Silver wedding anniversary--where to dine?

[Babette]

We love Josie & might go there, but we are considering some places we have not been to before, such as Melisse, the Dining Room at the former Ritz Carlton San Marino, Valentino.

An ocean view would be a bonus but food is top priority, with romantic ambience. We have been to One Pico and Catch; we like them both. We are coming from Mt. Washington.

Any suggestions? Thanks!

[New Trial]

Congratulations! I love Joise but, for a Silver Anniversary, would think Melisse would be a better choice. You should also consider Bastide (Note: prix fixe only and meal can take about 4 hours), Ortolan, and Providence.

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Providence
5955 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Ortolan
8338 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Bastide Restaurant
8475 Melrose Place, West Hollywood, CA 90069

[The Sauce]

The Dining Room at Langham Hotel (formerly Ritz) is your best bet! As sbritchky mentioned, it's a destination hotel for people wanting excellent food. If you call in advance and let Chef Strong know it's your anniversary, he will definitely do his part to make it a memorable one.

[Emme]

Concur w/ Melisse and Providence recs... Chef's tasting at Providence.

For sheer romantic atmosphere, there's also Hotel Bel Air.

You could also go to the Lobster for sunset drinks, then head to Melisse for dinner.

[JEN10]

IF YOU WANT TO DRIVE TO PALOS VERDES, ADMIRAL RISTY'S HAS AWESOME FOOD, GREAT SUNSETS, AND WAITERS. IT IS MOSTLY A SEAFOOD RESTAURANT WITH EXCELLENT SIDES THAT COME WITH THE MEAL. IT HAS BEEN AROUND FOREVER AND DOES IT OLD SCHOOL STYLE. BREAD, SALAD OR SOUP, ENTREE WITH BAKED POTATOS WITH ALL THE FIXINGS AND A VEGIE. YOU CAN HAVE THE FISH PREPARED IN DIFFERENT WAYS AS WELL.

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Admiral Risty
31250 Palos Verdes Drive West, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

[Jodie]

Brandywine in Woodland Hills is terriffic! The ambiance is great, even without an ocean view. They have very romantic curtained booths.

[sbritchky]

I haven't been to the Langham Huntington since the changeover last month, but the Ritz Dining Room was wonderful -- real food and of the highest quality, creatively prepared by a gifted young chef, Craig Strong. The atmosphere is luxurious but not stuffy, and most of the patrons seem to be there for an outstanding meal, not merely to see and be seen. I would certainly check on whether the restaurant has changed with the new ownership, and, if it hasn't, I recommend the place highly.