New to LA and in search of a nice restaurant for a casual, but romantic night out (Westside, pref.)

[MamaJ]

We got a babysitter lined up, but we haven't a clue where to go. We'd like something not too scene-ish where the food is good, and interesting, and where we can talk like adults. We're on the Westside, around Beverly Glen.

Thanks.

[munchy]

MamaJ,
Welcome to LA! From one mama to another, I'd say: try Restaurant 2117 in West LA (Sawtelle & Olympic). It's Japanese-Italian-French fusion and a quiet, cozy little bistro (or at least it was when I was there on a Tuesday night at 7 pm). You can hold hands and talk and not have to shout over annoying music.

Pros: Tapas-style ordering means you can sample lots of dishes in a low-risk way. Attitude-free. Casual but not sloppy-informal--there's a wine list and white tablecloths, efficient and attentive service. Free valet in the parking lot of the minimall where the restaurant is located (well, the cost is just tip to the valet). And you can keep your car parked after dinner and wander ON FOOT the Sawtelle neighborhood, which is safe and well-lit and busy even on a weeknight. Perish the thought, walking in LA! It can be done. Did I mention relatively inexpensive? Prix fixe dinner for $36 includes two tapas (or one tapas, one salad), an entree, and a dessert.

Cons: with such a big menu, there are definite hits and some misses. Go with the spirit of experimentation and you'll be fine.

No disrespect regarding some of the suggestions from previous posters, but you can have Cal/Med/French/Nouvelle anywhere, and some would argue even better in NY/outside LA. So why not try some of what LA does best...Japanese (or Korean, or Mexican, or Cuban...)?

ETA: Ooops, someone suggested Orris above, which is in roughly the same neighborhood. And here's a link to an article about Sawtelle: http://travel2.nytimes.com/2006/10/01/travel/01surfacing.html

Good luck, and good eating,
Munchy

A lengthier review at http://cynematic.wordpress.com/2007/0...

Restaurant 2117
2117 sawtelle blvd
los angeles, ca 90025
tel: [phone]
fax: [phone]

[marlane]

I second Joe's, or Lily's next door.

The last meal I had ar Jose was so awful I am not even going to comment further.

If romance is a factor, I personally would head up to Geoffreys in Malibu. It gets mixed reviews re food but I have never had a bad meal there. You can not get a more romatic setting IMO than sitting in the outdoor patio under the stars and listening to the waves crash below. G is very accomodating at choice seating if you let them know its a special night for you.

[Emme]

Agree w/ Vibrato being great, but the jazz makes "talk like adults" not really feasible.

La Cachette is wonderful and right near you.

Bin 8945 for the 11 course tasting menu.

Upstairs2

[Bite Me]

Carmine II on Santa Monica Blvd.
Hal's or Joe's on Aboot Kinney
That little Italian place on Entrada accross from Georgio Baldi - can't remember the name - maybe someone can help ...
Pizzacoto in Brentwood on San Vicente

Have fun!

[nosh]

It gets a lot of love on this board and gets harder to get into, but my vote goes to Nook Bistro, hidden in the back corner of the minimall on Santa Monica Blvd. at Barry. Excellent food at very reasonable prices (high teens to low twenties for entrees), NYC vibe, very good service. Only possible downside is that most of the two-tops are very close to eachother along the main wall, so we ended up interacting a lot with our neighbors.

[hrhboo]

Orris would be my pick.

[budlit]

me too

[cyberroo]

I'd try Violet... It can be a little noisy, but it's solid, simple, grown-up food.

[tatertotsrock]

VIOLET
Wonderful place!!!
Anything with Short Ribs; Anything with Risotto; Anything with Scallops; Anything that says Mac n Cheese; Anything with Cumin Croutons...salads are wonderful!
The cute little chocolate chip cookies and milk.
Great wine list.
Amazing Burger at lunch time!

[silence9]

Welcome... Try Jiraffe, on Santa Monica blvd., in Santa Monica. Good food, good vibe, casual yet elegant. Great place to dine like adults, in the best sense of the term...

[Diana]

Drive down fairfax to little Ethiopia and hit Rahel's. Little, calm, unassuming, fabulous food, no corkage, and the tradition is to feed each other!

Over and over again I recommend Angeli Caffe, but it is really good! on Melrose in West Hollywood.

[yogachik]

I'd go to Catch at Casa del Mar. Great food, great room, great vibe, great view.

[goodhealthgourmet]

if you like jazz, you might want to try 'vibrato' in the beverly glen center near mulholland. i've never been there, but several friends have recommended it.

a little food, a little music, a little romance...

if not, i definitely second the recs for either josie or the restaurant at the getty.

josie is romantic & cozy, and better if we're strictly talking about the food...but the getty has an unbeatable view.

-----
Vibrato Grill & Jazz
2930 Beverly Glen Circle, Bel Air, CA 90077

[djdebs]

I'd try Josie. Wonderful, interesting food in a comfortable environment where you can relax and enjoy the evening.

[ipsedixit]

How about the Restaurant at the Getty Center?

This place was brought back to my attention, surprisingly, over a meal of dumplings ....

[MamaJ]

Do you mean in the Getty Center itself? Hmmm... Was it any good? Were you there for dinner? Thanks. Interesting idea.

[ipsedixit]

Yes, there is a restaurant at the Getty Center itself on top of the hill overlooking LA (and the 405 fwy). Food there is good to above average, but the setting is rather serene and can be quite charming ... just the place to have a real, grown-up discussion sans kids and "cool" crowd.

Menu changes frequently, but I would describe it as eclectic Californian (whatever that means ...)

http://getty.edu/visit/see_do/eat_sho...

Enjoy wherever you end up.

[SauceSupreme]

Here's pics from a recent dinner I had there:

http://taste-buzz.com/a-private-room-...