I wil be staying in the Beverly Hills/West Hollywood area in late July. My wife and I are looking for some nice restaurants to eat at in and around LA. They dont have to be expensive but we are looking for a nice restaurant for an elegant dinner one night while we are there.

Also, If anyone knoqws of any restaurants that are star hangouts, it might be interesting to have a meal there as well.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Welcome to Flyertalk. There are lots of people here who could give great suggestions. First of all: Why not pick up the 2005 ZAGAT GUIDE to Los Angeles. At the very least, it will give you a good overview of the restaurants in So. Cal., re: food, service, price. After perusing the Zagat Guide, why not return to FT and ask about restaurants which look interesting. It is difficult (for me) to recommend a restaurant when I don't know your expectations, locale, budget, etc. There are lots of great neighborhoods in Southern California--ranging from the great Chinese in Monterey Park to Little Saigon, to Koreatown, to good Mexican food all over. As for me, I tend to stick to my Brentwood enclave. I'm happy :)

If you like steak, Mastro's in Beverly Hills is generally ranked as one of, if not the top steakhouses in LA.

Windows in downtown has a pretty awesome evening view, and makes for an elegant evening on top of what was until recently the Transamerica building.

For seafood, the Water Grill is probably the best in LA, and also makes for an elegant dinner. But if you want a true LA experience head to Gladstone's in Malibu on a Friday evening before sunset, and join in singing LA's anthem at sunset.

And one last one, Cicada (also in downtown) makes for a great dinner before or after a show. You'll recognize it from the movie Pretty Woman... but you'll remember the food.

(Only my second FT post, but you picked my favorite topic. :) )

gakirkwood
Welcome to Ft. Dining input is always welcome.

Spago! You might also go to www.chowhound.com. I actually found out about this site on that site lol!!! Their California board is very informative. Linda

Spago! You might also go to www.chowhound.com. I actually found out about this site on that site lol!!! Their California board is very informative. Linda

Actually, you'd want the Los Angeles Board, not the California, but you're right, it is a great resource! I love a.o.c. on 3rd - appetizer sized items, wine flights, fun to sit at the bar.

Thanks for the suggestions...Do you know if Ciro's(the old rat pack hangout) is still open?

Also, How about the IVY in Beverly Hills?

What are some of the popular star restaurants in west hollywood/Beverly Hills./LA Area that we are likely to see some movie and TV stars?

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks for the suggestions...Do you know if Ciro's(the old rat pack hangout) is still open?

Also, How about the IVY in Beverly Hills?

What are some of the popular star restaurants in west hollywood/Beverly Hills./LA Area that we are likely to see some movie and TV stars?

Any suggestions are appreciated.
Welcome to FT, neilie11
Ciro's has not been around for about 40 years. Are you reading old Hollywood memorabilia? Ciro's and the Mocambo died around the same time. Even Lenny Bruce came after Ciro's. Will someone please remind me of MFK's at the Beverly Wilshire or Frascati? Same era, alas, long gone.
Ivy in Beverly Hills (on Robertson is alive and well. Still, a good place for star-spotting
If you are interested in spotting stars, don't try too hard. They just kind of appear in Brentwood supermarkets, Montana Avenue boites, San Vicente Italian, Brentwood Restaurant and Lounge, and best-of-all, valet parking in front of the Sports Club L.A. on Sepulveda. Just drive up in front, whip out your cellphone and you will look like anyone else waiting for a car. In the meantime, you will see the some very famous people. The Newstand at Whole Foods on San Vicente is another great star-spotting place...

I always see the most famous people shopping at Fred Segal's on Melrose & Crescent Heights.

Great suggestions so far. Lots of great places to eat in LA.

If you want to see stars, also try Nate 'n Als deli on Beverly Dr. in Beverly Hills. Then walk Rodeo Dr. one block over. Lots of tourists there, but stars too. Or try the Sunday Beverly Hills farmers market. Jack Nicholson yesterday.

As with anything in LA sometimes it depends on the day of the week. The Ivy is a good place to "people watch" especially weekdays at lunch. At night, if you like sushi, try Koi on La Cienega, especially on Thursdays and Fridays (there's better fish out there, but this has more of the scene). And seeing you like "old school" ambience, try Dan Tana's for Italian and aim to sit in the bar room (FYI they serve very late, when it is more fun). Mastro's indeed has one of the best steaks (the bone in KC strip is terrific) - upstairs has a jazz piano, downstairs can be more sedate.

Breakfast star-spottting: Hugo's on Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood

Elegant dinner (superlative wine list): Valentino on Pico Blvd. in Santa Monica (quite expensive but worth it).

I'm not sure if the "Monday Night at Morton's" thing is still going on (although this may have been more an agents and studio bosses scene than actors).

Thanks for the suggestions...Do you know if Ciro's(the old rat pack hangout) is still open?

Also, How about the IVY in Beverly Hills?

What are some of the popular star restaurants in west hollywood/Beverly Hills./LA Area that we are likely to see some movie and TV stars?

Any suggestions are appreciated.

The Ivy is great and is packed with entertainment people but it is really more of a scene for lunch. If you want to see celebrities at dinner try mastro's, spago for older hollywood and Koi, Geisha house, and Lodge, for younger hollywood

If you venture a little down the coast to Newport Beach there is a fine waterside restaurant with great views called Villa Nova. http://www.villanovarestaurant.com/ The shrimp scampi is heaven.

There is a great place is West Hollywood, Sona that is small and elegant.

Any more suggestions??

The ultimate LA summer dining experience is a box at the Hollywood Bowl. Either bring in an extravagant meal or have the Bowl cater it. They use the Patina Group, and the food's great. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy the music.

PINK's!!!

Melrose and La Brea... known for the best dogs.... ok, so this isn't exactly elegant.. but good for a snack! And a good chance to spot celebs here. Quick, tasty, and open late.

Chinois in Santa Monica, Granita in Malibu. For elegance, eat at the Biltmore Hotel in town. Matsuhisa on La Cienega. Saw Sharon Stone with a new boyfriend BEFORE it was reported in Enquirer! I loved Obachine, but alas...

Chinois in Santa Monica, Granita in Malibu. For elegance, eat at the Biltmore Hotel in town. Matsuhisa on La Cienega. Saw Sharon Stone with a new boyfriend BEFORE it was reported in Enquirer! I loved Obachine, but alas...
Chinois is widely known by the locals for skidding downhill. A recent review indicated that lunch is a dead zone and dinner is primarily tourist-driven. Moreover, the food is tired; just not very good. Not even sure Granita is still open. If so, it is bound to disappoint. Mediocre food and no ocean view!! Matsuhisa is still good but not as good as when NOBU was behind the sushi bar. There are better sushi restaurants around (many of the chefs have been trained by Nobu Matsuhisa). One to consider is Takao in Brentwood and Sushi Sasubune on Sawtelle in West L.A.
For exquisite Italian food, Capo in Santa Monica is romantic, intimate and , sadly very expensive (but the food sure is good). The definitive Wolfgang Puck experience is still at Spago in Beverly Hills.

Someone help me out with the name please....

I went to an outstanding Mexican/Spanish restaurant downtown near the convention center and the Renaissance complex. It was run by a woman they called the Alice Waters of Southern California in some of the reviews I read. It wasnt just Mexican but dishes from much of central and south America. It was really very good. Went there once and went back a couple more times before leaving town on that trip. Can someone help with the name?

Some more suggestions...

- LA Farm: 3000 W. Olympic Blvd. - Santa Monica
- La Cachette: on Santa Monica Blvd. - Century City
- Il Moro: on W. Olympic Blvd - West LA
- Campanile: South La Brea Ave. north of Wilshire - Hollywood
- A.O.C.: W. 3rd Street - near Hancock Park
- Patina: S. Grand - Downtown at Disney Hall

Someone help me out with the name please....

I went to an outstanding Mexican/Spanish restaurant downtown near the convention center and the Renaissance complex. It was run by a woman they called the Alice Waters of Southern California in some of the reviews I read. It wasnt just Mexican but dishes from much of central and south America. It was really very good. Went there once and went back a couple more times before leaving town on that trip. Can someone help with the name?
Bet it is Ciudad
http://www.ciudad-la.com/body_default.htm

Bet it is Ciudad
http://www.ciudad-la.com/body_default.htm


Definately. Thanks. I highly recommend it. :)

Definately. Thanks. I highly recommend it. :)
Glad to be of help. They also own The Border Grill in Santa Monica.

Has Anyone been to Koi?? What is your opinion of it??

Has Anyone been to Koi?? What is your opinion of it??
Koi is all about eye candy and not the food.

Cuidad and Border Grill are both great.

I'm partial to Blueberry in Santa Monica for weekend breakfast, although be prepared to wait for a table. (I know that other FTers don't like that place, but it fits well with this pancake/waffle lovin' girl!)

I love this place. Clementine is in Century City, so convenient for FT'rs staying in the area. The food is wonderful. They make amazing Hollywood Bowl picnic baskets. I cannot recommend more highly.
http://clementineonline.com/

Cuidad and Border Grill are both great.

I'm partial to Blueberry in Santa Monica for weekend breakfast, although be prepared to wait for a table. (I know that other FTers don't like that place, but it fits well with this pancake/waffle lovin' girl!)
If you really love pancakes and very fresh jam, do give Cora's a try. Just love this place. So-o much better than Blueberry
http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/157755/santa_monica_ca/cora_s_coffee_shoppe.html

"Off Vine" in Hollywood for brunch. Excellent menu, and the restaurant is in a converted house.

I personally love "The Stinking Rose," where they "flavor their garlic with food"... you get the idea. It's actually quite nice inside... be sure to explore the back corner of the restaurant and look for the "Dracula Room."

"Off Vine" in Hollywood for brunch. Excellent menu, and the restaurant is in a converted house.

I personally love "The Stinking Rose," where they "flavor their garlic with food"... you get the idea. It's actually quite nice inside... be sure to explore the back corner of the restaurant and look for the "Dracula Room."
You are kidding about the "Stinking Rose?" I am surprised that it still exists (or does it)? I have never known anyone to visit that restaurant more than once. I went once. I love garlic. The restaurant was beyond horrible :td:

The restaurant was beyond horrible

Amen.

If I want garlic, I'll go to Versailles (which my wife and I call: "The Garlic Palace").

You are kidding about the "Stinking Rose?" I am surprised that it still exists (or does it)? I have never known anyone to visit that restaurant more than once. I went once. I love garlic. The restaurant was beyond horrible :td:

I, too, am hoping they were joking. Got forced to eat there once - ugh, never again. I'll never forget that smell of raw & burnt garlic permeating everything - and I LOVE garlic!!

Versailles,
What a great restaurant! Haven't been there in a few years is it still as good? Also, i only go to the one on la cianega are the others as good?

Versailles,
What a great restaurant! Haven't been there in a few years is it still as good? Also, i only go to the one on la cianega are the others as good?
Versailles is definitely still around. When I am in the Culver City area I stop at the one on Venice Boulevard. It's great; as good as ever.
^

And the "Garlic Palace" in Encino is as good as ever. The other nice things about these restaurants, are reasonable prices and wonderful Sangria.

If you really love pancakes and very fresh jam, do give Cora's a try. Just love this place. So-o much better than Blueberry
http://losangeles.citysearch.com/profile/157755/santa_monica_ca/cora_s_coffee_shoppe.html

Agree Agree Agree a million times over! Cora's orange pancakes with berries are fantastic!!!! So is their burger.

One of my girlfriends took me to a place in Newport Beach last week called Gulfstream. Loved it... had a wonderful SIMPLE preparation of sea bass w/ yummy beets on the side. I had forgotten how much I love beets. Interesting wine list and fun ambiance.

One of these days when I actually get a trip to So Cal that is longer than a half-day, I know a certain moderating pal who is supposed to show me what good chocolate desserts are really about.... ;)

"Off Vine" in Hollywood for brunch. Excellent menu, and the restaurant is in a converted house.

Off Vine is a great find. I was wandering one day last year and stopped in for a late lunch. It's a neat dining area in an old bungalow. Is it still good?

I just found a neat new restaurant in what was claimed was a 120-year old building. You don't find many of those in LA. It is a Korean place that also serves Chinese fare. But it is real. Not Americanized. However the decor is antique American. The service was great and they gave us a complimentary Korean vegetable tomato soup entree and a complimentary pineapple dessert. We shared Dumpling soup and sweet and sour pork with rice. The total was $21.65.

I think the name is Ogamdo and it is at 842 S. La Brea. I was driving east on 3rd from BH looking for a nice place to eat. Then I turned south on La Brea and saw this interesting looking building. I don't think it says Ogamdo anywhere on the outside. Just Korean lettering. Parking in back. Be sure to say "Khamsa Hamida" for great service!

I personally love "The Stinking Rose," where they "flavor their garlic with food"... you get the idea. It's actually quite nice inside... be sure to explore the back corner of the restaurant and look for the "Dracula Room."

To me the Stinking Rose is more of a bar than a restaurant. I've gone several times for drinks. I think I only ate once and I was drunk so I don't really remember the food. The decor is fun if you are in the right mood.

One of my girlfriends took me to a place in Newport Beach last week called Gulfstream. Loved it... had a wonderful SIMPLE preparation of sea bass w/ yummy beets on the side. I had forgotten how much I love beets. Interesting wine list and fun ambiance.

One of these days when I actually get a trip to So Cal that is longer than a half-day, I know a certain moderating pal who is supposed to show me what good chocolate desserts are really about.... ;)

Next time, try the crabcakes (not on the menu, but almost always on the specials) - they are the best ever - all crab & hardly any filler. Nothing better than those, a casear & bottle of Rombauer chard on a summer evening! Did you sit outside by the fireplace while you were waiting? Great ambience & people-watching!

Next time, try the crabcakes (not on the menu, but almost always on the specials) - they are the best ever - all crab & hardly any filler. Nothing better than those, a casear & bottle of Rombauer chard on a summer evening! Did you sit outside by the fireplace while you were waiting? Great ambience & people-watching!

Great advice... I'm sure I will return again as its my friend Pam's favorite place.

We did sit outside... it was wonderful on a summer evening with a glass of sparkling wine in hand!

Holy crap people... The Stinking Rose has great food! I don't go all the time, but the times I have gone I've never been disappointed.

On the flip side... Versailles, while good, isn't the best in Cuban food. Felix's in Orange, and some place with a long name that I'm forgetting, near Sepulveda and Culver, is much better, and much more authentic (I taste the difference, but this is also according to my Cuban friend).

So who knows... maybe we're all wrong, and we should just all go to Tito's Tacos ^

Holy crap people... The Stinking Rose has great food! I don't go all the time, but the times I have gone I've never been disappointed.

Gee, what a convincing argument. "Holy crap" clinches it. Your mastery of rhetoric is just astounding. You must be right. :rolleyes:

P.S.: Don't quit your day job to become a restaurant critic.... @:-)

Thanks for the suggestions...Do you know if Ciro's(the old rat pack hangout) is still open?

Also, How about the IVY in Beverly Hills?

What are some of the popular star restaurants in west hollywood/Beverly Hills./LA Area that we are likely to see some movie and TV stars?

Any suggestions are appreciated.

The IVY in Beverly Hills is a celeb hang out, so your chances are good. The A-list celebrities go there often. Also, check out Koi on La Cienega. A drive to Malibu for restaurants there might be good for celebrity sightings also.

If you're feeling like prime rib, Lawry's is always good. Pann's in the Ladera Heights area is great for diner food - yummy chicken and waffles. For some good beer and fancy burgers - the Father's Office in Santa Monica.

My wife and i shall be in the LA area in October when its 'our' 1st wedding anniversary (yeah, i can remember it! ;) ) and wanted to find something a little different to do for a meal during the early evening.
I know this might sound a weird thought, but i have been looking at the Encounter (the 'spider' structure) in the centre of LAX.
Has anyone dined here recently?...and opinions please.

Holy crap people... The Stinking Rose has great food! I don't go all the time, but the times I have gone I've never been disappointed.

On the flip side... Versailles, while good, isn't the best in Cuban food. Felix's in Orange, and some place with a long name that I'm forgetting, near Sepulveda and Culver, is much better, and much more authentic (I taste the difference, but this is also according to my Cuban friend).

So who knows... maybe we're all wrong, and we should just all go to Tito's Tacos ^

Sadly, Felix's has gone way way way down - used to love it, but it's not what it used to be.

My wife and i shall be in the LA area in October when its 'our' 1st wedding anniversary (yeah, i can remember it! ;) ) and wanted to find something a little different to do for a meal during the early evening.
I know this might sound a weird thought, but i have been looking at the Encounter (the 'spider' structure) in the centre of LAX.
Has anyone dined here recently?...and opinions please.
There are some discussions of the Encounter restaurant over on the LA airport forum (a subforum of Community/LocalTalk etc.). For example, this thread:

LAX Encounter Restaurant (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=306549)

Hi! Can I horn in on this thread? Been doing a lot of reading...first time posting. And yes, I've checked out the LA threads. Loving the information I'm getting! Am going to be in LA next weekend for a seminar. In the past the seminar was at the Summit Bel Air, but now it's at the Airport Hilton, so it's less easy to get around (we won't have a car, and limited free time, so don't want to book one). From what we can tell, Santa Monica is probably the closest place to get to from the airport, correct? We've got a group dinner scheduled for Friday night at Border Grill. Only a couple of us want to go somewhere Saturday night. It would be great to have the celebrity-spotting experience without the bad food, snooty service, or ridiculous prices. We've had great luck in past years at The Ivy, Spagos, Chinois (although the waiter there was very snooty). We're thinking it would be too expensive of a cab drive to go near Hollywood or Beverly Hills. We've thought about Lobster. Anyone been there recently? Do celebs ever go there or is it totally a tourist place? I've read terrible reviews on Ivy at the Shore. Any positive experiences there? Also, any word on Andiamos at our hotel? Thanks for any and all help, and to the original starter of this thread...I hope you still get your questions answered!

From what we can tell, Santa Monica is probably the closest place to get to from the airport, correct?

Manhattan, Hermosa, and Redondo beaches are all closer than Santa Monica (Manhattan is about 1 mile south of LAX on surface streets), and there are good restaurants and bars to be had there, in all price ranges. But celeb hunting might be more difficult, if you're into that kinda thing.

Manhattan, Hermosa, and Redondo beaches are all closer than Santa Monica (Manhattan is about 1 mile south of LAX on surface streets), and there are good restaurants and bars to be had there, in all price ranges. But celeb hunting might be more difficult, if you're into that kinda thing.


Thank you. Any suggestions then for a good interesting restaurant/area to go to on a Saturday night? I've never been to any of those, and am always up for something new. We're going to Santa Monica Friday night, so we don't have to do it again Saturday.

There are also some good places in Marina del Rey, which is quite close.

It would be great to have the celebrity-spotting experience without the bad food, snooty service, or ridiculous prices.

It probably doesn't count as a celebrity to a non-local, but upon exiting Le Petit Greek in (hip) Larchmont last Sunday lunch, the new L.A. mayor was sitting at an outdoor table. What was even more interesting was the people my wife and I were with, were name dropping Mr. Villaraigosa, two hours earlier. They had just seen him at a party. Consequently we got an formal introduction!

The restaurant by the way has very good food, friendly service, and under $20 entrees.

Thank you. Any suggestions then for a good interesting restaurant/area to go to on a Saturday night? I've never been to any of those, and am always up for something new. We're going to Santa Monica Friday night, so we don't have to do it again Saturday.

For starters, to access any of these places from LAX (or a nice drive to explore), you'll want to take the I-105 West (it will turn into Imperial Hwy) until the end, and turn LEFT at the light. Just keep driving (it will turn into Highland) and you'll drive through the center of all the beach towns. At one point it will end, and you'll make a RIGHT then another LEFT, and keep driving parallel to the coast)

If you want to be with all the partiers, then try the Hermosa Beach pier... a line of bars/restaurants and people hanging out. Quick access from LAX, take Sepulveda south for a few miles (will turn into PCH/Rte 1.) and turn RIGHT at Pier Ave... the pier is at the end of this street, so find parking wherever. Sharkeez, Sangria, and Henessey's are some of the more popular places.

Also for some info, try http://www.hermosabch.org/ (I just read that all of Hermosa has WiFi... you can be on FT... cooooool :) )

Manhattan has a lot of little shops and good restaurants... a good Mexican restaurant (and excellent margaritas) is Panchos on Rosecrans & Highland. Very lively on the weekends.

In Redondo, I recommend the Cheesecake Factory. Yes, it's a national chain, but this particular one is in the marina, which makes it one of my favorite restaurants.

Are you looking for anything else in the area?

Hi! Can I horn in on this thread? Been doing a lot of reading...first time posting. And yes, I've checked out the LA threads. Loving the information I'm getting! Am going to be in LA next weekend for a seminar. In the past the seminar was at the Summit Bel Air, but now it's at the Airport Hilton, so it's less easy to get around (we won't have a car, and limited free time, so don't want to book one). From what we can tell, Santa Monica is probably the closest place to get to from the airport, correct? We've got a group dinner scheduled for Friday night at Border Grill. Only a couple of us want to go somewhere Saturday night. It would be great to have the celebrity-spotting experience without the bad food, snooty service, or ridiculous prices. We've had great luck in past years at The Ivy, Spagos, Chinois (although the waiter there was very snooty). We're thinking it would be too expensive of a cab drive to go near Hollywood or Beverly Hills. We've thought about Lobster. Anyone been there recently? Do celebs ever go there or is it totally a tourist place? I've read terrible reviews on Ivy at the Shore. Any positive experiences there? Also, any word on Andiamos at our hotel? Thanks for any and all help, and to the original starter of this thread...I hope you still get your questions answered!
trentslori Welcome to Flyertalk. Border Grill is a good choice for a group dinner. Saturday night is not normally a great night for celeb-spotting; celebs are more likely to dine out during the week. Having said that, I can almost guarantee that you will spot somebody famous at the following restaurants:Capo in Santa Monica, Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica, The Buffalo Club in Santa Monica (in the garden). Finally, The Brentwood in Brentwood (full disclosure: my son is a partner).

For starters, to access any of these places from LAX (or a nice drive to explore), you'll want to take the I-105 West (it will turn into Imperial Hwy) until the end, and turn LEFT at the light. Just keep driving (it will turn into Highland) and you'll drive through the center of all the beach towns. At one point it will end, and you'll make a RIGHT then another LEFT, and keep driving parallel to the coast)

If you want to be with all the partiers, then try the Hermosa Beach pier... a line of bars/restaurants and people hanging out. Quick access from LAX, take Sepulveda south for a few miles (will turn into PCH/Rte 1.) and turn RIGHT at Pier Ave... the pier is at the end of this street, so find parking wherever. Sharkeez, Sangria, and Henessey's are some of the more popular places.

Also for some info, try http://www.hermosabch.org/ (I just read that all of Hermosa has WiFi... you can be on FT... cooooool :) )

Manhattan has a lot of little shops and good restaurants... a good Mexican restaurant (and excellent margaritas) is Panchos on Rosecrans & Highland. Very lively on the weekends.

In Redondo, I recommend the Cheesecake Factory. Yes, it's a national chain, but this particular one is in the marina, which makes it one of my favorite restaurants.

Are you looking for anything else in the area?

IceTrojan I think if we ever meet it will have to be for a burger :) First you recommended "The Stinking Rose, " and now, "The Cheesecake Factory? :rolleyes:

IceTrojan I think if we ever meet it will have to be for a burger :) First you recommended "The Stinking Rose, " and now, "The Cheesecake Factory? :rolleyes:


Well, as long as we both can agree on In-n-Out ^

I appreciate the suggestions. We have a Cheesecake Factory here (and they're building a second) where I live on the East Coast, but we're looking for something that's exclusively LA. Will look into some of these other suggestions, and thanks everyone!

Well, as long as we both can agree on In-n-Out ^
You are on, IceTrojan When I go to Costco in the Marina, I time it so that it is lunchtime, as In-n-out is at the far end of the parking lot. The LAX location is definitely the best, because of all of the "heavy" aircraft arriving around lunchtime. PM me when you are doing a Costco run or planning on being in Westwood (A good location, but not one of the best; okay, if going to the movies). Please, don't even consider discussion of the Stinking Rose or Cheesecake Factory
@:-)

trentslori Welcome to Flyertalk. Border Grill is a good choice for a group dinner. Saturday night is not normally a great night for celeb-spotting; celebs are more likely to dine out during the week. Having said that, I can almost guarantee that you will spot somebody famous at the following restaurants:Capo in Santa Monica, Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica, The Buffalo Club in Santa Monica (in the garden). Finally, The Brentwood in Brentwood (full disclosure: my son is a partner).

They all look like excellent choices. How would they stand from a distance-factor from the LAX Hilton? Thank you!

They all look like excellent choices. How would they stand from a distance-factor from the LAX Hilton? Thank you!
They would all be about the same as to The Border Grill. Figure about 30 minutes on a Saturday night.

I appreciate the suggestions. We have a Cheesecake Factory here (and they're building a second) where I live on the East Coast, but we're looking for something that's exclusively LA. Will look into some of these other suggestions, and thanks everyone!

You have Cheesecake Factory, and then you have Cheesecake Factory on the water ;)

Ok... how about Eurochow in Westwood, Jerry's Deli in Westwood, C&O in Marina Del Rey, or Pink's Hot Dogs near Melrose/La Brea (hey, you wanted celeb hunting, right? :D)

Oh, and FYI the Starbucks in Brentwood (off San Vicente) is a good place to see Celebs.

Our trip to Los Angeles was excellent. We can't wait to go back again.

Here is my review of the places that we went:

1) The Stinking Rose(on La Cienega in Beverly Hills) - I would definitely go again. The food was excellent and the garlic smell was pleasent. You must definitely like Garlic as it is laced into everything they cook. The atmosphere and decor is Kitschy and the prices are reasonable. It is a cool place for a date if you know that your date likes Garlic. The only this is you wont be kissing him/her after that without brushing First :)

2) Nate 'n Al's(Beverly Dr S of Santa Monica Blvd in Beverly Hills) - It is a good deli and very reasonable for breakfast. It is full of entertainment types(agents, aspiring actors, etc) for breakfast. Larry King goes there for breakfast every morning(according to the waitress) and we saw him the morning we were there. He is even UGLIER in person :)

3) Pink's Hot dogs(La Brea off of Melrose) - The hot dogs were very good but it was a 45 minute wait on line to order. There is good seating but very little parking. There is parking on the side streets.

4) Micelli's (Las Palmas off of Vine in Hollywood) - The area is very seedy but the food was excellent. Don't let the area deter you. It is excellent southern italian food in the old style(Red Checkered tablecloths and dark). We saw Mark Wahlberg the night we were there having dinner with friends. I would definitely return again.

5) O'Briens Irish Pub(26th and Wilshire in Santa Monica) - We had lunch there and it was excellent. They have great sandwiches and salads and they have a $6 lunch special(which is what we had). The portions were big and the quality was excellent. Its about a mile and a half from Santa Monica beach. I would definitely recommend this place for lunch. I'm sure dinner is good as well although i've not had dinner there.

6) Koi - The sushi was excellent and we had a nice waiter. He was not uppity (as other people have said the wait staff is) and he also made some good sushi recommendations. It is filled with Celebrities. The night we were there we saw Carol King, The Wayans brothers, Babyface and Omar Epps.
We sat on the Patio which is nicely decorated and is a good vantage point for celebrity sighting. There is always paparazzi at the front of the restaurant and they will gladly tell you which celebrities are in the restaurant.

7) The Ivy(on N. Robertson in Beverly Hills) - This place is a total waste of money. We went there for lunch. A Hamburger is $23. I have no problem paying this for a burger if it is worth it but the food is not good and the staff(hostess and waitstaff) is not interested in helpg unless you are noteworhty or a regular. My wife and I had 2 Salads(Caeser and Chopped) and a small plate of calamari and it was $43. This was before drinks and tips. Save your money and go elsewhere.

8) Neptunes Net(On Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu) - This is a little shack close to the Ventura/LA Border on PCH. It is right across from the beach and has outdoor seating so you can eat and watch the waves. The food was excellent. It gets crowded on the weekends when the beach is busy. The food was very good. It is either Fried or steamed. We had a fried platter and it was good. I would recommend sharing 1 platter for 2 people as they are pretty big.

I recommend driving down PCH from Santa Monica to Malibu. It is a nice scenic ride and the areas and homes along this stretch of PCH are breathtaking. There are some nice little shops and plazas to stop along and sightsee as well.

There are many other restuarants in the Beverly Hills area which are better than the IVY.

I had a great breakfast at Urth Cafe on Melrose. Very cool place and there is a fantastic bookstore next store. They have a couple locations in LA area.

For lunch I went to Victor's off of Franklin, great deli sandwiches.

8) Neptunes Net(On Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu) - This is a little shack close to the Ventura/LA Border on PCH. It is right across from the beach and has outdoor seating so you can eat and watch the waves. The food was excellent. It gets crowded on the weekends when the beach is busy. The food was very good. It is either Fried or steamed. We had a fried platter and it was good. I would recommend sharing 1 platter for 2 people as they are pretty big.

Rachel Ray features Netunes Net on $40.00 a day. It looked great!

Rachel Ray features Netunes Net on $40.00 a day. It looked great!


We saw the same show and this is what made us go there. She was right on.
The food was excellent - not greasy at all and the view was nice.

I was in Dallas and tried another restaurant Rachel Ray recommended and she was right on about that one as well.

We saw the same show and this is what made us go there. She was right on.
The food was excellent - not greasy at all and the view was nice.

I was in Dallas and tried another restaurant Rachel Ray recommended and she was right on about that one as well.


I love $40 a day show. I have gone to many restaurants that Rachael has featured. It is great to get fabulous ideas and great food on a budget.

Our trip to Los Angeles was excellent. We can't wait to go back again.

Here is my review of the places that we went:

1) The Stinking Rose(on La Cienega in Beverly Hills) - I would definitely go again. ...

Take THAT Obscure... ;)

there are so many good restaurants i don't know how anyone can pick a favorite. what i like about LA one of the few things is that you can get food from anywhere in the world easily. i just had some great pastor tacos, then had teriyaki the next........ ^