Quiet place with beyond excellent food-

[chopin4food]

An old foodie friend back in town, lost a parent to cancer. Want to take them somewhere spectacular - 5 $tars+ but want it to be a soothing experience. Not looking for the trendy scene whatsoever. Great ambiance, great food and some privacy. Area: Hollywood - Pasadena Food: Sushi, Italian, French, etc...

Thank you, chowhounders, for suggestions! <3

[chopin4food]

thank you all so very much - i've made a res tonight for O. :) i hope the friend will enjoy. have a great weekend.

[westsidegal]

to me, the ideal place would be to get tbe 4 seat table in the rear eastern corner at michael's just for the two of you.
that way you could sit at right angles to each other and look out at the lovely room.

[JAB]

Valentino's

-----
Valentino (Santa Monica)
3115 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405

[Maxmillion]

Hatfields!! Went last night -- about to post a review. We went late (after 9.30) and it was quiet as the eve was winding down, so I don't know how quiet it is around 8pm onwards........

I second (third?) the Providence rec, tho. Very quiet, from memory. I just don't love the fare as much as others here.

[nikky]

Bastide

[flavasista]

I know this rec is beyond the requested area - but what about La Cachette in Century City? French cuisine in a charming renovated house, polite/refined service without being too overbearing & they have private area...I wonder if there's an equivalent in the Hollywood area...it wouldn't be more than 10-15 min additional driving.

[Emme]

Concur on La Cachette - totally a refined, non-trendy atmosphere.

[ElissaInPlaya]

I found La Cachette crowded, rushed and very disappointing,on my first visit about 2 months ago.

[ipsedixit]

Saddle Peak Lodge.

Get a table upstairs, or outside on the patio if the weather is nice.

www.saddlepeaklodge.com

[mbh65]

The main restaurant at the Huntington Hotel (now going by a different name) in Pasadena.

[Obessed]

Ortolan

[chopin4food]

obessed, never been to ortolan - a quiet place?? the website seems deceiving. are the tables well spaced??

my friend and i have already been to providence - thanks, diana!
urasawa-never been. will look into this.

[nick_r]

Seconded! Had an amazing meal there last week. And it's definitely quiet and soothing.

[Obessed]

I totally agree with Nick - the atmosphere was very quiet and soothing. They have these amazingly comfy banquets that seemed perfect for a 4 hour tasting menu. We didn't do it, but the people across indulged in it and it looked amazing! I highly recommend this place.

[nick_r]

We did have the tasting menu (a vegetarian version they designed for us), but it wasn't quite four hours... heck, we burned through it in just over three! Truly incredible dining experience.

[Diana]

Providence. Here's my recent report. Keeo in mind my dinenr was a blowout bonanza, so the price is a lot higher than normal. Amazing place

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/509186

www.providencela.com

Also, Urasawa. If I was your friend, besides Providence, I'd love to be comforted at Urasawa. (never been, but 'hounds who have LOVE it.)