Late Restaurants

Just one block east of the Nokia Theater and the Staples Center sits Rivera, the latest Latin creation from legendary chef/owner John Rivera Sedlar. The father of modern Southwest cuisine is back on the culinary scene after a fifteen year sabbatical spent representing Patrón tequila, and while no one would purport that cooking is like riding a bicycle, he certainly re-approaches his craft with the ease and grace of a seasoned veteran. Sedlar merges classical French technique with the memory of the earthy and spicy foods of his New Mexico childhood to produce sumptuous chile-packed masterpieces in a sleek and … 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 »

The Grill on the Alley in the heart of Beverly Hills serves classic American food in a warm and unpretentious atmosphere. The Grill, created and modeled after great grills in San Francisco and New York, has earned an international reputation for its quality and consistency. There are mirrored walls and chandeliers hang from the ceiling. As for the food, The Grill presents simple comfort food in generous portions. A dish to try is the Braised Short Ribs that fall off the bone because they are so tender. The Grill is a great power lunch spot as well as a place … 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 »

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 »

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 »

CUT restaurant, the newest addition to the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons, has created a sense of chic within the hotel’s former classically modeled dining room. Designed by architect Richard Meier, CUT is large, lustrous, and smooth, with oak floors, black-and-white trimmings, and curling vines budding alongside the walls of the two-level fortress. The menu offers USDA Prime, Kobe beef, and true Japanese 100% Wagyu beef from Kagoshima, all of which are complemented by an assortment of tangy sauces, an array of vegetables, and a smart wine list. The elegance of CUT is sure to impress. Learn More »

Open since 1983, Diddy Riese, located in Westwood, CA has been serving some of the Los Angeles’ tastiest cold treats. For only $1.50, you can choose your cookies and ice cream and create your perfect ice cream sandwich. Their cookies are baked fresh daily and are available for purchase to have in your own home. This landmark establishment is situated on Broxton Avenue, one of the main streets in the area where the college crowd hangs out. You are sure to find a line out the door, however, not to worry, Diddy Riese stays open late and the line moves … Learn More »

The Polo lounge, located in the Beverly Hills Hotel, has been a favorite for lunching socialites and Hollywood locals for generations. The lush dining room features massive booths surrounded by dark green and cream-striped walls, while the delightful patio is surrounded by flowering vines and pink archways. Serving a traditional yet elegant cuisine, the menu features favorites like honey-pepper cured smoked salmon and steak tartare. Learn More »

Nic’s takes the feeling of upscale grandeur and mixes it with the smooth feeling of the current surfer youth of Los Angeles. Patrons can enjoy private vodka dining lounges to go along with the martini bar. The food is mainly American fare with a few distinctive international twists. The main idea of Nic’s is to have fun. The restaurant illustrates just that with its exquisite menu and the wild outfits of those in the vodka lounge. Live music is provided on Monday, Thursday, and Friday with leanings towards jazz and R&B. That having been established, cocktail parties and dancing are … Learn More »

Lola’s in West Los Angeles is a popular hangout featuring eclectic cuisine that combines classic comfort food with the glitter and glam of new Hollywood. The bar is famous for creating the Apple Martini, and along with that signature cocktail, the bar serves up well over 50 other custom Martinis. That is right, over 50! Brunch on the weekends is immensely popular as well, and it is no wonder, with 10 flavors of mimosas and 7 unique bloody marys. Nevertheless, enough about the booze, the food at Lola’s is just as popular as the drinks. Dishes like the Baked Brie … Learn More »

Located in the trendy Melrose district of West Hollywood, Pizzeria Mozza touts some of the biggest names in the culinary world: founding partners Nancy Silverton, Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich. With a trio like that at the helm, you know you can expect something good. If you’re not feeling like pizza try Nancy’s chopped salad or Monday’s dish of the day, featuring Ricotta cannelloni. With a fun, informal atmosphere Mozza offers the opportunity for a fantastic meal. Avoid the hassle of waiting and be sure to book in advance. Learn More »

Boasting a decidedly contemporary and chic décor, BOA Steakhouse is a refreshingly unpretentious steakhouse. Serving classic steakhouse fare in a particularly un-classic setting, BOA brings a fresh, modern face to the “surf and turf” dining concept. While you’ll find all the old favorites—petit filet mignon, dry-aged New York strip, Maine and Australian lobster—creative fare also peppers the menu. Begin with the Table-Side Prime Steak Tartare, and then move on to favorites like the Chilean Sea Bass and the American Kobe Beef Flat Iron Steak. But the ultimate decadence may just be the foie gras butter you’ll find gracing your Kobe … Learn More »

Exposed wood beams and a fireplace make for a romantic setting at this lovely newcomer at the northern edge of the La Brea Restaurant Row, where the beautiful people flock for fabulous Italian fare including “perfect fritto misto” and amazing pastas washed down by a good selection of wines; the lovely patio, hospitable service, and great value are other reasons it’s always crowded. Learn More »

This New York-style bistro has become a popular hangout for locals and late-night diners. The massive dining room features high ceilings and a gorgeous art-deco bar, which gives a festive atmosphere. The classic American fare gets a modern twist with such dishes as Mac & Cheese with white cheddar, asiago, and goat cheese, and the Flat Iron Steak with Bleu Cheese Fries. Regulars also return for the attentive staffs’ service, as well as the delicious food. The restaurant is open until 2am so swing by after a night out to people watch on the outdoor patio and grab some satisfying … Learn More »

Barbrix Restaurant and Wine Bar is a new venue in Silver Lake serving fusion dishes consisting of Italian and Spanish cuisine with a Californian flare. The menu and décor are creative, modern, and eclectic with an ambiance that is intimate and friendly. This unique venue offers cooking classes, and a wine list that nicely complements their menu. Try such dishes as Pamplona and steak frites. Barbrix also prepares delectable desserts, such as their nutella crème brulee. Whether you’re interested in a quick bite or a gathering of friends to enjoy good food and a few glasses of wine, Barbrix is … Learn More »

Chicago-native Brian McKeaney and Emmy-award winning writer, Tom Patchett hashave brought Chicago’s Rush Street to Culver City. The restaurant, under the same name as the infamous avenue in Chicago, is known for their innovative menu and ambiance that encourages social interaction. Their modern atmosphere with a kind of low-lit ambiance is both comfortable and stylish. Boosting a large sidewalk patio facing Washington Blvd., a rooftop patio, and one of the largest bars in Culver, the layout of the restaurant incorporates a seamless openness from within the establishment and with out . Learn More »

Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles is a pop culture icon and a must-visit landmark in Los Angeles. It is the epitome of soul food- tender and crispy Southern-fried chicken and tasty waffles doused in maple syrup culminate in a meal that strikes the preverbal nail on the head that is the tricky balance between sweet and savory. Although the combination of fried chicken and waffles is an east-coast transplant, Southern Californians have taken a shine to the wonderfully sweet and crispy combination. Top it off with one of their signature side dishes (the macaroni and cheese is always a … Learn More »

Sleek, sexy, and chic, Nirvana in Beverly Hills takes fine dining to the next level. With comfortable sofas and canopy beds, Nirvana offers some of Beverly Hills' most enticing Indian cuisine. Diners can enjoy the warmth of the fireplace on their breezy patio while partaking in the lounge atmosphere and romantic ambiance of the Kama Sutra themed restaurant. A treat for the senses as much as for the palate, a koi pond, statue of Ganesha, and an indoor “stream” all add to the unique atmosphere present at Nirvana. The next time the appetite calls for Indian food, and the senses … Learn More »

Craving a burger at 3 in the morning? Looking for an upscale place to dine and wine your date but still grab a juicy patty? Look no further. 25 Degrees – open 24-hours-a-day and tempting guests with a list of over 50 reasonably priced wines – has got you covered. Located in the Roosevelt Hotel and enveloping diners in old-school Hollywood ambiance with black crystal chandeliers and French toile wallpaper, the menu options also reflect a more sophisticated palate. Here, the diner is presented with a myriad of culinary possibilities. House-made dipping sauces number over a dozen and there are … Learn More »