3 1/2 Stars

Amici

Address: 469 N. Doheny Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Amici
$$
Another great restaurant from the Amici folks that has the great authentic Italian ambience and cuisine we all expect. The menu is filled with classics such as thin crust pizzas, many pastas, artichoke and hearts of palm salad, and the traditional osso buco.

Giorgio Baldi

Address: 114 West Channel Road, Santa Monica, CA 90402
Giorgio Baldi
$$$
Ristorante di Giorgio Baldi is a family managed restaurant that has been serving the Los Angeles area for over fifteen years. The restaurant offers simplicity, authenticity, the love for tradition, and full respect for their customers. Try such dishes as Risotto with roasted peppers and Dungeness crab or Sweet Corn Agnolotti with mascarpone and truffle butter. They even sell their own tasty sauce so you can make your own dishes at home. This is nice place for getting together with family and friends to enjoy a good meal and wonderful service.

Josie

Address: 2424 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Josie
$$
Josie, aptly named after Chef Josie, combines healthy and tasty to create mouth watering dishes such as Pan Seared Duck with Savory Hawthorn Berry Sauce and the Rib-eye Steak with Pop’s Peppercorn Sauce. The restaurant prides itself on using natural and organic food in many of their dishes. The rustic and refined feel emanates from the sand-blasted wooden ceiling beams to the modern skylight. There is a mixture of old country warmth and contemporary sophistication that interplays perfectly with Josie’s menu. With so many great dishes you will want to come back again and again.

Arroyo Chop House

Address: 536 S. Arroyo Pkwy., Pasadena, CA 91105
Arroyo Chop House
$$$
The restaurant exclusively features specially selected and aged USDA prime beef. In addition, there are live Maine lobsters, Alaskan king crab, fresh seafood, double-cut lamb chops, pork, veal and rotisserie. While enjoying the stylish, contemporary craftsman motif, the discriminating diner can select from an extensive wine list (recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence) or enjoy one of the many premium single-malt Scotches or martinis. There is also a patio for dining.

Maison Akira

Address: 713 E. Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101
Maison Akira
$$$ Top 10 Recommended Special Offer
Near the Playhouse, in one of the quaintest districts in Pasadena, a rare jewel sparkles in the Crown City—Maison Akira. Step off the bustling Green Street into the foyer door and find yourself halfway around the world in an elegant restaurant just off Cours Mirabeau in Aix-en-Provence, France. Though distinctly French, a peaceful Zen-like esthetic pervades the atmosphere. That is because Maison Akira is home of the world-renowned chef Hirose Akira. His menu is like a symphony of truly beautiful French classics, made modern and dazzling with subtle Japanese influences, like his signature Miso-infused Chilean Sea Bass, which has made …

Nico's

Address: 5760 E. 2nd Street, Long Beach, CA 90803
Nico's
$$$
Nico's is a contemporary American bistro with subtle French and Italian inspiration. Covered in art deco posters and straw-colored walls, this chic and cozy hot spot serves up a wide array of entrees from Dungeness crab cakes to New York Strip. The intimate décor complete with candle light and the upscale ambience makes Nico’s a fine choice for a romantic evening on the town with that special someone. The upstairs cocktail lounge is a wonderful place to kick back and enjoy a drink while waiting for a reservation, should guests arrive early, or just a place to unwind after a …

Christine

Address: 24530 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
Christine
$$
For delectable fusion cuisine, blending flavors of the Pacific Rim, Provence, and Tuscany, travel no further than Restaurant Christine. Chef and Owner Christine Brown created an eclectic menu that is both unique and flavorful, incorporating Asian, Mediterranean and French influences to offer a wide variety of tastes. Located in Torrance near the foot of Rolling Hills, Restaurant Christine feels like a cozy Mediterranean villa, and provides a relaxed setting to enjoy a meal with friends and family or perhaps celebrate a special occasion. A reasonably priced wine list, friendly service, and excellent fare make Restaurant Christine an experience worth repeating.

Aroma Restaurant

Address: 2903 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026
Aroma Restaurant
$$
Aroma settles in a quaint venue that is nestled away off West Sunset Boulevard. Patrons can feel like they are in a very homey Italian eatery surrounded by friends and family. The atmosphere is laid back and classy at the same time due to the inclusion of several paintings across the walls. Enjoy a great wine before dinner while browsing a menu full of pastas and meats with savory flavors. The staff and chef are always complimentary and love meeting customers and getting their opinions of the dishes.

Engine Co. No. 28

Address: 644 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Engine Co. No. 28
$$
Engine Co. No. 28 is an American restaurant reminiscent of the classic grills of San Francisco and New York with its mahogany booths, granite bar, and Ella Fitzgerald music in the background. This Los Angeles landmark is set in a beautifully restored 1912 Los Angeles firehouse. Inspired by traditional firehouse cooking, Engine Co.’s menu features a wide variety of timeless American fare. Dishes are inventive, delicious, and full of fresh ingredients. Step back in time as you dine at this authentic firehouse still complete with its original fire pole and brick walls.

Harold & Belle's

Address: 2920 West Jefferson Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90018
Harold & Belle's
$$
Harold & Belle's offers a luxurious atmosphere, with scrumptious food to match. They have won awards since 1999 for their great food and wine. Try such signature dishes as the Shrimp Ryan, Gumbo, or the Jambalaya. Don’t leave without enjoying a cup of their creamy clam chowder. If you have a sweet tooth, try the Sweet Potato Pie or the Peach Cobbler. With friendly staff and satisfying food, it is no surprise that Harold & Belle’s has served the Creole community of Los Angeles for so many years.

Steakhouse at the Spa Resort Casino

Address: 401 E. Amado Street, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Steakhouse at the Spa Resort Casino
$$$
Hidden from the desert heat the Steakhouse at the Spa Resort Casino in Palm Springs is a carnivore’s oasis. Dimly lit, The Steakhouse contrasts against the vivid sunshine of the surrounding environment, and brightens diner’s palates with succulent meat and seafood entrees. From the first glance of the backlighted menu, The Steakhouse at Spa Resort Casino lives up to its name as a meat eater’s paradise. The list of appetizers covers dishes from the earth and the sea, with options like Jumbo Sea Scallops to Escargot with garlic butter, Brie and sourdough bread. The main entrée selection boasts traditional cuts …

Billy's at the Beach

Address: 2751 West Coast HIghway, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Billy's at the Beach
$$
Billy's offers a diverse menu in a beautiful relaxed Hawaiian atmosphere. Fresh fish is flown in from Kona or Maui daily. In addition, their selection of steaks definetely deserve recognition. Located in beautiful Newport Beach, Billy's has certainly established a great reputation among the locals.

Orange County Mining Company

Address: 10000 Crawford Canyon Road, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Orange County Mining Company
$$
The Orange County Mining Co. is located in the hills, boasts a panoramic view of Orange County. In the tradition of the mining days of Silverado Canyon, the restaurant is patterned after the steak houses and saloons frequented by the prospectors of old. The Orange County mining Co. sits upon the old silver mine sites of the canyon. Relics displayed within the restaurant's interior are genuine artifacts of the mining era. The kitchen serves hearty American fare such as steaks, grilled chicken, and seafood. The full bar refreshes guests thirsts with traditional cocktails as well as bottled and draught beer …

The Cellar

Address: 305 North Harbor Boulevard, Fullerton, CA 92832
The Cellar
$$$
Located in the heart of downtown Fullerton, The Cellar is located in the basement of downtown Fullerton’s historic three-story Villa del Sol, the setting is reminiscent of the Old Europe. With a heavy-beamed ceiling, stone walls, and crystal chandeliers, the restaurant promises an intimate and romantic setting. The Old-World charm extends to the French-inspired menu, with courses such as lobster bisque and Norwegian smoked salmon. The exquisite fine dining experience is crowned by the Cellar's award-winning wine collection featuring an extensive selection of over 1400 wines.

The First Cabin

Address: 1221 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92663
The First Cabin
$$$
The First Cabin, located in the Balboa Bay Club and Resort, perfectly captures the essence of the Newport Harbor with its panoramic bay views. The menu offers classic Californian cuisine, with dishes such as creamy lobster bisque and beef tenderloin. Complimented by a wide selection of more than 600 wines, including vintages from around the world, The First Cabin received praise for its wine collection with awards from both Wine Spectator and the Distinguished Restaurants of North America. Chef Josef Lageder uses only the freshest ingredients the season has to offer for the menu, and even offers a special wellness …

The Golden Truffle

Address: 1767 Newport Boulevard, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
The Golden Truffle
$$
The Golden Truffle is a unique bistro known for its innovative fusion menu, which includes a mixture of Asian, French, Spanish, and Caribbean-influenced dishes from Chef Alan Greeley. The menu changes daily with whatever the freshest ingredients available are, but favorite items include Jamaican Jerk Chicken Salad and Rosemary Roasted Spring Lamb Loin with Vegetable Soufflé and Mushroom Meat Juices. With such a wide array of dishes to choose from, The Golden Truffle keeps its clientele curious. An extensive and award winning wine list featuring French and Californian selections to compliment the exciting menu.

Aegean Cafe

Address: 540 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Aegean Cafe
$$
In the heart of the California Rivera in Laguna Beach is a hidden treasure of great and authentic Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. The great Greek atmosphere will certainly make your dining experience or special occasion one you will never forget!

Gemmell's

Address: 34471 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629
Gemmell's
$$$
Gemell’s Restaurant has been serving the citizens of Dana Point fine French cuisine for over a decade. Owner and Executive Chef Byron Gemmell is one of Orange Counties culinary elite, and his namesake restaurant reflects his depth of experience and knowledge with the dishes the serves that keep guests returning time and again. Patrons rave about the Lobster Bisque, Lamb, and Chocolate Soufflé, but with a full lunch menu, and Sunday Brunch as well, the dinner menu is not the only star in Gemell’s sky. The cozy dining room is the perfect venue for a meal with that special someone, …

Bistro 45

Address: 45 S. Mentor Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101
Bistro 45
$$$
Don't be surprised if you see the ever-present owner Robert Simon welcoming you to his restaurant. The cozy atmosphere is paired wonderfully with the classic, luxurious appearance of the restaurant. Some tasty bistro classics like baked brie and apples and maple leaf farm duck two ways are great dishes to try. Don’t leave without trying their chocolate soup, a chocolate soufflé served with vanilla bean ice cream. While the restaurant does offer great bistro classics, a majority of the food is a fusion of French and California tastes and cooking styles. With creative and delicious dishes, you will want to …

Inn of the Seventh Ray

Address: 128 Old Topanga Canyon Road, Topanga, CA 90290
Inn of the Seventh Ray
$$$
The Inn of the Seventh Ray is located in the resplendent hills of Topanga Canyon, where looming overhead candlelit tables are grand pines and sycamores providing an enchanting nook for intimate conversation, while the interior is made heavenly by the light sounds of meditative music played in the background. This delightful bistro offers a natural and healthy cuisine composed by a sundry of organic foodstuffs, allowing guests to choose from vegan, vegetarian, raw, or fresh takes on conventional dishes. Diners can choose from dishes such as the succulent Pink Grapefruit & Avocado Salad or the mouth watering Atlantic Halibut & …