People Watching Restaurants

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.

Once surrounded by an enormous orange grove, this landmark jewel was built as a family home in 1909. The Victorian decor exhibits extravagance and splendor; with warm tones accented by soft lighting and tapestries exude elegance. The atmosphere is only outdone by the kitchen’s French-influenced Northern Italian fare. The menu is peppered with fame and glamour, with playfully-named dishes such as Sophia Loren Caviar and Cartier Calamari. With 12 private rooms, the White House is ideally suited for private parties and groups; while the elegant ambiance makes the White House an excellent destination for any special occasion, large or small.

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 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.

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 …

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, …

Nestled in Dana Point Harbor overlooking the yachts and docks is Harpoon Henry’s. This seaside restaurant provides diners with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean while offering classic seafood entrees. Many Dana Point locals enjoy munching on favorites like Beer Battered Fish and Chips or Coconut Shrimp while sitting under the warm California sun on its expansive patio. For more lavish diners, Harpoon Henry’s inside dining warms guests with a fireplace and upscale plates like Mahi-Mahi Macadamia, sauteed with Macadamia Nut Crust under an Orange Mango Sauce. Not only does the surrounding Dana Point Harbor provide ample people watching, but …

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, …

A premier full service dinner house since 1965, The Rusty Pelican is a Newport Beach landmark. The charming waterfront cottage features fresh seafood prepared in innovative ways, with dishes like "The Flagship”, a fresh brandy-herb marinated piece of mahi mahi dusted with cajun spices and Kentucky bourbon sauce. Serving lunch Monday through Saturday, a Sunday brunch, and the ever-popular weekday Happy Hour, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the upstairs lounge, The Rusty Pelican is a great place to take in the sights of the harbor. The warm and inviting atmosphere, with its skylights and cathedral ceilings, and waterfront …

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.

If your idea of a great meal is garlic, garlic, and more garlic, head to Restaurant Row on La Cienega and visit The Stinking Rose. Executive Chef and owner Andrea Froncillo has created a garlic lover’s paradise, featuring great food in a wildly fun, garlic-themed atmosphere. Fantastic for large parties, the restaurant boasts a varied menu with specialties including roasted crab, prime rib, pastas, and giant tureens of steamed clams, all bathed in garlic. Don’t forget to visit "Dracula’s Grotto," one of many ornately decorated rooms, and to try Gilroy’s Famous Garlic Ice Cream.

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.

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, …

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 …

A hop, skip, and a jump down from the main thoroughfare of Santa Monica Boulevard in Santa Monica, you'll find La Botte. Meaning “wine bottle” in Italian, La Botte is owner Stefano de Lorenzo’s upgraded version of his popular, postage-stamp-sized Piccolo Ristorante in neighboring Venice. The wine concept glows in a warmly elegant décor of variegated wine stained wood flooring and wine cask wainscoting. A “vino paradiso” exists in La Botte’s 1,600 bottles of wine. Chef Luigi Fineo creatively infuses contemporary freshness into the Northern Italian appetizers, pasta, and entrees for an authentic Italian dining experience that will have you …

La Parolaccia means "bad language" in Italian, and for those that are speakers of Italian may notice the staff is swearing up a storm. Done in good spirits and only between staff members, it only adds to the charm of this cozy and inviting Long Beach spot. The menu offers all the traditional favorites expected from two chefs hailing from Milan and Rome. While the Limon cello ice cream alone will guarantee La Paroloaccia Osteria a place in diner’s hearts, it is the service is that is truly outstanding, swearing be damned!

Located in a Greek Market that has been open since the 1940’s, Papa Cristo’s Greek Restaurant has been serving South Los Angeles authentic culinary delicacies for more than 20 years. Using imported seasonings, cheeses, olives, olive oils, as well as other ingredients to prepare the culturally true plates featured at Papa Cristo’s, it is no wonder people rave that this is some of the best Greek food available in Los Angeles. A full menu with items like Sizzling Feta & Tomato, Dolmades, Tabouli, Gyro, and Rack of Lamb just to mention a few, will satiate any desire for tasty Greek …

Rogelio and Janet Huidobro opened the first Café Sevilla in 1987, honoring their homeland with a Spanish restaurant in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. After finding additional success in Riverside, they launched in downtown Long Beach in 2006. Mid week, the old-world setting draws business types. Weekends attract a younger crowd for upstairs dancing and dinner shows. Café Sevilla specializes in pans of paella and traditional Spanish tapas. The reasonably priced wine list is especially strong on full-bodied Spanish reds like Tempranillo and Torre Oria.

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 …

A South Bay fixture since 1991, laid-back Lido di Manhattan occupies a commanding corner site. The restaurant is bright and open, with artwork by local artist Monica Farrell. The cuisine is California-Italian, with a heavier lean towards the latter. Signature dishes such as lobster won ton tacos, angel hair pasta with jumbo scallops and tiger prawns and charbroiled filet mignon showcase fresh ingredients. The sweet selection of Desserts are all made in house. Wine buffs will find plenty to please, while cocktail lovers can work their way through the lengthy list. A calendar of cooking classes and events keeps things …