The Top List of Great Restaurants - Los Angeles, CA
Try one of these winning restaurants in Los Angeles! by Eleonora Boreyko
TACOS POR FAVOR 1408 Olympic Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90404 (310) 392-5768 Hours: (Mon-Sat) 8am-8pm, (Sun) 9am-5pm. My friend had been searching for a healthy Mexican cuisine for some time. Most eateries cook with either lard or a hydrogenated oil, which contradicts our quest. It took a few bike rides until we noticed a long line outside. On the opposite wall from the entrance, a sign emphasized cooking with vegetable oil. Ever since I found Tacos Por Favor, my Spanish food vocabulary has significantly expanded. Not only do I ask for Tacos, por favor, but also for the tender-slender Taquitos, stuffed with chunks of white chicken breast, guacamole and pico de gallo on the side. The lengthy variety of Burritos equals the array of non-traditional quesadillas: from Spinach, Chorizo, and Shrimp to Mushroom-Roasted Pepper and Jalapeño. Another choice is Chile Relleno drenched in the piquant tomato sauce. A bargain for your buck!
Estimated cost per person $8-$12 Holiday schedule call for info.
FISH GRILL 9618 West Pico Blvd. 12013 Wilshire Blvd. 7226 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90035 Los Angeles, CA 90025 Los Angeles, CA 90036 (310) 860-1182 (310) 479-1800 (323) 937-7162 Hours: (Sun-Th) 11am-9pm, (Fr) 11am-2.30pm. Closed Saturday. As the story goes, Aharon Klein, the current owner, had a penchant for grilling. He was the man in charge on almost any family occasion. In 1986, this hobby led to establishing Fish Grill in its original location on Beverly Boulevard. Later, two more locations were born. It is a fast-food place, yet the cooks take time grilling to perfection fresh fish. The trick hides in the mesquite wood that burns hotter than most fuels. One more detail: the eatery is Kosher, which means authentic according to the Jewish dietary laws (the fish must have fins and scales). Among fish grill tacos and sandwiches, the menu offers mesquite grilled specialties such as trout, red snapper, and salmon steak. In addition to fish dishes, pasta and salads are available as well. Immaculate and priceless in more ways than one!
Estimated cost per person $10-$15 Holiday Schedule call for info.
YAMASHIRO 1999 North Sycamore Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90068 (323) 466-5125 Hours: (Sun-Thur) 5:30 pm-10 pm; (Fri & Sat) till 11 pm Ideally situated in the best part of Hollywood, surrounded by the spectacular view of the hills, this oriental "palace" is flourishing. The chef of Yamashiro, Masa Kurihara, introduces Cal-Asian gastronomy with countless exotic dishes. From always-fresh sashimi or seven-spice mussels to savory New Zealand lamb chops or Shoyu glazed Sea Bass. In addition to a delicious meal in the well-designed dining room, cocktails are offered in the bar lounge. Finish your epiphany with triple silk mousse, perhaps à la mode. THE VIEW from this Asian "wonderland!" is simply mesmerizing and definitely worth paying a visit.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $30 - $40
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Closed, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
SADDLE PEAK LODGE 419 Cold Canyon Road, Calabasas, CA 91302 (818) 222-3888 Hours: (Wed-Fri) from 6 pm; (Sat & Sun) from 5 pm Charming, secluded up in the hills of Malibu, this hunting lodge, surrounded by a "wild" décor, could be the one place to rejoice! Saddle Peak Lodge has over one hundred years of history where many generations have been privileged to marvel at its uniqueness and hospitality. Be in the mood for a large selection of seasonal game that will satisfy your demanding taste buds. To wet your appetite, try their grilled Colorado buffalo loin or sautéed Fijian escolar along with other "rural" and savory delights. A truly one of a kind experience is granted to you at this stylish chalet. You may dine on their rustic patio, if weather provides. Reservations preferred.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $45 - $55
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
OCEAN AVENUE SEAFOOD 1401 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (310) 394-5669 Hours: (Mon-Thur & Sun) 11:30 am-10 pm; (Fri & Sat) till 11 pm What could be better than feeling the breeze of the ocean while having a delightful meal and sipping a glass of wine? This eatery in Santa Monica is famed for their numerous varieties of oysters and always-fresh fish flown in from almost "everywhere". Friendly personnel will help you make the best choice from their excellent selection of wine to accompany your fish. When making a reservation, ask for a table on the terrace, to heighten your dinning experience.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $30 - $40
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
Mama Mia! Amongst several Italian restaurants in Brentwood, Palmeri delineates itself with elegance, warm ambiance, and foremost, superb food. Ottavio Palmeri, the charming chef and owner, arrived from Sicily and brought many years of expertise. One evening, I sat at the bar along side a patron who has frequented Palmeri since the opening almost three years ago. It is tempting not to fill up on the prelude to dinner: a scoop of mouth-watering goat cheese floating in warm marinara sauce. To follow the European standards, the portions are not grand, but sufficient. My all time favorite is the half duck, topped with a tangy balsamic fig sauce, served on a bed of vegetables. Usually, the duck is available in colder seasons; however, if you have a craving for it in other seasons, Ottavio can accommodate with a few days notice. Recently, I indulged in the rarely prepared home-made lasagna with bolognaise sauce - I did not want this experience to end. Many say naming a restaurant after yourself brings bad Karma. Ottavio Palmeri has proved it otherwise.
Estimated cost per person $25-$40 Holiday schedule call for info.
PALOMINO
10877 Wilshire Blvd. #150 (310) 208-1960 Hours: Lunch: (Mon-Fr) 11.30-3pm. Dinners: (Mon-Thu) 5pm -10pm; (Fr-Sat) 5pm-11pm. (Sun) 5pm-10pm. Call for bar hours. Address: Surprisingly, you can discover Palomino in eleven U.S. cities - it is stylish and consistently satisfying despite being a chain. I have eaten there numerous times and never once was disappointed. All the friendly host and hostesses like to joke around while escorting a guest to the table. For lunch, the oversized room is hovered with the locals and businessmen, yet the high ceiling eats up the noise. In addition to the regular menu, the lunch specials offer a few innovative dishes. One time, I indulged in grilled mahi-mahi crusted with peppercorn, served with two perfect balls of spicy mashed potatoes and steamed asparagus. For the less hungry, there is a choice of home-made soup or salad coupled with a tasty sandwich. I only wish that on weekends the spacious bar area would stay open past midnight for their delicious martinis.
Estimated cost per person: $15-$35 Holiday schedule: call for info.
BISTRO 45 45 South Mentor Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91106 (626) 795-2478 Hours: (Tues-Fri) 11:30 am-2:30 pm; (Tues-Thur) 6 pm-10 pm; (Fri & Sat) 6 pm-11 pm; (Sun) 5 pm-9 pm If you have never tasted their Cal-French cuisine in the art deco style building, drive to old Pasadena and cave into the aura of comfort that fills the room. What a discovery! Zagat calls the chef Robert Simon, "a perfectionist" and, indeed, he always prepares a flawless meal for any occasion. Begin salivating when noticing on the menu savory seared fresh Sonoma Foie Gras or "Coq au Vin" of Chanterelles. The succulent grilled all natural Angus beef tenderloin will satisfy anyone's hunger. If we could only taste a bits of all the gourmet dishes from this incredible menu! This romantic setting might be the desirable spot for a rendezvous with your amour.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $45 - $55
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Closed, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
PARKWAY GRILL 510 South Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena, CA 91105 (626) 795-1001 Hours: (Mon-Fri) 11:30 am-2:30 pm; (Mon-Thur) 5:30 pm-10 pm; (Sun) 5 pm-10 pm; (Fri & Sat) 5 pm-11 pm Here is another of Pasadena's great spots that serves the best gourmet food outside of the Westside. In addition to the restaurant's inviting ambiance, live musicians perform for your enjoyment from a vast repertoire. The immense menu offers sensational appetizers, organic salads, delicious pasta, and pizza. Continue indulging yourself with "top-quality" favorites like whole fried catfish and seared crispy Lake Superior White Fish. Meat lovers are not forgotten either: roasted lamb loin is splendid. One dessert you must know is named Smors. I can't ever have enough of it and always crave for more; it is heavenly. The personnel will go "above and beyond" to enhance your dinning pleasure.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $35 - $45
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
CAFÉ DEL REY 4451 Admiralty Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90202 (310) 823-6395 Hours: (Mon-Sun) 11:30 am-2:30 pm/5:30 pm-9:30 pm Overlooking the spectacular Marina, this elegant eatery keeps gaining recognition amongst locals and visitors. Applause goes to executive chef, Katsuo "Naga" Nagasawa for the outstanding "performing" in preparation of many wondrous delights. Begin your pleasure by slurping Cuban black bean soup, followed by a choice of eleven scrumptious appetizers. And, of course, try their pungent seared truffle marinated veal chop. To become a true connoisseur, finish up with the famous raspberry Napoleon brulee with chocolate sauce. View the harbor of the beautiful Marina while relishing the finest.
Estimated cost per person for dinner = $35 - $45
Holiday Schedule: New Years Day-Open, Valentines Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Years Eve-Open
The Top List of Great Restaurants - Los Angeles, CA