People Watching Restaurants

D’Cache is a Toluca Lake local’s go-to spot for modern Spanish cuisine. This colorful restaurant is hidden in strip mall, and once diners step into the Spanish cottage, the lush décor and live music transports them on an exotic Latin vacation. Seated at comfy stuffed chairs or out on the enclosed patio, guests enjoy D’Cache’s take on modern Latin fusion cuisine in the form of tapas, pizettes, sandwiches, and entrees. Of its expansive menu, it is the tapas selection that keeps patrons returning for more. With options like Costillas Cubanas de Lechon, Baby Back Ribs in a Pasilla Honey B.B.Q. …

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 …

Bamboo Café combines Vietnamese cuisine and stylish décor together to create a tranquil escape to a faraway land for Simi Valley locals. Hidden behind a façade of bamboo trunks awaits a healthy approach to Vietnamese classics. Starter favorites include standard Spring Rolls, and the Beef or Chicken Salad. Pho lovers have their choice of meats, but the pride of the restaurant is the Bamboo Café Noodle Soup, featuring Filet Mignon, Shrimp, and Beef in a tasty broth with Rice Noodles.Plastered around the restaurant are photos of Pho enthusiasts who conquered the “Pho Real” challenge by finishing a hefty bowl of …

For a causal night out with family or friends, Chi Chi’s Pizza is the place. This Italian-American restaurant dishes up hungry patrons in the Simi Valley area an assortment of sandwiches, pastas, and pizza in a bustling environment. In the pasta department, Chi Chi’s homemade Spaghetti, Springs, Shells, Rigatoni, and Whole Wheat noodles are smothered with sauce. Pizza lovers can create the pizza pie of their dreams by pilling toppings ranging from classic pepperoni, to anchovies, to Fried Jalapeño peppers, for an extra kick. Those looking for the American side of the menu can order the “Famous Golden Pressure Fried …

Inspired by the hospitable aspects of traditional Italian dining, Nonna of Italy offers a variety of delicious pastas, salads, soups, and deserts for both lunch and dinner. Enjoy Chef Kieth Silverton's innovative take on classic Italian dishes. The restaurant allows for people watching from the patio in the historic Sunset Strip area of West Hollywood. From the wood-fired pizzas, fine seafood, and crispy calamari, to the Apple Tarte Tatin, Chocolate Fondant and the other ever-popular desserts, Nonna of Italy prides itself on its traditional hospitality and traditional Hollywood style.

Fig & Olive on Melrose Place in West Hollywood has a menu created around carefully selected ingredients from farmers offering the finest produce in order to present patrons Mediterranean influenced dishes. A passion for extra virgin olive oil prevails in the kitchen at Fig & Olive; each dish is prepared with olive oil in place of butter. The beginning of each meal sees a variety of extra virgin olive oil offered to guests to sample. Lunch, served during the week, offers a la carte entrees like Mediterranean Branzino and Rosemary Lamb Chops as well as soups, salads, sandwiches, and pasta …

The Farm of Beverly Hills offers a California spin on classic down home cooking. Taking an innovative approach to everyday American comfort foods, The Farm of Beverly Hills’ breakfast favorites include the Farmer’s Benedict and Huevos Rancheros. Lunch sees staples such as The Farm Classic Cheeseburger, Meatloaf Sandwich, and Maple Baked Salmon Salad. Dinner features the renown Dill Pickle Fried Chicken and Farm Chicken Pot Pie. The Famous Farm Brownie will satiate any chocoholic’s sweet tooth. An array of options is available for every meal, and each menu throughout the day features the freshest ingredients available. For food that satisfies …

Just North of the University of Southern California on South Union Avenue, Bacaro LA Wine Bar serves California Fusion cuisine and fine wine. A nice selection of European and domestic wines as well as imported and craft beers are available. Plates are served tapas style and include customer favorites such as Bacon & Brie Pizza, Lamb Stuffed Eggplant, The Bacaro Burger, and Nutella Panini. Happy Hour between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday is a crowd favorite and features all plates for only $5! The place is popular with the local students, so a quiet evening may be …

Open since 1983, Diddy Riese, located in Westwood, CA has been serving some of the Los Angeles’ tastiest cold treats. For only $1.50, you can choose your cookies and ice cream and create your perfect ice cream sandwich. Their cookies are baked fresh daily and are available for purchase to have in your own home. This landmark establishment is situated on Broxton Avenue, one of the main streets in the area where the college crowd hangs out. You are sure to find a line out the door, however, not to worry, Diddy Riese stays open late and the line moves …

Located in the heart of Sherman Oaks, Pita Kitchen is the Middle Eastern restaurant that will appeal to both the healthy and the food connoisseur. All dishes are available in choices of lamb, beef/or chicken, and served with yogurt-based dressings such as tahini and tzatziki sauces. With hearty and hefty portions, diners looking for healthier changes in their diet will find the Pita Kitchen an apt choice. The restaurant can accommodate around 30-35 people including outdoor seating. But with the hustle and bustle of the popular eatery and the warm-friendly banter from the servers, makes this rather small setting all …

Elysee Bakery & Café was founded in Westwood, Los Angeles, in 1979. Ever since then, they have been creating magnificent pastries, breads, and cakes from scratch. Using only high quality ingredients for their macchiatos and hot chocolates to their thick sandwiches with lots of add-ons and pastas, Elysee Bakery and Café opens at lunch so you can come by and get a very decent meal here. The bright yellow walls will help stimulate your mind and appetite for freshly made coffee and richly prepared sandwiches. So come by to the Elysee Bakery & Café for a meal to remember!

Rod Rotondi, founder and Executive Chef of Leaf Organics, is a culinary expert whose tireless crusade to bring organic foods into the mainstream has reached some of SoCal’s main retailers like Mother’s Markets, Rainbow Acres, Erewhon, and Whole Foods Markets. Rod’s dream was to create an eatery where diners can make healthy and positive changes in their lives. His dream came true and Leaf Organics is now the place to go to when you want to eat from a unique and organic menu. Creative and original items include salads, veggie burgers, rice and noodle bowls, pizza, vegan desserts, chai with …

With a blend of Old World styles and a healthy European flair, the Panini Café only serves the finest quality ingredients. Combining the best of both the New and Old World, the café has extraordinarily fresh and healthy food, and upholds the tradition of authentic European cuisine. With a commitment to quality and creativity, the Panini Café is one of the places to dine for those in search of flavorful European food. With a passion for fine cuisine at excellent prices, the Panini Café offers diners a way to take a culinary holiday while never leaving the comfort of Los …

Treating diners to panoramic views of the ocean and located on the Pacific Coast Highway, Gladstones Malibu is one of the most popular restaurants on the Southern California coast. Known for oversized portions, regulars swear by the famous Mile-high Chocolate Cake, huge bowls of crab chowders, and giant lobsters weighing in at up to 6 pounds. The restaurant is also known for their iconic mojitos, including flavors like watermelon, pineapple, and dragonberry; and the restaurant has been voted the best place to watch Monday Night Football on the Westside. So if you’re looking for a memorable meal, head to Gladstones …

Ready for a bit of old world European charm? Look no further than Il Tramezzino. The quaint Italian café is a genuine place of culinary mastery and excellence. The restaurant distinguished itself amongst its Beverly Hills neighbors on “Restaurant Row” by preparing custom baked goods and traditional Italian cuisine. They have an extensive menu that is every bit as creative as it is delicious. Il Tramezzino invites guests to enjoy a temporary European vacation as they dine in a familial, laid back atmosphere with superb service. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, delivers and caters. Head out to one …

Specializing in Pan-Asian cuisine and sushi, Wokcano is located in downtown LA’s financial district. The wooden décor creates a cozy and almost serene atmosphere. Specialties include Peking Duck with onions and pancakes or Korean Style Short Ribs. Or try one of their many specialty rolls like the Late Night Party Roll and The Black Pearl. Stop by for a quick snack in the lounge, complete with large flat screen TVs. Wokcano is a great place to enjoy a nice dinner with family and friends or to just grab a quick bite to eat. With tasty menu options like these you …

Located in West Hollywood at the corner of Melrose Avenue and Robertson Boulevard, Cecconi is a classic Italian restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as cicchetti (Italian tapas). You can enjoy a meal inside the refined dining area within the main restaurant, on the terrace, or at the bar with its wood-burning oven. With its simply prepared Venetian-influenced food and drink, Cecconi is the place to go to if you want some fine dining food that is affordable, as it is focused in serving you the finest in quality ingredients.

Located on Los Angeles’ famous Sunset Strip and derived from the Latin word for ‘fragrance‘ is Aroma Bakery and Café. Whether you’re looking for a quick shot of espresso, a fresh mug of mint tea, a full 3-course meal, or just some dessert, Aroma café offers a little bit of the Mediterranean in the heart of Los Angeles. The café’s authentic and flavorful dishes, drinks, and atmosphere transport each diner to the European coast for a one-of-a-kind dining experience. The focus is great service and delectable food. Their menu showcases everything from breakfast to dinner, and the daily specials are …

Situated on Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks, is Marmalade Café, a quaint European bistro. Marmalade’s ambiance is homey and relaxed and the restaurant prides itself on delicious food, spectacular service, and being an escape from the busy LA city life. Whether you’re looking to have a business lunch or just brunch with friends, Marmalade Café is the place to choose. Their extensive menu includes everything from frittatas, omelets, and benedicts to pancakes, salads, waffles, and soups. They even have a full espresso bar, take out, and are available to rent out for banquets and events. For a delightful meal stop …