Restaurants

As a guide, we have used the following symbols to give an indication of the price of a two-course meal for one (excluding drinks, tax, or tip), based on the average cost of main courses.

$$$$ = $50 and up $$$ = $25–$50

$$ = $$15–$25 $ = under $15

ANAHEIM

McCormick and Schmick’s Grille $$–$$$ 321 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim, tel: 714-535 9000, www.mccormickandschmicks.com. Traditional seafood restaurant that also serves steaks and fresh salads. Convenient location near Disneyland and the Anaheim Convention Center. Sun–Thu 11.30am–10pm, Fri–Sat 11.30am–11pm.

HOLLYWOOD

The Hungry Cat $$-$$$ 1535 North Vine Street, tel: 323-462 2155, www.thehungrycat.com. An outstanding raw bar with creatively cooked seafood dishes in a sleek and modern (but lively) setting, with top-notch cocktails to boot. Mon–Wed noon–10pm, Thu–Fri noon–11pm, Sat 11am–11pm, Sun 11am–10pm.

Musso and Frank Grill $$$ 6667 Hollywood Boulevard, tel: 323-467 7788, http://mussoandfrank.com. Hollywood’s oldest restaurant (established in 1919) has dark paneling, leather booths, seasoned waiters, and great Martinis. Famous customers have included Charlie Chaplin (who sat at table no 1 in the west room), Ernest Hemingway, Raymond Chandler, Orson Welles, Humphrey Bogart, Al Pacino, and Sean Penn. American-style dishes such as steaks, chops, clams, and macaroni and cheese come à la carte. The crepe-thin pancakes are hugely popular. Tue–Sat 11am–11pm.

Providence $$$–$$$$ 5955 Melrose Avenue, tel: 323-460 4170, www.providencela.com. Elegant restaurant with sleek, modern décor, specializing in premium wild seafood and shellfish, simply prepared and presented. Lunch Fri noon–2pm, dinner Mon–Fri 6–10pm, Sat 5.30–10pm and Sun 5.30–9pm.

MID-WILSHIRE

A.O.C. $$–$$$ 8700 West Third Street, tel: 310-859 9859, www.aocwinebar.com. An elegant cross between a wine bar and tapas-style restaurant, with a delectable range of small plates ranging from charcuterie to oven-roasted fish and vegetables to fine cheeses, with dozens of wines by the glass. Reservations recommended. Mon 11.30am–10pm, Tue–Fri 11.30am–11pm, Sat 10am–11pm, Sun 10am–10pm.

Toast Bakery Cafe $$ 8221 West Third Street, tel: 323-655 5018, http://toastbakerycafe.net. An excellent American menu of all-day breakfast (including a number of healthy and vegetarian options), sandwiches, pastas, other specialties, and fabulous baked goods. Daily 7.30am–6pm.

Matsuhisa $$$–$$$$ 129 North La Cienega Boulevard, Beverly Hills, tel: 310-659 9639, www.nobumatsuhisa.com. Considered the best Asian-inspired seafood in town, chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s novel menu features top-notch sushi and pages of entrées. Always crowded and noisy. Reservations necessary. Mon–Fri 11.45am–2.15pm, dinner daily 5.45–10.15pm.

WEST HOLLYWOOD

Barney’s Beanery $–$$ 8447 Santa Monica Boulevard, tel: 323-654 2287, www.barneysbeanery.com. Known for burgers, giant hot dogs, famous chili, Mexican fare, and around 200 bottled beers. Funky bar décor, pool tables, and late-night dining for LA’s bar-hoppers. Mon–Fri 11am–2am, Sat–Sun 9am–2am.

Chin Chin $$ 8618 W. Sunset Boulevard (in Sunset Plaza), tel: 310-652 1818, www.chinchin.com. Great for people-watching and relatively healthy dim sum and noodle dishes within full Chinese menu. Indoor and outdoor dining. Sun–Thu 11am–10pm, Fri–Sat 11am–11pm.

Dan Tana’s $$–$$$ 9071 Santa Monica Boulevard, tel: 310-275 9444, www.dantanasrestaurant.com. A classic old-style Hollywood restaurant with northern Italian cuisine featuring veal, chicken, seafood, and the best cut of New York steak in town. Mon–Sat 5pm–1am, Sun 5pm–12.30am.

Urth Caffe $$ 8565 Melrose Avenue, tel: 310-659 0628, www.urthcaffe.com. A popular café and casual lunch spot with organic coffee and tea. Healthy meals are on offer and there is a selection of delicious desserts which are made in house. The outdoor patio is a well-known spot for celeb-spotting. Daily 6am–11.30pm.

Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs $ 709 North La Brea Avenue, tel: 323-931 4223, www.pinkshollywood.com. The place to go when you’re dying for a greasy quick bite. Hot dogs, burgers, sinful chili, and renowned fries are devoured at outdoor picnic tables. Sun–Thu 9.30am–2am, Fri–Sat 9.30am–3am. Cash only.

Versailles $–$$ 1415 South La Cienega Boulevard, tel: 310-289 0392. Locals frequent this inexpensive, delicious Cuban diner. Noteworthy garlic chicken as well as excellent pork and shrimp dishes are served in the ultra-casual dining room. Sun–Thu 11am–10pm, Fri–Sat 11am–11pm.

BEVERLY HILLS

Bouchon Bistro $$$–$$$$ 235 North Canon Drive, tel: 310-271 9910, www.thomaskeller.com. Thomas Keller’s third location of his famous restaurant packs in movie stars and foodies who come for outstanding French bistro cuisine. The adjoining bakery is a must-visit. Lunch Mon–Fri 11.30am–10.30pm, Sat 11am–10.30pm and Sun 11am–9pm.

Il Fornaio $$$ 301 North Beverly Drive, tel: 310-550 8330, www.ilfornaio.com. A bustling and bright Italian trattoria with excellent breads, soups, pizzas, pastas, and rotisserie dishes and lively, crowded atmosphere. Wood stove; mesquite grill. Patio dining. There’s also a bakery café. Reservations recommended. Mon–Thu 7am–10pm, Fri 7am–11pm, Sat 7.30am–11pm, Sun 7.30am–10pm.

Lawry’s Prime Rib $$$ 100 North La Cienega Boulevard, tel: 310-652 2827, www.lawrysonline.com. A venerable temple of prime ribs, also featuring lobster, fresh fish and their dramatic and delectable ‘spinning bowl’ salad. Mon–Fri 5–10pm, Sat 4.30–11pm, Sun 4–9.30pm. Reservations recommended.

Mr Chow $$$–$$$$ 344 North Camden Drive, tel: 310-278 9911, www.mrchow.com. Celebrity spotting generally accompanies excellent Beijing-style (multiple-dish) Chinese fare including duck, dumplings, lobster, and house-made garlic noodles. A modern, see-and-be-seen setting. Reservations recommended. Lunch Mon–Fri noon–2.30pm, dinner daily 6–11.30pm.

THE WESTSIDE

La Serenata Gourmet $–$$ 10924 West Pico Boulevard, tel: 310-441 9667, www.laserenataonline.com. It’s not the bare-bones atmosphere but the excellent fish, tacos, moles, enchiladas, and zesty sauces that bring crowds to this bustling Mexican restaurant. Mon–Fri 11am–3pm and 5–10pm, Fri until 11pm, Sat 11am–11pm, Sun 10am–10pm.

Father’s Office $$ 3229 Helms Avenue, tel: 310-736 2224, www.fathersoffice.com. The gourmet blue cheese burgers served at at this upscale gastropub are famous, but equally deserving are the locavore small plates and the seasonally rotating selection of 36 craft beers on tap. ID is required. Mon–Thur 5pm–11pm, Fri–Sat noon–midnight, Sun noon–10pm, bar open later.

Shaherzad Restaurant $$ 1422 Westwood Boulevard, tel: 310-470-3242, www.shaherzadrestaurant.com. In an area known as Little Persia, this casual restaurant serves up some of the most authentic Iranian cuisine around, with grilled kabobs, savory rice dishes, and an open oven that produces freshly-baked flatbread. Daily 11.30am–11pm.

Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air $$$–$$$$ 701 Stone Canyon Road (at Hotel Bel Air), tel: 310-909 1644,www.dorchestercollection.com. Celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck’s delicious, creative California-Mediterranean menu served in the glamorous dining room or on the beautiful Spanish-style terrace. Reached by crossing a bridge over a swan-filled stream and tropical gardens. Reservations necessary. Breakfast daily 7am–10.30am, lunch Mon–Sat 11.30am–2.30pm, brunch Sun 11am–3pm, dinner Sun–Thu 6–10pm, Fri–Sat 6–10.30pm, afternoon tea and all-day menu also available.

SANTA MONICA/BEACH COMMUNITIES

Border Grill $$–$$$ 1445 4th Street, Santa Monica, tel: 310-451 1655, www.bordergrill.com. Upscale Mexican fare with a Yucatán influence and festive atmosphere. Mon–Fri 11.30am–10pm, Fri until 11pm, Sat–Sun 10am–10pm, Sat until 11pm.

Cafe del Rey $$$ 4451 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, tel: 310-823 6395, www.cafedelreymarina.com. One of the area’s better restaurants overlooks the marina and serves Pacific Rim ‘new wave’ cuisine in a modern and airy dining room. Lunch Mon–Fri 11.30am–2.30pm, dinner Mon–Thu 5.30–10pm, Fri–Sat 5.30–10.30pm, Sun 5–9.30pm; brunch Sat 11.30am–2.30pm, Sun 10.30am–2.30pm.

Chinois on Main $$$$ 2709 Main Street, Santa Monica, tel: 310-392 9025, www.wolfgangpuck.com. Renowned chef Wolfgang Puck’s chic, trendy restaurant serves a creative blend of Chinese, French, and California cuisines in a bright, loud dining room. Lunch Wed–Fri 11.30am–2pm, dinner Mon–Thu 6–10pm, Fri–Sat 6–10.30pm, Sun 5.30–10pm.

Gladstone’s 4 Fish $$–$$$ 17300 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, tel: 310-454 3474, http://gladstones.com. This seafood restaurant’s popularity is largely due to its enormous and fun deck seating overlooking the sea. Not affiliated with the one at Universal CityWalk. Mon–Thu 11am–9pm, Fri 11am–10pm, Sat 9am–10pm, Sun 9am–9pm.

Hillstone $$$ 202 Wilshire Boulevard, tel: 310-576 7558; www.hillstone.com. The appealing menu features prime steaks, seafood, burgers, salads as well as handcrafted sushi. In other words: this place appeals to all tastes. The warm ambience and stylish interior make for a superb experience. Sun–Tue 11.30am–10pm and Wed–Sat 11.30am–11pm.

Ivy at the Shore $$$ 1535 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, tel: 310-393 3113; www.theivyrestaurants.com. Excellent California-fresh fare with a Southern accent, such as Cajun pizza or fried chicken. Especially renowned for crab cakes, grilled-vegetable salad, and healthy menu items. Daily 9.30am–10pm.

Michael’s $$$–$$$$ 1147 3rd Street, Santa Monica, tel: 310-451 0843, www.michaelssantamonica.com. One of the original examples of California cuisine and a top spot in the area. Peaceful and beautiful, with an extraordinary art collection and a lovely garden patio. Reservations advised. Mon–Sat 6pm–10.30pm.

Rose Café and Market $–$$ 220 Rose Avenue, Venice, tel: 310-399 0711, www.rosecafe.com. This casual café offers enticing bakery and deli fare plus various pizzas and inexpensive entrées. Mon–Fri 8am–3pm (counter 7am–5pm), Sat–Sun 8am–5pm.

Rustic Canyon $$$ 1119 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, tel: 310-393 7050, www.rusticcanyonwinebar.com. This lovely and intimate wine bar and restaurant features a regularly changing menu of market-fresh dishes that use local and sustainable ingredients. Sun–Thu 5.30–10.30pm, Fri–Sat 5.30–11.30pm.

Valentino $$$–$$$$ 3115 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, tel: 310-829 4313, www.valentinosantamonica.com. Expensive but worth every penny, this renowned Italian restaurant has an amazing wine list and top-notch food served in a formal dining room. Reservations recommended. Fri for lunch 11.30am–2.30pm, dinner Tue–Thu 5–10pm, Fri–Sat 5–10.30pm.

DOWNTOWN

Church & State Bistro $$–$$$ 1850 Industrial Street #100, tel: 213-405 1434, www.churchandstatebistro.com. This lively and hip French bistro features nearly two dozen types of wine and reputedly one of the best raw bars in town. Lunch Mon–Fri 11.30am–2.30pm, dinner Mon–Thu 6–10pm, Fri 6–11pm, Sat 5.30–11pm, Sun 5.30–9pm.

Engine Company No. 28 $$–$$$ 644 South Figueroa, tel: 213-624 6996, www.engineco.com. All-American food (firehouse chili, grilled fish and steaks, corn chowder, and lemon meringue pie) in an historic firehouse favored by lunching lawyers. Daily 11am–10pm.

The Palm $$$–$$$$ 1100 S. Flower Street tel: 213-763 4600, www.thepalm.com. From the perfect steaks to the Nova Scotia lobsters flown in daily, the traditional American food is impeccable at this acclaimed Northern Italian steakhouse with New York origins. Lunch Mon–Fri 11.30am–3pm, dinner Mon–Thu 3–10pm, Fri 3–11pm, Sat 5–11pm, Sun 5–9.30pm.

Sushi Gen $$–$$$ 422 East Second Street, tel: 213-617 0552, www.sushigen-dtla.com. The melt-in-your-mouth toro and salmon understandably attract crowds of people to this gem of a sushi restaurant in Little Tokyo. Go at lunch to beat the crowds and take advantage of the reasonably priced lunch specials. Lunch Mon–Fri 11.15am–2pm, dinner Mon–Fri 5.30–9.30pm, Sat 5–9.30pm.

Water Grill $$$–$$$$ 544 South Grand Avenue, tel: 213-891 0900, www.watergrill.com. A stunning international seafood restaurant with a lively, upscale atmosphere and some of the best seafood Downtown. Lobster, crab, and oyster bar. Mon–Thu 11.30am–10pm, Fri 11.30am–11pm, Sat 5–11pm, Sun 4–10pm.

PASADENA

Dog Haus $ 105 N. Hill Avenue, tel: 626-577 4287, www.doghaus.com. Excellent good-sized and generously built hot dogs and burgers with delicious toppings that will surely put a big smile on your face. This place is consistently busy and it can get really crowded at lunch time. Other locations in Los Angeles County. Daily 11am–10pm.

Parkway Grill $$$ 510 South Arroyo Parkway, tel: 626-795 1001, www.theparkwaygrill.com. One of Pasadena’s top restaurants, serving such eclectic California fare as fresh fish, black bean soup, and pizza in a two-level indoor garden setting. Lunch Mon–Fri 11.30am–2.30pm, dinner Mon–Thu 5.30–9.30pm, Fri–Sat 5.30–10.30pm, Sun 5–9.30pm.

THE VALLEY

Mistral $$–$$$ 13422 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, tel: 818-981 6650, www.mistralrestaurant.net. Straightforward, quality, and affordable French bistro fare is served in a warm and convivial atmosphere. Mon–Fri 11.30am–2.30pm, 5.30–10pm, Sat 5.30–10.30pm, Sun 5–9.30pm.

Wolfgang Puck Bistro $$ 1000 Universal City Plaza, #152 Universal City, tel: 818-985 9653, www.wolfgangpuck.com. California pizzas, fresh pastas, and tasty salads designed by the master chef. Large outdoor patio. Sun–Thu 11am–9pm, Fri–Sat 11am–11pm.

LONG BEACH

Belmont Brewing Company $–$$ 25 Thirty-Ninth Place, tel: 562-433 3891, www.belmontbrewing.com. Authentic brewery on the beach with a commanding view of the Long Beach skyline, Palos Verdes, and Catalina Island. Salads, sandwiches, pasta, meat, and fish entrées, and, of course, beer. Mon–Fri 11.30am–9.30pm, Sat 10am–10pm, Sun 10am–9.30pm; bar until midnight.

The Sky Room $$$–$$$$ 40 S. Locust Avenue, Long Beach, tel: 562-983 2703, www.theskyroom.com. First opened in 1926, this classy restaurant atop the Breakers Hotel transports diners to an earlier era of fine dining, dancing, and entertainment, with stunning Art-Deco décor, California-French cuisine, romantic music, and panoramic views over the ocean and city. Extensive wine list. Reservations suggested. Mon–Thu 5.30–10pm, Fri–Sat 5.30pm–11pm, Sun 4.30–9pm.

ORANGE COUNTY

Crab Cooker $–$$ 2200 Newport Boulevard, Newport Beach, tel: 949-673 0100, www.crabcooker.com. In this funky and fun dining room you’ll get inexpensive mesquite-grilled fresh seafood. Sun–Thu 11am–9pm, Fri–Sat 11am–10pm.

Las Brisas $$$ 361 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, tel: 949-497 5434, www.lasbrisaslagunabeach.com. Great Mexican cuisine, including seafood dishes, served on an outdoor patio or indoor dining room with marvelous views of the ocean. Mon–Thu 8am–10pm, Fri–Sat 8am–11pm, Sun 9am–10pm.

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament $$$ 7662 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, tel: 866-543 9637, www.medievaltimes.com/buenapark. A wacky but original dinner-theater concept: you enjoy a fixed-price four-course meal (adults: $61.95; 12 and under $36.95) while watching knights on horseback and dueling sword fighters. Reservations advised. Dinner shows nightly, call castle for specific times; castle opens 90 minutes before showtime.

Steve’s No. 4 Charbroil $ 6033 Warner Avenue, Huntington Beach, tel: 714-848 1422. Steve’s has been on the corner of Warner and Springdale for over 25 years, serving cheap breakfasts, great burgers and lunches. The family-run service is friendly and prices are very reasonable. Try the breakfast burrito but don’t order a large fries unless you’re ready to eat a lot. Daily 7am–9pm.

White House $$$ 887 South Anaheim Boulevard, Anaheim, tel: 714-772 1381, www.anaheimwhitehouse.com. Award-winning northern Italian cuisine in a romantic mansion setting with log fires and elegant Victorian décor. Try the lobster ravioli or signature rack of lamb. Reservations required. Lunch Mon–Fri 11.30am–2pm, dinner nightly 5–10pm, brunch Sun 11am–3pm.

CATALINA ISLAND

Steve’s Steakhouse $$$ 417 Crescent Avenue, Avalon, tel: 310-510 0333, http://stevessteakhouse.com. Beautiful views over Avalon harbour and varied menu ranging from teriyaki chicken to surf n’ turf. Daily lunch 11.30am–2pm, dinner 5–11pm.