Looking for a place w great food and hip (not tragically so) vibe.
2006-08-26 03:33:44 · 20 answers · asked by Daniel T 1 in Dining Out ➔ United States ➔ Los Angeles
im with mary, i vote for mastro
2006-08-26 10:27:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you're looking for great food, do NOT go to Yamashiro. That place is all about the view. The prices are outrageous and the food is mediocre. Drop by for cocktails and appetizers at the most.
For Food
Melisse (Santa Monica). #1 rated by Zagat's and it actually deserves it. Absolutely phenomenal food and service. Very expensive but if you're going to splurge, this is the place to do it. I can't recommend this place highly enough. The chef's tasting menu was a delight and the service was friendly and informative without being intrusive or overbearing. The room has a classic vibe.
Norman's (on Sunset): This has a slightly hipper vibe. The food is excellent and well-suited to foodies but I can't rank it as high as Melisse.
Providence (Melrose, near Hancock Park): Chic asian-inspired room, seafood intense menu. Pricey but absolutely amazing.
A Bit Different:
Tagine (Beverly Hills): This is a Mooroccan restaurant with absolutely amazing food and a wonderfully intimate, exotic vibe. Very small so make reservations in advance. See if you can get the corner window table. Also, it's easy to drive right by so pay attention. I love this place.
The Lodge (La Cienega)
Great room, very hip but still a steakhouse so cozy. A nice balance.
Just to weigh in on a few of the other suggestions:
Fogo de Chao is as big as a barn and is more about the experience than the actual food. Best for big groups.
Boa Steakhouse (on Sunset) has a wonderful, romantic, sexy room and good food. They used to do 1/2 price bottles on Sunday night, not sure if they still do.
Il Fornaio is a chain and feels like it. Good food, but nothing special.
Il Pastaio (Beverly Hills) is great Italian, room is a bit crowded but nice. I recommend the pasta with the lamb ragu. Addictive.
Maestros (Beverly Hills) is definitely a scene and good for celeb watching. I think they've got the best steak in LA and there is a certain glamour to it all. But it's big and noisy and a bit much.
For Romance:
Sophie (West Hollywood): Greek with a very romantic patio (beats the heck out of Michael's patio-- recently rated most romantic by LA Magazine). Haven't been there in forever so don't hold me to this one.
La Boheme (West Hollywood): This is just a personal favorite. Really lovely food, unique cocktails, and amazing decor. Has a kind of over-the-top theatrical vibe. Lots of red, oversized fireplace. Lovely patio, but I recommend the big curtained booths.
Saddlepeak Lodge: Remote and expensive. All about the game so don't take vegetarians there.
2006-08-28 12:41:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stinking Rose? Not my cup of tea and not exactly trendy hip.
Il Fornaio is a great people watching spot in Bev Hills. Close together tables, good food (for a chain), and a fun atmosphere.
Louise's attached to the Derby is also fun, if you go during a fun time. So-So food, but good times. Even better if you eat inside the derby at one of their cool booths.
There's Vermont on Vermont Ave in Los Feliz. Slightly low key, but lots of industry people.
My personal fav is Il Pastaio. I think it's off of Canon drive in Bev Hills, but it's some of the best food in LA. It's not a see or be seen type place, but the ultra wealthy go there as a dress down, unpretentious night out. Really, it's worth a taste. : )
2006-08-27 08:12:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mastro's Steakhouse
246 N Canon Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90210-5302
(310) 888-8782
Cross Street: Dayton Way
Absolutely the Best - and hip too - but not tragically so - of course
2006-08-26 05:14:09 · answer #4 · answered by MARY L 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For old LA, possibly see some old stars ... the POLO Lounge at the Bel Air. Not hip, not trendy but good people watching if you know what to look for! Lot's of deals made here and the food is very good.
Dress up!
2006-08-28 13:35:10 · answer #5 · answered by Ham Man 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fogo de Chao.
133 N. La Cienega Blvd.
(310) 289-7755
2006-08-29 12:11:34 · answer #6 · answered by donde81 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a lot depends on what you're willing to spend. my favorite restaurants are:
Morton's the steakhouse located at At Le Meridien Hotel
435 S. LaCienega Blvd, Los Angeles (close to Beverly Center)
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse located at 224 South Beverly Drive (between Wilshire and Olympic)
Fogo De Chao located at 133 N La Cienega Blvd (half a block South of Wilshire)
also Blowfish sushi restaurant located at 9229 W Sunset Blvd (corner of Sunset and Doheny)
and Sushi Roku located at 8445 W 3rd St (1 block east of La Cienega)
but all are kinda pricey
2006-08-28 06:02:23 · answer #7 · answered by pupsik_2001 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a big fan of the Slanted door if you can get in. But the best restraunt in Los Angeles is C&O Tratoria in Venice that has all you can eat garlic knots that are exquiste. Take Washington till you hit the beach.
Cheers, Scott
2006-08-27 13:10:45 · answer #8 · answered by sarpedons 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dan Tana's in West Hollywood is the best Italian food you will ever eat. Gladstone's in Malibu has excellent seafood.
2006-08-29 06:15:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would recommend Boa...my favorite steak restaurant in town. Great steaks and seafood, with an awesome wine list and great wait staff. And they make their Caesar salad tableside...best in town.
They have locations on Sunset and in Santa Monica.
Really fantastic food and terrific atmosphere.
2006-08-26 15:40:56 · answer #10 · answered by Drew M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Il Trammezino 310-273-0501, ask for the chicken sandwich.
2006-08-26 03:38:00 · answer #11 · answered by hpneil 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋