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A.O.C.
Chef Suzanne Goin of Lucques turns out small plates of sophisticated fare, including cheeses and charcuterie, at her chic nearby wine bar, A.O.C. Fifty wines can be ordered by the glass or carafe or in preselected flights.
Akira Sushi
This in-the-know Japanese spot is small and authentic, with only about ten tables—where you occasionally see A list celebrities enjoying a meal. The fish is sourced daily from a Japanese fish market, and the chef frequently comes by to explain the dish.
Recommended by an Indagare community insider
All Day Baby
American Beauty
Ardor
The seasonal menu at Ardor showcases vegetables from local farmers markets alongside a selection of seafood and meat dishes.
Asanebo
This upscale Japanese restaurant has been a beloved Studio City mainstay since 1991. Head Tetsuya Nakao and his brother Shunji had both worked at Matsuhisa before opening their own spot, which has remained popular thanks to its high quality sushi offerings (and high prices to match). Omakase dining is available, and if the extensive a la carte menu feels overwhelming, opt for the daily specials. Some seats in the restaurant, diners can see the sushi chefs working their magic behind the counter. There is valet parking available.
Recommended by an Indagare community insider
Bar Ama
Stop for a cocktail at Bäco Mercat’s sister restaurant, and order an inventive cocktail like the spicy Zapatista. If you’re in a group, order a margarita pitcher and tuck into some puffy tacos and other Tex-Mex classics.
Barbrix
A great spot to hit on the road back from the Huntington Botanic Gardens, this tiny eatery offers a small-plate menu and great wine list. Sit on the patio with a group and sample an array of dishes.
Bavel
Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery
Belles Beach House
Bestia
The toughest reservation to score is at this Italian hot spot, the brainchild of restaurateur Bill Chait (of Sotto and Picca fame) and chef Ori Menashe (of Angelini Osteria). Some say the pasta is the specialty, but others opt for the pizza or the crostini, so try to get a reservation and decide for yourself what they do best.
Birdie G's
Traditional American cooking and fine dining meet in the barn-inspired restaurant Birdie G’s, from Rustic Canyon restaurant group.
Boa Steakhouse
This trendy steakhouse serves delicious chops and cuts in a bold and colorful environment. With chicken and seafood options as well as traditional bur gourmet sides (black truffle gnocchi, lobster mashed potatoes) and an extensive cocktail menu, Boa is good for both group dining and more intimate meals. There is a second location in Santa Monica (101 Santa Monica Blvd.; 310-899-4466).
Brentwood Restaurant
This popular restaurant serves classic American comfort food in a modern dining room in Brentwood Village. Housed in a welcoming Victorian structure, dishes like mac & cheese and short ribs hit the spot and have earned this place a loyal patronage.
Bungalow at Fairmont Miramar
Ask your concierge to make a reservation at this seaside hot spot at the Fairmont Miramar. The vibe reminds of Montauk’s Surf Lodge with its orchestrated hippie-chic in a cottage, with surf boards mounted behind the bar, sitting corners of couches and artisanal cocktails made with crafted syrups and homegrown herbs. The crowd is a bit too look-at-me sceny to really go with the laid-back vibe (this is a Brent Bolthouse production, after all), but it’s a fun addition to the Westside, a bit like Chateau Marmont visits the beach.
Café Gratitude
Foodies made the trek to the original branch of this vegan culinary spot on Larchmont Avenue for years, but now the new outpost in Venice Beach is the spot to be. The raw-vegan menu is innovative, delicious and whimsical, with such dishes as I am Humble (Indian curried lentils over brown rice or quinoa, with sautéed sweet corn, potatoes and spinach) or I am Grateful, a grain bowl of kale, quinoa and black beans which has an optional donation value to give to someone in need. The dining room is airy and bright, the atmosphere congenial and fun and the desserts and smoothies much richer and more delectable than the term raw-vegan implies.
Calabra
Capo
Cassia
The atmosphere at this Santa Monica restaurant resembles a French brasserie, while the menu leans toward Southeast Asian cuisine. Housed in a 1937 Art Deco building, Cassia is the latest project from Santa Monica restaurant power couple Josh Loeb and Zoe Nathan (of Rustic Canyon and Milo and Olive) in partnership with rising star chef Bryant Ng. The high-ceilinged, 5,000-square-foot dining room is sparsely decorated, with polished concrete walls and floors, and white marble top tables and copper pendant lamps lend warmth to the space. Start with a round of cocktails such as bartender Lava Flow Pina Colada, and move on to Vietnamese prawns, chickpea curry, jellyfish salad and finally, Vietnamese coffee pudding.
Chinois on Main
When he’s in town, Puck flits between Spago CUT, his steak place (see Beverly Wilshire Hotel) and Chinois on Main—casual, colorful and expensive Asian fusion—which is still fun since opening in its original Santa Monica location in 1983. A reinvented menu is shaking things up.
Cipriani Beverly Hills
Cipriani Beverly Hills, which opened Winter 2024, has all the elegance (and nautical inspiration) that’s expected of the Cipriani brand, including jewel-green banquettes, Murano glass chandeliers and fashion books along the walls. The Venetian menu is reliable as ever, and a highlight is the restaurant’s Jazz Café, with its grand piano and Old Hollywood vibes.
Recommended by an Indagare community insider
DAMA Fashion District
Dante Beverly Hills
Dante Beverly Hills is a destination to dine late into the night, enjoying live music, stellar martinis and the glittering LA skyline.
Dudley Market
Élephante
Eveleigh
This surprisingly lovely find on touristy Sunset Boulevard has outdoor seating and a fabulous brunch. Escape from the crowds for a mid-shopping lunch from the folks who brought us Kingswood in NYC.