CampanileOriginally built as the private offices of Charlie Chaplin in 1928, Campanile is a multi-level restaurant with balconies, a lovely courtyard and a central skylight affording views of the bell tower above. The menu consists of a creative blend of Mediterranean flavors and Californian cuisine. Chef Mark Peel has a reputation for excellent grills and roasts, which are complemented by Nancy Silverton's famous bread and pastries, and some of the best desserts in Los Angeles. Saturday and Sunday brunch should not be missed. Open for lunch weekdays and dinner Monday to Saturday.
Reservations essential.
Address: 624 South La Brea Avenue (Miracle Mile)
Website: www.campanilerestaurant.com
SpagoCelebrity chef Wolfgang Puck wows the rich and famous at his flagship restaurant that boasts a reputation as one of the finest in LA. Centerd on an outdoor courtyard, the olive tree shaded tables are the most desirable and the place for celebrity sightings. Chefs recreate Puck's classic dishes, including his renowned designer pizzas, and Spago classics such as Wolfgang's Original Veal Weinerschnitzel. Creative desserts add a special finish to any meal. Jacket and tie suggested, though not required. Advance reservations essential. Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday.
Address: 176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills
Website: www.wolfgangpuck.com
ValentinoAccording to Wine Spectator Magazine this is one of the top Italian restaurants in the country, boasting a wine cellar that ranks as number one, and a fine complement to the exquisite modern Italian cuisine. Piero Selvaggio has raked in numerous awards for his flagship restaurant, and Chef Gamba wows with simple yet ingenious meal creations attracting an elegant clientele seeking a special occasion. Reservations essential. Closed Sunday. Dinner daily and lunch on Fridays. Dress business casual.
Address: 3115 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica
Website: www.welovewine.com
PatinaPatina is the flagship restaurant of chef Joaquim Splichal, whose nouvelle cuisine has long been a favorite with Hollywood stars. The style is understated elegance with beautifully presented food and superior service. The menu also features three five-course exquisite seasonal tasting menus including wild game, seafood, and garden dishes for vegetarians. Patina is justifiably famous for its mashed potatoes and potato-truffle chips, and there is an outstanding wine list. Reservations essential. Dinner daily and lunch Monday to Friday.
Address: 141 S. Grand Avenue, Downtown
Website: www.patinagroup.com
MatsuhisaJapanese chef/owner Nobuyuki Matsuhisa creates fantastic dishes by blending South American spices and salsas with Japanese cuisine, presenting diners with one of the most creative menus in the city. Tuna filled with black truffles and capped with caviar, or sautéed squid in a garlic and soy sauce are examples of the delicacies available in addition to creative sushi rolls with garlic, fresh chilli and special sauces. Matsuhisa is popular with celebrities and gourmets and reservations are essential. Open daily for dinner and lunch during the week.
Address: 129 North La Cienega Boulevard, Beverly Hills
Website: www.nobumatsuhisa.com
Water GrillConsidered by many to be the best seafood house in LA, Water Grill is always packed with downtown business folk who are joined in the evening by concert- and theater-goers. It is known particularly for its fish and shellfish, and boasts a great oyster bar, as well as a superb wine cellar to match. Simple desserts include mascopone with figs and cherries. Reservations recommended. Open for dinner daily and lunch on weekdays only.
Address: 544 South Grand Avenue, Downtown
Website: www.watergrill.com
Chinois on MainThis is one of LA's most crowded restaurants and also one of the noisiest, packed with locals, celebrities and visitors who come in awe of Wolfgang Puck's reputation and leave enchanted by the food. The style of cuisine is a mixture of different ethnicities, particularly a fusion of Chinese and French ingredients and technique. The menu includes signature dishes such as the Whole Sizzling Catfish, dramatically presented, as well as seasonal creations that include Shanghai lobster with a spicy ginger-curry sauce or Mongolian lamb. Reservations essential. Dinner daily and lunch Wednesday to Friday. Jacket and tie suggested.
Address: 2709 Main Street, Santa Monica
Website: www.wolfgangpuck.com
Border GrillBorder Grill is a trendy, pleasantly raucous and brightly painted place whose atmosphere perfectly complements the vibrant flavors and bold colorful foods of Mexico as presented by celebrity chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger. The menu features authentic dishes learnt in the homes and markets of Mexico with an added touch of gourmet ingenuity, and ranges from tamales, empanadas and tacos to daily ceviche specials and stuffed tortillas, accompanied by excellent margaritas and fine tequilas. Lunch and dinner daily, and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
Address: 1445 Fourth Street, Santa Monica
Website: www.bordergrill.com
GranitaInspired by the colors of the Mediterranean sea, Granita's marine décor features an abstract interpretation of water that enhances the menu's inclination towards seafood and the Mediterranean influence on the Californian-style cuisine. Besides fish the menu always features inventive duck, poultry and meat dishes, as well as gourmet pizzas. The fashionable bar is a place to spot celebrities. Reservations essential. Lunch Monday to Friday, dinner Tuesday to Sunday.
Address: 23725 West Malibu Road, Malibu Colony Plaza, Malibu
Website: www.wolfgangpuck.com
Café PinotSituated adjacent to the Los Angeles Central Library and overlooking the Maguire Gardens, Café Pinot is ideally located for a business lunch or pre-theater dinner (offering a free shuttle to the Music Center), with an outdoor terrace shaded by old olive trees. One of the city's most popular restaurants, it is modeled after the top-ranked flagship restaurant, Patina, also owned by leading chefs Joachim and Splichal, but is designed to be less formal with lighter bistro-style meals. The tender mustard-crusted roast chicken is superb, and there is also fresh fish, pastas and lamb shank. Reservations essential. Lunch Monday to Friday, and dinner daily.
Address: 700 West Fifth Street (Downtown)
Website: www.patinagroup.com
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