Need Santa Monica area recommendations

[dblakely]

I am looking for a non-chain restaurant that's in the Santa Monica area. I want to buy a gift certificate for my son and girlfriend who are in their mid 20's. Probably want to spend $125. They like seafood, but like all kinds of other foods too. Any suggestions?

[chowmominLA]

For $125 I'd go with Ocean Ave. Seafood, JiRaffe, Joe's or the Lobster. I think you'd need at least $150 to cover Melisse, but if you spring it they'll love you even more than they already do.

[gadflier]

Not a new suggestion, but a clear 2nd for either Jiraffe or Melisse, with a small nod to the latter. Not sure $125 will do it, but it will get them far.

[chica]

In addition to the above, I would suggest checking out Ocean and Vine; Whist at the Viceroy; and The Lobster. The former two are more 'happening' scenes with music and young couples, although The Lobster can also get quite festive some nights.

[donnival]

Wow, I was about to post all three restaurants but it wouldn't go through and I got fed up ... doesn't look like I needed to, though.

[glutton]

Seafood options: Joe's (Venice), Ocean Ave Seafood (Good, but not great)

Other good places: Jiraffe, Josie, Michaels, Chinois, Melisse

[dblakely]

Jiraffe looks great! the food looks wonderful,but the wine prices are a bit ridiculous. Do you know if they offer other bottles that are more reasonably priced than what they show on their website?

[glutton]

I don't recall. However, they run a bistro night (monday nights, if I recall) and I believe the wine is discounted that night, in addition to a cheaper prix fixe deal. Great place.

[Cheese Please]

glutton has hit some of the more celebrated places on the Westside, so no argument here with those recs. But you simply have to know that there's no way for two to dine indulgently (wine-appetizer-entree-dessert for both diners and a proper tip) at these places for $125. It's hard to find a bottle of wine at such places for under $30, but more likely the cheapest bottles will be around $40.

That said, I am a huge fan of Josie - I love the food, service, and vibe. I recommend it other all others. Jiraffe and Melisse are also very special.

I think Joe's is overrated. And Michael's - what can I say - it is awful.

[JBC]

You couldn't go wrong with Chinois with them sitting at the counter ( if they need suggestons on what to order, just post...), call and ask about gift certificates?!?!

http://www.wolfgangpuck.com/rest/fine...