Help Me Choose from Short List for SO's B'day (X 2)

[Silver Lake Guy]

SO's 46th is a few weeks away and a boy's gotta eat and celebrate with a special dinner out. We've been compiling a short list of places we've yet to try and need to narrow it down--or expand it, if so persuaded!--to land one place to go (just the two of us) and a second to go (with SO's Mama who's adventurous but likes good service and a nice drink). Thoughts, please, and no restrictions - we like it all:

Roy's (downtown), been hearing a lot about this
Sona
A.O.C. (still haven't been...)
CUT
Hatfield's
Ago
La Terza
Dolce
The Lobster (anyone read SIV's review a few wks ago?)
any other new spots, downtown or hollywood??

[glutton]

Got to go to AOC.

[luswei]

I vote for AOC! Especially since you're never been. Cobras and Matadors is another suggestion.

[Nicole]

AOC is a great experience--I would recommend you try it out. I wouldn't recommend the Lobster or Dolce. In my opinion, the Lobster doesn't have as good food as many other places you listed, and is overpriced with poor service. Dolce is indeed "chic" and "fun," but once again, I wouldn't put the food in the same category as some other places you mentioned. It's good but not great. And I definitely don't think it's a good place to bring your SO's mom--it is a really young, trendy crowd. I don't think an older person would feel comfortable there--unless she happens to be way cooler than my own mom. :)

[ipsedixit]

From that list, I would go to CUT.

I just was there a couple of nights ago and really enjoyed it.

[chica]

Roy's - read a recent post about this (few scrolls down). Very good. I'd suggest taking only your SO or both your SO and mom here. Great service, good Japanese fusion.
Sona - better for just your SO, good service though maybe a bit overly attentive at times. Not as private a feel, but quite adventurous. Prixe fixe is the way to go.
A.O.C. - if you haven't been, do go.
Ago - Celeb-spotting. Get the burrata as an appetizer - it's not on the menu, but it is one of the best of that dish I've had in LA.
La Terza - great Italian, too. Place is more fine dining feel than say, Angelini, but food is good. Same chef/owner as Angelini's.
Dolce - quite the chic place to be, loud - not as romantic, but fun. Fire behind the bar, great drinks.
The Lobster - loud. Great views, but you must ask to sit near the windows or in the open balcony quartered off with 'windows.' A bit expensive for the ordinary lobster, but food is delicious. So are the desserts, and they'll give a special dessert sampler dessert for birthdays upon request.

happy birthday to the SO.