People Watching Restaurants

Ozumo is one of the few true contemporary Japanese restaurants in Santa Monica. Food is prepared on a traditional Japanese Robata Grill and includes the finest sushi and sashimi. The extraordinary interior concepts of Ozumo incorporate the four major materials found in Japanese design and architecture: wood, paper, steel and stone. Featuring a 22-seat sushibar, elegant dining room, an Izakaya lounge, as well as outdoor beer garden, Ozumo can cater any social or business event. The sake list at Ozumo is second to none, and features a large selection of the highest quality "ginjo" and "daiginjo" premium sakes. An extensive …

Offering diners modern Japanese fare with American flare, Geisha House in Hollywood caters to those looking for more than the typical sushi restaurant. An ultra modern décor welcomes guests as they enter the restaurant. Providing an atmosphere dripping with sensuality, Geisha House is a great way to start a night out on the town, or to bring a date. The full bar serves up sake infused signature cocktails like the Geisha Kiss Martini. Creative presentation of dishes such as the Sashimi Igloo and Robata World is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the belly, while …

Located near the famed farmers market in the bustling Fairfax district, Cobras and Matadors is "underground Spain meets urban Los Angeles." Here, one will discover a tapas-centric menu filled with traditional Spanish favorites and eclectic variations on the theme, as well as a fast-paced atmosphere that is simply intoxicating. It’s anything but stuffy, and is still delicious and surprising enough to please even the most cultured Los Angeles diner. Go for the inventive dishes. Go for the fabulous vibe. Go for a fantastic night out. Just go.

Situated discreetly where funky and hip Abbot Kinney boulevard dead ends, Beechwood is the perfect haven to morph into the trendy hipster scene of Venice. The modern warm wood décor creates a relaxed atmosphere, whether you are enjoying the signature Pan Fried Chicken Paillard in the secluded rear dining room, or a Kiwi Vodka Caipirinha in the comfortable, noisy space of the enticing bar area with its fire pit, low chaise lounges, and communal tables. There is no doubt that the stylish crowd is drawn in by the innovative twists on international comfort food, diverse wines and specialty cocktail list …

Santa Monica is home to one of the world’s premier raw food restaurants, Planet Raw. Executive Chef Juliano Brothman is no new comer to the raw food lifestyle; at the vanguard back in 1994, he has brought his years of expertise to Planet Raw. The restaurant does not utilize four, wheat, grain, sugar, canned, or boxed foods of any kind. What they do use to construct their raw dishes is fruits, vegetables, roots, leaves, nuts, and seeds. The menu includes a long list of house potions, elixirs & smart drinks, and smoothies, all with their own respective benefits dependent on …

One step inside from the bustle of Melrose takes you into Dolce, a trendy Italian restaurant with a cozy dark decor and some fantastic people watching. Known for its ambiance, tasty Italian classics, and hip crowd, Dolce is perfect for a romantic date, or a pre-club meal. From the traditional Pesto Gnocchi and Osso Bucco to the more fusion-based Tuna Tartare and Mango Bruschetta, Dolce's menu caters to all tastes and appetites. Drink options include a full wine list, including selections by the glass, as well as a large selection of cocktails. It is certain that Dolce's decor and ambiance …

Tantra restaurant, located in the Silverlake neighborhood of Los Angeles, is owner Navraj Singh’s most generous gift to the community. Beginning at the ornate, hammered-metal doors and continuing throughout is an opulence that far exceeds any expectation. This gorgeous space was designed by Sat Garg of Akar Studios in Santa Monica, and is profoundly beautiful. It is a setting that perfectly compliments Chef Sanjay Kumar’s masterful preparations. His menu is a sophisticated mélange of traditional Indian cuisine and contemporary ingredients, with a broad range of tandoori dishes from the north and masala based dishes from the south of India.

Hollywood’s Bella Cucina Italiana is just steps from the city’s iconic “Walk of Fame” and an Oscar’s throw from glamorous Kodak Theatre. The restaurant draws a modern, hip, and eclectic crowd keen on casual cucina dining. The menu dishes up classic pasta favorites and sumptuous Southern Italian entrees. Bella Cucina Italiana is a member of Los Angeles’ Dolce Group. Balancing a hip lounge with cozy, unpretentious dining, Bella mixes it up with a modern take on the classic trattoria.

Falcon’s location, on a nondescript stretch of Sunset Boulevard, is unassuming, but once inside, it’s a different story—the glamorous Dodd Mitchell design provides the perfect setting for drinking or dining. Indeed, although Falcon has built a reputation for its nightlife, the restaurant’s food is worthy of a trip in its own right. The focus of the succinct but wide-ranging menu is fresh, seasonal ingredients, and the dishes are fancy enough to gain interest, but not overworked. The wine list, too, is thoughtfully chosen, covering the globe but specializing in California.

Two floors and 25,000 square feet of sprawling entertainment space establish J Lounge in a league all its own. Rich tones of chocolate and deep burgundy carry through this multifaceted venue, and provide an air of elegant exuberance. Visitors may dine in the white linen clad dining room or on the adjoining patio complete with a massive fire pit. Complementing the exquisitely detailed décor is a menu that highlights similarly thoughtful and flavorful dishes. Favorites include the Fritto Misto Tempura, the Crispy Grilled Salmon, and the Braised Beef Short Ribs. An impressive specialty drink and wine selection provides a fitting …

Dukes West Hollywood dishes up tasty diner fare, sandwiched right between the ultra popular Whisky A Go Go and The Cat Club on the Sunset Strip. Steeped in music history as the former location of the London Fog Night Club and the one-time living quarters for Jim Morrison, Dukes has earned its place on the strip as a legitimate watering hole serving up breakfast all day and other classic diner food. Since 1968, Dukes has been a go-to spot for celebrities and musicians, and locals and tourists looking to satisfy their appetites with decidedly unfussy yet reliable diner food.

The Grand Lux brings warmth and personality to fine dining. With themes from the Old World cafes, The Grand Lux’s lavish motifs are an escape from the ordinary. All-marble tabletops and floors, hand-blown glass fixtures, and intricate mosaics highly define the pure splendor of the café’s Venetian color scheme. Designed by the creators of The Cheesecake Factory, who travelled the world to bring you this ornately detailed and extravagant restaurant, this elaborately themed restaurant will not only be a feast for your eyes, but also for your tummy. Choose from an array of over 150 delicious and unique menu selections. …

Located in swanky La Brea with daily happy hours, dinner and drinks, Los Angeles brings its patrons something new- The Tar Pit. Situated amidst some of the city’s historical landmarks, this modern bar and music venue stays open late and serves a variety of über creative and tasty dishes and drinks. Specialty cocktails, tempting plates, and live music await you at The Tar Pit along with an upscale mirrored and bronze colored décor. Come check out this late night hotspot and experience something modern and historical at the same time.

This business was reported as PERMANENTLY CLOSED. Pacific by NoRu offers a fresh, balanced, coastal-inspired culinary experience that explores what local flavor truly is. Founded by residents who have lived and understand that what this area represents is an opportunity to share good nature, great people, and amazing food with its patrons. Please visit, dine, and enjoy Pacific’s balance of excellent food, a love for nature, and great people. Won "Best New Restaurant" in Ventura County voted on by VC Reporter for 2019/2020. See you soon at Pacific by NoRu.

We closed our business, Le Petit Greek, on December 31st, 2023, after 35 years of operation. Thank you all for your support and patronage over the years!

This restaurant is closed.

Blue Velvet, a new addition to the Los Angeles culinary scene, is surprisingly refreshing. Nested in a newly constructed sustainable apartment complex called the Flat, the restaurant dishes up exquisite cuisine— with a conscious. A rooftop garden provides herbs, fruit, and vegetables for the kitchen, and the kitchen deftly pays homage to this fresh produce. Chef Kris Morningstar offers a mouthwatering array of contemporary dishes such as a Duo of Pork featuring crispy belly and braised shank with pork broth, udon noodles, and rapini; and “Crispy Skin of Loup de Mer” featuring clams, chickpeas, merguez sausage, lobster and pepper sauce, …

Permanently closed!