BLUE PLATE OYSTERETTE

A small and lively restaurant that can be a bit deceptive on its first impression, but once you settle in you know you are exactly where you should be. This gleaming blue and white diner is a paradise for fish and oyster lovers. Take a seat at the counter overlooking the open kitchen, or against the mirrored wall tucked into a booth. Blue Plate welcomes you with fresh, seasonal and succulent seafood prepared simply, yet with international flair and imagination.

The Lobster roll and Oyster po’ boy are crowd favorites, but the specials are always worth exploring, ranging from a perfect Peruvian Ceviche served with boiled new potatoes and a spicy paprika aioli, Lobster Mac n’Cheese and a stellar selection of Crudo. Catches of the day are listed on the board and grilled or pan sautéed with an array of potent, intense sauces such as black bean chutney or roasted garlic and lemon. The varying Oyster menu highlights incredibly fresh choices from both the west and east coasts, served on the half shell of course. The Fish and Chips are undeniably excellent, and perhaps the best in the city.

Efficient and warm wait staff, eager to offer suggestions from the perfectly suited wine list. It is not uncommon for the owner and manager to stop by during your meal to pass along the good vibe.

Don’t skip the gorgeous selection of desserts. One stand out is the ice cream sandwich made with coconut ice cream in a cinnamon cookie and a dollop of chocolate.

1355 Ocean Ave      (310) 576-3474

CORA'S COFFEE SHOP

For many people, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And to arrive at Cora’s, situated one block from the Pacific Ocean in a bougainvillea covered open-air patio, is to experience a blissful morning. The inviting ambience is topped off with consistently delicious food.

An exceptionally fresh menu ranges from Mediterranean-style-- Buratta Caprese Omelette, Albacore Tuna Panino, or Italian Sausage served on Polenta; to California inspired dishes-- luscious Orange Blueberry Pancakes, exotic Wagyu Kobe Beef Burgers and mouth-watering Roast Chicken. The coffee is primo, the juices are always fresh squeezed.

Impeccable service runs like a well-oiled machine with a staff that has been there for over a decade. A truly perfect spot exemplifying the best of its type in LA.

1802 Ocean Ave      (310) 451-9562

JIRAFFE

Award winning chef-owner Raphael Lunetta has succeeded at merging the precision and delicacies of fine French cooking with the welcoming and local flavor of California cuisine. The dining experience at JiRaffe is elegant but unpretentious, detailed but approachable. A perfect dining space nestled on a corner in downtown Santa Monica invites romantic meals, celebratory affairs and casual weekday suppers.

While enjoying a seasonal specialty cocktail or a choice from the French and California focused fine wine list, an Amuse-bouche will arrive fresh from the bounty of the nearby farmers market-- preparing your palate for the ever-changing menu.

The roasted Beet Salad with walnuts, dried Bing cherries and goat cheese cream is a signature item. Another favorite is the Roasted Chicken, served with a fresh garden ragout. Caramelized Pork Chop shows off Lunetta’s passion for choosing excellent and well-sourced meats-- the sweet pork perfectly cooked and served with an apple-spiced chutney and wild rice.

JiRaffe demonstrates its creative pursuits with an extraordinary selection of nightly specials and occasional chef’s tasting menus. Mondays are Bistro Night, with a 3-course Prix fixe for $38.

502 Santa Monica Blvd.       (310) 917-6671

MÉLISSE

Located in the heart of Santa Monica, this contemporary French-American restaurant brings sophisticated elegance to the laid back West Side. Chef/Owner Josiah Citrin, demonstrates his exquisite skills, perfected from training with such culinary stars as Wolfgang Puck, to bring us dishes so impeccably presented, they deserve admiration. Each visit launches a culinary journey of creative combinations, bold flavors, and colorful masterpieces.

Egg Caviar of poached egg, lemon crème frâiche, and American Osetra Caviar is a good way to start. Entrees include the outstanding Lobster Bolognese with fresh cappelini and black truffles, or the simply divine California Guinea Hen ‘poche-roti’ with haricots vers, fennel and pistachio nut. There's even a superb seasonal Vegetarian tasting menu.

The sommelier provides expert advice for the perfect wine selection from their world class list. No evening would be complete without a spoonful of Sticky Toffee Pudding and mocha malt ice cream. Dining at Mélisse is nothing less than an outstanding visual and sensual gastronomic experience.

1104 Wilshire Blvd      (310) 395-0881