With the tastes of hundreds of Hollywood stars to cater for, there is definitely no shortage of places to eat in Los Angeles.
Whether you want to sample some fresh locally caught seafood or try something more exotic, you are sure to find somewhere in the city to meet your needs. Here are some of our favorites.
MÉLISSE
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Style/Ambiance: One of California’s premier fine dining destinations, Mélisse offers award-winning contemporary American cuisine with French influences celebrating each season’s finest ingredients accompanied by world-class wines.
With two Michelin stars, it’s no wonder Mélisse attracts neighborhood diners and distinguished celebrities as much as world travelers seeking an extraordinary fine dining experience. The restaurant has also been named best American and French restaurant in the Zagat Guide since 2003. Its main dining room offers chic and elegant surroundings, while the Olivia and Augustin Rooms are available for private and business entertaining.
Matthew Greenberg, Maître d’
+1 310 395 0881
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1104 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica
VALENTINO
Cuisine: Italian
Style/Ambiance: The décor at Piero Selvaggio’s Valentino Restaurant Group’s flagship restaurant is contemporary but the cuisine is all traditional.
With almost 40 years experience it is widely regarded as one of the best Italian restaurants in America, with dishes like branzino filet cooked in parchment paper with olives, cherry tomatoes and vermentino wine and hand-rolled garganelli with Bolognese ragu, courtesy of chef Nicola Chess. It provides exemplary service and you would not expect anything less from the winner of two James Beard Foundation Awards. The wine cellar offers an exceptional array of Italian wines.
Giuseppe Mollica, Maître d’
+1 310 829 4313
3115 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica
JIRAFFE
Cuisine: American / French
Style/Ambiance: A favorite with locals as well as visitors, chef and owner Raphael Lunetta is popular not just for his culinary skills but also for his love of surfing.
Jiraffe serves up food focused on simplicity and clarity of flavor in a comfortable bistro-chic space.
Heather Posner, General Manager
+1 310 917 6671
502 Santa Monica Boulevard
PROVIDENCE
Cuisine: Seafood
Style/Ambiance: This premium seafood restaurant has a sophisticated, tranquil atmosphere and the sleek modern décor is complemented by subtle nods to its ocean heritage.
With a strong knowledge of and passion for marine cuisine, an array of seafood is on offer, including raw, cold and hot appetizers. The impressive wine selection features over 400 labels.
CICADA
Cuisine: Italian
Style/Ambiance: The building dates back to 1928 and was originally the headquarters of one of the most exclusive and expensive haberdasheries in Los Angeles – Alexander and Oviatt.
The original Art Deco interior was inspired by the Paris Exposition in 1925 and now gives the restaurant a truly extraordinary atmosphere. The menu is predominantly American-Italian and serves a diverse range of appetizers, entrées and desserts.
THE PALM
Cuisine: Italian / American
Style/Ambiance: This bright yellow, family-friendly spot is an outpost of the New York institution, which opened in 1926.
Located in historic Toy Center, the restaurant can seat up to 400 guests. Signature dishes include steaks and jumbo lobsters.
WATER GRILL
Cuisine: Seafood
Style/Ambiance: With warm wood accents and a colorful mural, this seafood house welcomes diners looking for fresh and innovative cuisine.
The ever-changing menu is inspired by what is in season and could include a terrific selection of oysters, American lobster or line-caught Pacific swordfish.
JAR
Cuisine: American
Style/Ambiance:JAR features wood-paneled walls and the retro feel of an old supper club.
Its menu, packed with the chef’s interpretation of classic American dishes, includes deviled eggs with luscious bits of crabmeat as well as the Asian-influenced char siu pork chop. Jar is a quintessential neighborhood restaurant. It continues to attract regulars and newcomers to its ultimate living room where favorite foods can be enjoyed without pretence.
WP24 – WOLFGANG PUCK AT THE RITZ CARLTON
Cuisine: ModernChinese
Style/Ambiance: Located on the 24th floor of The Ritz-Carlton, this restaurant affords diners a spectacular view of the Los Angeles skyline and features Wolfgang Puck’s awardwinning modern Asian cuisine in both the dining room and the less formal lounge.
Allison Williams, General Manager
+1 213 743 8824
The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, 900 West Olympic Boulevard
THE BELVEDERE
Cuisine: Modern
American Style/Ambiance: Well-established on the restaurant scene, The Belvedere has been given the AAA Five Diamond award 16 years in a row.
Cuisine is provided by chef James Overbaugh accompanied by impeccable service, an elegant interior and a sun-splashed patio. On Sundays, live jazz is performed by The Bernie Meisinger Band, adding an upbeat ambiance to brunch.
Offer Nissenbaum, Hotel Managing Director
+1 310 975 2736
The Peninsula Beverly Hills, 9882 South Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Hills
OSTERIA MOZZA
Cuisine: Italian
Style/Ambiance: Osteria Mozza was launched by three of the most talented people on the American restaurant scene: Nancy Silverton, Joe Bastianich and Mario Batali. The trio created an exciting menu including grilled quail wrapped in pancetta with sage and honey.
