Whats your Favorite Restaurant in LA?
 

I have absolutely no clue, I love many. There are too many choices. Maybe Yabu off of Pico in Santa Monica.

It used to be Madison's in LGB if you are counting LA county. But it's not quite the same these days. The new Palm by Staples Center is very, very good. Loads of others. Best Chinese? Hop Louie in Chinatown.

a.o.c. because I love many choices, trying wonderful different things & I love wine!!

btw, I consider my self a pretty good foodie & really up on LA dining - read/contribute to Chowhound.com almost every day, yet have never even heard of either of the above restaurants - tell me more...

Spago is choice #2 - always guaranteed wonderful food, wine & service there!

Gladstone's for Fish in Santa Monica.

Yabu is a Japanese Izakaya style restaurant. Very authentic, they specialize in their noodle dishes, they make their Soba and Udon fresh everyday. Very affordable. Each dish is about $10-$15. Its off of Pico in Santa Monica, west of the 405 and south of the 10.

I've been to many good ones listed in the Los Angeles Forum ^ ^ ^

Mastro's.

QL

Well the Palm you must have heard of in BH and the original in NY. Now they have one a block from Staples Center. It is easily the finest downtown restaurant IMHO. As for Hop Louie, it's a hidden treat on a back alley in Chinatown. Inside you see memorabilia from all the famous people who have been there in the past. I haven't seen too many people there these days, but I just stop by on weeknights occasionally . But I love roast duck and they give you a heaping portion with rice for about $10.

Sorry, I definitely know The Palm, but was referring to Yabu & Madison's.

I'm haven't been there in a while, but the Madison used to be the best classic steakhouse in So Cal. It is built in a 1920's bank lobby with huge gothic ceilings. They usually have a Frank Sinatra singer with band on weekends. Most people dress up and the waiters wear tuxes. Great service put it over the top. Huge steaks and seafood too. Fabulous wine collection. I used to golf with the sommelier and the Frank Sinatra singer and the head waiter. Great team at the time. I hope it is still running well.

If I'm paying - The Original Pantry, downtown

If someone else is paying - Valentino in Santa Monica

Hmm...maybe...but Water Grill

http://www.watergrill.com/

and

Patina - in the Disney Concert Hall are better I think

http://www.patinagroup.com/therestaurants_patina.htm

Beware - Water Grill's chef has left (no more tasting menus :( ) & I believe new chef is not in place yet. At least we know the oysters will still be good!

Ocean Seafood in Chinatown for dim sum.