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.

John's Grill, a famous San Francisco Landmark

Did you ever read Dashiell Hammett detective stories as a kid? Do you like watching film noir movies such as The Thin Man with Nick and Nora Charles? The thrill of Sam Spade solving a murder in San Francisco as well as the romantic notion of apartment living in the style of Nick and Nora (and their little dog Asta!) filled my head with all kinds of dreams as a kid. And downtown near all the major hotels and theaters, you will find the restaurant whose claim to fame is being a setting in The Maltese Falcon!

One of my favorite restaurants in San Francisco is John’s Grill, with its landmark status and original period furnishings, opening its doors in 1908. The dark oak interior walls are filled with 8×10 headshots of local and international politicians and celebrities. Photos range from Lauren Bacall, Alfred Hitchcock, Truman Capote and Sophia Loren to Ronald Reagan, Bill Gates and Senator Dianne Feinstein.

During the holidays, my husband and I always make a special trip – meaning I get dressed up – to this venerable restaurant for a quiet romantic dinner. We start with a cold Manhattan (or two) at the tiny six-person bar, usually prepared by Luis, the bartender who has been at John’s Grill for decades and never forgets a name.

If you like local history and have a strong constitution, you might try ordering the house specialty drink called “Bloody Brigid”. It is made with sweet & sour, vodka, soda, special mix, lime and grenadine over crushed ice. You get to keep the souvenir glass.

Humphrey Bogart as Sam Spade

The back-story for this drink comes from The Maltese Falcon novel, “Miles Archer, Sam Spade’s partner, was done in by Brigid O’Shaughnessy at the blind end of Burritt Street just west of the overpass, where Bush roofs Stockton Street.” This book and movie, with Humphrey Bogart, had me walking all around the city looking for the scene of the crime!

Often we begin dinner with an appetizer of garlicky but savory escargot, and fresh Dungeness crab or shrimp cocktails. Depending on the weather we might have the chowder which is wonderful with the fresh sourdough bread. Dinner choices for us are usually steak or a delicious petrale sole. Last year I had the Sam Spade lamb chops, and they were cooked perfectly.

I hope you get a chance to soak up this unique dining experience, especially if you are a film noir movie buff like me.

John’s Grill
63 Ellis Street
Between Stockton and Powell Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-986-3274

Monday thru Saturday 11:00am to 10:00 pm
Sunday 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Photo credit to rick and 1horsetown

Tuscan hills outside of Florence

Feel like getting away to northern Italy but don’t have the frequent-flyer miles? Need a romantic spot for date night? Look no further than Bacco Ristorante, located in the Noe Valley neighborhood of San Francisco. As you pull back the dark heavy curtain at the front door, you are transported to Italy. The amazing smells from the kitchen hit you first, then the intimacy of the rooms and the warmth from the golden color of the restaurant walls just like the Tuscan hills outside of Florence. Most of the wait staff is actually from Italy, and they are all charming and ready to answer any of your questions, including giving you great suggestions from their excellent wine list.

I admit to coming to this restaurant often and no matter what day of the week I have been, or what special event I was celebrating, I have not been disappointed with my food or the attentive service. What I also love is that they will encourage you to split dishes, especially their divine homemade gnocchi and risotto.

It is a seasonal menu item but we always look for their fava bean crostini as an appetizer, it is sublime. Available year-round is the amazing bresaola plate that includes thinly sliced cured beef, arugula truffle olive oil and shaved reggiano. This is perfect as a starter for two, enjoy it while they are getting your pasta course. If you go during the week, they offer a generous prix fixe menu. And this is a true neighborhood restaurant, as they are one of the few elegant places open for dinner every night, even on Mondays.

Delicious homemade pasta

Take public transportation, a taxi or give yourself extra time to find street parking since they do not offer valet parking. However you get here it will be worth the effort, and don’t forget to try their special apple pastry dessert!

Photo credits to sfcphotography and mar mar.

Donovan's is a Top 10 Best Steakhouse in San Diego

I love downtown San Diego. The vibe is happy and fun in this part of the city, and it’s a great California vacation spot for people of all ages. I especially like the Gaslamp Quarter because it has so many great steakhouses – not that it doesn’t also have terrific sushi restaurants and other dining options, but the happy, festive atmosphere in San Diego’s best steakhouses really sets it apart. I haven’t been to all (or even most) of the great restaurants in San Diego – there aren’t enough vacation days in the year – but I’m more than content whenever I try one of these Top 10 recommended steakhouses down in the Gaslamp Quarter.

The 10 Best Steakhouses in San Diego, California

Donovan’s Steak & Chop House – Donovan’s won the Lamplighter Award 2008 Favorite Steakhouse), and it’s easy to see why. Only prime meat is used, all the time, and the prime rib is among the best I’ve had. This is a high-end steakhouse, somewhat more refined and less convivial than others on this Top 10 list. However, it is worth a reservation for a romantic, special meal. Many awards have been given to Donovan’s for both its wine list and simply being, consistently, the best high-end steakhouse in San Diego.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar – This is a national chain, but very well-regarded. A respectable wine list includes 100-Wines-by-the-Glass, and the steaks here are generously portioned, perfectly prepared, and come with complementary sides. The ambience is fun and informal, hence, many relaxed San Diego residents consider Flemings the best steakhouse in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego.

Gaslamp Strip Club – This fun steakhouse epitomizes the friendly atmosphere of the Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego. Great food, not too fancy, and accommodating of large groups, it’s simply terrific. Not the best restaurant for a quiet, romantic dinner, of course, but the open community grill allows for customers (age 21 and up) to grill their own steaks, after choosing their cuts from the waiters. The fun, happy atmosphere has to suite your mood, though – usually, this is easy in the Gaslamp Quarter.

George’s on Fifth – Here’s one hip restaurant for the cool set (I stopped even trying years ago). Popularly referred to as G5, Georges on Fifth is relaxed and fun. The entrees are excellent and the service is just right; the staff lets guests relax and enjoy their meal without hovering. Interestingly, the restaurant is right in Wyatt Earp’s old saloon (though the shoot-outs and Wild West atmosphere have left the building). More affordable than some others on this Top 10 list, G5 has a separate kids’ menu, live entertainment, and banquet rooms for medium to large parties.

Greystone the Steakhouse; a Classy, Formal Restaurant

Greystone the Steakhouse – Wow; Greystone is an amazingly glamorous restaurant in the mostly “regular Joe” Gaslamp Quarter. The elegance of the decor and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence indicate that this is one restaurant you may want to save for special occasions. While there are some child-friendly entrees of the menu, I don’t recommend Greystone for kids. It’s just too formal, and very expensive. The waiters here are trained in wine matching, so guests can relax and be certain that their fillet mignon, lobster, or any other entree will be perfectly suited to their vino.

Lou and Mickey’s – Along with the Gaslamp Strip Club, this is probably the most “manly” of the Top 10 steakhouses list. A lively, convivial atmosphere is pervasive most evenings at Lou & Mickey’s: The restaurant has an ambience closer to that of Italian restaurants than traditional steakhouses. Lou & Mickey’s is right across the street from San Diego’s busy convention center, so there’s nearly always a crowd of hungry executives and business travelers who want to unwind.

Max New York in the Gaslamp Quarter

Max New York – There’s something for everyone (who likes to eat – that narrows it down) at Max New York Restaurant. There are romantic little alcoves for a couples’ dinner, long tables for family and friend groups, and even a corporate events room for business travelers. Be warned: This is an expensive restaurant. The service is professional and the ambience exactly like that of a high-end New York steakhouse.

Mortons the Steakhouse – Check out Morton’s website, as there are often gift card deals found there. Morton’s is a national chain, yes, but it’s very picky regarding high quality steak and other entrees. I’ve been to a few Morton’s across the US. The menu items are consistently great and the work put into ambience (dark wood, white linen tablecloths) gives the feel of an independently owned restaurant.

Palm Restaurant – The Palm has outposts across the country, but is selective enough that it never has that “chain restaurant” feel. It’s a steakhouse in the most classic sense, with history going back over 80 years. The Palm in San Diego is the newest member of the fold, so to speak, and it’s perfectly suited for the Gaslamp Quarter. The festive and relaxed atmosphere makes for a fun dining experience here. Even though it’s just a few years old, the Palm restaurant is very popular: Reservations are strongly recommended for weekends.

Rei do Gado Brazilian Steakhouse – This is a Brazilian Churrasco, or barbeque: Rei do Gado means “The king of the Herd.” The steaks in this restaurant are slow-cooked on skewers, as per the traditional Brazilian style. While a buffet never has the look of a best restaurant, the appeal here is the different type of steaks than the primes and chops we’re used to. A waiter slices just-prepared, sizzling meats off the skewers onto your plates until you signal “that’s enough.” The skewers items range widely from tender loin to lamb, to the most popular churrasco cut, top sirloin cap.

There are a lot of steakhouses to choose from in San Diego. This Top 10 list is exclusive to my favorite part

Morton's the Steakhouse in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter

of town, the Gaslamp Quarter. Now, the qualities that make a great steakhouse go beyond fantastic steak and fresh seafood options. Ambience is key: The best steakhouses in San Diego are either fun and friendly, or elegant and classy. Either way, the best restaurants in San Diego are always well worth a night out.