Restaurant Guide
Restaurant Guide
A. O.C. Local culinary star Suzanne Goin helms the biggest, busiest, tapas place in town. This place started the tapas tradition in L.A. — though it’s nowhere near traditional Spanish. Charcuterie, house-made pate de foie gras, grilled meats and 20+ cheeses. Bar seating is your best bet without a reservation.
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills / WeHo / Third Cuisine: California / French / Small Plates Dinner Only
(323) 653-6359 www.aocwinebar.com Spago An elegant L.A. landmark, complete with celeb sightings (often of Wolfgang himself) and Bentleys out front. Service is friendly, with surprisingly quick wait times for a table. Signatures include the roasted beet salad and grilled prime cote de boeuf. Save room for awardwinning desserts by Sherry Yard.
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills /WeHo / Third Cuisine: California Lunch and Dinner
(310) 385-0880 www.wolfgangpuck.com Water Grill Housed in a downtown offi ce skyscraper, this is some of the city’s best (and priciest) seafood. Beautifully plated, painstakingly prepared, but small portions. Sophisticated white-tablecloth atmosphere and knowledgeable “career” wait staff . Business casual attire recommended; you can even go dressier in the evening.
Neighborhood: Downtown Cuisine: Seafood Lunch Mon – Fri, Dinner Nightly
(213) 891-0900 www.watergrill.com Angelini Italian food connoisseurs book early and wedge themselves into tiny tables in order to get Gino Angelini’s inspired version of rustic Old Country cuisine. Whole branzino, pumpkin tortelli and pork chop alla Milanese are recommended. The extensive wine list is almost entirely Italian.
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills / WeHo / Third Cuisine: Italian Lunch Tues – Fri, Dinner Tues – Sun
(323) 297-0070 www.angeliniosteria.com Nobu Legions of Angeleno fans are falling in love with Nobu all over again at this fl ashy Bev Hills newcomer. Hype aside, it’s not much diff erent from the other Nobu outposts — miso-glazed black cod, shrimp and caviar, sashimi tacos, and other pricey nouveau Japanese inventions — but the buzz is massive and the ambiance very “now.” (For now.)
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills / WeHo / Third Cuisine: Japanese / Sushi Dinner Only
(310) 657-5711 www.noburestaurants.com Campanile The Thursday night grilled cheese is the quintessential
L. A. insider foodie experience, but on other nights, you probably get a better overall experience. James Beard award-winning California cuisine in a space legendarily built by Charlie Chaplin; a loyal crowd comprised of oldschool
L. A. elite.
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills / WeHo / Third Cuisine: California Lunch M – F, Dinner M – Sat, Brunch Sat & Sun
(323) 938-1447 www.campanile restaurant.com Katsu-ya The same sublime sushi as in the no-hyphen version, but with hole-in-the-wall décor and Chowhound clientele instead of Philippe Starck and scenesters. A mini-empire built on spicy tuna and crispy rice, plus amazing, if pricey, hand roll specials. There’s always a wait, and more branches are already in the works.
Neighborhood: Valley (two locations) Cuisine: Japanese / Sushi Lunch M – Sat, Dinner Nightly
(818) 985-6976 www.sbeent.com/katsuya lucques A pioneer in seasonal, organic cooking. Suzanne Goin’s high-concept cuisine always hits the spot, while the décor — exposed brick, wood-burning fi replace, cozy garden patio — is French country farmhouse with So Cal sensibilities. Sunday suppers are a wallet-friendly tradition.
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills / WeHo / Third Cuisine: Cali-Mediterranean Lunch and Dinner
(323) 655-6277 www.lucques.com Chinois on Main A recent remodel renders this classic Wolfgang Puck concept (second only to Spago) slightly less cramped and more contemporary in décor. The cuisine is, as ever, bold and delicious: whole “sizzling” catfi sh, curried oysters and Chinois chicken salad are standouts.
Neighborhood: Santa Monica Cuisine: Asian / French Lunch W – F, Dinner Nightly
(310) 392-9025 www.wolfgangpuck.com Shula’s 347 Named after the number of wins in Coach Shula’s career, this steak house does not disappoint. Located near LAX it is part steak house, part sports bar. Featuring a great wine list and the usual steak house fare.
Neighborhood: LAX Cuisine: Steak Dinner Only
(310) 642-1111 www.donshula.com Geisha House Hollywood Boulevard proudly displays Geisha House as one of the top and most unique sushi spots in the city. This twostory Japanese fusion restaurant doubles as a trendy lounge for countless A-list frequenters. Elegant dishes worth a taste include the tempura lobster hand roll that is embraced by soy paper, Mongolian lamb, and sashimi.
Neighborhood: Hollywood Cuisine: Pan-Asian Dinner Only
(323) 460-6300 www.dolcegroup.com/geisha Tender Greens Another of Culver City’s recent triumphs, this designer cafeteria specializes in simple, fresh salads and sandwiches made to order from locally sourced ingredients. Long lines at lunch, but a fabulous off-peak meal deal.
Neighborhood: Culver City Cuisine: Vegetarian / American Lunch and Dinner
(310) 842-8300 www.tendergreensfood.com Takami Downtown is very proud of this über-stylish, spendy Japanese newcomer located on the 21st floor of a Financial District skyrise.
Nouveau sushi, inspired small plates and robata specialties are complemented by creative cocktails and an extensive sake list.
Adjacent to Elevate Lounge.
Neighborhood: Downtown Cuisine: Japanese / Sushi Lunch and Dinner
(213) 236-9600 www.takamisushi.com Dolce Dolce Enoteca e Ristorante offers courses that range from calamari, and shrimp and zucchini fried in a crisp garbanzo-flour coating to Gorgonzola risotto, prime rib with roasted potatoes and grilled branzino. Plush brown leather booths add to the warmth, and the modern twist on traditional Italian cuisine makes for an all-encompassing experience.
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills / WeHo / Third Cuisine: Italian Dinner Only
(323) 852-7174 Silvera’s Steakhouse Huntington has beach bars and taquerias galore, but a dearth of formal dining spots.
Hence the enthusiastic welcome given to this sophisticated steakhouse, where the steak and martini menu and business casual attire are just “special occasion” enough.
Neighborhood: Huntington Beach, Orange County Cuisine: Steakhouse Dinner only
(714) 969-9000 www.silvera-steakhouse.com Bar Hayama Toshi Sigiuri, founder of the California Sushi Academy, brings his craft from Venice to the Sawtelle Corridor. Japanese gourmet small plates, fresh inventive sushi, and a special macrobiotic menu. Sigiuri is also a certified Sake Master (one of four in the country); his list merits serious exploration.
The contemporary, sophisticated décor is a departure from the neighborhood norm.
Neighborhood: West L.A. Cuisine: Japanese / Sushi Lunch and Dinner
(310) 235-2000 www.bar-hayama.com Lou An unpretentious haven in a strip mall setting, tucked right in the heart of Hollywood’s madness. Friendly service, casual décor, and a fun menu that’s mostly small plates, charcuterie and snacks (the “pig candy” bacon is a signature). The owners are wine geeks with a particular passion for naturally grown and produced wines.
Neighborhood: Hollywood Cuisine: Eclectic Dinner Only
(323) 962-6369 www.louonvine.com La Grand Orange Kris Keith (see Osteria La Buca review) has created a glossy art deco showpiece inside a former train depot. Lustrous leather, rich wood, old-fashioned table lamps and just enough exposed brick. The contemporary comfort cuisine is intentionally low on razzledazzle, with an eye to attracting regular return customers. Last but not least, an excellent cocktail program.
Neighborhood: Pasadena Cuisine: American Lunch and Dinner
(626) 356-4444 www.lgostationcafe.com Anisette Having been the talk of the foodie community for more than a year, Alain Giraud’s new brasserie in the Clock Tower building is finally open. Giraud has always been one of L.A.’s best-loved chefs, and this vibrant contemporary venture may mark a brave new post-Bastide era.
Neighborhood: Santa Monica Cuisine: French Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
(310) 395-3200 www.anisettebrasserie.com Bastide An L.A. landmark with a tumultuous past, controversial owner and love-it-or-hateit high concept cuisine. It reopened in September, 2007 after two years shuttered, and immediately people began to debate everything from food to service to overall experience. Nonetheless it’s already received national attention. Two tasting menus with optional wine pairings; no á la carte.
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills / WeHo / Third Cuisine: Contemporary European Dinner Only
(323) 651-5950 www.bastidela.com BottleRock A fun, modern wine bar in up-and-coming Culver City. Laid-back ambiance and sunny, casual décor suits all ages and occasions. The big draw here is that they’ll open any bottle as long as you buy two glasses. Cheeses, charcuterie and Mediterranean-inspired snacks like lollipop lamb chops.
Neighborhood: Culver City Cuisine: Contemporary European / Wine Bar Lunch and Dinner
(310) 836-WINE www.bottlerock.net Blue Velvet An über-sophisticated skyrise newcomer with serious skyline views. Even with muted tones and friendly staff, the place still feels a bit like something out of a sci-fi movie. The dinner menu offers crispy sweet breads, foie gras, guinea hen and Angus rib eye sided with marrow-stuff cipollini.
Neighborhood: Downtown Cuisine: Contemporary American Lunch and Dinner
(213) 239-0061 www.bluevelvetrestaurant.com Jar Loud, bustling, fun and casually elegant — a New American steakhouse with a California twist. Suzanne Tracht’s signature pot roast is a must, as is the Monday night mozzarella menu. An excellent wine list and friendly, ebullient service.
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills / WeHo / Third Cuisine: American / Steak Dinner Nightly, Brunch Sunday
(323) 655-6566 www.thejar.com Les Deux Les Deux is known for its clubby scene; however, their food is note-worthy too. Try their Farfalle Casarecce — bowtie pasta with chopped grilled chicken, garlic, broccoli and sun dried tomatoes in a white wine sauce or linguine & clams. The stay for the party after dinner.
Neighborhood: Hollywood Cuisine: Italian Dinner Only, Open Late Fri – Sat
(323) 462-7674 www.dolcegroup.com/lesdeux The Ivy More of an L.A. cultural experience than a fine dining one. With paparazzi lurking outside and celebs huddled within, lunch here is a hot ticket indeed. Food is secondary, though the crab cakes are a traditional pleaser.
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills / WeHo / Third Cuisine: California Lunch and Dinner
(310) 274-8303 Encounter Restaurant Although the scaffolding is still up, this space-age style restaurant is most definitely open. Located in the heart of the airport with fun, funky décor and groovy music, Encounter serves “California fresh” cuisine. Watch the planes land and take off and channel your inner George Jetson.
Neighborhood: LAX Airport Cuisine: California Lunch daily, Dinner Thurs – Sun
(310) 215-5151 www.encounterlax.com Ago Robert DeNiro’s very own trattoria is a hub for the glitterati and corporate types alike.
The patio and bar offer upscale clientele two prime networking spots, while the food ranges from authentic pizza to juicy steak.
Classy, elegant décor sets the mood for a romantic dinner, business gathering or birthday celebration. A must-dine for anyone in WeHo or Beverly Hills.
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills / WeHo / Third Cuisine: Italian Lunch Mon-Fri, Dinner Nightly
(323) 655-6333 www.agorestaurant.com Dan Tana’s Genuine Italian dishes are served up in hearty portions at this West Hollywood favorite.
The red booths ooze Goodfellas-style charm, and the staff has Italian hospitality down to a science. This is a celebrity playground, so don’t be surprised if you’re grubbing near a high-priced ballplayer, A-list actor or gorgeous cover girl. Nevertheless, Dan Tana’s is as welcoming as Tinseltown gets.
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills / WeHo / Third Cuisine: Italian Dinner Nightly, Open Late
(310) 275-9444 www.dantanasrestaurant.com Sam’s By the Beach Santa Monica bistro sits right by the Pacific Coast Highway, and it offers fine dining for a diverse, refined set. Coupling chic décor with a Mediterranean menu, this unassuming, intimate restaurant definitely makes for a great date spot. Among a cache of yummy desserts, be sure try the crème brûlée to cap off your meal.
Neighborhood: Santa Monica / Malibu Cuisine: Mediterranean, French Dinner Tue-Sun
(310) 230-9100 Trilussa Ristorante A diverse menu of delicious gourmet pizza, pasta, soup and seafood is the highlight of this Beverly Hills Italian eatery. It’s easy to indulge in the fantastic fried calamari early on, but definitely save room for some Tiramisu post-main course. Don’t let the BH location fool you, everyone’s in the family at Trilussa.
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills / WeHo / Third Cuisine: Italian Lunch and Dinner
(310) 859-0067 Bella Bella’s brings the tastes of Sicily, Italy to the table, along with a lovely selection of wines.
They offer Canneloni, ravioli, carbonara, and Chicken Sorentina. Try any of their dishes alongside a glass of wine.
Neighborhood: Hollywood Cuisine: Italian Lunch Mon-Fri, Dinner Nightly
(323) 468-8815 www.dolcegroup.com/bella/ STK As flawlessly sleek and sophisticated as a Park Avenue divorcee, this ultra-modern steakhouse is tricked out in lustrous dark surfaces, posh white leather and gleaming glass. The light is dim, the vibe sexy and scary — the menu surprisingly approachable, with appetizers suited for sharing. Prime beef cuts range from itty-bitty to 26-ounce.
Neighborhood: Beverly Hills / WeHo / Third Cuisine: Steakhouse Dinner
(310) 659-3535 www.stkhouse.com Ketchup Ketchup serves American diner classics such as the BBQ chicken salad that is loaded with flavor and a punch. The Mac and Cheese is done up with white truffle oil and Dungeness crab. The “3some” dish is a unique dish of parmesan, is an unexpected knockout of white truffle oil and dungeness crab.
Neighborhood: West Hollywood Cuisine: American Lunch Mon-Fri, Dinner Nightly
(310) 289-8590 www.dolcegroup.com/ketchup/
