Celebrity Spotting Restaurants

Moonshadows has been a Malibu institution since the 1960s, primarily due to the sweeping views of the Pacific. On weekdays, the restaurant is popular with locals and beachgoers. On weekends, the lounge and patio fill with a glitzier crowd that’s craving nightlife. The menu found new life in 2003 with the addition of Chef Joachim Weritz. The native German infuses Asian and Mediterranean influences in contemporary California dishes like sake braised short ribs and crispy panko fried oysters with mirin-passion fruit mignonette. Managing Partner Andrea Bullo fine-tuned a 130-bottle wine list and garnered a 2007 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence." Learn More »

Sai Sai’s menu is an exercise in culinary play. Tucked inside the Millenium Biltmore Hotel, this sophisticated restaurant stands out with its adventurous gastronomic creations, Zen-inspired décor, and eager staff. Chef David Bartnes has crafted a daring Asian fusion menu, seamlessly blending distinctive regional cuisines into a global pastiche that is both strikingly original and evocatively familiar. Exotic experiments like Kobe Short Ribs with Potato Gnocchi or the pairing of maguro sashimi with caramelized pear are surprising and satisfying. With noteworthy lunchtime bento boxes, prix fixe menus for theater goers, and in house infused sakes, Sai Sai supplies a variety … Learn More »

The menu at One Pico features modern American cuisine with a seasonal bent. Chef Andri Tscharner sources ingredients from local farms, weaving the seasonal produce into stunning, refreshing creations. Dishes might include such succulent renditions as Black Truffle Risotto with Butter Poached Maine Lobster, Snap Peas, and White Truffle Oil; Wild King Salmon with Artichokes, Swiss Chard, Applewood Bacon, and Bouillabaisse Sauce; or Colorado Lamb Loin with Heirloom Carrots, Braising Greens, Chick Peas, and Black Olive Jus. Enjoy Tscharner’s fresh, contemporary cuisine in a casually elegant setting, surrounded by windows that offer gorgeous views of the Santa Monica beach. Learn More »

Patina in Downtown Los Angeles holds the philosophy that a selection of fresh, quality ingredients is the most important factor to a good dish. This guides the kitchen staff in practice, as they creatively and skillfully fuse quality ingredients with exceptional technique and stunning presentation. The result is dishes such as Herb Steamed Wild Bass with yellow “brandywine” heirloom tomato broth, sauce vierge, braised scallions, and tomato fondue, and Scottish Pheasant with Savoy cabbage timbale, rustic bread dumplings and juniper berry reduction. The dining experience is peppered with details that make for a truly elegant meal, from the caviar and … Learn More »

At Valentino, Piero Selvaggio’s flagship restaurant, freshness is not just a priority, it is a passion. Executive Chef Angelo Auriana, who has been with the restaurant for close to 18 years, seeks out the finest ingredients, often returning to his homeland for superior quality. Whether it is cheese from Puglia or white truffles from Piedmont, Auriana’s menu incorporates the grandest treasures in the culinary worlds. The menu changes seasonally, but you might find dishes such as San Daniele Prosciutto with Tirloese speck and melon pearls, Ricotta gnocchetti with walnuts and four-cheese sauce, and Colorado lamb chop with Gorgonzola and port … Learn More »

Ammo's newly redesigned interior offers a sleek, dramatic stage on which Owner and Executive Chef Amy Sweeney’s culinary performance unfolds. Turning to the seasons for inspiration, Sweeney’s menu is constantly changing, weaving vibrant, seasonal produce into delectable dishes. During early summer you might find Baby Artichoke pizza with fontina, teardrop tomatoes, baby red onion, and mint; or wood-oven braised Wild Bass with baby artichokes and peewee potatoes. Regardless of the season, the menu showcases stunning creativity and equally stunning quality, accompanied by an eclectic wine list that promises to accompany even the most unique of creations. Learn More »

Adelmo Zarif’s restaurant has occupied a dazzling Art Deco space in downtown’s historic core since moving from West Hollywood in May 1997. Cicada fills the bottom two stories of the Oviatt Building, featuring towering mahogany pillars, plenty of gold, and pristine white tablecloths. Cicada is a fine-dining establishment that’s especially popular for birthdays, weddings and the occasional marriage proposal. Tokyo native Suzay Cha prepares northern Italian cuisine with Asian accents. The menu changes twice a year, but typically includes Ahi Tuna Tartar with Avocado, Piquillo Peppers and Wasabi Caviar and Pappardelle with Filet Mignon Bolognese Sauce. Learn More »