Fine dining

[asomers]

What are your favorite upscale restaurants in L.A.?

For me, it's Saddle Peak Lodge.

[5L1mm]

"seasons 52" has been a favorite of mine for a wile.
its not crazy expensive(just dont look at the wine menu, and youll be fine)
the back of them is clean (like everyone wears white, and their clothes stay white all night as they work) if you have ever worked in a restaurant you will know that is rare.
the manager is not called manager, he is called chef.
their menu changes every week (hence 52)
all of their food is cooked with open wood fire.
the broiler, and the oven.
they do walkins, and reservations
they stress "low fat" on all of their menu itmes if that is your thing, but usually that means they are a tad high in sodium instead.

[5L1mm]

also i hear capital grille is pretty snazzy, i havnt eaten there yet though.
also if you have a "maggianos" in your area, id recommend you making an Italian night there.

[Patirck]

Where to begin...

Parkway Grill in Pasadena - a Smith brothers' place. Everything from the Bourbon old fashion to the filet to the deserts are amazing.
Bistro Garden in Sherman Oaks - amazing everything.
Bistro 45 in Pasadena


All are great and while expensive - not a whole lot more than you would pay for medicore food/service in many other places around town. If you want a really good lunch - Parkway grill has a kobe burger with maytag blue cheese for about $15.

[phishphan]

valentino's in santa monica for the best italian food. just ask wolfgang where his favorite italian resturant is (thats what i saw on "the best thing i ever ate").
Valentino Restaurant Group

[phishphan]

my favorite local place that we walk to is Darren's Resturant in Manhattan Beach. Darren's Restaurant
consistantly good food. go with the boneless short rib. that is fantastic. we've had everything on the menu so if you're curious....

[havasu]

Chinois in Santa Monica...A great place to take a date!

(It's a Wolfgang Puck Asian Fusion Restaurant)

[blood]

Check out Cafe Stella in Silverlake and the Tasting Kitchen in Venice. Damn good food.