Trendy Hip Restaurants

Sushi Chef Hiro Nishimura’s restaurant certainly lives up to his name. The atmosphere here is soothing and intimate; to get to the restaurant diners walk through a Japanese garden out front. Amid the minimally decorated dining room, the sushi shines, with Chef Nishimura’s master hand creating some of the best sushi and sashimi in Los Angeles. In addition to sushi, hot Japanese dishes are also served, although it is the raw creations particularly the succulent toro, that have built Nishimura’s flawless reputation. Learn More »

Sweet Rose Creamery offers small batches of homemade ice cream to those looking for a cool treat in Brentwood. The fine folks at Sweet Rose use only organic ingredients in creating their fabulous flavors, and never use any stabilizers or ice cream bases. Toppings, cones, sauces, and ice cream sandwiches are made from scratch on a daily basis, so patrons can rest assured that freshness is at the forefront at Sweet Rose Creamery. Ice cream flavors feature rotating staples like Peanut Butter with Brownie Bites, Ginger with Honey, and Toasted Coconut with availability throughout the year. Classics like Old Fashioned … Learn More »

Urasawa in Beverly Hills offers one of the most exclusive Japanese dining experiences in California. The tiny establishment, which seats about 10 people at a time, has no menu; rather diners are presented 29 courses of owner and Chef Hiroyuki Urasawa's triumphant Kaizeki preparations. The formal meal presents a succession of small and meticulous dishes, each carefully crafted to accentuate the natural flavors of seasonal ingredients, many of which have been flown in from Japan earlier in the day. Chef Urasawa’s attention to detail stretches beyond the plate, with 300-year old antique tableware and an exclusively French wine list. It … Learn More »

Every aspect of Oliver Café in Beverly Hills represents top talents in the fields of design, business management, and innovative cuisine. Combining the culinary talents of Chef Francisco Ochoa with the restaurant acumen of Mario Oliver and the genius of interior designer, Dodd Mitchell, Oliver Cafe offers an irresistible and contemporary backdrop for breakfast, lunch, chill-out hour, or dinner. The menu features health conscious dishes, with certain items endorsed by the house “Register Dietician” to fall within a certain specified caloric range. For those in Beverly Hills looking for something light to nosh on, give Oliver Café a try. 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 »

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 »

Hatfield’s in Hollywood serves California fusion French cuisine in a New American style while using locally grown produce from local farmers markets. Owned and operated by husband-and-wife chefs Quinn and Karen Hatfield, the couple works as a team as Quinn cooks the entrees and Karen creates the desserts and runs the restaurant. The menu consists of items a la carte, a well-known weekly market pre-fixe menu, and a seven-course chefs’ tasting menu. The atmosphere is cozy, simple, and relaxed, perfect for a date or a nice conversation. For a fine dining experience in a striped down modern and modest setting, … Learn More »

In a quiet part of Glendale, hidden behind a red door, awaits a foodie’s paradise. Bashan offers French and modern American cuisine in a sophisticated but casual setting. Seated at dark, wooden tables under a simplistic décor, guests dine on dishes featuring fresh ingredients with a French influence. The appetizers follow a motif of seasonal dining. Salad offerings such as the Lobster Salad, and Burrata Salad with Bresaola, Wild Arugula, White Nectarines, and a Tomato Relish. The main courses rarely disappoint the taste buds. The Roasted Duck Breast, with Truffle Scented Spaetzle, Roasted Kohirabi, Seared Black Mission Figs, and a … 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 »

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 »

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 »

On the 24th floor of the Ritz Carlton in Downtown Los Angeles is WP24 by Wolfgang Puck. The location offers patrons breath-taking panoramic views of downtown, just a stone’s throw from LA Live and the Staples center. The lounge at WP24 is a fine place to grab a bite to eat and a quick drink before a game, concert, or show. This Chinese-Fusion Bistro offers diners two Prix Fixe choices, a three-course and four-course meal, should they choose to dine in the main restaurant. Popular entrees include the Peking Duck, “Angry” Two-Pound Live Maine Lobster, and Whole Sea Bass Baked … Learn More »

Just North of the University of Southern California on South Union Avenue, Bacaro LA Wine Bar serves California Fusion cuisine and fine wine. A nice selection of European and domestic wines as well as imported and craft beers are available. Plates are served tapas style and include customer favorites such as Bacon & Brie Pizza, Lamb Stuffed Eggplant, The Bacaro Burger, and Nutella Panini. Happy Hour between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday is a crowd favorite and features all plates for only $5! The place is popular with the local students, so a quiet evening may be … 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 »

With wide sweeping views of the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean, The Penthouse sits atop the elegant Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica. The menu features a range as wide as the view. Breakfast dishes such as the Chef’s Daily Selection of Crêpes, Bananas Foster French Toast, and Moroccan Eggs showcase that this is not a run of the mill operation. Lunch plates include Wood Oven Flatbreads, Soups & Salads, Sandwiches, and entrees like the Pappardelle, Spicy Tomato Capellini, and Jidori Chicken Breast. Dinner offers Charcuterie Plates, hot and cold first courses, main courses including beef, lamb, chicken, seafood, and pasta dishes, … 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 »

For a taste of Mexico in the heart of Downtown Long Beach, look no further than Agaves Kitchen & Tequila. This urban chic establishment is adorned with an impressive portrait, depicting Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead, and a mural for the plant that is native to Central Mexico, the agave. Known for its extensive drink menu and the 100 types of tequila they serve, Agaves is the ideal place to have a drink or two with friends or co-workers. The spicy De La Casa Margarita, which utilizes habanero syrup, turns up the heat for all the thrill … Learn More »

Situated on Hollywood’s posh Sunset Strip is The Well, a lounge with chic modernism that permeates its décor and menu. The Well juxtaposes comfort and harshness with its wood flooring and plush couches. This Hollywood playground presents an intimate atmosphere for all guests to experience. Drinks are original and flavorful. The Well contains a full bar, is open late, and is a great place to unwind. Swing on by The Well relax, enjoy, and indulge in the trendy Hollywood experience. Learn More »