{"id":822,"date":"2010-12-01T08:50:29","date_gmt":"2010-12-01T03:50:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.chefmorgan.com\/?p=822"},"modified":"2013-02-15T17:43:23","modified_gmt":"2013-02-16T01:43:23","slug":"my-favorite-restaurants-in-la","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.chefmorgan.com\/engine\/my-favorite-restaurants-in-la","title":{"rendered":"my favorite restaurants in LA"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"chef<\/p>\n

my favorite restaurants in Los Angeles<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

This is a short list of my favorite places to dine in Los Angeles.  The list ranges from very casual places\/hamburger spots to more formal\/occasion restaurants. Both the food and service I find to be consistently good, and if I find the service to be substandard (even if the food is amazing) I will not put it on my list. I try to update my list often. However, you should contact the restaurant directly for menu selections, hours, reservations, and prices.<\/span><\/p>\n

bon app\u00e9tit<\/span> <\/em>!<\/em><\/p>\n

LM<\/span><\/p>\n

Brentwood \/ West Los Angeles<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Asahi Ramen<\/strong><\/span>
\n2027 Sawtelle Boulevard
\nLos Angeles, CA 90064
\n<\/span>310.479.2231
\n<\/span>www.asahiramen.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Cash only.  Closed Thursday.  Authentic casual little noodle shop nestled amongst a collection of Japanese restaurants on Sawtelle Boulevard.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hamasaku<\/strong><\/span>
\n11043 Santa Monica Boulevard
\nLos Angeles, CA  90025
\n<\/span>310.479.7630
\n<\/span>www.hamasakula.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Probably my favorite sushi restaurant in LA.  In a strip mall, but do not let that dissuade you from enjoying tasty hand-rolls and inventive combinations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tavern<\/strong><\/span>
\n11648 San Vicente Boulevard
\nLos Angeles, CA 90049
\n<\/span>310.806.6464
\n<\/span>www.tavernla.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

The latest restaurant endeavor of which Chef Suzanne Goin has a part. Small, market driven menu with fresh Mediterranean flair. Uncomplicated food with delicious fruit and nut breads (which are also available to go).<\/span><\/p>\n

Toscana<\/strong><\/span>
\n11633 San Vicente Blvd # 100
\nLos Angeles, CA 90049
\n310.820.2448<\/span><\/p>\n

Norther Italian food.  Toscana is authentic Italy: welcoming, loud, simple hearty dishes and waiters pushing a plate full of desserts in your direction.  The food is as good today as it was when I first came to LA.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Beverly Hills \/ Bel Air<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Bouchon<\/strong><\/span>
\n235 North Canon Drive<\/span><\/strong>
\nBeverly Hills, CA 90210<\/span><\/strong>
\n310.271.9910<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

French brassiere par chef Thomas Keller with the standard brassiere items (along with some twists). Brunch is my favorite. <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CUT<\/strong><\/span>
\n9500 Wilshire Boulevard
\nBeverly Hills, CA 90210
\n<\/span>310.276.8500
\n<\/span>www.wolfgangpuck.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Nestled in the back dining room of the Beverly Wilshire hotel, another restaurant by Chef Wolfgang Puck that does not disappoint.  The wine list is wonderful.  The emphasis on meat is well-placed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

e. baldi<\/span>
\n<\/strong>375 North Canon Drive
\n<\/strong><\/span>Beverly Hills, CA 90210
\n<\/strong><\/span>310.248.2633
\n<\/strong>ebaldi.com<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Named after chef Edoardo Baldi, this is great Northern Italian, simple  food. Anything fish is my favorite, but the menu is great. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Il Pastaio<\/span>
\n400 North Canon Drive
\nBeverly Hills, CA 90210
\n310.205.5444
\n<\/span>www.giacomindrago.com<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

My favorite pasta in Los Angeles.  Truffle season is a particular treat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mr. Chow
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/span>344 North Camden Drive
\n<\/span>Beverly Hills,  CA 90210
\n<\/span>310.278.9911<\/span><\/p>\n

The only Chinese food I eat in L.A. The duck, the green beans, the noodles, and the pink champagne<\/span><\/p>\n

Sotto
\n<\/strong><\/span>9575 West Pico Boulevard
\n<\/span>Los Angeles, CA <\/span>
\n310.277.0210<\/span><\/p>\n

Good bread in Los Angeles is rare. Sotto has it and the pizza to match. This is simple Italian food and I have enjoyed everything I have tried from the soups to the fish.<\/span><\/p>\n

Spago<\/strong><\/span>
\n176 North Canon Drive
\n<\/span>Beverly Hills, CA 90210
\n<\/span>310.385.0880
\n<\/span>www.wolfgangpuck.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

After all this time, Spago is still wonderful Spago.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sushi House Unico (\u201dSHU\u201d)<\/strong><\/span>
\n2932 1\/2 N Beverly Glen Circle
\nLos Angeles , CA 90077
\n310. 474.2740
\n<\/span>www.giacominodrago.com\/piccoloparadiso.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Hidden in the Beverly Glen Center is some seriously delicious sushi.  The Kobe beef with mushrooms is fabulous and the salad, cru dishes, and crispy tacos are inventive and fresh (there is even risotto).<\/span><\/p>\n

Tagine<\/strong><\/span>
\n132 North Robertson Boulevard
\nBeverly Hills, CA 90211
\n310.360.7535
\n<\/span>www.taginerestaurant.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Delicious and creative Moroccan\/Middle-Eastern fare tucked away on Robertson. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Culver City<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Father\u2019s Office<\/strong><\/span>
\n(Helm\u2019s Bakery)
\n3229 Helms Avenue
\nCulver City, CA 90034
\n<\/span>310.236.2224
\n<\/span>www.fathersoffice.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

I love the burgers in this 21 and over place.  They have great sweet potato fries and healthy salads to go with the less healthy things.  There is another location in Santa Monica.<\/span><\/p>\n

Waterloo & City
\n<\/span><\/strong>12517 West Washington Boulevard
\nCulver City, CA 90066
\n310.391.4222<\/span><\/p>\n

I really like what chef Brendan Collins has done here.<\/span> Good food, good service, fun atmosphere.  The terrines are my favorite.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hollywood\/West Hollywood<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

AOC<\/strong><\/span>
\n8022 West 3rd Street
\nLos Angeles, CA 90068
\n<\/span>323.653.6359
\n<\/span>www.aocwinebar.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

After all these years, I still like the small plates, charcuterie bar and artisan cheese selections.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Angelini Osteria<\/strong><\/span>
\n 7313 Beverly Boulevard
\nLos Angeles, CA 90036
\n323.297.0070<\/span>
\nwww.angelinosteria.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Chef\/owner Gino Angelini never disappoints in this Authentic Italian restaurant.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Animal<\/strong><\/span>
\n435 North Fairfax Avenue
\nLos Angeles, CA 90048
\n323.782.9235
\n<\/span>www.animalrestaurant.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Owners Vinny Dotolo and Jon Shook create inventive dishes with every meat, playing with sweet and savory combinations.   No frills. Very casual. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bar Marmont<\/strong><\/span>
\n8171 Sunset Boulevard
\nHollywood, CA 90046
\n323.650.0575
\n<\/span>www.chateaumarmont.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Good place for a cocktail with friends<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Bloom Cafe<\/strong><\/span>
\n5544 West Pico Boulevard
\nLos Angeles, CA 90019
\n323.934.6900
\n<\/span>www.bloomcafe.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

California cuisine with no frills in a small, quaint cafe.  Emphasis on organic and fresh ingredients.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Boa steakhouse<\/strong><\/span>
\n9200 Sunset Boulevard
\nWest Hollywood, CA 90069
\n310 278 2050
\n<\/span>www.boasteak.com<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Good steaks.  They make the caesar salad table-side and it is good.  There is another location in Santa Monica.<\/span><\/p>\n

BLT Steak<\/strong><\/span>
\n8720 West Sunset Boulevard
\nWest Hollywood, CA 90069
\n310.360.1950
\n<\/span>www.<\/span>blt<\/span><\/strong>steak.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Chef Laurent Tourondel\u2019s Americanized bistro.  Delicious steaks with sustaining sides (creamy gnocchi, mashed potatoes).   The popovers are an addiction.  This location is every bit as good as the one in NY<\/span><\/p>\n

Cafe Med<\/strong><\/span>
\nSunset Plaza
\n8615 Sunset Boulevard
\nWest Hollywood, CA 90069
\n<\/span>310.652.0445
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Casual Italian in a low-key atmosphere.  Nice patio dining.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cobras & Matadors<\/strong>
\n<\/span>7615 West Beverly Boulevard
\n<\/span>West Hollywood, CA 90048
\n<\/span>323.932.6178<\/span><\/p>\n

Spanish tapas in a super casual (albeit noisy) atmosphere.  Good place to dine with a group of friends.  Wine is not served, but there is a wine shop next door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Comme \u00c7a<\/strong><\/span>
\n8479 Melrose Avenue<\/strong>
\n West Hollywood,  CA 90069<\/strong>
\n 323.782.1104<\/strong>
\n<\/span>www.commecarestaurant.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

 Comme \u00e7a is solid brasserie food.  My favorite times to go are for brunch or a late dinner.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gordon Ramsey at The London<\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/span>1020 North San Viencinete
\n<\/strong><\/span>Los Angeles, CA 90048
\n<\/strong><\/span>310.358.7788<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

I find the quiet and elegant atmosphere to match the food. Everything I have enjoyed here was executed with perfect technique and great flavor. The wine list is good and the waitstaff knowledgable and professional. COuld this be Heaven’s Kitchen?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hatfield’s<\/strong><\/span>
\n6703 Melrose Avenue
\nLos Angeles, CA 90038
\n323.935.2977
\n<\/span>www.hatfieldrestaurant.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

I resisted their move from their quaint porch-laden spot to their new  location (formerly occupied by Citrus, Mason G, etc).  However, Quinn and Karen Hatfield have made it work.  The food is still inventive and delicious from beginning to end.  Their combination of techniques and flavors result in something enjoyable and often surprising.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ink.<\/span>
\n<\/strong><\/span>8360 Melrose Avenue
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/em>Los Angeles, CA 90048
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/em>323.651.5866
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/em>mvink.com<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Top chef Michael Voltaggio is a true talent with a natural gift for cooking. He always surprises me with his creative dishes and I truly enjoy the artistic thoughtfulness given to each plated dish. My favorites? the lamb, the “ink’d” potatoes, the oysters in a terra cotta pot, the freeze-dried peas, the Branzino, the cauliflower, and the yogurt is a must for dessert. The added bonus is the service is first-rate and the wine list, delicious and reasonable.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lemonade<\/strong><\/span>
\n9001 Beverly Boulevard
\nWest Hollywod, CA 90048
\n<\/span>310.247.2500
\n<\/span>www.lemonadela.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Casual and tasty.  Good place to take children. Alan Jackson\u2019s concept works.  Seasonal vegetables and grains.  Cocottes filled with warm braises and stews. Enjoy there or take it away. Jackson has opened another location in Venice and Brentwood. <\/span><\/p>\n

Lucques<\/strong><\/span>
\n8474 Melrose Avenue
\n323.655.6277
\n<\/span>West Hollywood, CA 90048
\n<\/span>www.lucques.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

I don\u2019t think there is anything chef Suzanne Goin does not do well in terms of food.  At Lucques, Chef Goin makes the most of the season\u2019s best, whether it be tuscan kale, winter squash or heirloom tomatoes.   Subtle use of spices in her seasonal dishes<\/span> are an added bonus.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joan\u2019s On Third<\/strong><\/span>
\n8350 West Third Street
\nLos Angeles, CA 90048
\n323.655.2285
\n<\/span>www.joansonthird.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Eat in, take out.  Joan\u2019s has been around for years and it is the same delicious food that is was when it was a tiny place two doors down.  Bakery, cheeses and sausages, and gourmet treat shop as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Hungry Cat<\/strong><\/span>
\n1535 North Vine Street
\nLos Angeles, CA 90028
\n323.462.2155
\nwww.thehungrycat.com<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Chef David Lentz\u2019s terrific little spot for seafood, delicious fries, inventive drinks.  Perfect for lunch or date night (Arclight is walking distance)<\/span><\/p>\n

Il Sole<\/strong><\/span>
\n8741 West Sunset Boulevard
\nLos Angeles, CA 90069
\n310.657.1182<\/span><\/p>\n

Traditional country Italian in an intimate and homey setting.  I like the veal the best.<\/span> <\/p>\n

The Little Door<\/strong><\/span>
\n8164 West 3rd Street
\nLos Angeles, California 90048
\n323.951.1210
\n<\/span>www.thelittledoor.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Casual enough for group dinner and romantic enough for a date, patio and enclosed dining room.   The Tagine is my favorite.<\/span><\/p>\n

Little Next Door<\/strong><\/span>
\n8142 West 3rd Street
\nLos Angeles, California 90048
\n323.951.1010
\n<\/span>www.thelittledoor.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Terrific for lunch and brunch.  Bread and pastries available for take-out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Madeo<\/strong><\/span>
\n8897 Beverly Boulevard
\nWest Hollywood, CA 90048
\n310.859.4903
\n<\/span>www.madeoristoranto.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

When I have guests in town from Italy, I take them here.  Honest to goodness Italian food, everything from the razor clams to the veal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Milk<\/strong><\/span>
\n290 Beverly Boulevard
\nLos Angeles, CA 90036
\n323.939.6455
\n<\/span>www.themilkshop.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Bakery, ice cream shop, and casual cafeteria-style sandwiches and soups.   Great for kids (and the kid in all of us).<\/span><\/p>\n

Nobu (Los Angeles)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

903 North La Cienega Boulevard
\nWest Hollywood, CA 90069
\n310.657.5711
\n<\/span>www.noburestaurants.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s masterpiece.  There is another Nobu in Malibu.<\/span><\/p>\n

Providence<\/strong><\/span>
\n5955 Melrose Avenue
\nLos Angeles, CA 90038-3623
\n323.460.4170
\n<\/span>www.providencelas.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Chef Michael Cimarusti\u2019s restaurant specializing in seafood.  I love his inventive combinations of spices and Indian flavors with seafood and even desserts.   He had me years ago when he he added bacon in the clam chowder.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Tower Bar<\/strong><\/span>
\n8358 Sunset Boulevard
\nWest Hollywood, CA 90069
\n323.654.7100
\n<\/span>www.sunsettowerhotel.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

The Tower Bar in the Sunset Tower Hotel is solid California food with an amazing view of the city in a low-key setting.  My favorite is the lobster cobb salad during the day and the moules frites at night.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unami<\/strong><\/span>
\n850 South La Brea Avenue
\nLos Angeles, CA 90068
\n323.931.3000
\n<\/span>www.unamiburger.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Terrific, flavorful burgers (ranging from cheeseburgers  to truffled versions or lamb burgers).  Perfect portions.  Yummy pont-neuf fries.<\/span><\/p>\n

 Pasadena<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Royce at the Langham<\/strong><\/span>
\n1401 North Knoll Avenue<\/span>
\nPasadena, CA <\/span>
\n626.585.6410<\/span><\/p>\n

Chef David F\u00e9au is one of my favorite chefs in Los Angeles and in my opnion, one of the most talented. The Royce is lucky to have him. Modern French cuisine so good that I will travel all the way from the westside to dine here (and I detest driving). He can make me anything.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Santa Monica<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Caffe Luxxe<\/strong><\/span>
\n925 Montana Avenue
\nSanta Monica, CA 90403
\n310.394.2222
\n<\/span>www.caffeluxxe.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Co-owners Mark Wain and Gary Chau are responsible for hands-down the best coffee in Los Angeles.  The loose leaf tea is also wonderful.   There are two additional locations in Brentwood.<\/span><\/p>\n

Josie<\/strong><\/span>
\n<\/span>2424 Pico Boulevard
\n<\/span>Santa Monica, CA 90403
\n<\/span>310.581.9888
\n<\/span>www.josierestaurant.com<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Chef Josie Le Balch\u2019s gives us this modern French-inspired restaurant which superb food (among my favorites are the maple duck and the wrapped quail). Pastry Chef Jonna Jensen\u2019s ice creams are divine.<\/span><\/p>\n

M\u00e9lisse<\/strong><\/span>
\n1104 Wilshire Boulevard
\nSanta Monica, CA 90403
\n310.395.0881
\n<\/span>www.melisse.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Chef Josiah Citrin\u2019s fine, very fine, French American cuisine.  Take someone you love or want to impress. The attention to detail and quality and is unparallel.  The Dover sole is one of my favorites.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rustic Canyon<\/strong><\/span>
\n1119 Wilshire Boulevard
\nSanta Monica, CA 90403
\n<\/span>www.rusticcanyonwinebar.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Chef Evan Funke (formally with Chef Wolfgang Puck) serves seasonal food with fresh nuances.  His lamb chops are my favorite.  Pastry Chef Zoe Nathan and her husband own this restaurant as well as Huckleberry’s Bakery and Cafe as well as Sweetrose Creamery (ice cream shop).<\/span><\/p>\n

Silverlake<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Forage<\/strong><\/span>
\n<\/span>3823 West Sunset Boulevard
\n<\/span>Los Angeles, CA 90026
\n<\/span>323.663.6885
\n<\/span>www.ForageLA.com<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Pick a protein and a couple sides.  When you cannot wait until you get home to make something with your goodies from the Farmer’s Market, walk down the street and go to Forage. Chicken or grilled skirt steak, lentil salad or green salads, everything is fresh, simple and tasty.<\/span><\/p>\n

Venice<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Axe<\/span><\/strong>
\n1009 Abbot Kinney Boulevard<\/span>
\nVenice CA<\/span>
\n310.664.9787<\/span><\/p>\n

Thank goodness is opened back up!. Simple, organic meals. Great casual place with fresh food. <\/span><\/p>\n

Jin Patisserie<\/strong><\/span>
\n1202 Abbot Kinney
\nVenice, CA 90291
\n310.399.8801
\n<\/span>www.jinpatisserie.co<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Chef Kristy Choo is not only one of the nicest people I have met but creative and talented with her pastries, using rose, jasmine, and other flowers, herbs and spices in ways no one else does.   I love her inventive combinations.<\/span><\/p>\n

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my favorite restaurants in Los Angeles This is a short list of my favorite places to dine in Los Angeles.  The list ranges from very casual places\/hamburger spots to more formal\/occasion restaurants. Both the food and service I find to be consistently good, and if I find the service to be substandard (even if the food […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[161,160,163,157,159,158,164,165,162,166],"class_list":["post-822","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-los-angeles","tag-beverly-hills","tag-brentwood","tag-culver-city","tag-favorite-restaurants","tag-hollywood","tag-los-angeles-2","tag-santa-monica","tag-venice","tag-west-hollywood","tag-west-los-angeles"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.chefmorgan.com\/engine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/822","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.chefmorgan.com\/engine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.chefmorgan.com\/engine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chefmorgan.com\/engine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chefmorgan.com\/engine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=822"}],"version-history":[{"count":41,"href":"https:\/\/www.chefmorgan.com\/engine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/822\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":850,"href":"https:\/\/www.chefmorgan.com\/engine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/822\/revisions\/850"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.chefmorgan.com\/engine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=822"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chefmorgan.com\/engine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=822"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.chefmorgan.com\/engine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=822"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}