Rustic "provencial" patio spot in LA?

[jdreeka]

I'm searching to gather some friends for my big 4-0 in August for an early summer evening soiree and am looking for something with a sort of elegant rustic vibe -- outside on a patio or terrace that feels private - sort of like those beautiful provencial tables you see in magazines with family & friends gathered around the table outside...just something mellow with a pretty rustic/country feel centered around good food & wine for friends...

Is there such a place in LA??? I live in Santa Monica so preferably on the westside but am open to greater LA...

Thanks for any tips!

[BSW6490]

Inn of the 7th Rey in Topanga is another very cool choice.

[westsidegal]

the inn of the seventh ray is a beautiful location.
i've not been impressed with the food there, though.
the price quality/quantity ratios are not good either.

their service, in my experience, has been sooooo bad as to be off-the-charts bad.
boy, i sure wanted to like this place.

[BSW6490]

Check out Salads de Provence on the balcony outside Federic Fekkai Salon Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Great salads and a view like Barney Greengrass. Very private too.

[mnosyne]

There's a French-ish restaurant complex on 26th St in Santa Monica, across from the Brentwood Country Mart. There are 4 little French cottages on a lovely brick patio, with outdoor seating too. I don't know what the current name of the place is, but it used to be the Iron Patio, among other things. The food was good there. Anybody know the name?

[whatsfordinner]

Chez Mimi? The setting is lovely and the food is acceptable but not great.

[yogachik]

Chez Mimi. But I wouldn't call it as lovely as a magazine photo.

Pane e Vino is a great suggestion. Also just thought of Il Cielo.

[victorward]

the hall at palihouse in west hollywood might be perfect...

[sueshungry]

Pane Vino in West Hollywood has a lovely patio.

[sgrrush1]

Agreed! I forgot about this place... I have to make plans to go asap!

[sgrrush1]

Ca Del Sole in Toluca Lake has a really nice patio. www.cadelsole.com

[perk]

It's on the other side of town, but Cliff's Edge in Silverlake has a fabulous patio.

[ipsedixit]

Saddle Peak Lodge

www.saddlepeaklodge.com

[Phurstluv]

Have you checked out the patio at either Wilshire or Whist at the Viceroy?

[J.L.]

Whist at the Viceroy is a lot of things, but rustic may not be one of them. Although... their private outdoor cabanas are quite nice.

[Phurstluv]

You're right, definitely not rustic. But certainly provincial.

[J.L.]

I'm not sure if original poster meant Provençal or provincial?? His hybrid word "provencial" leaves us no clues.

[Phurstluv]

right, agreed.

[yogachik]

The patio at Lillys, on Abbot Kinney fits exactly that description. Primitivo, too.

-----
Lilly's French Cafe & Bar
1031 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291

Primitivo
1025 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291

[westsidegal]

completely concur with yogachik about lilly's.
(will be having dinner there tonight. lovely spot. this is fine dining: for the food they serve the price/quality and price/quantity ratios are excellent.)

[J.L.]

A bit ShiShi, but The Little Door might be to your liking...

Or... The patio at Lucques?

[NAspy]

I would check out Fraiche in Culver City...their outdoor area has a nice comfy living room feel to it and the place is very happening with excellent food. Some have had issues with 'tude, but in several visits there I've never experienced it.

Rustic Canyon also has a very homey feel and great food. But I'm not sure if they have an outdoor eating area.

[Bob Brooks]

Although it's not French, Taverna Tony in Malibu certainly has the ambience your after.