American Restaurants

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.

Parkway Grill

Address: 510 S. Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena, CA 91105
Parkway Grill
$$$
Parkway Grill brings together casual sophistication, elegance, and even a grand piano to create a dining experience that is pleasing to the eye and the palate. The restaurant specializes in Regional American Cuisine using a seasonal, market driven approach to cooking that incorporates diverse influences and classic French technique. Try such dishes as their Grilled Kobe Burger with maytag blue cheese, tomato aioli, sweet potato fries or the Grilled Filet Mignon with Yukon gold “smoked” mashed potatoes, wild mushroom ragout, marsala-veal reduction. Give your tastebuds a vaction and let them enjoy the scrumptious Parkway Grill creations.

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 …

The Sky Room

Address: 40 S. Locust Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802
The Sky Room
$$$
With an amazing 360-degree view of the Pacific Ocean and Los Angeles county as well as a history that dates back to 1926, The Sky Room atop the Breakers Hotel is a timeless Los Angeles landmark. Classic Art Deco décor transports diners to the Supper Club era of the 1920's and 30's, when dining out was synonymous with elegance and style. The menu offers French infused California cuisine with elegantly presented dishes that include Maine lobster and Colorado rack of lamb along with an inspired collection of wine that compliments Chef Juan Carlos's menu. Fine china, linens, and crystal hark …

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.

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 …

McKenna's on the Bay

Address: 190 Marina Drive, Long Beach, CA 90803
McKenna's on the Bay
$$$
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 …

Sundried Tomato Cafe

Address: 361 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Sundried Tomato Cafe
$$
Sundried Tomato Café serves fresh café food with a California twist. Nestled in a Laguna Beach shopping center, this classy but casual restaurant provides guests a healthy dose of appetizing treats. True to its name, this American bistro adds a sundried tomato zest to classic dishes. Starting from Sundried Tomato Butter with bread to their signature Creamy Sundried Tomato Soup, diner’s palates are consistently wowed. This bowl of deliciousness can be served a la carte, or part of the “Sundried’s Comfort Combo” complete with Grilled Asiago Cheese and Tomato Sandwich. Heartier options are also available in the form of seafood, …

Oliver Cafe

Address: 9601 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Oliver Cafe
$$
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.

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 & …

Dish

Address: 734 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Dish
$$
Dish in La Cañada Flintridge has been serving up California comfort food to the chagrin of hungry patrons. Weeknight specials included Fried Chicken Tuesday and half-off beers on Monday nights. All items are made in house, including Banana pancakes featuring banana batter, and desserts like the decadent Turtle Bar. The folksy atmosphere, accentuated by the shabby-chic décor, has touches like pop-up toaster ovens on each table so diners can toast their bread to exact taste. With a warm and cozy feel and filling meals, it is no wonder Dish is popular among those looking for something a little different.

Bandera

Address: 3201 East Coast Highway, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
Bandera
$$
Elegant dining and a friendly staff, Bandera has some of Corona Del Mar's most premium dishes. Perhaps one of the more interesting features is the slow roasted, almond wood-mesquite chicken which can be see and smelled by passerby's. The bar is centrally placed in the middle of the restaurant as friends and families dine around on the slightly elevated seating area surrounding it.

Ocean and Vine

Address: 1700 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Ocean and Vine
$$$
Opened in March 2005, Ocean and Vine is located in the gorgeous Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, next to Santa Monica pier. The swanky lobby sets the scene for an upmarket experience. The split-level, low-ceilinged room is attractive; the top level is dominated by a steel chimneyed fire pit, with striking artworks adding to the ‘wow’ factor. The cuisine, from Head Chef Robert Trester under the watch of Executive Chef Gregg Wangard, is Californian; each dish a showcase of local, seasonal ingredients. Dishes are near-faultless, and although prices are high, it’s worth coming here for a splurge or special occasion.

Rock' N Fish

Address: 120 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Rock' N Fish
$$ Recommended
Situated in Manhattan Beach's downtown area, just a block away from the pier, Rock’ N Fish is a local favorite offering a classic New Orleans styled dining room. Surrounded by tall ceilings and hand painted murals, the area appeals to a variety of moods and tastes. Oak grilled fish, signature sandwiches, and Alaskan king crab are some of the menu's highlights. The bar offers the restaurant’s signature "Navy Grog" drink as well as one of the most extensive wine lists in the area. For a fine meal, strong drinks, and a great time, check out Rock’ N Fish!

Clementine

Address: 1751 Ensley Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024
Clementine
$$
Clementine bakery and café in Century City bustles with the activity of patrons who make regular appearances at this sidewalk café. Sensory overload hits guests the moment they cross the threshold into the restaurant. A display case greets patrons with freshly baked cookies, cupcakes, bars, and mini key lime pies. Just when a sweet tooth might surrender to making a meal of just pastries, the smell of homemade soups, fresh sandwiches, and seasonal salads wafts by. Curbside pickup and a take-out dinner menu round out this charming, breezy, bistro like gem. With a new menu every season, highlighting the freshest, …

McCormick & Schmick's

Address: 206 North Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
McCormick & Schmick's
$$$
Bill McCormick and Doug Schmick have spent over three decades building and creating a seafood-based restaurant. The Beverly Hills location of the popular franchise resides on the ritziest stretch of Rodeo Drive. Tourists and locals alike populate the plush patio to people-watch and enjoy impeccably-sourced fish, crustaceans, and bivalves; the restaurant offers a different selection of seafood every day, depending on what’s in season. Don’t leave without trying a dessert, such as their Upside Down Apple Pie with caramelized walnut crust and dulce de leche ice cream. When you’re hungry for seafood, stop by McCormick and Schmick and enjoy scrumptious …

Second Story

Address: 3501 Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Second Story
$$
With a décor that emits an early 70’s vibe and a compelling menu of American comfort food from Chef Vania Almeida, The Second Story Restaurant at The Belamar Hotel, situated less than a mile from the Pacific Ocean, draws a mix of hotel guests, locals, and neighborhood business people. Second Story serves three meals daily, with the most ambitious food surfacing at night, highlighted by horseradish crusted Alaskan halibut with organic mushroom risotto and honey roasted chicken breast with Parmesan polenta and roasted pistachio Brussels sprouts. The happy hour runs seven days a week and features 50% off numerous drink …

Duke's Malibu

Address: 21150 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
Duke's Malibu
$$$
With its stunning ocean vistas, island décor, and fruity cocktails, Duke’s Malibu is a relaxing paradise. Duke’s is popular with both tourists and locals, providing a laid-back escape from the flurry of everyday stresses. Named after surfing and swimming legend Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, this Malibu homage brings Duke’s distinctly Hawaiian legacy of island fun and beach culture to the spectacular Malibu coast. With their feet buried in the sand, and their bellies full of the freshest seafood, diners at Duke’s satisfy their wanderlust for tropical getaways without having to stray far from the bright lights of Los Angeles.

Hatfield's

Address: 6703 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Hatfield's
$$
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, …

Craft

Address: 10100 Constellation Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90067
Craft
$$$$
The newest incarnation of Tom Colicchio’s New York institution, Craft Los Angeles offers a welcome oasis of East Coast gourmanderie. Best known as a recurring judge on Bravo’s “Top Chef,” Colicchio and his culinary team elevate the hearty simplicity of American cuisine to the heights of sophisticated artistry. The expansive, family-style menu can be as overwhelming as it is pleasing, with bounteous rewards for those who dive in wholeheartedly. The perfect finale to the meal is one of Pastry Chef Catherine Schimenti’s sweet and savory concoctions. The vast dining room with its golden accents and minimalist décor presents a clean …