With such gorgeous surroundings--beaches, hills and that time you saw Ryan Gosling--it's no wonder L.A. also has some of the world’s most breathtakingly beautiful restaurants. From a soaring converted church to a soon-to-be-closed hilltop manse, you’ll feel happy satisfying your hunger for beauty--as well as your plain old hunger--at these ten great-looking dining spots.
Los Angeles's 10 Most Gorgeous Restaurants
And what to order
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Published May 9, 2016
Yamashiro
This one’s historic (built in 1914 to house an Asian antiquities collection), exotic (it’s in the shape of a pagoda) and singular (it’s got a 180-degree view of Hollywood’s lights). Yamashiro is also endangered, since its recent $40 million sale. Have a toast with smooth Cabin in the Snow sake before it closes in June.
What to order: Cobia ceviche
1999 N. Sycamore, Hollywood; 323-466-5125 or yamashirohollywood.com
Winsome
The nouvelle diner known as Winsome is in the running for 2016’s most beloved selfie background, since the owners recreated a rare 1938 watercolor of Echo Park Lake as an interior mural. Request the booth under the painting.
What to order: Grass-fed beef burger
1115 Sunset Blvd.; 213-415-1818 or eatwinsome.com
True Photography
Tavern
Imagine you are the heroine in a Nancy Meyers film, and you’re going to a lunch meeting with your handsome client in a handsomely decorated power dining spot. That’s the vibe at Tavern, the Brentwood brasserie where soaring olive trees under a skylight and velvet banquettes make you feel like the star of your own movie.
What to order: Anything seasonal, but the lamb meatballs with currants, pine nuts and feta are can’t miss.
11648 San Vicente Blvd.; 310-806-6464 or tavernla.com
Redbird
Redbird is the former rectory building of a cathedral in DTLA that’s been converted to a glass-ceilinged, colorful dinner spot showcasing acclaimed local chef Neal Fraser’s eclectic fare.
What to order: Hamachi crudo with Meyer lemon
114 E. Second St.; 213-788-1191 or redbird.la
Viviane
A curved pool, cushy club chairs and palms and bamboo stalks swaying in the breeze: Viviane restaurant is your relaxed Hotel California vibe set in the middle of a residential Beverly Hills nabe. Go for brunch and sip a Granny Smith apple-and-cuke smoothie with your meal.
What to order: The egg white frittata
9400 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills; 844-328-2566 or avalon-hotel.com
The Tower Bar
This hotel restaurant is oak-paneled, low-lit and filled with the murmur of a live jazz duo and the sweet nothings of Dmitri, the elegant maître d’. The Art Deco style--and strong martinis--will have you feeling all Myrna Loy-brazen in no time.
What to order: Roasted branzino with fingerling potatoes
8358 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood; 323-654-7100 or sunsettowerhotel.com
Fountain Coffee Room
Let’s just be real--when you’re looking for that iconic Beverly Hills experience, you want to roll into the Beverly Hills Hotel porte cochere, toss your keys to the valet and say, “I’ll be downstairs at the Fountain.” You’re talking about the Fountain Coffee Room, the 19-seat lunch counter from 1949, where you’re meeting your gal pals for an Arnold Palmer and the latest gossip. (We won’t tell if you won’t.)
What to order: A naked burger
9641 Sunset Blvd., Beverly Hills; 310-276-2251 or dorchestercollection.com
Soho House West Hollywood
Luckily, as Angelenos we’re familiar with the sexy feeling of eating an evening meal in a garden hung with lanterns. SoHo House West Hollywood’s rooftop garden room tops this experience by putting the forest-dining experience up on the 14th floor, with a skylight overhead and wraparound glass to enjoy the many stars outside.
What to order: The ravioli made with ricotta, mushrooms, peas and hazelnut cream
9200 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood; 310-432-9273 or sohohousewh.com
Perch
You’d think a wraparound terrace with a 14th-floor patio view that’s eye-to-eye with downtown’s historic high-rises would be enough. But Perch restaurant’s archways, tile work and potted greenery add a film noir vibe that’s soooo L.A.
What to order: Octopus with vadouvan and fennel citrus salad
448 S. Hill St.; 213-802-1770 or perchla.com
Nobu Malibu
So many times seaside eateries ruin the view with tacky decor such as walls hung with fishnets and (shudder) plastic trophy fish. Consider Nobu Malibu the antidote to all that: Just simple redwood decking, minimal upholstery and an expansive view of Carbon Beach’s crashing waves.
What to order: Blackened cod with miso
22706 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu; 310-317-9140 or noburestaurants.com
