Special Occasion Restaurants

This French bistro only opened in September 2008, but has become an instant classic in downtown LA. The menu is concise but runs the gamut from simple rustic dishes like the Braised Beef to more elevated fare like the Terrine de Foie Gras, which is creatively served with a port wine gelee and brioche. Customers often rave about the housemade charcuterie as well. The dining room borders on industrial, with exposed piping in the ceiling and brick walls, but the soft lighting, close tables and warm service make it a cozy scene. For the real Paris experience, diners can also …

The Downtown Los Angeles location of the esteemed Palm empire of restaurants offers fine steaks, seafood, and Italian specialties in a posh setting. Located at 1100 Flower Street in an enormous space, formerly a Packard car dealership, the Palm Downtown is the largest in the country. Since 2002 The Palm Downtown has managed to execute the same stellar food that original owners Pio Bozzi and John Ganzi started serving three generations ago in New York City. Today, The Palm Restaurants are still a family business run by the original owners’ great-great-grandsons.

Santa Monica Beach sprawls out beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows that surround Catch’s elegant dining space, and serves up awe-inspiring sunsets nightly. The restaurant’s crisp décor incorporates colors one might find along the beach, and marries them seamlessly with the glistening mother of pearl sushi bar that invites diners to stay a while and indulge on the exquisitely fresh seafood selections Executive Chef Michael Reardon proudly showcases. Land and sea converge on the menu to offer an invigorating array of flavor. The Octopus Salad is and ode to the sea’s vibrant fare and the Hand Made Ravioli are a hearty gesture …

Whether you are out on the town for a lively night of entertainment or you’re settling in for a lazy Sunday with the morning paper, Café Montana is eager to suit the occasion with its subtle SoCal charm and distinguished California cuisine menu. Weekend visitors may savor the thoughtful brunch menu that caters to multiple palates and diets. Dishes like the Lox Benedict and the Montana Angus Beef Burger are worth getting out of bed for. The evening menu is equally eclectic and satisfying with highlights like the Seared Scallops, the Pumpkin Ravioli, and the Blackened Prime Rib. And did …

Your senses may revel in the stunningly engaging décor and modern Japanese cuisine menu presented at Katsuya. Executive Chef Katsuya masterfully crafts traditional sushi rolls and distinctive specialty dishes to please more seasoned and fresh palates alike. Dishes like the Crispy Rice and Spicy Tuna and the Kobe Filet with Foie Gras have developed their own loyal following. Chef Katsuya’s artful menu is complemented and heightened by the truly innovative and equally satisfying décor of designer Philippe Starck. Striking contrasts of black and white capture snippets of moments for patrons to muse over as they dine in the appetizing “wooden …

Executive Chef and Owner Akasha Richmond maintains the highest standards for both her culinary skills and the quality of ingredients she uses. Her distinctive New American cuisine menu highlights bold flavored comfort food that prizes sustainable and organic produce and meats. Many local purveyors throughout the region source the kitchen, and help to fuel visitors’ passions for thoughtful food. Small plates like the Niman Ranch Lamb Sliders invite guests to mingle around savory delights, while entrée selections like the Star Anise Braised Short Ribs and the Meatloaf may insist on not being shared. The unique specialty drink menu and fresh …

Composing a colorful mosaic of Italian small plates, or enotecas, Master Chef Celestino Drago brings the heart of Italy to his aptly named Beverly Hills restaurant, Enoteca Drago. Rustic authenticity is the key to this regional Italian cuisine menu, and seasonal and artisanal ingredients bring the flavors to life. Before one takes a single bite, he or she may gain insight into Chef Drago’s vision by noticing the décor – the cherry wood communal dining table set center stage hopes to encourage a shared dining experience, while the use of weathered stone and touches of terra cotta transport us far …

Since 1983, Wolfgang Puck’s Chinois on Main has been serving Asian Fusion cuisine to the hungry hordes in Santa Monica. The décor has not changed since the day the doors opened, but Chef Rena Mata presents a menu that features not only selections of dishes that made Chinois on Main famous, but some new additions as well. All dishes presents ingredients from the Far East, transformed into modern culinary masterpieces of daring and stimulating flavors. Dishes served family style include classics such as Whole Sizzling Catfish with ponzu, Shanghai Lobser, Mongolian Lamb with cilantro-mint vinaigrette, and the Famous Chinois Chicken …

Rustic Canyon Wine Bar & Seasonal Kitchen in Santa Monica offers patrons a regularly changing menu utilizing dishes motivated by Farmers’ Market ingredients sourced from local ranchers, farmers, and fishermen who practice sustainable agriculture. With a wine list centered on boutique wineries from around the world, offerings are handpicked by proprietor and owner Josh Loeb. With twenty options of wine by the glass, rotated on a regular basis, guests can expect something new to try with each visit. Food, plated with the intention of sharing, allows restaurant goers to order for the table and embark on a tour of tastes. …

Adopting the iconic canary-colored building familiar to many Venice locals is Ado Ristorante, the brainchild of Co-owner Paulo Cesaro and Chef Antonio Mure’. This rustic Italian cuisine eatery marries the understated sophistication of its earthy décor of exposed wood beams and simple wood seating with a welcoming menu of unpretentious authentic fare. The Taagliolini Rossi is a rich dish of homemade red beets pasta in a Marsala quail egg ragu, and the Tagliata di Cinghiale is a savory delight of grilled wild boar tenderloin served with a white port and raspberry sauce.

Beacon stands as a go-to destination for innovative Asian cuisine that seamlessly marries traditional technique with visionary flavors. Chef Matsusaka utilizes years of experience as both a classic and avant-garde chef to create a menu that is equally inviting as it is adventurous. Dishes like the Green Tea Soba Noodle Salad and the Miso Braised Shortribs shine in the stark yet comforting décor of the restaurant’s main dining space. Bare cement walls stand tall along floor-to-ceiling windows that wash the entire space in warm light, while the outdoor patio provides a relaxed and lively spot to savor the fine Asian …

Famed Chef Todd English pairs up with Hollywood darling Eva Longoria Parker to introduce us to Beso, a glamorous and refined restaurant serving up fine fusion cuisine with a side of glitz nightly. Step into Beso and be seduced by the lush and invocative palette of deep crimsons, rich wood tones, and alluring leather upholstery. The menu infuses Latin-inspired flavors with Middle-Eastern flare for a tantalizing array of meat and seafood selections. Eva’s Tortilla Soup is a comforting bowl of spice and the Beso Paella is an invigorating melding of surf and turf. Every bite glistens like the crystal chandelier …

With a dash of Vegas, and a whole lot of down home Asian flavors, RockSugar Pan Asian Kitchen is an experience one will want to savor. Located in the busy Century City mall, RockSugar features cuisine from Southeast Asian countries like, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam. Bring your appetite and a few good friends, to enjoy these dishes served family style. The elegant décor, with indoor and outdoor dining, incorporates a luxurious feel of Southeast Asia, welcoming all with a friendly wait staff, and plenty of parking. Come try some of these tantalizing dishes such as Singapore Hainan pork or roasted …

Reminiscent of iconic wharfside eateries lining the Pacific coast, Enterprise Fish Co. maintains an air of nautical authenticity that prizes its fare above all. The interior of the dining space lends itself to rustic elegance with exposed beams and brick walls that highlight contemporary touches like the lively exhibition kitchen centered in the room. Similarly, traditional seaside specialties like the Mesquite Grilled Prawns mingle with dishes like the Ginger Soy Glazed Alaskan Halibut for a well-rounded and satisfying menu. Surf and Turf revelry is also found in selections such as the 8 oz Top Sirloin and Spicy Garlic Prawns and …

Gaze out over the waters of Marina Del Rey, and nestle in for a rousing seafood-inspired dining experience at Shanghai Red’s. The restaurant’s Polynesian, Victorian, and contemporary architectural elements complement the similarly diverse and refined menu, and the welcoming lounge and cocktail patios invite guests to linger a while and truly savor the reprieve. Weekends are reserved for an award-winning champagne brunch that boasts both traditional brunch items and a selection of ethnic specialties; nightly delights include dishes like the Spicy Ratatouille Pasta, the Blackened Swordfish Steak, and the Sizzling Top Sirloin.

Downtown receives a touch of dining genius with the establishment of Bottega Louie. This traditional Italian café and gourmet market invites visitors to linger a while over hand-crafted pastries, specially coordinated entrée dishes, and stone oven pizzas; then they may humor their own culinary inspirations by perusing the market’s selection of artisanal cheeses, infused oils, pastas, meats, and other hard-to-find items. Head Chef Sam Marvin takes care to ensure his menu pleases the most discerning palates: Pasta dishes are served in slightly more petite portions to encourage patrons to sample any of the many tasty side dishes.

Gordon Ramsay lends his name and influence to the London West Hollywood’s newest fine dining addition. Channeling the celebrity chef, Executive Chef Andy Cook combines the sublime pleasures of haute cuisine with the freshest California produce for an approachably refined taste. Diners can choose from an array of a la carte options, or can place themselves in the capable hands of Chef Cook’s team by opting for market specials and tasting menus that highlight the best of the seasons. The décor acts as an excellent platform for showcasing the menu, blending opulent gold and crystal with comfortable banquettes for an …

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 …

Located on the 54th floor of the Wells Fargo Center in Downtown Los Angeles, Club City on Bunker Hill offers exquisite, contemporary themed private venues for events such as Weddings, Anniversary Parties and Business Meetings. Overlooking the ever-buzzing Los Angeles, this high-rise space can transform to match the theme of your event. The staff is complete with wedding professionals, serving to help you plan your event—they can even customize your catering menu, which can be acquired through City Club. With a stress on exceptional service, attention to detail, and upscale food and wine selections, City Club on Bunker Hill is …

Barbrix Restaurant and Wine Bar is a new venue in Silver Lake serving fusion dishes consisting of Italian and Spanish cuisine with a Californian flare. The menu and décor are creative, modern, and eclectic with an ambiance that is intimate and friendly. This unique venue offers cooking classes, and a wine list that nicely complements their menu. Try such dishes as Pamplona and steak frites. Barbrix also prepares delectable desserts, such as their nutella crème brulee. Whether you’re interested in a quick bite or a gathering of friends to enjoy good food and a few glasses of wine, Barbrix is …