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1. Matsuhisa
129 N La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 · 310-659-9639
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| Avg. Entrée: |
$$$16 - $30
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| Reservations: |
Required |
| Outdoor Dining: |
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BEVERLY HILLS. Matsuhisa is first-born sibling to the internationally trendy Nobu restaurants and is the chef-owner's original endeavor. It's not so given to fanfare as the others, and the relative quiet of the place is incredibly appealing to folks who prefer that the focus be on the cuisine. And what sublime food it is, thanks to an excellent sashimi salad, delectable tempura, and "new style" sashimi that gets a kick from Latin American flavors. Cooked items are also terrific, as is the omakase menu. And yes, it's a great spot for stargazing – no, not the celestial kind.
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2. Mélisse
1104 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401 · 310-395-0881
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SANTA MONICA. Traditional French decor and high-end tableware complement the cuisine at Mélisse and foster elegant, memorable dining. The menu changes frequently to take advantage of seasonal produce, and entrées may include dry-aged cote de boeuf roti for two with potato-leek torte or roasted squab with seared foie gras and citrus jus. For dessert, try a chocolate soufflé or crème brulee. The wine list is exceptional, and several selections are available by the glass. Dinner tasting menu $95 with no wine pairings; carte blanche menu $145 without wine pairings.
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| Reservations: |
Not Accepted |
| Dress: |
CC: Casual
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| Outdoor Dining: |
None |
STUDIO CITY. At this storefront eatery, you'll be treated to fresh, delicious sushi and good service. One quirk, however, is that the chef, although a master at his craft, has a reputation for being a bit demanding – both of himself and of diners. Folks are expected to order from the menu only and to obey arbitrary rules of dining, like eating a piece of sushi in a single mouthful. It's not unheard of for rule-breakers to be asked to leave. Your best bet is to sit at the bar, not request anything extraneous, and let the chef dole out what he deems appropriate. If you accept such idiosyncracies, you'll find traditional Japanese cuisine at its absolute best.
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CALABASAS. Located in the wilds of Malibu, award-winning Saddle Peak Lodge has been a favorite for years. The rustic, hunt club-like interior features exposed logs, stonework, animal trophies, and fishing gear, along with white linens and elegant table settings that perfectly accentuate the cuisine. The menu centers on fish and game but also includes steak, lamb, and pork. Sunday brunch is a good alternative if you can't make it for dinner. Weather permitting, dine on the patio – views are spectacular. Tasting menu $70, with wine pairings $90.
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5. Leila's
706 Lindero Canyon Rd, Oak Park, CA 91377 · 818-707-6939
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OAK PARK. Wooden tables and chairs line Leila's long, casual dining room, and several seats are available at the wine bar in this Oak Park gem. While the relaxed decor might not compare with some of LA's best restaurants, the food certainly does. A fresh, seasonal menu changes with what's available; consequently, diners enjoy meals that incorporate local ingredients at the peak of flavor. Start with the "soup of the moment" before relishing pan-roasted halibut with garlic mashers or sake-grilled salmon. A duo of sorbets – blood orange and passion fruit – is a cool and exotic end to your meal.
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6. Nobu Malibu
3835 Crosscreek Rd, Malibu Country Mart, Malibu, CA 90265 · 310-317-9140
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MALIBU. A favorite with Malibu's young and trendy crowd, this member of the famous chain impresses with a sleek decor punctuated with rich wood accents and jet-black chairs. The clientele is even more hip than the interior, and you'll often find a veritable "who's who" of famous locals in attendance. House specialties range from fresh-from-the-sea octopus to popular items like delicate oysters, exquisite sushi, and mouthwatering squid pasta.
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7. Piccolo
5 Dudley Ave, Venice, CA 90291 · 310-314-3222
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VENICE. "Intimate" is an understated way to describe this postage stamp-sized restaurant just a few steps away from the beach. Taking cues from the other Venice, this tiny spot serves authentic Italian dishes, rich in flavor and exactingly prepared. Diners enjoy candlelit tables and black-and-white photographs of Venezia while savoring entrees like roasted breast of duck in aged balsamic vinegar sauce and pistachio-crusted lamb loin. A five-course seasonal tasting menu can also be had.
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WEST HOLLYWOOD. Chef Gino Angelini heads this osteria (in Italy, a simple, country restaurant where wine and food are the main attractions), and Angelenos couldn't be happier. The space is tiny and crowded, but regulars know that a bit of a wait and no elbow room are small prices to pay for Italian food this luscious. Pumpkin tortelli with butter, sage, and asparagus is a mouthwatering first plate, while dishes like Romagna-style Dover sole, encrusted with garlic and parsley, and a breaded veal chop alla Milanese are excellent secondi.
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9. Katsu-ya
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11680 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604 · 818-985-6976
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STUDIO CITY. A favorite with close-by industry types, this restaurant enjoys a loyal patronage that the chef-owner much appreciates. These folks won't settle for sushi anywhere else, and have become accustomed to the eatery's impeccably fresh fish, inventive rolls, and prompt service. A popular lunch spot for business people.
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10. Shiro
1505 Mission St, South Pasadena, CA 91030 · 626-799-4774
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SOUTH PASADENA. At this popular eatery, chef-owner Hideo Yamashiro combines Californian and Asian influences with fresh fish to produce the menu's most popular item – catfish with ponzu sauce and fresh cilantro. Regulars can't seem to stay away from this dish! If it's not to your fancy, try ravioli stuffed with shrimp and salmon mousse or ginger-dusted snapper carpaccio on a bed of mashed potatoes. Dedication to excellence also shines through in the dessert and wine lists, both of which are highly regarded by area critics.
Looking for a restaurant? We've explored the options, checked with critics, and pounded the pavement to offer only the best. Recommendations come complete with contact information and a brief description highlighting the important features of the restaurant. Fit our choices to your mood, or let us guide your tastes. You'll likely find a few places that not even locals know about.
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