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Best Fine Dining (General) in Los Angeles - Westside

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The Lobster
1602 Ocean Ave Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-9294
Perched over the ocean and smack dab in the middle of the world famous Santa Monica Pier, The Lobster has been around since 1923. Indoor and outdoor seating provides amazing views, and the food is nothing to scoff at. The vibe is definitely casual elegance, with an emphasis on casual (this is LA, after all). They cover all the great seafood restaurant bases, but for something different, try the lobster salad served on sweet corn and scallion pancakes. They also serve perfectly fried calamari with a very lemony twist, served with a garlic sauce that is truly memorable. Hours: Sun-Thu 11:30am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am-11pm
Sushi Roku
1401 Ocean Ave Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-4771
Sushi Roku is quite the hot spot for the young, rich and beautiful. The interior is dark, sleek and sexy. The enclosed patio offers killer ocean views. That said, the sushi speaks for itself. LA locals know Sushi Roku will provide some of the freshest and best quality products available. The staff is top notch and keep their cool with sushi “newbies”. In addition to traditional Japanese favorites, they also offer many dishes with Californian/French inspiration, such as a tuna spring roll cigar with Asian beurre blanc, soft-shell crab in champagne butter, fresh salmon rolled with daikon, ponzu and caviar, and filet-wrapped asparagus with soy sake. Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-11:30pm, Sat 12pm-11:30pm, Sun 5:30pm-10:30pm
Melisse
1104 Wilshire Blvd Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 395-0881
Opened in 1999 and having received a Mobile 4-star rating less than two years later, chef and Melisse owner Josiah Citrin has taken the flavors of France and found them a home in Santa Monica. The loving preparation and service Josiah and his team provides is almost as wonderful as the dishes, which do not miss a beat. The menu is whimsical and surprising (sweet corn ravioli with a truffle sauce sounds puzzling…but makes perfect sense in your mouth). Tasting menus are available for the table, and run around $100. Another wonderful option Melisse provides is a vegetarian five-course tasting menu for $85. Hours: Tue-Thu 6pm-9:30pm, Fri 6pm-10pm, Sat 5:45pm-10pm
Fraiche
9411 Culver Blvd Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 839-6800
A sleek interior with a rock wall and an open kitchen where you can view your meal being created make Fraiche fresh indeed. The portions are slightly smaller than what we “big eaters” are used to, and are a wonderful excuse to order more plates to taste the bounty. Thoughtful service and beautiful preparation make it apparent that this restaurant is run with love. Some dishes to not miss include their beef tartare, monkfish with spinach and shallots, and the light as air ricotta fritters with berries and balsamic reduction for dessert. Gorgeous! Hours: 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10:30pm; Weekends 5:30pm-10:30pm
Joe's
1023 Abbot Kinney Blvd Venice, 90291
(310) 399-5811
Like dining in a friends home, this very intimate spot provides the perfect balance of fine dining and food you really want to eat. There is an adorable pack patio available for seating, if romance is what you seek. They have a great Prix Fixe and a Tasting Menu available that changes with the seasons-- a great way to experience the best of Chef Joe Miller’s use of farm fresh ingredients without worrying about the bill. For a great ending, try the “Frozen Grasshopper Terrine”, comprised of vanilla ice cream, mint mousse, white chocolate whipped cream, dark chocolate drizzle on a chocolate cookie crust. Perfect for a California summer night. Hours: Tue-Thu 12pm-2:30pm, 6pm-10pm, Fri 12pm-2:30pm, 6pm-11pm, Sat 11am-2:30pm, 6pm-11pm, Sun 11am-2:30pm, 6pm-10pm
Drago
2628 Wilshire Blvd Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 828-1585
For exquisite Italian cuisine and service, Drago is molto bene. Master chef and owner Celestino Drago has received critical and popular acclaim since he debuted Drago in 1991. Dress up, or you’ll feel silly, and have fun with the old school service (napkin placed in lap, escort for the bathroom…). They even have an entire menu devoted to dishes served with truffles (seasonal). Try the salad made with organic baby spinach, pears and pecorino and marvel at how amazing such simplicity can taste when the ingredients are top notch. If you’re feeling adventurous, the pan-roasted rabbit is unforgettably moist and rich. Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-3pm, 5:30pm-11pm, Sat-Sun 5:30pm-11pm
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