AGO

This elegant Italian hotspot exudes a mix of old and rustic décor with modern finishes. Have a seat in the twinkle-lit patio surrounded by 30-foot Italian cypress and olive trees (to keep the paparazzi away), and get transported on a culinary journey through Tuscany, Liguria and Emilio Romano.

Savour the fresh, authentic Italian fare, such as the creamiest Burrata, Calamari Carpaccio, Veal Ravioli with mushroom sauce, Spaghetti allo Scoglio,and the House speciality, Fritto Misto Mare (mixed fried fish). Wood-burning oven Pizzas are perfectly thin with a crispy crust. Impressive international wine list.

The trattoria is backed by entertainment moguls, including De Niro, the Weinsteins and Ridley Scott, so don’t be surprised to be rubbing shoulders with stars, VIP’s and business execs sealing their next film deal. The romantic al fresco setting makes it the perfect place to take a date, where you can dream of idyllic Italian starry nights as you sip some of the best Chianti in town.

8478 Melrose Avenue       (323) 655-6333

GOOD GIRL DINETTE

There’s a plethora of fair-to-great Vietnamese joints in Los Angeles. The Good Girl Dinette stands out because of its flair, freshness, and their creative American comfort food interpretation of traditional Vietnamese dishes.

A large, almost industrial space, with bright orange chairs and large wooden tables evokes a communal atmosphere, with an entire wall of windows looking out at the funky diverse neighborhood of Highland Park.

Chicken Pot Pie is the house specialty. Made-to-order, it’s a crumbly, oversized biscuit covering free-range chicken and vegetables in a deep luxurious broth with hints of curry, cinnamon and herbs.

An excellent, crisp baguette sandwich is prepared in the style of bahn mi, covered with chilies and garlic. Sides of slaw, greens, and curried cauliflower dot the menu. Mushrooms abound, accompanied with quality meats, herbs, and homemade aromatic broths are sure to cure almost anything that ails you.

110 North Avenue 56      (323) 257-8980

KIRIKO            Japanese

Hidden in a humble strip mall is one of the finest sushi places in Los Angeles. Chef/owner Ken Namba brings his influence of spending his youth at the Tsjusiki Fish Market and Tokyo's sushi bars to West LA.

As Japanese restaurants go, Kiriko stands apart by the quality and creativity of their menu. The discriminating clientele, including many renowned Japanese chefs, (it is said to be one of Nobu's favorites), is a sure-fire indicator of the exquisite flavor sensations this restaurant has to offer.

A seat at the Sushi Bar is your best option. Choose from an extensive list of sashimi, the freshest and rarest sushi, and exquisitely formulated specials. Must tries include, Kampachi Carpaccio, a thinly sliced amber jack carpaccio, or the seared Wild Blue Fin Tuna with garlic soy and truffle butter. Smoked Salmon with mango and caviar is the most flavorful you will ever taste outside of Japan. The Omakase (Chef's choice) menu is a Japanese gastronomic experience.

Chef Namba is also a notable sake sommelier, suggesting the perfect sip to compliment your dish. Intimate and authentic, this is definitely sushi worth the seeking.

11301 W. Olympic Blvd #102       (310) 478-7769

NOBU            Japanese

You can’t blink twice in LA without passing another sushi bar. From local strip mall joints to outlandishly expensive Omakase menus, LA has something to satisfy every raw fish fanatic craving. (They didn’t name it California Roll for nothing.) To experience Japanese cuisine on a whole other level, Nobu is on the top of the LA sushi-lists. The David Rockwell designed space on La Cienega’s Restaurant Row is elegant, sexy, and Asian chic, filled to the brim with a mixed crowd of entertainment execs, show biz agents, celebrities, serious foodies and die hard Nobu-fantatics who refuse to get their Uni fix from anywhere else.

Head chef of the West Hollywood hotspot, Alex Becker has worked in various Nobu locations, including Hawaii and New York. Using the freshest fish from Tokyo, his team creates their signature dishes to perfection. No dinner can proceed without an order of the Rock Shrimp Tempura with creamy spicy sauce. The Miso-glazed Black Cod melts in your mouth like butter, and the Yellowtail Sashimi with jalapeno is as if tasting an ocean jewel. The most exciting dishes are the ones found exclusively on the LA menu which caters to the Angeleno tastes, such as Wagyu or Lobster Sashimi Tacos. Nobu’s Peruvian influences are evident in the fusion specialties such as the fresh and citrusy Lobster Ceviche, and the tasty Ocean Trout Anticucho with wasabi pepper sauce.

The elegant bar/lounge is buzzing with LA locals partaking in the exquisite list of wines and signature cocktails. Nobu is also a top dessert destination in LA. One glance at the dessert menu, and you will understand why. Will it be the Apple Butterscotch Miso with caramelized apples, Sable Breton, sour cream ice cream, or a PB & J Satandagi with warm peanut butter, chocolate satandagi, peanut butter ice cream, and plum wine gelee?

903 North La Cienega Boulevard       (310) 657-5711

URASAWA            Japanese

In the tiny minimalist dining area, Chef Hiro Urasawa reigns supreme, as the smiling and friendly Sushi King. He leads you through a menu of exotic fresh fish, flown directly from Tokyo, artistically sliced with precision using his custom made Japanese knife. Watch him create his culinary works of art, including the sesame seed Tofu, topped with Beluga caviar and 24 carat gold flakes, the melt in your mouth Toro, Foie Gras Shabu Shabu, Shark Fin soup, the freshest Sashimi served in a hand carved ice bowl, and the many other tasty dishes presented to the fortunate diners. Of course, the service is impeccable.

Urasawa is not a Japanese restaurant where you can frequent often …unless you have unlimited funds. By the end of the evening, you might not mind spending $275 per person. For dedicated Japanese foodies, it will be one of the most memorable dining experiences ever.

218 N Rodeo Drive       (310) 247-8939

WP24        Asian Fusion

High above the downtown skyscrapers in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel is home to one of the most dynamic additions to the LA Culinary scene, WP24. An ultra-modern, sexy and sophisticated dining room, surrounded by floor to ceiling glass windows showcasing spectacular panoramic views of the city. Here is where superstar chef Wolfgang Puck reflects on his travels to the Far East, as he enlivens our palates with a symphony of Asian flavors and ingredients.

The signature Asian small plates include Crispy Shrimp & Crab hand cut sushi rolls, Sichuan Chicken “Dan Dan” Dumplings with ground peanuts and chili oil, Baby Bao Buns with sautéed Duck Liver, and Thai Basil and Sweet Prawn Wontons. Chinese dishes make an appearance with a modern artisanal flair, such as Crispy Suckling Pig with black plum puree and wild flower-licorice honey, a 1000 year old traditional Chinese Hot Pot with Kobe Beef Cheek, and Roasted Duckling “Peking Style”. An adequate but elegant list of international and domestic wines, Asian beers, and sakes.

Between the conceptual cuisine, spectacular views and excellent service, WP24 is a sensational LA dining experience well deserved of praise.

900 W Olympic Blvd at the Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles
(213) 743-8800