Last minute dinner plans

[FoodieRD]

Hi. I'm going out to dinner Saturday night w/ 2 other couples (a total of 6 people) and we were looking for something unique for dinner. We are seeing a movie in Century City AMC or Landmark in West LA. Any suggestions for that area? we want to spend a total of about $35 per person total (ncludes wine, tip, etc). Ethnic food is always good. Thanks in advance!

[dtud]

how about mexican - don antonios or talpa on pico near barrington.

or conveyer belt sushi - Daichan Kaiten-Sushi 310 914 5028, 11301 Olympic Blvd. #203

both v. reasonably priced and tasty and good for group. daichan has 2 or 3 booths - otherwise you have to sit at sushi bar.

[Servorg]

No reservations at Don Antonio. I don't know about Talpa.

[dtud]

right - sorry forgot to mention. and the wait can be long - but they have a lively bar area. or you guys could go across the street to the aresenal which has some fairly decent bar food and is not outrageously expensive.

[yogachik]

Monte Alban on Santa Monica, just down from the Landmark
Nook is right there.
Sawtelle has a plethora of choices
Persian across the street

In Century City, you're stuck with whatever's right there, like Houstons.

[nosh]

Nook Bistro stops taking reservations after about 8 or so, allowing you to get in with perhaps a modest wait after the movie. Entrees are about $20, with some steak and fish slightly more and their upscale burger significantly less, and are generous servings including sides. If your party shares some starters (the mac'n'cheese and mussels) and splits desserts and goes very easy on the wine, you may be able to stay near your budget. Nook is an excellent value -- I've eaten far less well and happily for way over twice the bill at other restaurants.

[mollyomormon]

Here's a review from a Bar Hayama dinner some hounds and I shared a few months ago. Our bill for 5 was $150 pre-tip and we ordered a ton of food plus wine and some sake flights. I think it's actually easier to eat at a place like Bar Hayama for less pp because you can share so many more dishes than if you went as just as couple.

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/476342

[bulavinaka]

You are close enough to quite a few Persian restaurants as well. Shamshiri, Shaherzad, Baran, and Flame might work for you. Sunnin Lebanese Cafe is in the same neighborhood as well. These should all work within your price range.

Poster Alice has some good recs but places like Orris and Bar Hayama make it really tempting to spend a lot more than your price range. It can be done but the dishes tend to be small and the wine and sake will bump up your tab quite a bit. I would say $50-$70 is more realistic, especially when you're with a group and the rounds start flowing...

[Cinnamon]

I vote for Shamshiri - love that place! Lamb fesenjan, great since it's chilly out, and maybe panir al sabzi appetizer. Definitely rose ice cream for dessert.

[Alice]

if you go to landmark, across the street you will find gyu-kaku, and down the street there is bossa nova (thought i've never eaten there, but heard it's not bad). a few streets away is sawtelle, where there are many dining options under $35 a person - orris, bar hayama (cool outside fire pit), 2117, hide sushi etc.

[westsidegal]

fwiw, i would not want to be at orris nor at hide on a saturday night with a party of six because
1)neither place takes reservations,
2) neither place has a decent waiting area
and
3) you will not, realistically get out of either place within your stated budget.

[dtud]

gyu kaku and bar hayama take reservations (i can't remember if orris does). you can eat for $35/per if you're careful or do not have alcohol. both places are v. good.

[ipsedixit]

http://aromacafe-la.com/default.aspx