Special Occasion Restaurants

Mori Sushi exudes an elegance and class that sums up the Los Angeles dining scene, but brings eastern culinary traditions to brilliant life with their selection of dishes. Serving up fresh, quality sushi daily, plus premium lunch specials based on traditional Japanese recipes. Mori Sushi also features a private dining venue for special events and private parties. Though sushi is plentiful in Los Angeles, Mori Sushi boasts a certain simplistic confidence and variety, all of which make this establishment unique.

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 …

Through exquisite culinary flavorings and technique, Bossa Nova provides guests with a sumptuous menu designed to give the absolute Brazilian experience. Delectable meals are made more delicious as the relaxing environment allows one to take pleasure in their fare, a characteristic that has led Bossa Nova’s four locations (Los Angeles, West Los Angeles, and Beverly Hills) to win a loyal crowd of patrons. You may even catch some Hollywood insiders and incognito stars enjoying grilled meats and Brazilian favorites. Come and allow Bossa Nova to satisfy your culinary cravings!

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!

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 …

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 …

Tanzore fuses traditional Indian culture with artistic modernity, creating a bold, brilliant ambiance full of energy and zeal. The upscale setting offers guests the choice of indoor patio, sleek lounge, or the luxurious white-marble bar, as well as the main and private dining rooms. One can never go wrong by trying one of their Tiffin to-go lunch boxes or their unique desserts such as the cinnamon poached kashmir pear. Diners are surrounded by an assortment of Indian beats, big screen Bollywood cinema, and native dancing. Who knew eating could be so fun and exciting!

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.

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 …

In a quiet part of Glendale, hidden behind a red door, awaits a foodie’s paradise. Bashan offers French and modern American cuisine in a sophisticated but casual setting. Seated at dark, wooden tables under a simplistic décor, guests dine on dishes featuring fresh ingredients with a French influence. The appetizers follow a motif of seasonal dining. Salad offerings such as the Lobster Salad, and Burrata Salad with Bresaola, Wild Arugula, White Nectarines, and a Tomato Relish. The main courses rarely disappoint the taste buds. The Roasted Duck Breast, with Truffle Scented Spaetzle, Roasted Kohirabi, Seared Black Mission Figs, and a …

Serving “Hellenic-California Cuisine”, the upscale Greek restaurant Petro’s spices up the food scene in the Manhattan Beach area. Decorated in a Grecian fashion, the restaurant features white walls and arches in a light and airy space. The menu offers many variations of Greek dips served with grilled pita bread. Entrees like Lamb Pasta, with slow cooked lamb, roasted peppers, broccolini, olives, kefalotiri cheese, and oregano, and Lamb Pizza are available on the menu along with classic Greek dishes. Petro’s also has a traditional Greek dessert menu where guests can order Baklava, Bougatsa, and other Greek favorites. For those looking for …

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 …

The Buffalo Club looks like your typical bar from the street, but on the inside it is transformed into a restaurant that looks like the inside of an old classic railway car. There are burgundy booths, antique mirrors, and mahogany that give off a dark and intimate setting. The Buffalo Club also has an outdoor patio where guest can dine among Chinese silk lanterns, soft lighting and a beautiful garden setting. This restaurant presents guests with regional American cuisine while taking inspiration from the South, New England, the Southwest, and California. One of their most popular dishes is the Chicken …

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 …

Nestled discreetly above the intersection of PCH and Main Street in Huntington Beach, you will find Spark Woodfire Grill. Specializing in contemporary American cuisine and a California-driven wine list, Spark offers an upscale casual setting and inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean and Huntington Beach Pier. One of three Spark restaurants, the menu at the Huntington location is focused on steak, chops and seafood. Noteworthy features include the 1600 degree steak broiler which cooks meat to perfection and creates intense flavor. Also, the restaurant boasts a large heated terrace that is perfect for enjoying your meal while watching the sunset.

La Traviata is opulent and ornate, a place where guests can lavishly celebrate the grandest of occasions. The restaurant’s décor pays homage to the style of the nineteenth-century opera house, with crystal chandeliers, sweeping silk drapes, high ceilings, and ornate inlaid wood. The opera theme continues to the entertainment, with live piano nightly, and piano-accompanied vocalists on Fridays and Saturdays. But where homage to the past permeates the ambiance, the menu is refreshingly modern, an inspired blend of unique, novel creations such as Kumquat Coco Prawns and house-made smoked Duck Ravioli, peppered with fresh takes on Italian classics such as …

This historic clubhouse, built in 1937, displays a fusion of Spanish Revival Architecture and classic California design styles. Complete with large windows, rustic wood floors, and vaulted high beam ceilings, the clubhouse and its conjoining outside patio can accommodate up to 350 guests, and the view of Griffith Park in Los Feliz is breathtaking. Owned by the Monterey Concessions Group, this events venue can host an cater any event for any season, including Weddings, Anniversary Parties, Business Meetings, Baptisms, and much more. The cuisine for events, though upscale American cuisine, can be altered and created especially for your specific event. …