4 Stars

Hawaiian shave ice, Build-A-S'more. Reservationations are available on Valentine's Day between 12:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.

Dining at the Monsoon Café is a relaxing, spiritual experience provided by a unique atmosphere and fresh food. Even before diners walk through the door they are hypnotized by a pair of soothing yet intriguing eyes that adorn the front of the restaurant. The restaurant itself looks like a two story Eastern temple high ceilings and dazzling lighting fixtures, with lots of gold trim adorning columns and walls alike. There is plenty of seating in an open courtyard, with plenty of shade for even the sunniest days. Night is an exciting time at the Monsoon Café, with Salsa lessons and …

With nearly every new restaurant offering some sort of fusion cuisine today, Sam’s by the Beach rises above the rest and delivers fresh, smart food in an intimate neighborhood setting just off Pacific Coast Highway. The seasonal menu includes traditional California basics that seem familiar until the taste reveals unique Mediterranean details. The unassuming outside belies the quiet romance waiting inside. Dedicated staff members cater to your every dining need, implementing a special menu if requested and treating each patron as a regular. Visit this surprising getaway to relearn all your old favorites.

Located on Alamitos Bay, McKenna’s is scenic and serene as diners overlook the peaceful Pacific while delighting in fresh seafood and succulent prime steaks. Although it resides in the midst of bustling Los Angeles, the tranquil eatery allows guests to experience the al fresco ambiance of sailing lofts as the fresh breezes roll in from the picturesque horizon cooling the grand deck. Lighting up the stage five nights a week, eclectic vocal, guitar, and jazz add smooth harmonic vibes to the relaxed atmosphere, entertaining patrons as they choose from a diverse menu with dishes such as the delicious Hawaiian Ahi …

Crustacean in Beverly Hills offers award-winning Euro-Vietnamese cuisine in a stunning atmosphere. Entering through the cocktail lounge, guests first experience the restaurants famous “walk on water” as they follow a weaving path atop a floor-level aquarium to the main dining room. Seated amid French-Colonial décor, the menu entices the senses with selections such as Shaken Beef flambéed in Chardonnay and Rice Ravioli in a soy-sesame emulsion. Dishes “From An’s Secret Kitchen” are especially enticing; although the entire menu, down to the desserts, demonstrates a talented mastering of unique fusion cuisine. The excellent wine menu contains recommended pairings listed beneath each …

Spaghettini Grill and Jazz Club offers a fun atmosphere, lots of excitement, superb modern and classic Northern Italian cuisine and of course live jazz! Spaghettini is also the home of the now famous Smooth Jazz Sunday Brunch. Come for lunch and try the Berkshire Pork lasagna, with broccolini, whole milk ricotta, reggiano, and homemade marinara. Or taste a dinner entrée, such as the Sliced Center Cut Sirloin Steak, with soy-ginger marinade, and buttermilk mashed potatoes. Don’t leave without try a sinfully delightful dessert such as the White Chocolate Cheesecake. Try Speghettini Grill for an unforgettable and delicious experience.

Vegetarians unite! The Veggie Grill has an entire menu built just for you. The restaurant serves up a variety of veggie protein that is seasoned so well, the flavors blend and your taste buds are taken on an exquisite ride. The Veggie Grill has an extensive menu of delicious options. Whether you choose a salad, soup, combo, starter or burger, you are sure to experience bliss as you indulge in this healthy meal. The Veggie Grill’s ambiance is comfortable, casual, and friendly as is their staff. Their food is natural, savory, wholesome, and satisfying. Come enjoy this vegetarian hideaway in …

Aroma Coffee and Tea offers diners an alternative from the ordinary chain coffee shop. Serving meals for any time of day, this Studio City locale remains a local favorite. The welcoming restaurant boasts multiple seating options, allowing guests to cozy up inside the renovated house, or enjoy the California sun on its expansive, plant filled outdoor patio. The menu selection offers breakfast specialties like Eggs Benedict, or the luscious Smoked Salmon Plate with Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese, Tomatoes, Sliced Red Onions, Lemon and Capers on a bagel, among other favorites. For lunch, the Grilled Turkey Hummus Melt, with Sliced Turkey, …

Tucked amid the beautifully landscaped grounds of Heisler Park just steps from the Pacific, the stunning location of Las Brisas in Laguna Beach is worth a trip in itself. Once you arrive, prepare to be swept away not only by the gorgeous ocean views, but by a romantic setting, gracious service, and an enticing menu of Mexican Riviara cuisine. Chef Aurelio Sanchez’s menu is a treasure trove of culinary history, with recipes culled from the 3,000 miles of Mexico’s west coast. Specialty dishes include feisty Camarones Tampiquenos, prawns sautéed in spicy chardonnay-garlic sauce, and Tostones de Tenera, veal medallions topped …

Inspired by their Studio City strategic partners, Alcove Café & Bakery is located in Silver Lake on Hillhurst Avenue over by Griffith Park. This café and bakery offers scrumptious meals and their menu boasts a huge variety of options. The Alcove constantly uses the freshest ingredients, opens early, and closes late. They serve everything from breakfast and brunch to lunch, dinner, mimosas, and pastries and coffee. Enjoy a chill afternoon, a late night bite or just a cup of tea and a scone at this hidden Los Angeles gem.

Asanebo dishes gourmet Japanese cuisine to the crowds of Studio City. Tucked into a strip mall, the exterior of Asanebo mirrors the surplus of similar restaurants around town, yet hidden behind the window blinds awaits a luscious Japanese sushi experience. This classy and engaging restaurant differs vastly from other places, from its simple but creative food presentation, to its sophisticated décor. While the menu features signature pieces such as Seared Toro with Fresh Seaweed Sauce, and a selection of cooked and raw dishes, it is the Omakase option that makes Asanebo a top rated spot. This Japanese version of a …

For a taste of the Mediterranean, those in Simi Valley can head to Greek House Cafe. Although the archetypal exterior reflects its surrounding strip mall, Greek House Café is a break from the norm. Featuring classic dishes such as Kabobs, Hummus, and Spanakopita, the menu lets diners choose their favorite Greek delights. What keeps guests returning for more are the Pita bread sandwiches and entrees. The sandwiches offer a selection of Gyro, Chicken, Lamb, or Falafel wrapped in warm pita smothered under tzatziki sauce and onions. The dinner plates come complete with Roast Potatoes or Rice, Green Veggies, Soup or …

West Hollywood’s Comme Ca gives Angelinos the experience of dining in a French bistro with West Coast flair. Chef David Myers opened the restaurant as a way to share his dream of the perfect brasserie experience with the dining public. House signature cocktails such as the Penicillin, Cool Louie, and El Ranchero are bar favorites when warming up for the meal to come. The menu features many French favorites like Fruits de Mer (Oysters on the half shell) and Escargots Persillade for Hor d’Oeuvres. Other meal openers include the Roasted Baby Beet Salad, Assiette de Fromage du Jour as well …

Matsuhisa located in Beverly Hills is a popular sushi restaurant among locals and celebrities. This sushi restaurant is owned by Executive Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, who owns several other successful restaurants around the world. The menu offers more than 100 dishes, but most people order the omakase tasting menu, featuring the chef's choice of sushi. The chef creates unusual and interesting dishes by combining Japanese food with South American spices and salsas. Be sure to make a reservation a week in advance because Matsuhisa has a small dining room. Their signature dishes to try are the toro with caviar and the …

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 …

The Foundry on Melrose’s atmosphere is fun, yet sophisticated. On weekends, live music entertains guests as they dine. Executive Chef Eric Greenspan, who was once chef for the renowned Patina, uses his classic techniques to provide a contemporary “Modern American” cuisine with inspiration taken from classic French and Spanish fare. Guests can choose to sit on the lush outdoor patio by the fireplace, under the 18-foot olive tree, or at the intimate mahogany piano bar. The Foundry on Melrose promotes that it has “fine dining for the everyday man” and uses humble ingredients to create dishes such as the Grilled …

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 …