NOOK

Nook is the epitome of a neighborhood bistro-- Communal tables, seasonal rotating menu, warm knowledgeable staff, and food that leaves one more than satisfied. This find is literally in a nook of a mini mall on a busy west LA main drag. Instantly inviting, savvy diners are treated to a friendly atmosphere and creative cuisine.

The chef focuses on seasonal, market-fresh ingredients. Pushing the envelope on American classics, this is comfort food raised to the next level.

Not to be missed is the Nook Burger served with red onion wine jam and Gruyere cheese. The Pork Chop goes above and beyond with Stilton cheese, Asian pears and an apricot vinaigrette.

Shitake Gruyere bread pudding is simultaneously decadent and airy, and serves as a perfect side for the array of braised meats, grilled fish, and a house favorite-- chick pea and butternut squash stew.

An elegant selection of beers are available on tap.

11628 Santa Monica Blvd #9      (310) 207-5160

TAVERN

Angelenos Caroline Styne and chef Suzanne Goin continue with their spectacular success of the award winning Lucques and AOC. Now Brentwood has something else to brag about with Tavern, the rustic, cozy, open space restaurant featuring an outstanding, local, warm and hearty menu.

Chorizo and Egg Sofrito followed by a variety of exquisite brunch pastries including heavenly almond croissants, pain au chocolat, cherry and almond scones, will satisfy your morning hunger pangs. The Grand Fromage Sandwich, is a winner for lunch. The dinner menu ignites with an excitement to the senses with dishes such as Grilled Quail with faro, roasted squash, cavolo nero and pomegranate, and a Braised Lamb Ravioli with ricotta salata. Desserts are joyful indulgences, including the “Snickers” Bar with salted peanut caramel and vanilla ice cream.

Adjacent to the main area, The Larder (a bakery-deli) offers fresh culinary creations, pastries, inventive sandwiches, cheese and charcuterie-- perfect for a healthy and filling lunch.

11648 San Vicente Blvd       (310) 806-6464

WATER GRILL

A gleaming bar within the opulent marble and deco inspired surroundings invites the diner into a lush, comfortable dining room of marble columns, banquettes and crisp white linens.

The exceptional hands of executive chef Amanda Baumgarten leads you through the Asian-influenced menu, with an impressive variety of poetic and intricate choices.

Start with the raw bar showcasing a stunning array of oysters, clams, sea urchin, and lobster. The seasonal menu changes daily, flaunting chef Le Febre’s imagination and attunement to arisanal ingredients such as the Clam Chowder with Weiser Farm potatoes and Niman Ranch bacon, a Jumbo Crab Cake served with house-brined pickles, and the main course of Alaskan Halibut sautéed with lavender, Meyer lemon and vanilla bean oil.

The elegant wine list offers domestic and international selections, assembled to complement the delicate and intricate flavors of each dish. Desserts are ambitious yet impeccable, and should not be missed.

544 S. Grand Ave.      (213) 891-0900