326 Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 90212 (310) 277-1165
Going out for sushi should be an experience, not just a meal. At Sushi Sushi the chef will sear, slice and torch the unbelievably fresh fish right in front of you.
Preparing each piece as though it were a work of art, the chef pays particular attention to detail on the rice. Each serving is as beautiful as it is delicious and is a tribute to the culinary arts. The restaurant serves only sushi, for the true fish-lover.
FIGARO CAFÉ
1802 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, 90027 (323) 662-1587
Tucked away in Los Feliz Village is the quaint French restaurant Figaro Café. The café offers diners both a nice outdoor seating area for those wishing to dine al fresco, and an intimate indoor dining area. Offering traditional bistro fare, the food is made quickly but with love and attention.
Figaro brings France to life for Angelenos in search of a Parisian haven. An impressive wine list accents the food nicely and the homemade desserts are to die for.
EL CHOLO
1121 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, 90006 (323) 734-2773
El Cholo is a L.A. landmark that has been serving traditional Mexican food to Angelenos since 1927. The menu is full of tempting dishes, some are the familiar classics to be found in most Mexican restaurants while others have unique added flair like the blue corn chicken enchiladas and crab meat taquitos.
And what could be better to wash all the yummy stuff down with than a classic El Cholo margarita? The atmosphere is fun and loud and especially fit for having a good meal with friends.
PAPA CRISTO
2771 West Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90006 (800) 732-3212
"Rated Extraordinary" by the Zagat Guide, Papa Cristo is quite possibly the tastiest Greek food in L.A. With a wide variety of dishes that will please meat lovers and vegetarians alike, Papa’s got something for everyone.
Start your meal off with the sizzling feta or classic spanakopita and make sure to end it with a buttery piece of baklava, a traditional Greek treat. In between appetizers and dessert you may consider trying some of Papa’s savory roasted lamb or chicken, or opt for the flavorful and crispy falafel.
IL PASTAIO
400 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills (310) 205-5444
This friendly neighborhood trattoria has been satisfying customers’ cravings for pasta for the past decade. It offers up mouthwatering Italian comfort food to the masses for reasonable prices.
The pasta is handmade on the premises and comes in a creative variety of dishes. The black squid ink risotto may sound strange but "tastes like heaven," according to L.A. Weekly. Decorated with images from Cinema Paradiso, Chef/Owner Drago’s favorite movie, the restaurant has a warm and welcoming vibe matched only by the intensely flavorful food.
CHAN DARA
310 N. Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles, 90004 (323) 467-1052
A show-biz crowd frequents this delectable Thai restaurant. Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Larchmont Village, outdoor seating is highly recommended. The eye candy waitresses are known for being beautiful and are the perfect addition to the Spanish-style house that the restaurant occupies.
Chan Dara is a high-energy yet casual eatery offering delicious Thai plates such as satay and pad Thai along with delicacies like deep-fried whole catfish. The relaxed environment is ideal for taking out of town guests with a craving for something Asian.
PAMPAS GRILL
6333 W. Third St., Los Angeles, 90036 (323) 931-1928
Located in the Farmer’s Market at Third and Fairfax, this is definitely not your ordinary restaurant. Pampas Grill offers a fully-stocked buffet with Brazilian flair and the restaurant charges by the pound. Don’t let your eyes be bigger than your stomach (or your wallet) here!
The simple menu offers a crowd-pleasing variety of meats prepared the Brazilian-barbeque way. But the meats are not the only things that draw the masses; the plantains, stews and mountains of fresh vegetables are always a big hit with the hungry.
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE
224 South Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 90212 (310) 859-8744
6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Suite 1360 Woodland Hills, 91367
Considered a Mecca for steak eaters, Ruth’s Chris is one of the more recognizable names in American restaurant dining. Cozy and sophisticated, the restaurant is a favorite of many celebrities, so you never know who might be sitting next to you.
Ruth’s boasts steaks so good the only necessary seasoning is salt and pepper. In addition to the succulent steaks are a tempting selection of fresh seafood like the seared Ahi tuna and the fresh main lobster.
VIP HARBOR SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
11701 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90025 (310) 979-3377
For the best experience in traditional dim sum dining head over to VIP. Pick your favorites from the roaming carts and remember to get enough to share.
Dozens of types of mini dim sum circulate through the restaurant on steamy carts and make selecting your dishes fun. The steamed pork bau is light and fluffy while the shrimp pot stickers are juicy and plump.
If you’re not in the mood for dim sum, VIP offers an assortment of standard Chinese dishes as well such as kung pao chicken and fried shrimp. The restaurant sits on the second story of a mini-mall and provides free valet parking.
CHOSUN GALBEE
3330 West Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90019 (323) 734-3330,
At ChoSun Galbee you will get the experience of an authentic Korean barbeque. With built-in fire pit grills in the center of each table customers can cook their food to their individual preference. Sear a fish of your choice or grill up the house special short ribs, each promising tenderness and flavor with every bite.
The bustling atmosphere is especially inviting to families and large parties, where you won’t have to worry about your laughter or cell phone being a disturbance.
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