Restaurants

Los Angeles used to be a wasteland in terms of great restaurants. Mile upon mile of junky fast food joints littering the boulevards, malls with their generic food courts, and frustrated foodies weeping into their napkins.  Well, there’s still some of that, but Los Angeles has come a long way. The 1990s were a flush time in the City of Angels, and many famous chefs (Wolfgang Puck, Nobu Matsuhisa, etc) opened up shop. Add to this the constant stream of hungry tourists passing through, and you’ve got yourself a pretty great city for dining out. Here, then, are the top 10 best upscale restaurants in Los Angeles, California.

Melisse, 1104 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica - I had my last wedding anniversary dinner here, and for good reason: I do my “best restaurants” research, after all. Melisse is rated as the best American-French restaurant in Los Angeles by Zagat’s, and has been awarded 2 stars by the prestigious and picky Michelin Guide. Like most best upscale restaurants, Melisse is pricey but worth it – it’s also fantastically romantic, with a subdued and sophisticated atmosphere.The seared foie gras is the best I’ve had outside of France

Spago, 9430 Wilshire Blvd Beverly Hills - Can’t have a Top 10 foodie list without Spago. Wolfgang Puck’s

Spago in Beverly Hills

flagship restaurant is a mainstay in Los Angeles, and for good reason; Spago Beverly Hills led to several others (in Boston, Las Vegas…) but the LA location was first. I love the coordination of the waitstaff — for larger parties (even just groups of four) the entrees all arrive at once via several waiters and waitresses.  The meals, of course, are just as impressive, and the atmosphere more boisterous than at Melisse.

Urasawa, 218 N Rodeo Dr Beverly Hills - There are more than three outstanding sushi restaurants in Los Angeles, but to be fair I needed to narrow it down to three. Urasawa is in a smaller space than Katsuya or Nobu (see below) and this fosters a more intimate ambience. Try to request the sashimi platter served on a block of ice, but all the options here are impeccably prepared and served. The name of the game here, though, is omakase. This means, the chef decides what you get. Don’t be afraid to make requests (I’ve always asked for no sea urchins, for example), and the meal will be full of great surprises.

Katsuya, 11777 San Vicente Blvd, Brentwood - There are a few Katsuya locations in Los Angeles, but I like

Katsuya in Brentwood

the scene here better than the one in Hollywood (and I haven’t been to the ones on Olympic or in Glendale). Exceedingly hip and modern, with funky giant photos of women’s eyes and lips, Katsuya doesn’t make for a quiet romantic night out. I’ve never NOT had a “star sighting” here, though, and that has its appeal for tourists. Unlike Urasawa, diners can order a la carte as well as omakase. There are all the traditional favorites here, like spicy tuna rolls and tempura, but the more interesting menu items are really memorable. It’s expensive for a family restaurant, but this is the one Japanese spot on the list I’ve taken my kids to. They’re never the only children there.

Nobu, 903 N. La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood - Nobu is a famous name for foodies, and certainly Nobu Matsushita has many great eponymous restaurants across the globe. I prefer this Nobu to the ones in NYC and Malibu, but all have the same trendy atmosphere. Yes, Nobu is a fashionable place to see and be seen in Los Angeles, but the chef’s modern and unique takes on Japanese standards really are worth the (as usual, pricey) night out. There are plenty of noteworthy non-sushi options here; I recommend the Kobe steak.

Cut, 9500 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills - Cut opened in 2006 and became instantly popular – some said overhyped – but its ongoing high ratings and popularity are testament to its quality and standards of both fare and service. With chef Wolfgang Puck at the helm, the same organized choreography of service is seen here as at Spago.  When I’ve eaten there, I’ve noticed invariably that the trendiness of Cut means a beautiful young crowd – but the entrees are wonderful, and the wine list as good as any. Try not to fill up on the artisanal bead before the main courses arrive!

Valentino, 3115 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica - This is an old-school Italian restaurant near the 10 freeway, and one of my favorite fancy Italian joints in Southern California. It’s a restaurant I return to often. The dinners here are serious affairs that last several hours, so plan to make a reservation here as the activity of the evening.  My current favorite dish is the risotto with white truffles, but this may be only seasonally available.

Water Grill, 544 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles - There are a lot of great seafood options in Los Angeles, but this is considered by many (including the Zagat Guide) to be the “best seafood in Southern California.” It also has been awarded a Michelin star. It’s the only downtown LA restaurant on this Top 10 list; a night at Disney Concert Hall – also on Grand Ave – and dinner here would make for a wonderfully cultural and culinary experience.  I enjoy the Art Deco decor and the sophistication of the clientele. The seafood is as fresh and well-prepared as it gets, needless to say. The raw bar, tuna tartare, and Scottish King Salmon are all recommended.

Giorgio Baldi, 114 W Channel Rd, Santa Monica - The food here is tremendous, and the space relatively small, so there’s 1) a tight fit 2) a good chance you’ll end up rubbing shoulders with some Hollywood luminary. I’ve never tasted fresher, more impeccably prepared pasta in my life, and the branzino is top-notch. However, because of the small size, table turnover is important for Giorgio Baldi to make a profit. As a result, there is no leisurely 3-hour dinner here. Even purchasers of $400 bottles of wine can feel rushed. That being said, you know the food is amazing when the restaurant stays so busy despite the service.

Osteria Mozza,  6602 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles – Mario Batali is ony one of two famous chefs associated with this restaurant. Nancy Silverton, of Napa Valley fame, is the pasta chef of great renown among Italian food lovers. Melrose Ave is a hopping area in LA, and Osteria Mozza is likewise fun and lively. It’s Italian, but with an equal emphasis emphasis on southern pasta dishes, and more delicate fare of Northern Italy.  The Guinea hen crostone, the quail  wrapped in pancetta and the soft shell crab are my recommendations.

Santa Monica has many great restaurants, as it’s a popular part of the Los Angeles area. Tourists seeking

The Fig at Fairmont Miramar

high-end vacations like to stay at one of several luxury hotels along Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, as these offer knock-out views of the Pacific. One such luxury hotel, the Fairmont Miramar, is lucky enough to house The Fig, a restaurant in the hotel that has my favorite area Happy Hour.

This restaurant is named for the iconic fig tree in the Fairmont Miramar’s rounded driveway. The Fig is a fantastic restaurant with a creative, innovative chef. Ray Garcia uses as many fresh, organic ingredients from the local Santa Monica farmers’ market as he can (it’s in walking distance from the Fairmont Miramar), so The Fig easily fall under the 100 Miles Diet rubric.

Happy Hour at the Miramar, Santa Monica

The Fig at Five, which is (obviously) at 5:00PM, offers charcuterie (you know, high-end prosciutto and other fine preserved meats) and the best cheese variety I’ve had outside France and Scotland. The staff is well very versed in suggesting wines to complement the artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and fruits offered at the bar. I enjoyed a fantastic Pinot Noir, and later some Merlot. I didn’t try any of the cocktails (I was driving ,after all), but a companion mentioned the fig mojito as being unique and interesting.

The Fig is California casual, as befits this Southern California hotel right across the street from the Pacific Ocean. The fresh, terrific food and the amazing Fig at Five menu would fit right in a snootier, jackets-required restaurant – I’m so glad it’s at the Fairmont Miramar instead! This Happy Hour lives up to its name, and more.

The Fig
at Fairmont Miramar

The Fig at Five Happy Hour Spread

101 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401

The Omelette Parlor is on Main Street, in Santa Monica. It’s one of the most popular breakfast and brunch restaurants in Santa Monica, and there is almost always a big line waiting for their fix on the weekends.

Omelette Parlor in Santa Monica

There are a few main areas of Santa Monica, which is a distinct city from Los Angeles (despite being surrounded on three sides by LA, with the Pacific Ocean marking the end of the fourth side). The Omelette Parlor is on Main Street in the Ocean Park area, a neighborhood that is closer to Venice in both geography and feel. My family has brunch at the Omelette Parlor once every couple of months, and we’ve never been disappointed yet.

There is quite a bustle here during weekend brunch, and there have honestly been a few times wherein our orders have been mixed up with another table’s. Things usually get straightened out pretty quickly at The Omelette parlor, though, and it’s not a big disaster to have to wait a few extra minutes for your brunch. The outside dining area in the back is sunny (with umbrellas) and relaxing, while the interior’s booths and barstool seating can (and do) feel more cramped. There are a LOT of egg dish choices here, of course (it’s called The Omelette parlor for a reason)! Some entrees are named after Hollywood

The Omelette Parlor is Popular for Brunch

luminaries, or other famous types. I’m partial to the Merlin omelette, for example, whereas my husband likes the Schwarzenegger and the lox scramble.  All omelettes come with great breakfast potatoes and a nutty buttered muffin; that muffin is so tasty that I occasionally wonder if it’s the main reason I go with the omelette options.

For brunch lovers who are interested in a meal leaning more towards the lunch end of the scale, the Gregory Hines salad is light, fresh and tasty. The entrees here are pretty large, but the Gregory Hines salad is so light that you may want to add chicken breast. The tuna melt is really satisfying, with a large serving of tuna fish and melted cheddar over sourdough. Last, I recommend the fresh squeezed orange juice. It’s not served in a 3-oz

Outdoor Dining at the Omelette Parlor

glass like it is in some pretentious, overpriced restaurants. The Omelette parlor fresh squeezes that juice and pours it in a regular-size glass the way it’s meant to be. The food is fresh at the Omelette Parlor on Main Street, Santa Monica, and the outdoor dining feels terrific. No wonder there’s always a wait to get in for weekend brunch.

The Omelette Parlor
2732 Main St.
Santa Monica, CA
(310) 399-7892

The Omelette Parlor is on Main Street, in Santa Monica. It’s one of the most popular breakfast and brunch restaurants in Santa Monica, and there is almost always a big line waiting for their fix on the weekends.

Omelette Parlor in Santa Monica

There are a few main areas of Santa Monica, which is a distinct city from Los Angeles (despite being surrounded on three sides by LA, with the Pacific Ocean marking the end of the fourth side). The Omelette Parlor is on Main Street in the Ocean Park area, a neighborhood that is closer to Venice in both geography and feel. My family has brunch at the Omelette Parlor once every couple of months, and we’ve never been disappointed yet.

There is quite a bustle here during weekend brunch, and there have honestly been a few times wherein our orders have been mixed up with another table’s. Things usually get straightened out pretty quickly at The Omelette parlor, though, and it’s not a big disaster to have to wait a few extra minutes for your brunch. The outside dining area in the back is sunny (with umbrellas) and relaxing, while the interior’s booths and barstool seating can (and do) feel more cramped. There are a LOT of egg dish choices here, of course (it’s called The Omelette parlor for a reason)! Some entrees are named after Hollywood

The Omelette Parlor is Popular for Brunch

luminaries, or other famous types. I’m partial to the Merlin omelette, for example, whereas my husband likes the Schwarzenegger and the lox scramble.  All omelettes come with great breakfast potatoes and a nutty buttered muffin; that muffin is so tasty that I occasionally wonder if it’s the mail reason I go with the omelette options.

For brunch lovers who are interested in a meal leaning more towards the lunch end of the scale, The Gregory Hines salad is light, fresh and tasty. The entrees here are pretty large, but the Gregory Hines salad is so light that you may want to add chicken breast. The tuna melt is really satisfying, with a large serving of tuna fish and melted cheddar over sourdough. Last, I recommend the fresh squeezed orange juice. It’s not served in a 3-oz

Outdoor Dining at the Omelette Parlor

glass like it is in some pretentious, overpriced restaurants. The Omelette parlor fresh squeezes that juice and pours it in a regular-size glass the way it’s meant to be. The food is fresh at the Omelette Parlor on Main Street, Santa Monica, and the outdoor dining feels terrific. No wonder there’s always a wait to get in for weekend brunch.

The Omelette Parlor
2732 Main St.
Santa Monica, CA
(310) 399-7892

(pieroselvaggio.com/valentino)

It’s hard to find a classic restaurant in hip, ever-changing Los Angeles and Santa Monica. Valentino exudes old-world charm and authenticity, despite being located in the center of these cities of reinvention. It’s one of the best restaurants in Santa Monica, and the only one without sparking curb appeal to match the upscale interior. In fact, I’d say it’s hidden gem – except that its popularity and longevity (opened 1972, a millennium for restaurants) belie this statement.

Classic, high-end Italian fare is the name of the game at Valentino, and while some hipsters might say that

(pieroselvaggio.com/valentino)

the decor needs updating, I find it appealing. The decor sets the mood for a long, unrushed traditional Italian meal. The salad with rucola, apples and walnuts alone is worth the trip to Pico Boulevard, but the seasonal lobster appetizer is also perfectly done and fantastic. The aged prosciutto with burrata is as good as I’ve had in Florence, Italy. The pasta is all made that day, on site; it makes a difference. Corn ravioli may sound like carb overload, but this is among the lightest pasta dishes I can recall. I highly recommend it. For fish lovers, both the salmon and the branzino are melt-in-your-mouth delicious.  Valentino has braised lamb shanks that are something of a favorite among those who are financially lucky enough to come here for repeat visits. According to my waiter, the osso bucco also has made something of a name for itself: I tried neither the lamb nor the osso bucco, hence can’t personally judge them.

(pieroselvaggio.com/valentino)

The waiters are perfectly professional and the sommelier delights in perfectly pairing wines with the appetizers and entrees here – trust him, he knows what he’s doing. The wine cellar is extensive, and includes some very expensive, rare Italian vintages (you can order a relatively cheaper bottle of course, but it’s nice to consider it). Now, this is a high-end restaurant, with prices to match. Ready for a splurge? Valentino is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion.

Despite all these culinary delights, try to save room for desert. The apple ravioli (like an apple crisp) isn’t TOO decadent, is it? If so, the cinnamon ice cream is at once creamy and light, making a perfect end to one of the best Italian meals you’ll have in Santa Monica, California.

Valentino
3115 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA
(310) 829-4313

Photo courtesy of boasteak.com

There are three BOA Steakhouses; one in Las Vegas, one in West Hollywood, and the third in Santa Monica. This last BOA has, beyond a doubt, the most fun and lovely setting of the collection. It is kitty-corner on Santa Monica Blvd and Ocean Avenue – the last street in Santa Monica before you’re in the ocean.  Outdoor dining here provides some great sunsets and people-watching. It’s one of my two favorite steakhouses in Santa Monica – the other, Houston’s, being just a few minutes’ walk away.

BOA is a wonderful steakhouse restaurant, due in no small part to the perfect setting mentioned above. Any tourist wanting a fun yet classy dining experience in Santa Monica will be happy here – the Santa Monica beach is iconic to Southern California, the cute young people roller-blading by or carrying on loud cell phone conversations are amusing, and the outdoor dining helps add to a quintessential Los Angeles vacation.

For an appetizer, I recommend trying the goat cheese baklava. The black truffles and pistachios create an interesting combination of textures, and the cheve is creamy and fresh. Of course, this IS a steakhouse, with the seafood appetizers you’d expect: Try the oysters on the half shell if you want to go the normal steakhouse dinner route.

Photo courtesy of boasteak.com

Main course specialties include a great porterhouse, and a succulent filet mignon. Someone in my dining party ordered the Japanese wagyu – this is commonly known as kobe beef – and said that while it was good, it wasn’t the best kobe he’d had. We ordered sides of fries and macaroni and cheese for the table (as befits a steakhouse dinner), and they were fine accompaniments. Really, though, the fun at BOA is, as with many top-notch steakhouses, the combination of steak choices and rubs and sauces. Of these, I can’t recommend highly enough the foie gras butter; it helped raise my petite filet mignon to an amazing, absolutely superior level. The creamy horseradish and the bearnaise are also standouts.

Chances are, you’ll be too full to really enjoy a heavy dessert after dinner at BOA. But cotton candy is served…one little bite, that can’t hurt, right? Fine dining, people watching, and enjoying the sun set over the Pacific is a great way to spend an evening in Santa Monica.

Photo courtesy of boasteak.com

BOA Steakhouse
101 Santa Monica Blvd
Santa Monica, CA
(310) 899-0066

BOA is a Best Steakhouse Restaurant in Santa Monica (boasteak.com)

Santa Monica is a popular travel destination in Southern California, and for good reason.  In terms of dining, there’s a little of something for everyone here, from the lowest of greasy spoons and sports bars, to great burger joints, to upscale restaurants that are on par with anything in greater Los Angeles. These formal, adult restaurants provide more than just dinner; they provide memorable dining experiences. Here are my recommended best high-end restaurants in Santa Monica, California.

Best Upscale Restaurants in Santa Monica:

Melisse, 1104 Wilshire Blvd - This elegant restaurant is a pricey affair, and worth it. French food prepared to perfection, with expert sommeliers on hand, provide a sense of European dining. This is a 2-star Michelin, 4-star Mobil Travel Guide restaurant, and reservations are needed. When I’ve dined here, I left feeling as though I’ve had a genuinely valuable foodie experience – and I’m not the only one. It’s been a top-rated upscale restaurant in Los Angeles for eight years.

Banquet Dining at The Lobster, in Santa Monica CA (thelobster.com)

The Lobster, 1602 Ocean Ave - It looks like it might be tacky or hokey, what with its location right on the Santa Monica Pier. But don’t be deterred, as The Lobster has seafood as spectacular as its views of the Pacific Ocean and the beach. This is a great restaurant for people taking vacations in Los Angeles and Santa Monica, as it provides ample views of the locals rollerblading or haplessly trying to surf. The bustle here is notable during lunch, but at dinner, the setting is suitably romantic for a special adult meal.

JiRaffe Restaurant, 502 Santa Monica Blvd - This is another classy restaurant, and it’s a short walk from the Santa Monica Pier and the 3rd St. Promenade. It’s one of my favorite restaurants in the entire Los Angeles area. Try the prix fixe menu on Mondays to get a little taste of many tasty items on the menu; this is a relatively affordable way to sample several terrific California French entrees. The blend of fresh, local ingredients with traditionally French cuisine is a creative take, and perfectly encapsulates the best of California’s ability to make new what could otherwise remain Old Country-style cuisine.

BOA Steakhouse, 101 Santa Monica Blvd - Observant readers may notice that steakhouses are my favorite type of restaurant. BOA is a great steakhouse in Santa Monica (there’s one in West Hollywood, and Las Vegas, as well), with the casual yet formal flair that characterizes so much of California’s overarching culture. Right on Santa Monica and Ocean Ave, BOA is across the street from the ocean, and outdoor seating is very, very popular.  The steaks and other entrees are as good as I’ve had.

Ivy at the Shore, 1541 Ocean Ave - The original Ivy is iconic; a classy, sophisticated restaurant where movie stars come to be seen. The Ivy at the Shore has the same high-quality food, albeit without the “star power.” This is a good thing for a less pretentious, quiet American meal with a view.

Melisse is a Best Restaurant in the Los Angeles Area (melisse.com)

Chinois on Main, 2709 Main St - Chinois on Main is a drive away from the tourist hub of the Santa Monica Pier and 3rd St Promenade, The Main Street area is more bohemian, and filled with local artists and strivers. Chinois is worth the trip, though; it’s still a classy affair. It’s hard to find good Chinese food in Los Angeles outside of Chinatown, and this is one of the best. The French-Chinese cuisine is an interesting twist on the standard fried rice platters. It’s loud, though – consider yourself warned. This is a best fusion restaurant in Santa Monica, certainly, and the best Chinese food spot on the West side of Los Angeles. If it’s a quiet, romantic meal you seek, however, try Melisse instead.

Valentino, 3115 Pico Blvd - Valentino is also a drive away from the most popular vacation area of Santa Monica. It’s a very romantic Italian restaurant.  The classic Northern Italian dishes are amazing: this is no red-sauce-and-spaghetti joint. The wine list, wine matching, and sommelier are perfect for a romantic, adult meal. Valentino’s is highly recommended for a special occasion night out.

These are my picks for the best upscale restaurants in Santa Monica, California. Any one of these would provide a memorable night out for travelers visiting the Los Angeles area.

In Los Angeles? Want a great sports bar restaurant with a ton of giant TVs, sports and Route 66 memorabilia, and enough booth-style seating to go around? I recommend Barney’s Beanery. It’s one of the most fun sports bar restaurants I’ve been to, and the menu (printed on 6 sheets of newspaper) is so huge and varied, everyone in your group will find something they want.

There are four Barney’s Beanery outposts. I’ve been to the one in Old Town Pasadena a couple of times, and enjoyed countless meals at the Barney’s Beanery on the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica. The other two are in Burbank and West Hollywood – this last being the original location.

All day breakfasts, salads, pizzas, burgers and dogs are here, of course, as well as soups, sandwiches,foot-long hot dogs and burritos…the list goes on and on. American comfort food rules at Barney’s beanery, and this is as it should be: The festive, sometimes raucous crowd (depends on the game), comfy booth seats, and loud class rock practically sets the stage for this. The license plates on the wall – perhaps not at all locations – and other all-American decor really add to the fun atmosphere here. The blue cheese burger is one of my favorites, along with the Cajun chicken Caesar salad, chili, and prawn pesto pizza. I also like the California omelette: This means with avocado, of course. Everything “California” in food usually means “plus avocado.”

Not to mention the beer list. There are over 130 imported and domestic beers available at Barney’s Beanery, and many an enjoyable night has been passed there with a small group of friends, a pitcher, and shared platters of fries. The Barney’s in Santa Monica has karaoke starting at 10:00PM on Wednesdays, and the West Hollywood location does so on Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays.

Still reading? By now, one thing must be apparent: Barney’s Beanery is not the typical Los Angeles low-fat-low-carb-organic-raw-food type of stereotypical restaurant. Instead, it’s a good old fashioned sports bar and restaurant, for a good old fashioned time. If you’re in Los Angeles and looking for just such a casual night out, Barney’s Beanery will perfectly fill your needs.

The Border Grill at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino

There are two Border Grills; one in Las Vegas, the other in Santa Monica. The Santa Monica Border Grill, on 4th Street, is always bustling and festive during peak dining hours. I’ve tried many things on its menu, and I’ve never been disappointed. I ate twice at the Border Grill in Las Vegas, in the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, and found the entrees there to be just as consistently good as at its counterpart in Southern California.

I strongly recommend making reservations for the Santa Monica Border Grill; while there are several other popular restaurants in its immediate vicinity, this is the only one that serves fresh, authentic Mexican food – not the greasy stuff you’ll find at fast food Mexican restaurants, but the real deal. The Border Grill in the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas Nevada is a bit off the beaten path – near the convention center, a 5 minute walk from the other resort restaurants – but I found this refreshing. There was no wait, and no reservations needed for either meal I ate there.

The food at the Border Grill is, naturally, the standout. No trans fats, organic chicken and beef (I wonder if

Great Skirt Steak at the Border Grill Restaurants in Las Vegas and Santa Monica

happy cows also make better steak) and hormone and antibiotic-free pork. The seafood is sustainably harvested. Empanadas with organic black beans and the Green Corn Tamales are among my favorite appetizers, while the Baja Ceviche (halibut and shrimp), Portobello Mushroom Mulitas, and Grilled Skirt Steak are main courses return to again and again.

The authentic recipes result in meals that taste the way high-end Mexican food is meant to taste. That is, complex and flavorful, spicy when appropriate, and delicate too. The variety is notable as well; Please don’t stick with the basic quesadilla and burrito here – although they’re quite good. Instead, expand your fine Mexican dining experience and get menu items characteristic of the Yucatan, Oaxaca, and other distinct regions of Mexico. Your taste buds will thank you!

Border Grill
1445 4th St.
Santa Monica, CA
(310) 451-1655
Hours vary

Border Grill
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
3950 Las Vegas Blvd., South
Las Vegas, Nevada
(702) 632-7403
Open every day at 11:30 AM