no brie in the flatbread). From the flatbread to different varieties of pot stickers, spring rolls, ginger rice and caramel chicken and shrimp, there was spice and kick, but most of the bites (even the fried stuff) had a certain clean sensibility to them and were not sauced down to an inch of their lives.
As many of us in the foodie community know, however, that you don’t get a true sense of a restaurant until you’ve sat down for a proper meal. However, even a relaxed sit-down dining experience at RockSugar had a festive feel to it, with dishes designed to share. In this context, my companion and I went for things that would not work as a passed canapé and were, for the most part, satisfied. Beef dishes are among RockSugar’s strongest suits, as we noted when eating Ismail’s signature dishes: the tender Laquered BBQ Ribs and Shaking Beef. The Crispy-Sweet Hot Shrimp Shrimp, enlivened with little disks of tempura eggplant and chili-palm sugar sauce was addictive. However, that being said, the deserts and the cocktails were stellar. Signature drinks (Quince Margarita, Coconut Mojito, Blood Orange Sangria and Ginger Margarita) are exceptionally balanced, and bear just a hint of sweetness. The Caramelized Banana Custard Cake, adorned with milk chocolate ice cream, malted milk anglaise, praline peanuts and Crème Brule finish is probably one of the most sublime and special deserts you may try this year.
Overton’s Cheesecake Factory magic seems to be working here in ways beyond the food and opulent décor. On the night of our dinner, 8 p.m. on a Monday, people were lined up to claim their reservations. That says a lot.
8478 Melrose Ave. Hollywood. 323.655.6333.Italian.
Although it is mainly known for being owned by Robert DeNiro, the
cuisine is noteworthy and reminiscent of traditional Italy. The
primarily Tuscan menu includes favorites like flaky monkfish and
brick oven pizza. Start with the burrata, which is not on the menu.
A.O.C
8022 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles. 323.653.6359. Mediterranean.
A wine-and-tapas chic bistro by Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne
(Lucques). Cheeses (daily selection), charcuterie, patés,
boudins, lamb skewers, along with other rare French and Mediterranean
delicacies. More than 50 wines are offered by the bottle, carafe,
and glass.
Angelini Osteria
7313 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles 323.297.007. Italian. You
know in the movies when someone walks into an Italian eatery and
they are greeted by a maitre D who treats them like long lost family?
If you go to Angelini often enough, this eatery (across from El
Coyote) is that movie. With rustic and traditional Italian cuisine,
chef Gino Angelini creates a neighborhood home. ... One of the best
steaks outside of Florence, and don’t miss the salt crusted
sea bass.
Aphrodisiac
10351 Santa Monica Blvd. Century City, 310-282-8870. Burton
(Porterhouse Bistro) has created a concept fully dedicated to love
and the making of it. While it is a “regular” restaurant
with tables, chairs and booths, the most experiential part of the
place is the private bedroom- complete with a deep red comforter
strewn atop a king size bed and a personal butler who serves an
eight-course meal- each course focused around one central theme-
aphrodisiacs. You can opt to have the video cameras turned on, documenting
your rendezvous for future at-home pleasure. www.aphrodisiacrestaurant.com
W Hotel, 930 Hilgard Ave., Westwood, 310.443.8211.
French. The W Hotel’s upscale poolside
restaurant and bar serving summertime fare for breakfast, lunch
and dinner. Sip The Backyard’s signature cucumber martini,
then let the perfectly chilled oysters on the half-shell slither
down your throat.
Bastide
8475 Melrose Place. West Hollywood. 323.651.5950.
French. Undeniably one of the best french restaurants
in Los Angeles. True to the extravagance of french cuisine, this
prestigious restaurant does not skimp on indulgent extras. If you
are in the mood for truffles served properly and authentic french
accents then we wish you luck getting a reservation.
Bin 8945
18945 Santa Monica Bvd. West Hollywood. 310-550-8945.
Californian. Owner/Sommlier David Haskell has created a real
gem of a place that packs a lively “scene,” fun small
course dining and a thrilling wine experience into one dazzling
little package.
Border Grill
1445 4th St., Santa Monica. 310.451.1655.
Mexican. Star chefs, Susan Fenigan and Mary Sue Milliken, of ‘Two
Hot Tamales’ fame serve up Pan-Latino fare.
The Belmont
747 N La Cienega Blvd. 310.659.8871. Californian.
In a party atmosphere setting this restaurant serves up palate-pleasing
appetizers, entrees and cocktails.
Beechwood
822
Washington Blvd. Venice 310.448.8884. New American. Brooke
Williamson (formerly at Zax Restaurant) and Nick Roberts, of local
favorite Amuse Cafe in Venice, opened Beechwood restaurant in the
former Menemsha space off Abbott Kinney. Both a lively bar scene
and a serious foodie dining space, Beechwood offers the best of
both worlds
Bridge
755 N. La Cienega Blvd. West Hollywood 310.
659.3535. Italian/Mediterranean. The team behind the paparazzi-favorite,
Koi, opened a sister restaurant down the street with a Mediterranean/Italian
flair. This new spot is one of the latest Hollywood's darlings.
Buffalo Club
1520 Olympic Blvd. 310.450.8600. American.
A dimly lit upscale steakhouse with a swanky clientele. The outdoor
patio offers a more casual atmosphere and features live music on
weekends.
624 S La Brea Ave. Los Angeles. 323.938.1447.
Californian. Housed in Charlie Chaplin’s former home, this
award-winning restaurant’s menu is the definition of quintessential
Californian cuisine. Try the Flattened Chicken, even if it’s
not on the menu and be sure to request a table near the fountain
for weekend brunches.
Clementine
1751
Ensley Ave. Century City. 310.552.1080.
Bakery. This Century City bakery was opened by Ann Miller, an ex-Campanile
baker. It is a cozy home that conjures up the Hamptons on a warm
sunny day. Try the rare roast beef sandwich, and follow your lunch
with their nostalgic desserts; the chocolate cupcake is uncomplicated
and perfect.
Cobras and Matador
7615 Beverly Blvd. 323.932.6178. Spanish.
Part of the charm is that regardless of its status as a celebrity
hangout, owner Steven Arroyo runs his restaurant as an unpretentious
little bistro, with well-prepared and very affordable dishes. Buy
a bottle of Spanish vino next door and gorge on the great selection
of tapas.
7000 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood 323.466.7000.
Steakhouse. Tim and Liza Goodell head to Hollywood with this new
chophouse, inside the re-designed, historic Roosevelt Hotel. The
menu is full of classic steakhouse cuisine, including seafood. Reservations
guarantee access to the ultra-exclusive Tropicana Bar.
Dolce
8284 Melrose Avenue. West Hollywood. 323.852.7174.
Italian. Famous for the celebrity clientele as well as the famous
owners, this popular Italian restaurant designed by Dodd Mitchell
sets a sexy mood with its flames behind the bar and black leather
tablecloths. The menu is just as impressive with a wide selection
of Italian.
410 N. Canon Dr. Beverly Hills. 310.828.1585.
Italian. LA favorite chef Celestino Drago creates a menu of small
dishes so guests can taste a little of everything. Order a carafe
of wine with your friends and nibble on an order of giant scallops
or fried parmesan
Eurochow
1099 Westwood Blvd. 310.209.0066. Italian-Chinese.
This is restauranteur Michael Chow's creation, so of course dinner
here is always a winner. Fans of this restaurant love to settle
into the bar after dinner for a nightcap and watch the video monitor
which is connected to an overhead camera which pans the room.
7213 Sunset Blvd. 323.850.5350. Californian.
This sexy, chic restaurant serves up tantalizing cuisine in a stunning
modern environment. Traditional comfort foods with a cosmopolitan
twist. Try the grits and grilled corn.
Father's Office
1018 Montana Ave. Santa Monica. 310.393.BEER.
Known for the best hamburgers in town, Father's Office also boasts
a wide selection of small brewery beers on tap. The much talked
about hamburger is comprised of juicy beef with cheese, arugula,
and caramelized onions.
Firefly
11720 Ventura Blvd. 818.762.1833. Californian.
A hidden treasure in Studio City. This hot spot has hip Angelenos
trekking over the hill for a trendy dining experience. The shrimp
skewers are a must.
El Floridita
1253 N. Vine St. 323.871.8612.
Cuban. Okay, so you took those Salsa lessons and now you fancy yourself
a real Mambo king or queen. However, you’re tired of these
so-called “salsa clubs” that are full of posers and wannabe
hipsters. You’re looking for a hot, authentic Latin flavor,
this is the spot for you.
Ford's Filling Station
9531
Culver Blvd., Culver City. 310.202.1470. American.
Ben Ford (Harrison 's son), formerly at Chadwick's opened a casual
bistro-type eatery in the heart of Culver City. The menu is hearty
and a refreshing addition to the Los Angeles dining scene - specials
are written on a blackboard on the wall, but ordering off the menu
is probably your best bet. Try Ben's modern twist on an old favorite
- the fish and chip, or the skirt steak with frites.
Four Oaks
2181 N. Beverly Glen. 310. 470.2265. French.
A classic. Chef Peter Roelant prepares exquisite food in an exquisite
country french setting.
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Geisha House
6633 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 323.460.6300.
Japanese. Ashton Kutcher and his team head east
with this pan-Asian influenced restaurant that boasts an extensive
selection of sake. With an eclectic menu of sashimi, sushi, and
pan-Asian hot dishes, expect an experience with skilled service.
With a good looking clientele and design elements such as the plasma
screens, and the three-tiered fireplace, Geisha House offers a vibrant
atmosphere.
Grace
7360 Beverly Blvd. 323.934.4400. New
American. Solid, creative comfort food (wild boar tenderloin with
Brussels sprouts and spaetzle) for an upscale crowd. Lively atmosphere.
Info
8401 Santa Monica Blvd. 323.654.3993.
Italian. At 7 a.m you can find out which of our celebrities work
out in the morning, they'll be having breakfast here in their sweatpants.
Popular for business meetings. The food lives up to its responsibility
of satisfying the client.
… i …
Inn of the
Seventh Ray
128 Old Topanga Rd. Topanga 310.455.1311.Organic.
This last bastion of good-old fashioned healthy hippie food strikes
a resounding happy chord with the mind, body and spirit--not to
mention the taste buds.
Ita-cho
7311 Beverly Blvd. 323.938.9009.
Japanese. Only traditional Japanese fare for purists is offered
here. Expect no sushi rolls. Definitely try the steamed eggplant
with ground shrimp and the gold-leaf sake.
The Ivy
113 N. Robertson. 310.274.8303. American-Cajun.
A cottage in art gallery row, with a distinguished garden and a
cozy interior with fireplace.
1023 Abbot Kinney, Venice. 310.399.5811. American. At 16 years young, Joe's inVenice is still at the top of its game, thanks to the highly focused work of owner/chef Joe Miller, friendly neighborhood restaurant-style service (but with a marked upscale flair) and surroundings that fit the artsy neighborhood to a “t.”
Josie
2424 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica. 310.581.9888.
American. Chef Josie le Balch creates an inviting home setting that
fits well with comforting dishes such as oxtail ravioli. The mostly
Californian wine list fits perfectly with farm-fresh market specials.
Juliano's Raw
609 Broadway - Santa Monica.
310.587.1552. Raw. Credited with
sculpting Demi Moore’s new body the puckish Juliano is bringing
raw food to the masses. Anything served is
vegan and uncooked relying on ingenious combinations for taste and
texture. All that healthy living must be working because the energy
in the dining room is intoxicatingly high. Info
… k …
Kai
101 Broadway. Santa Monica. 310.434.1511.
Pan-Asian. With the Pacific Ocean across the street, Kai offers
a sultry vibe with a sunset view. A tropical setting with an open
fire pit and two patios. Chef Noby Hamazaki (formerly of Koi) prepares
small plates of Pacific rim cuisine, including Kobe beef carpaccio
and lobster ceviche
Katana
8439 W. Sunset Blvd. 323.650.8585. Japanese.
Ultramodern decor and inspired Japanese cuisine. The high-quality
dry-aged beef and fresh sushi are reason enough to dine here. The
gorgeous ambiance and the fact that beautiful people abound is gravy,
and it’s no wonder since it’s owned by the same people
who own the top notch Balboa Steakhouse and Sushi Roku!
Koi
730 N La Cienega Blvd. 310.659.9449.
Japanese. This sexy and sophisticated restaurant caters to the Hollywood
elite. The prix fixe menu features an extensive selection of traditional
Japanese dishes with an inventive modern flair.
10506 Little Santa Monica Blvd. Century City. 310.470.4992.
French. Contemporary fine cuisine chef Jean-François Meteigner
prepares delicious dishes at surprisingly reasonable prices. The
rack of lamb is divine. Cozy setting and lovely service
Lola's
945 N. Fairfax Ave. 213.736.5652. Californian.
A chic low-lit restaurant bar. If life were a movie, this would
be the perfect backdrop to meet someone for a naughty little affair.Info
La Terza
8384 W Third
St. Los Angeles. 323.782.8384. Italian.
Gino Angelini (of Angelini Osteria) has taken over the former Cava
space on Third street. Subtle enough decor for the fare to take
center stage. Remarkably fresh ingredients such as burrata and cuttlefish
are in goods hands with Chef de Cuisine, Jason Travi (formerly of
Opaline).
The Lodge
14 N. La
Cienega Blvd. Beverly Hills. 310.854.0024. Steakhouse.
Trendy and sexy dining in a chic ski-lodge style steakhouse, the
latest creation from restaurateur Adolfo Suaya (Zen Grill, Dolce,
Geisha House) and club promoter Michael Sutton.
Lucques
8474 Melrose Ave. 323.655.6277. Dark,
airy and comfortable, the restaurant, which apparently used to be
silent screen comedic actor Harold Lloyd’s carriage house,
is highlighted by a large, central fireplace, plus an outside patio
and a reasonably sized bar on one side of the room, giving it the
cozy but not overstuffed atmosphere of a mountain lodge.
Luna Park
672 S. La Brea (near Wilshire). Los Angeles.
323.934.2110. Eclectic. Friendly,
fun and full of energy, Luna Park (the restaurant) is exactly what
you’ve been looking for: a place that’s casual and affordable
yet still inspires you to get a little dressed up. Hawaiian tuna
‘poke’ with fried wonton chips, warm goat cheese fondue
served with sliced bread and apples, and a big, steaming bowl of
garlicky mussels, served with crisp French fries were all tasty
and satisfying. Info
101 Broadway, Santa Monica. 310.434.1511.Pan-Asian.
With the Pacific Ocean across the street, Makai offers a sultry
vibe with a perfect sunset view. The tropical setting is also complemented
by an open fire pit and two patios. Chef Noby Hamazaki (formerly
of Koi) prepares small plates of Pacific rim cuisine, including
Kobe beef carpaccio and lobster ceviche.
Mako
225 S. Beverly Dr. 310.288.8338. Asian
Mediterranean. The open kitchen is almost as large as the blond-wood
dining room of this stark little place. Makoto Tanaka and crew balletically
whip up crispy oyster and pickled beet salads and wok-sauteed sea
bass with rapini and mushrooms in a spicy sun-dried tomato sauce
for a well-dressed clientele.
Maple Dr.
345 N. Maple Drive. 310.274.9800. Californian.
It’s high-tech, has live jazz and even a back entrance for
the high-profile celebs to sneak in unnoticed. Good food and great
oyster bar.
Mauro Cafe
8112
Melrose, LA. 323.653.2874. Mauro Cafe at Fred Segal on Melrose serves delicious homemade food in a setting reminiscent of St Tropez. A hot lunch spot that does not go out of style.
Max Restaurant
13355
Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks. 818.784.2915.
Contemporary. This restaurant is a hidden treasure in Sherman Oaks.
Chef Andre Guerrero creates perfectly stacked ahi tuna on top of
rice cakes as well as other Asian-influenced delights. It’s
worth the trip over the 101.
Melisse
1104 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica. 310.395.0881.
French. A mainstay in the LA dining scene, this serious French restaurant
serves always refreshing cuisine. Whether the foie-gras soup or
the Maine lobster, these entrees are well-worth the prices.
Memphis
6541 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood. 323.465.8600.
Southern. Yearning for some southern comfort? Located in the heart
of Hollywood, this "belle" of a restaurant, Memphis, offers
authentic southern fare swathed in a historic victorian cottage
decorated with velvety burgundy and floral prints.
Michael’s
1147
3rd. St. Santa Monica. 310.451.0843.
Californian. A place to go to have your taste buds teased with a
perfectionist’s nouvelle flavors. Original Hockney’s
enhance the décor and add accordingly to the ambiance. The
garden is still the best outdoor dining in LA
Mix
1114 N. Crescent Heights Blvd. Hollywood. 323.650.4649.
French. A romantic and cozy setting is the backdrop to seasonal
French-Mediterranean cuisine. This is a gem that offers opportunities
to experiment, specifically with Russian boar tenderloin, foie gras
torchon, and seafood cataplana. Ask for seating in the covered patio.
Musso & Frank Grill
6667 Hollywood Blvd. 323.467.5123.
Continental. For those who didn't have a chance to drop by then,
this is the time to go back to 1919. For 70 years this Hollywood
landmark has kept tradition in its place, as well as the original
menu.
453 N Canon Dr. Beverly Hills. 310.550.5707.
American. This jazzy martini bar provides a pleasant retreat after
work. The scene is lively, and the potato gnocchi is wonderful.
NineThirty
W Hotel, 930 Hilgard Ave., Westwood, 310.443.8211.
The W Hotel, known as being the only celebrity and hipster-studded
posh place in Westwood, has been blessed with hot-spot status for
years. Now the foodies are starting to stream in following the seasonally
evolving farm-to-table dishes masterfully conceptualized by executive
chef Jack Yoss. Must try the wild king salmon pan-roasted or the
succulent braised beef short. www.ninethirtyw.com
Nobu
3835 Cross Creek Rd. Malibu. 310.317.9140.
Japanese. World-class chef Nobu Matsuhisa has done it again - this
time in Malibu. Try the rock shrimp and the jalapeno yellow tail
sashimi. For the many local celebrities, Nobu's cuisine is a daily
rendez-vous.
… o …
Ortolan
8338 W. Third St, Beverly Hills. 323.653.3300.
French. Former chef of L’Orangerie, Christophe
Emé, and restaurant partner, actress Jeri Ryan team up together
to open Ortolan in the former Linq space on 3rd. Named after a small
game bird, the menu features french bistro cuisine including delights
such as roasted squab with gratin of macaroni and blini sandwich
with a scallop and lemon confit. The escargot is a personal favorite.
One Sunset
8730 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069. 310.657.0111. American. One Sunset emerges as a category onto itself rather than fit into of the “seven stories” that define the average LA restaurant. A place to graze, eat slowly, sip a cocktail or wine and watch the night unfold.
8114 Beverly Blvd. 323.655.8822. French.
Unlike the more pretentious French restaurants in town, Pastis serves
a distinct purpose for its patrons-- authentic food, good service,
good ambiance.
Patina
141 S. Grand Ave. Downtown. 213 972 3331 . Californian.
Patina offers unsurpassed fine dining enhanced by the architectural
splendor of the Walt Disney Concert Hall. From the seasonal tasting
menus and full-flavored fall game menu to the decadent cheese cart
and award-winning wine list, Patina continues to define luxury dining
in Los Angeles. Info
Pecorino
11604 San
Vicente Blvd., Brentwood. 310.571.3800. Italian. Tucked
away in the former Zax space in Brentwood, Pecorino is a refreshing
addition to the maze of typical Italian offerings in L.A.. Chef
Raffaele Sabatini serves creative Roman dishes that are nostalgic,
but are re-invented with a twist. Baked onion and wild salmon are
crowd favorites.
Penthouse at the Huntley Hotel
1111 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90403. (310) 393-8080. International. Emerge from the elevator and find yourself on Cloud 9, thanks to smart white interiors punctuated by chocolate and mocha-hued modern furnishings. The menu is is international in tone, but not quite fusion and comfort food in vibe without being too heavy.
Primitivo
1025 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice. 310.396.5353.
Spanish/Mediterranean. Tucked away on Venice's trendy Abott Kinney,
this tapas and wine bistro whisks you away to the mediterranean
with its charming atmosphere and its mouth-watering small plates.
The menu encourages patrons to experiment with both wine and food.
Prime Grill
421 Rodeo Drive. Beverly Hills. 310.860.1233. The Prime Grill, has something for everyone, because it is the only fashion-forward restaurant around that has been officially certified Kosher by the Rabbinical Council of California.
Providence
5955 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood. 323.460.4170.
New American. The combination of experienced management (Bastide),
talented chefs (Watergrill), and famous location (former flagship
Patina space) set a high standard for the owners of the new restaurant,
Providence. Michael Cimarusti creates new American seafood, with
Japanese and French influences.
923 E. 3rd St, #109. 213.687.7178.Japanese.
A delicious, hard-to-find sushi bar and lounge, tucked into an alley
in the Downtown Artists’ Loft District.
6525 W Sunset Blvd, Hollywood 323.462.5222. International.
Restauranteur-extraordinaire Jeffrey Chodorow, gives the Hollywood
Athletic Club a major facelift. Luxurious fabrics and elaborate
chandeliers engulf the 20,000 square foot space, which is full of
all the amenities, including a screening room and plenty of bar
areas.
Sona
401 N La Cienega Blvd. West Hollywood. 310.659.7708. Californian.
In a city where beauty often conceals a lack a substance and character,
chef David Myers creates dishes that are both drop dead gorgeous
and exquisitely satisfying. This sophisticated restaurant is an
absolute must for those with adventurous appetite. Equally beautiful
are the dessert creations made by pastry chef Michelle Myers.
Spago Beverly Hills
176 N. Canon Dr. 310.385.0880. Californian.
Probably the best restaurant in Los Angeles, Spago is both an exquisitely
executed eatery as well as a training ground for most up-and-coming
chefs. Chef Lee Hefter offers a perfect blend of Californian-Austrian
cuisine with simplicity and perfection. Experience the tasting menu
and your life is changed.
Stone Fire Pizza Co
829 N. La Cienega Blvd. LA. 310.659.8848. Restaurateurs Greg Morris and Jeremy Findel, who have built their reputations through The Spanish Kitchen and The Belmont, have made their third major delve into the foodie/scene-making on La Cienega Blvd. With Stonefire Pizza, the experience is all about what’s warm and what’s hot. The menu lists 28 wafer-thin artisan pizzas that are all melt-in-your-mouth goodness. www.stonefirepizza.com
7661 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles 323.782.8258.
Californian. Owned by New Yorker Chris Heyman and Angeleno chef
Govind Armstrong (ex-Chadwick), this swanky spot lives up to the
hype. Dishes are inventive and succulent, service unpretentious.
Tart
115 S. Fairfax Ave. Los Angeles 323.556.2608.
Californian. American. When Peter and Ellen Picataggio decided to
take on the challenge of the ultimate Hollywood makeover—transforming
the humble and past-its-prime Farmer’s Daughter motel opposite
the Farmer’s Market into a boutique hotel experience—their
transformation included the creation of Tart. The new restaurant,
like the hotel that cradles it, embodies the best of both L.A.’s,
those sides being the chic side and the old-school Hollywood we
all know and love.
Tengu
10853 Lindbrook Dr. 310.209.0071. Japanese
A mostly sushi menu with Pan-asian and American delights. Brought
to you by the makers of such trendy nightspots as Nacional and Ivar,
this groovy sushi bar boasts live DJs as well as an enticing menu.
The Central
8590 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood. 310.659.0092.
American. The famed duo of Bob and John Long,
formerly of the Roxbury and Atlantic, opened The Central, a two-story
bar/restaurant in the Sunset Millennium Plaza. Remember Monday night
bar dancing at Atlantic? (or for us old folk, think the Roxbury
before it became Myagi’s). Well, expect the same glamorama.
Madonna’s brother, Christopher Ciccone, designed the space.
Tokyo Delves
5239 Lankershim Blvd. 818.766.3868.Japanese.
Like, oh my God! Regardless of what you might think there is good
entertainment to be had in "The Valley". Particularly
in the NoHo Arts District where this outrageously fun sushi bar
is located. Warning to sushi connoisseurs: It's the zany entertainment,
not the sushi that is the main attraction.
The
Ivy
113 N. Robertson
Blvd. Beverly Hills. 310.274.8303.
American. You are guaranteed to find paparazzi camped outside this
trendy eatery. This restaurant is a cottage nestled in Robertson's
fashion district, with a distinguished garden and a cozy interior
with fireplace. The celebrity scene may overshadow the cuisine.
The Little Door
8164 W. Third St. Los Angeles. 323.951.1210. French Mediterranean.
The Little Door, with its European-feeling patio, intimate candles,
noisy, but not overwhelming crowd, and excellent food, lives up
to its reputation as one of LA’s preeminent restaurant
The Palm
9001 Santa Monica Blvd. Santa Monica. 310.550.8811.Steakhouse.
This landmark steakhouse serves perfectly seared meats along with
Canadian lobster. The sides should not be ignored - the cottage
fries are just as good as the main entrees.
Tokio
1640 N. Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood. 323.464.2065.Japanese.
Although the space seems zen-inspired with its stone and light wood
décor, this sushi bar and lounge caters to the Cahuenga hipster
scene. Traditional Japanese cuisine (ie. Teriyaki chicken and miso
cod) as well as some inventive rolls and innovative presentations,
including the “tuna burger.” A DJ and a bouncer round
out this trendy spot.
1413 Fifth St. Santa Monica. 310.656.9688. American.
The upstairs courtyard is the perfect outdoor dining atmosphere
for any elegant occasion. The appetizers shine; try the bleu cheese
french fries, or ask Chef Shawn Davis to prepare his popular grilled
cheese sandwich
… v …
Valentino
3115 Pico Blvd. West Los Angeles. 310.829.4313.
A favorite West LA restaurant, Valentino’s consistently excellent
quality and service add to its longevity in a often turbulent industry.
It boasts a very extensive wine list, offering usually unattainable
Rothschilds and Latours. New Chef Stephan Samson is a refreshing
addition
Versailles
10319 Venice Blvd. 310.558.3168 / 1415 S. La Cienega
323.289.0392 Cuban. Don’t let the waiting
line coming out the door scare you away, it moves really fast. Be
prepared for the best grilled chicken, Cuban style (with rice, black
beans and plantains), this side of Havana.
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Water Grill
544 S. Grand Ave. 213.891.0900. Seafood.
The Water Grill is a little stuffy and probably a place to take
your parents when you’re trying to impress them. Culinary choices
include some of the best oysters you’ll find in the local area,
and exceptional menu of fresh fish.
Wilshire
2454 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, 310.586.1707.
Californian. Recently renovated by an impressive
team, Wilshire offers a warm atmosphere to enjoy its organic cuisine.
Reflective candlelight and soothing mahogany surrounds the bar and
dining room which opens to an expansive garden terrace with a lounge
and a separate bar.
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Zen Grill
8432 W. Third St. 323.655.9991.Asian.
It is a tiny, crowded, but comfortable and well-decorated space.
The food, service and the ambiance are great, and the prices are
more-than-decent.
