3 Stars Restaurants

Through exquisite culinary flavorings and technique, Bossa Nova provides guests with a sumptuous menu designed to give the absolute Brazilian experience. Delectable meals are made more delicious as the relaxing environment allows one to take pleasure in their fare, a characteristic that has led Bossa Nova’s four locations (Los Angeles, West Los Angeles, and Beverly Hills) to win a loyal crowd of patrons. You may even catch some Hollywood insiders and incognito stars enjoying grilled meats and Brazilian favorites. Come and allow Bossa Nova to satisfy your culinary cravings! Learn More »

Bill McCormick and Doug Schmick have spent over three decades building and creating a seafood-based restaurant. The Beverly Hills location of the popular franchise resides on the ritziest stretch of Rodeo Drive. Tourists and locals alike populate the plush patio to people-watch and enjoy impeccably-sourced fish, crustaceans, and bivalves; the restaurant offers a different selection of seafood every day, depending on what’s in season. Don’t leave without trying a dessert, such as their Upside Down Apple Pie with caramelized walnut crust and dulce de leche ice cream. When you’re hungry for seafood, stop by McCormick and Schmick and enjoy scrumptious … Learn More »

A hop, skip, and a jump down from the main thoroughfare of Santa Monica Boulevard in Santa Monica, you'll find La Botte. Meaning “wine bottle” in Italian, La Botte is owner Stefano de Lorenzo’s upgraded version of his popular, postage-stamp-sized Piccolo Ristorante in neighboring Venice. The wine concept glows in a warmly elegant décor of variegated wine stained wood flooring and wine cask wainscoting. A “vino paradiso” exists in La Botte’s 1,600 bottles of wine. Chef Luigi Fineo creatively infuses contemporary freshness into the Northern Italian appetizers, pasta, and entrees for an authentic Italian dining experience that will have you … Learn More »

La Parolaccia means "bad language" in Italian, and for those that are speakers of Italian may notice the staff is swearing up a storm. Done in good spirits and only between staff members, it only adds to the charm of this cozy and inviting Long Beach spot. The menu offers all the traditional favorites expected from two chefs hailing from Milan and Rome. While the Limon cello ice cream alone will guarantee La Paroloaccia Osteria a place in diner’s hearts, it is the service is that is truly outstanding, swearing be damned! Learn More »

Located in a Greek Market that has been open since the 1940’s, Papa Cristo’s Greek Restaurant has been serving South Los Angeles authentic culinary delicacies for more than 20 years. Using imported seasonings, cheeses, olives, olive oils, as well as other ingredients to prepare the culturally true plates featured at Papa Cristo’s, it is no wonder people rave that this is some of the best Greek food available in Los Angeles. A full menu with items like Sizzling Feta & Tomato, Dolmades, Tabouli, Gyro, and Rack of Lamb just to mention a few, will satiate any desire for tasty Greek … Learn More »

A South Bay fixture since 1991, laid-back Lido di Manhattan occupies a commanding corner site. The restaurant is bright and open, with artwork by local artist Monica Farrell. The cuisine is California-Italian, with a heavier lean towards the latter. Signature dishes such as lobster won ton tacos, angel hair pasta with jumbo scallops and tiger prawns and charbroiled filet mignon showcase fresh ingredients. The sweet selection of Desserts are all made in house. Wine buffs will find plenty to please, while cocktail lovers can work their way through the lengthy list. A calendar of cooking classes and events keeps things … Learn More »

Tanzore fuses traditional Indian culture with artistic modernity, creating a bold, brilliant ambiance full of energy and zeal. The upscale setting offers guests the choice of indoor patio, sleek lounge, or the luxurious white-marble bar, as well as the main and private dining rooms. One can never go wrong by trying one of their Tiffin to-go lunch boxes or their unique desserts such as the cinnamon poached kashmir pear. Diners are surrounded by an assortment of Indian beats, big screen Bollywood cinema, and native dancing. Who knew eating could be so fun and exciting! Learn More »

Enter into Electric Karma and prepare to excite all your senses. At this upscale casual Indian restaurant on Third Street in West Hollywood, you will find a warm atmosphere suitable for any day of the week. Bold colors and dim lighting set the mood for the experience, and a movie screen projecting Bollywood images is the anchor of the dining room décor. The plush floor pillows in the outdoor seating area invite you to get cozy and take in the scents of exotic Indian spices featured in the restaurant’s extensive menu of traditional Punjabi cuisine. Learn More »

Terroni is a West Hollywood restaurant that serves authentic southern Italian cuisine, using fresh and traditional ingredients straight from Italy, priding itself on using the same cooking techniques used in Italy 100 years ago. This restaurant doesn’t take reservations, so it is key to arrive before the crowd. The combination of a rustic and modern decor creates a feeling of comfort for all. Terroni’s specialty is the pizza, which is thin, delightfully airy, and uncut with 30 different options to choose from. Some of these options include Terroni originals like Smendozzata and Li Pecuri. Give Terroni’s a try, your taste … Learn More »

An experience at Osteria Mozza is one of a kind. The brainchild of super-trio Nancy Silverton, Mario Batali, and Joseph Bastinach, Osteria Mozza is a modern, urban interpretation of the Italian trattoria. Exquisite preparations start at the Mozzarella bar, which sits in the center of the room and serves as a showcase for Silverton’s hand-made cheeses. Her creations can be sampled alone, but also find their way onto the rest of the menu, joining hand-made pastas, artisanal smoked meats, and inspired main courses, turned out by Executive Chef Matt Molina. Add exceptional service, a lively, energetic setting, and an Italian-centric … Learn More »

With its stunning ocean vistas, island décor, and fruity cocktails, Duke’s Malibu is a relaxing paradise. Duke’s is popular with both tourists and locals, providing a laid-back escape from the flurry of everyday stresses. Named after surfing and swimming legend Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, this Malibu homage brings Duke’s distinctly Hawaiian legacy of island fun and beach culture to the spectacular Malibu coast. With their feet buried in the sand, and their bellies full of the freshest seafood, diners at Duke’s satisfy their wanderlust for tropical getaways without having to stray far from the bright lights of Los Angeles. Learn More »

Its sleek, artsy aesthetic, chic clientele, and inventive twists on traditional Chinese cuisine have distinguished Mr. Chow as a Beverly Hills hot spot. Avid art collector, restaurateur, and self-proclaimed Renaissance man, Michael Chow has a sixth sense for detecting the direction of cultural zeitgeists, producing numerous restaurants that instantly become magnets for all who are harbingers of cool. Mr. Chow’s Beverly Hills location is no exception, attracting celebrities, artists, and their adoring public. With its stylish black and white décor, original Andy Warhols, and mouthwateringly decadent dishes, even the most proletariat of diners can treat themselves to a night of … Learn More »

Katana is a chic assault on the senses. Like an industrial, futuristic Zen temple, Katana’s steel and wood décor juxtaposes urban grit with delicate sophistication. Its staggering menu presents a delightfully daunting selection of treats, through which diners are free to sample with reckless abandon. Katana features two distinctive styles of Japanese cuisine: the familiar sushi bar, and the more novel robata bar, which features tapas-like Japanese barbeque. Food is sculpted skillfully with almost architectural heights, echoing the artistic details of the surrounding environment. With one of Los Angeles’ only sake sommeliers and a sake selection as distinguished as its … Learn More »

For a well-crafted and flavor-full dumpling, head over to Din Tai Fung in Arcadia. This restaurant is a Taiwanese-owned Shanghai-style dumpling house. Regulars rave about the Xiao Long Bao (Juicy Pork Dumplings), which comes with 10 dumplings per order. The chefs at Din Tai Fung say, “Creating steamed dumpling is not just a technique but an art.” It is best to go to Din Tai Fung on off-hours to avoid the crowd, as during peak times, the wait can exceed an hour. The menu also offers approximately 50 options and features a variety of dumplings, soups, vegetables served in creative … Learn More »

Wilshire elevates the warmth of a neighborhood restaurant to the elegance of haute cuisine. Thomas Schoos’ décor skillfully balances the historic, rough hewn architecture with opulent materials, juxtaposing exposed brick walls with lush leather, hard wood, and amber lighting. Chef Andrew Kirschner’s California fusion menu reinforces the ideal of local sophistication, emphasizing organic ingredients from local producers. Although local in origin, Kirschner’s creations are anything but ordinary, elevating fresh, seasonal ingredients to the heights of epicurean refinement. The outdoor garden and fire-heated private terrace provide a refreshing dose of greenery in Santa Monica’s urban landscape. Learn More »

The newest incarnation of Tom Colicchio’s New York institution, Craft Los Angeles offers a welcome oasis of East Coast gourmanderie. Best known as a recurring judge on Bravo’s “Top Chef,” Colicchio and his culinary team elevate the hearty simplicity of American cuisine to the heights of sophisticated artistry. The expansive, family-style menu can be as overwhelming as it is pleasing, with bounteous rewards for those who dive in wholeheartedly. The perfect finale to the meal is one of Pastry Chef Catherine Schimenti’s sweet and savory concoctions. The vast dining room with its golden accents and minimalist décor presents a clean … Learn More »

Canelé’s pedigree will impress those on both the east coast and the west, with Chef Corina Weibel hailing from Campanile and Lucques, and General Manager Jane Choi hailing from Balthazar and Pastis in New York City. Together, they have created a charming and intimate space, where simple, unfussy bistro food and a reasonable and carefully selected wine list team up to offer guests a flavorful respite. Think comforting dishes such as roast chicken with sweet corn, potatoes, and summer squash; seared beef tenderloin with bordelaise sauce, pommes frites, and creamed spinach; and salt-roasted branzino with parsley, celery salad, and capers. … Learn More »

Located next to the Santa Monica Pier, The Lobster has gorgeous sweeping panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Palisades Park. This restaurant offers locals and visitors the freshest seasonal seafood available. For a fulfilling lobster and shellfish experience, try the “Santa Monica Style” Cioppino. This dish includes Alaskan king crab, American lobster, black mussels, manila clams, tiger shrimp, big eye tuna, Catalina white Seabass, saffron rice, and garlic cheese toast points. Another dish to check out is the Three Peppercorn Seared Rare Hawaiian Big Eye Tuna served with hearts of palm and shrimp salad, spicy sesame vinaigrette & tobiko … Learn More »

The Buffalo Club looks like your typical bar from the street, but on the inside it is transformed into a restaurant that looks like the inside of an old classic railway car. There are burgundy booths, antique mirrors, and mahogany that give off a dark and intimate setting. The Buffalo Club also has an outdoor patio where guest can dine among Chinese silk lanterns, soft lighting and a beautiful garden setting. This restaurant presents guests with regional American cuisine while taking inspiration from the South, New England, the Southwest, and California. One of their most popular dishes is the Chicken … Learn More »

Sushi Dokoro Ki Ra La has a minimalist, concrete setting, providing a sheltered oasis amid the glamorous and trendy restaurants that pepper Beverly Hills. The simple setting allows guests to focus on the food—which here comes in the form of “the quintessential Japanese menu.” Guests will find simple yet artistic sushi and sashimi preparations, as well as small plates featuring Japanese appetizers such as Yellowtail Canapes, featuring minced fresh yellowtail atop of pan-fried rice cakes. Those looking for the full experience can put themselves in the chef’s hands with an Omakase tasting menu, which involves specially created dishes and requires … Learn More »