3 Stars Restaurants

La Traviata is opulent and ornate, a place where guests can lavishly celebrate the grandest of occasions. The restaurant’s décor pays homage to the style of the nineteenth-century opera house, with crystal chandeliers, sweeping silk drapes, high ceilings, and ornate inlaid wood. The opera theme continues to the entertainment, with live piano nightly, and piano-accompanied vocalists on Fridays and Saturdays. But where homage to the past permeates the ambiance, the menu is refreshingly modern, an inspired blend of unique, novel creations such as Kumquat Coco Prawns and house-made smoked Duck Ravioli, peppered with fresh takes on Italian classics such as … Learn More »

In the midst of L.A.'s preponderance of vegetarian-friendly and tofu-centric restaurants and a short way from trendy Melrose Avenue lies Animal: a fairly industrial-looking, minimalist locale with no sign. Arouse your inner carnivore with savory dishes such as the Foie Gras with Maple Sausage Gravy and a Biscuit, or for a slightly lighter fare, try the House Smoked Pork Belly with Lentil and Butterbean Salad. To finish off, prowl the dessert menu for the Bacon Chocolate Bars. Localvores and organic supporters can also take joy in their use of local and organically grown delicacies. Learn More »

Situated just off of Melrose Ave in West Hollywood, Sur attracts exactly the crowd you would expect from this area: the young and trendy and, of course, celebrities. Inside you’ll find a cozy respite from the bustling streets outside. The stunning dining room is eclectically adorned, mixing romantic French touches like dazzling chandeliers and long, dramatic curtains with statues of Hindu gods and lots of dripping candles. The menu offers contemporary American dishes inspired by classic Mediterranean cuisine such as Taboulé Couscous with Ahi Tuna or Crab Gorgonzola Risotto, which can be accompanied with a glass off the extensive wine … Learn More »

Opened in 1996 by Raphael Lunetta, JiRaffe quickly became a favorite in Santa Monica. Well over ten years later, this restaurant still remains one of the hottest restaurants in town. JiRaffe serves nightly specials using only the freshest produce, seafood, and meats, and maintains high standards in all aspects of its service. The menu changes constantly with the whims of Chef Lunetta’s creativity and the seasons, and straddles the line between traditional American cuisine and classic French fare. Bright spaces and large windows give JiRaffe a welcoming elegance reminiscent of Europe. Learn More »

This historic clubhouse, built in 1937, displays a fusion of Spanish Revival Architecture and classic California design styles. Complete with large windows, rustic wood floors, and vaulted high beam ceilings, the clubhouse and its conjoining outside patio can accommodate up to 350 guests, and the view of Griffith Park in Los Feliz is breathtaking. Owned by the Monterey Concessions Group, this events venue can host an cater any event for any season, including Weddings, Anniversary Parties, Business Meetings, Baptisms, and much more. The cuisine for events, though upscale American cuisine, can be altered and created especially for your specific event. … Learn More »

This French bistro only opened in September 2008, but has become an instant classic in downtown LA. The menu is concise but runs the gamut from simple rustic dishes like the Braised Beef to more elevated fare like the Terrine de Foie Gras, which is creatively served with a port wine gelee and brioche. Customers often rave about the housemade charcuterie as well. The dining room borders on industrial, with exposed piping in the ceiling and brick walls, but the soft lighting, close tables and warm service make it a cozy scene. For the real Paris experience, diners can also … Learn More »

It may seem unassuming amongst its trendy West Hollywood neighbors, but ardent local regulars are quick to say that Carlitos Gardel is a treasure well worth seeking out. This family owned restaurant treats every guest as graciously as if you were a guest in their home while serving authentic Argentine dishes such as Grilled Skirt Steak and Parrillada Argentina along with a vast selection of wine. The décor is comfortably understated and refined with dark wood accents and portraits of iconic tango singer Carlos Gardel, for whom the restaurant is named, lining the muted pink walls. Gardel’s brilliance is celebrated … Learn More »

Santa Monica Beach sprawls out beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows that surround Catch’s elegant dining space, and serves up awe-inspiring sunsets nightly. The restaurant’s crisp décor incorporates colors one might find along the beach, and marries them seamlessly with the glistening mother of pearl sushi bar that invites diners to stay a while and indulge on the exquisitely fresh seafood selections Executive Chef Michael Reardon proudly showcases. Land and sea converge on the menu to offer an invigorating array of flavor. The Octopus Salad is and ode to the sea’s vibrant fare and the Hand Made Ravioli are a hearty gesture … Learn More »

Whether you are out on the town for a lively night of entertainment or you’re settling in for a lazy Sunday with the morning paper, Café Montana is eager to suit the occasion with its subtle SoCal charm and distinguished California cuisine menu. Weekend visitors may savor the thoughtful brunch menu that caters to multiple palates and diets. Dishes like the Lox Benedict and the Montana Angus Beef Burger are worth getting out of bed for. The evening menu is equally eclectic and satisfying with highlights like the Seared Scallops, the Pumpkin Ravioli, and the Blackened Prime Rib. And did … Learn More »

Your senses may revel in the stunningly engaging décor and modern Japanese cuisine menu presented at Katsuya. Executive Chef Katsuya masterfully crafts traditional sushi rolls and distinctive specialty dishes to please more seasoned and fresh palates alike. Dishes like the Crispy Rice and Spicy Tuna and the Kobe Filet with Foie Gras have developed their own loyal following. Chef Katsuya’s artful menu is complemented and heightened by the truly innovative and equally satisfying décor of designer Philippe Starck. Striking contrasts of black and white capture snippets of moments for patrons to muse over as they dine in the appetizing “wooden … Learn More »

Executive Chef and Owner Akasha Richmond maintains the highest standards for both her culinary skills and the quality of ingredients she uses. Her distinctive New American cuisine menu highlights bold flavored comfort food that prizes sustainable and organic produce and meats. Many local purveyors throughout the region source the kitchen, and help to fuel visitors’ passions for thoughtful food. Small plates like the Niman Ranch Lamb Sliders invite guests to mingle around savory delights, while entrée selections like the Star Anise Braised Short Ribs and the Meatloaf may insist on not being shared. The unique specialty drink menu and fresh … Learn More »

Composing a colorful mosaic of Italian small plates, or enotecas, Master Chef Celestino Drago brings the heart of Italy to his aptly named Beverly Hills restaurant, Enoteca Drago. Rustic authenticity is the key to this regional Italian cuisine menu, and seasonal and artisanal ingredients bring the flavors to life. Before one takes a single bite, he or she may gain insight into Chef Drago’s vision by noticing the décor – the cherry wood communal dining table set center stage hopes to encourage a shared dining experience, while the use of weathered stone and touches of terra cotta transport us far … Learn More »

Typhoon located at the Santa Monica Airport is not just another Asian Fusion restaurant. Serving over 70 dishes from the Pacific Rim, and with one of Los Angeles’ finest selection of Asian beer, guests at Typhoon are not left for choice. The restaurant is famous for serving dishes with scorpions, ants, water bugs, silk worm larvae, and crickets, but just as popular is the Deep-fried Whole Catfish, Chinese Crispy Duck, and Mongolian Lamb. A wall of windows faces the Santa Monica Airport’s runway, so patrons can watch as airplanes depart and arrive, a sight especially breathtaking at night. For a … Learn More »

Shilo’s: A Modern Steakhouse lives up to its name. The clean, contemporary dining room is awash in whites and creams, coaching diners in tall-backed luxurious white leather banquettes for a sense of true indulgence. The restaurant deftly balances this hip ambiance with a respect for tradition in all its forms. The menu blends classic steakhouse sensibilities like premium cuts of beef and comforting sides with more inventively gourmet options like Ceviche and Veal Sweetbreads. Shilo’s takes its homage to custom even further by being fully Kosher, making for a deliciously reverential experience. Learn More »

Adopting the iconic canary-colored building familiar to many Venice locals is Ado Ristorante, the brainchild of Co-owner Paulo Cesaro and Chef Antonio Mure’. This rustic Italian cuisine eatery marries the understated sophistication of its earthy décor of exposed wood beams and simple wood seating with a welcoming menu of unpretentious authentic fare. The Taagliolini Rossi is a rich dish of homemade red beets pasta in a Marsala quail egg ragu, and the Tagliata di Cinghiale is a savory delight of grilled wild boar tenderloin served with a white port and raspberry sauce. Learn More »

Beacon stands as a go-to destination for innovative Asian cuisine that seamlessly marries traditional technique with visionary flavors. Chef Matsusaka utilizes years of experience as both a classic and avant-garde chef to create a menu that is equally inviting as it is adventurous. Dishes like the Green Tea Soba Noodle Salad and the Miso Braised Shortribs shine in the stark yet comforting décor of the restaurant’s main dining space. Bare cement walls stand tall along floor-to-ceiling windows that wash the entire space in warm light, while the outdoor patio provides a relaxed and lively spot to savor the fine Asian … Learn More »

Famed Chef Todd English pairs up with Hollywood darling Eva Longoria Parker to introduce us to Beso, a glamorous and refined restaurant serving up fine fusion cuisine with a side of glitz nightly. Step into Beso and be seduced by the lush and invocative palette of deep crimsons, rich wood tones, and alluring leather upholstery. The menu infuses Latin-inspired flavors with Middle-Eastern flare for a tantalizing array of meat and seafood selections. Eva’s Tortilla Soup is a comforting bowl of spice and the Beso Paella is an invigorating melding of surf and turf. Every bite glistens like the crystal chandelier … Learn More »

Bloom Café was born from the vision and inspiration of Arnaud Palatan and Jean Louis Bartoli. Answering the call for inviting local organic fare, Bloom Café offers an airy and calming space to savor a menu created around locally grown ingredients and invigorating flavors. Cool your head with one of the many fresh smoothies blended daily, and satisfy your taste buds with a crunchy sandwich, comforting bowl of pasta, or steaming pizza. Breakfast diners may be drawn to the Simple Tofu Scramble, the Chicken Chorizo Burrito, or the Fresh Blueberry French Toast. Other favorites include the Greek Lamb Burger and … Learn More »

With a dash of Vegas, and a whole lot of down home Asian flavors, RockSugar Pan Asian Kitchen is an experience one will want to savor. Located in the busy Century City mall, RockSugar features cuisine from Southeast Asian countries like, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam. Bring your appetite and a few good friends, to enjoy these dishes served family style. The elegant décor, with indoor and outdoor dining, incorporates a luxurious feel of Southeast Asia, welcoming all with a friendly wait staff, and plenty of parking. Come try some of these tantalizing dishes such as Singapore Hainan pork or roasted … Learn More »

Reminiscent of iconic wharfside eateries lining the Pacific coast, Enterprise Fish Co. maintains an air of nautical authenticity that prizes its fare above all. The interior of the dining space lends itself to rustic elegance with exposed beams and brick walls that highlight contemporary touches like the lively exhibition kitchen centered in the room. Similarly, traditional seaside specialties like the Mesquite Grilled Prawns mingle with dishes like the Ginger Soy Glazed Alaskan Halibut for a well-rounded and satisfying menu. Surf and Turf revelry is also found in selections such as the 8 oz Top Sirloin and Spicy Garlic Prawns and … Learn More »