The Hungry Cat

1535 N Vine St, Hollywood, CA 90028 323-462-2155

Description: HOLLYWOOD. East Coast-style seafood travels west to this hip, casual restaurant. Oysters, clams, and crab cakes are stars of the dinner menu ­ try Dungeness crab with black rice and spicy coconut sauce or a half-pound of deliciously fresh peel-and-eat shrimp. If you're more into turf than surf, the "Pug Burger" ­ bacon, avocado, and blue cheese ­ has your name on it. Lunch and Sunday brunch also bring crowds to the tiny spot, so make reservations early. If the weather permits, take a seat on the laid-back patio.
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One Pico

1 Pico Blvd, Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica, CA 90405 310-587-1717

Description: SANTA MONICA. One Pico is a dining retreat, perfect for watching the sunset with your significant other. Make a selection from the New American menu and sip a glass of wine from the varied list while you await the arrival of your meal. Start with smoked salmon with caviar, and then sample roasted lamb with artichokes. The decor has coastal appeal, courtesy of light colors and white linens. Fireside dining enhances the experience, especially on chilly evenings. Great Sunday brunch, too.
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Off Vine

6263 Leland Way, Hollywood, CA 90028 323-962-1900

Description: HOLLYWOOD. This cheery yellow Arts & Crafts cottage opens its heavy oak door for a hearty brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Breakfast buffs are thrilled by a shrimp, tomato, and basil frittata and vegetarian eggs benedict with artichokes, while lunch-lovers appreciate a caesar salad with warm pecan-breaded chicken and a turkey burger of the day. Choices abound, and the menu changes between days, so don't be embarrassed to show up twice in a row.
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Ocean Avenue Seafood

1401 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401 310-394-5669

Description: SANTA MONICA. Once you know the name of this upscale restaurant, you know what it does best. The menu promises a variety of dishes, but seafood is the star. Try ahi tuna accompanied by steaming rice and fresh veggies, or take advantage of the place's great oysters ­ there's a terrific selection during happy hour too. The comfort level is heightened by wicker furniture and a friendly waitstaff who are always happy to help.
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La Serenata Gourmet

10924 W Pico Blvd, West Los Angeles, CA 90025 310-441-9667

Description: WESTWOOD. This place is an off-shoot of its famous East LA cousin, and the food is just as good. Fresh fish either grilled or in a burrito, a gordita stuffed with shrimp, and weekend breakfast specials keep the crowds coming back. They do not accept reservations for groups of less than eight, so be prepared to wait. No worries, though: this is one of the top Mexican restaurants in LA, so the time is well spent.
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La Serenata de Garibaldi Santa Monica

1416 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401 310-656-7017

Description: SANTA MONICA. For seafood done Mexican style, try this Santa Monica favorite. Regulars attest to the fact that the consistent presentation of the expertly prepared seafood dishes have made them steadfastly loyal. Order the fish quesadilla, the shredded beef in red chile sauce, or the chicken enchiladas. Excellent margaritas round out the experience. The décor is done in warm tones and features carved stone pillars and a lovely fountain. An upscale casual atmosphere pervades.
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Joe’s

1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 310-399-5811

Description: VENICE. Chef-owner Joe Miller's restaurant consistently tops the lists of LA hot spots thanks to a modern, sleek dining room, a patio for al fresco dining, and a separate bar for pre- or post-dinner drinks. Inventive Californian cuisine features fresh seasonal produce prepared with skill and creativity. Highlights include soft shell crab with morels and corn, porcini mushroom ravioli, roasted salmon with yellow squash risotto, roast beef with crispy artichokes, and crepenette of pork.
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Jar

8225 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048 323-655-6566

Description: BEVERLY HILLS. With its sleek, minimalist decor (think yellow walls and Philippe Starck chairs) and comforting New American cuisine, Jar attracts a trendy, boisterous crowd, especially on weekends. The menu features primarily roasted and braised meats like marinated skirt steak, rack of lamb, and pork chops. Interesting à la carte sides might include duck fried rice, creamed corn, mashed potatoes, and a variety of salads. Dessert really shines ­ apple bundt cake with Calvados is heavenly, and an ice cream sundae comes with luscious individual pitchers of chocolate and caramel sauces.
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India’s Tandoori Restaurant

4850 W Rosecrans Ave, Hawthorne, CA 90250 310-675-5533

Description: If you're searching for the best buffet Los Angeles has to offer, don't miss the mouthwatering cornucopia of cuisine at India's Tandoori, where the sensational lunch spread is both varied and affordable. Staples like saag paneer, tandoori chicken, yogurt curry and garlic naan are cooked to palate-pleasing perfection, while such rare specialties as tender goat curry and carrot pudding add intrigue to the plate. Plus, the staff is as sweet as the decadent mango lassi.
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Empress Pavilion

988 N Hill St, Bamboo Plaza, 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90012 213-617-9898

Description: CHINATOWN. This traditional Hong Kong dining site serves some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in the city. The clay pot with crab and vermicelli is a local favorite. Dim sum is available throughout the day. Large dining room with traditional decorations with private rooms available as well.
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Delmonico’s Steak and Lobster House

16358 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91436 818-986-0777

Description: ENCINO. As the name promises, Delmonico's is the spot to visit if you're in the mood for lobster. Among the myriad ways the kitchen prepares the crustacean are as risotto, as cakes, as a cocktail, and stuffed. Craving something different? Linguine and clams, succulent veal dishes, and seared steaks satisfy even the heartiest appetites. Be sure to ask your server for a wine to complement the meal ­ the staff are well-trained and are sure to suggest an excellent vintage.
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Damon’s Steak House

317 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203 818-507-1510

Description: GLENDALE. Although the Polynesian decor may seem a bit alarming, don't worry, as Damon's takes their steaks seriously. For over 70 years they have been preparing great steaks and serving their signature, potent Mai Tais. Have anything from a delicious filet mignon to a juicy burger cooked just how you like it. If meat isn't your interest, seafood dishes are available as well.
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Chakra Cuisine

151 S Doheny Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 310-246-3999

Description: BEVERLY HILLS. This colorful, seductive space provides a warm, inviting setting for sampling Chakra's own brand of unique Indian cuisine. Effortlessly melding new flavors with traditional spices and recipes, the restaurant prides itself on dishes possessing universal appeal. Tandoor-grilled tofu tikka is an unexpected, healthy entree; tandoori chicken and seekh kebab "gilafi" (lamb mince with herbs and spices) are classic but no less appealing choices. A hip bar and lounge offer places to mix and mingle after dinner.
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Campanile

624 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036 323-938-1447

Description: WILSHIRE. Built in the 1920s for Charlie Chaplin, the building that now houses Campanile is distinguished by soaring ceilings, arched doorways, and a lovely tiled patio. The menu includes a number of fish dishes along with entrees like grilled duck with polenta and artichokes, or braised veal short ribs. The wine list is extensive, and breads and desserts both earn raves. Try to arrange for a table on the lovely patio.
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Café Bizou Sherman – Oaks

14016 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 818-788-3536

Description: SHERMAN OAKS. Excellent French cuisine and reasonable prices are standard at this casual cafe, where high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and fresh-cut flowers add a touch of romance. Featured dishes include California-inspired seafood and pasta entrees, including ahi tuna and braised short ribs. A $2 corkage fee and a "bring your own wine" policy allow you to have a marvelous French dinner for fewer francs than you might anticipate. Expect a crowd, especially on weekends.
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Border Grill

1445 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401 310-451-1655

Description: SANTA MONICA. You may be familiar with this restaurant's owners from their "Too Hot Tamales" cooking show. If not, then you're in for a treat. Border Grill's menu of lighter, authentic Mexican cuisine suits even the most finicky palates. The biggest surprise for some diners is that not all Mexican fare is super-spicy and loaded with cheese; this food is full of complex flavors and fresh vegetables and fruits. Alongside meaty tacos and burritos, you'll find an assortment of vegetarian and seafood options. Exceptional dishes include achiote-marinated pork and seasoned carnitas on corn tortillas. Mojitos and margaritas made with premium tequilas pack a powerful punch bring a designated driver!
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The Restaurant at Hotel Bel-Air

701 Stone Canyon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90077 310-472-5234

Description: BEL AIR. [The restaurant is closed until mid-2011 during hotel renovations.] Boasting elegant style and service in a world-class hotel, this LA favorite is a top choice for any meal. The beautiful dining room is a relaxed, serene spot in which to start the day, or you may prefer the lush terrace for your morning meal. Breakfast and brunch menus offer excellent traditional options, along with more opulent choices like lemon soufflé pancakes with raspberries, and omelets with smoked salmon and asparagus.
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Coast

1 Pico Blvd, Shutters on the Beach Hotel, Santa Monica, CA 90405 310-587-1707

Description: SANTA MONICA. Located directly off the beach, this lovely hotel restaurant draws folks with its stellar location and a striking decor that features abundant light and windows, not to mention a fresh, white-painted interior. Blue accents, framed black-and-white photos, and a relaxing patio also help set the scene. The restaurant, open all day, treats diners to a raw bar and plies them with sandwiches, salads, and pizzas. Main course fare includes broiled or grilled fish, a flat iron steak, baby back ribs, pan-fried pork chops, and pastas. An à la carte brunch offers lots of fresh options too.
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The Belvedere

9882 Little Santa Monica Blvd, The Peninsula Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles, CA 90212 310-788-2306

Description: BEVERLY HILLS. This hotel restaurant is a choice dining option for superstars and power agents. A great New American menu features temptations like milk-fed poussin with English peas and truffled potato puree, butter-poached Maine lobster, and a roasted veal chop with morels and glazed sunchokes. The place is also a favorite for lunch or Sunday brunch, and service is outstanding. Reservations strongly recommended. Business dressy attire.
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Bombay Palace

8690 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 310-659-9944

Description: BEVERLY HILLS. This pleasant, open room, filled with tables, gets crowded during lunch and dinner rushes, when hungry diners line up for a phenomenal midday buffet and order well-crafted traditional Indian dishes in the evening. Begin your meal with a helping of clay oven-baked naan or alu paratha, Indian breads that are delicious on their own and are also perfect for disposing of extra sauce. Main dishes like lamb nilgiri (a mint-seasoned meat and vegetable stew), saag paneer, and seafood vindaloo satisfy regulars and first-timers alike.
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