Fine Dining in Los Angeles

S-Man's Avatar
  • S-Man
  • 04-13-2012, 11:23 PM
After several visits to S pago Beverly Hills, it is time to try something different. Do you folks have any recommendations? Price is not an issue as long as the food is worth it.

When I was working in Calgary years ago, I recall a steakhouse which had an all-female waitstaff. Until my coworkers and I ate there, I did not believe the hotel concierge when she joked it is the fine dining equivalent of Hooters.
May I ask what type of food preferences you have? And what area you will be local to? Are you wishing to stay East of Beverly Dr and on Wilshire or are you open to locations?
4karlos's Avatar
If you like sushi - Nishimura is the place. Even better than nobu. Needs to reserve way in advance as it is very hard to make it. Great location too as all the nocturne fun is right around the corner.
S-Man's Avatar
  • S-Man
  • 04-14-2012, 04:18 PM
May I ask what type of food preferences you have? And what area you will be local to? Are you wishing to stay East of Beverly Dr and on Wilshire or are you open to locations? Originally Posted by ZephyrineDevreux
I enjoy a wide variety of cuisines, but I prefer my protein in the meat form. I've had Chinese, Thai, Indian, mideastern, steak & seafood, etc.

I'll have a car, so I won't mind traveling to the beach cities. In the past, I took a cab to avoid dealing with the parking situation in the Beverly Hills area.

If you like sushi - Nishimura is the place. Even better than nobu. Needs to reserve way in advance as it is very hard to make it. Great location too as all the nocturne fun is right around the corner. Originally Posted by 4karlos
I'll be with close relatives, so what type of nocturnal fun are we talking about? Although she would not be embarrassed, I may be. :-p
Nick and Stefs is very good, as is Pacific Dining Car, Mastros, and if you want a fabulous view, the La Mondrian, which in the evening, the pool area which is next to the restaurant turns into a beautifully candle lit oasis for drinks and a beautiful view of the twinkling lights of the city. But I will state with the La Mondrian they will charge you 40 dollars to valet park your car, and in this area there is no parking to be found

If you like Mexican fare, El Cholo is good, with several locations.

If you are in the mood for comfort food, in a very cozy atmosphere, although it is small, The Ivy does actually serve a great meatloaf and an exceptional, but pricey prime rib.

If your in the mood for French cuisine Fraiche is good, but located in Culver City and Boa in Santa Monica is exceptional.
S-Man's Avatar
  • S-Man
  • 04-14-2012, 09:27 PM
Thanks for the suggestions. To paraphrase what I've said before, I don't mind paying $300-400 for two if the food tastes as if I just paid $300-400.
pyramider's Avatar
I hear In and Out is the bomb.
I hear In and Out is the bomb. Originally Posted by pyramider
Have they stopped using the meat company they used, the one that the FDA and Feds raided and subsequently shut down?

Thanks for the suggestions. To paraphrase what I've said before, I don't mind paying $300-400 for two if the food tastes as if I just paid $300-400. Originally Posted by S-Man

Nick and Stefs- Not cozy and intimate, reminded me a little of steakhouses in Vegas decor wise, but outside seating affords one a spectacular view of the city buildings, right smack dab in the middle of it. Food is excellent.


Pacific Dining Car - American Steak house, well seasoned food, excellent wine choices, decor reminds me a bit of the Adolphus in Dallas. You will know when you see it, as there is a large cow outside.

Mastros- Outstanding food, decor, lots of stone and judges paneling. Good bar.

El Cholos- Best upscale Mexican food, although the decor is a little on the cheesy outdated side.

Fraiche- Food is outstanding and creative. Decor is very open air feeling, lots of light streaming in from the wall of windows.

Boa- an excellent steakhouse, decor reminded me a bit of the Homestread Steakhouse at the Breakers in Palm Beach.

The Ivy- People either love it or hate it. I personally love it. Very intimate feel to it, although I don't recommend if you are entertaining a party of 8 or more. More suitable for parties of 2-6.

La Mondrian- I love it. Great for a romantic dinner for two or a nice evening for 4. The bar steps to the seating area is one of my favorite places for drinks in LA. Canopied area, with lots of lit luminaries everywhere, open cabanas available to enjoy your libations while over looking the city lights.

All of the above places serve exceptional food (although I personally don't care for In and out, burgers are too dry, and with the FDA thing... I pass.) and do cater to the movers and shakers of LA, so they do live up to their clientele bases standards.
bladtinzu's Avatar
I liked Melisse but haven't been there since 2009. Fairly good wine list (get the 1960 Cockburn's if you like Ports) and rather reasonable in price also. The lamb and duck were really good. It is down on Wilshire in Santa Monica.
4karlos's Avatar
I enjoy a wide variety of cuisines, but I prefer my protein in the meat form. I've had Chinese, Thai, Indian, mideastern, steak & seafood, etc.


I'll be with close relatives, so what type of nocturnal fun are we talking about? Although she would not be embarrassed, I may be. :-p Originally Posted by S-Man
At your reach...all the fun of West Hollywood and upper Sunset bvd. You can go from Irish pub to hard core strip club and in between hype & fancy spots etc... All mixed.
"Cut" in Beverly Hills.....I love my juicy American steaks

C x
  • AM
  • 04-16-2012, 07:07 PM
"Cut" in Beverly Hills.....I love my juicy American steaks

C x Originally Posted by Chiara.Delano

I second "Cut". Best steak I ever had.
S-Man's Avatar
  • S-Man
  • 04-18-2012, 10:03 PM
"Cut" in Beverly Hills.....I love my juicy American steaks Originally Posted by Chiara.Delano
How are their dessert options?
Bazaar at the SLS Hotel is wonderful. I really can't recommend it highly enough. Beautiful atmosphere and delicious, creative food.

Fig and Olive is also great. So is Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica. L.A. is so full of fantastic food.