PLEASE POST YOUR VOTES HERE: Ultimate Los Angeles Restaurants 2009

[maxzook]

It’s time for the eighth annual poll of Chowhounders’ favorite Los Angeles restaurants. To quote the poll’s esteemed founder, Mr. Grub:

"The concept is simple: everyone is asked to list, in rank order, your five top restaurants in Los Angeles County that you would recommend to houndly out-of-town visitors or to chowfriends for a special occasion. Since we worship at the altar of deliciousness, your ranking should be based 75% on food and 25% on everything else."

Here are the results of past polls:

2002: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/52353
2003: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/55951
2004: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/63873
2005: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/76226
2006: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/357211
2007: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/490712
2008: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/580125

Last year I expanded the poll from five choices to ten – five restaurants in the category of over $25 per person, and five in the category of $25 or less. (The $25 is inclusive of FOOD ONLY for an average dinner order.) If different voters choose the same restaurant in both categories, the total points will be tabulated together and the restaurant will be ranked in the category for which it received the most points.

I strongly encourage you to vote for exactly five restaurants per category. You may choose to only cast votes in the over-$25 category, or in the $25-and-under, but don’t vote for the same restaurant in both categories. Bottom line -- if you haven’t had at least ten restaurant meals worth voting for this year, what are you doing on Chowhound? ;) .

If you vote for five restaurants, your first choice will receive 5 points, your second choice will receive 4 points, third choice 3 and so on. If you respond with more than 5 choices per category, only your first 5 listed choices will be included – no “ties”.

If you vote for fewer than five, your choice will be tabulated with as many points as the number you voted for (so if you vote for only three restaurants, your first choice will carry three points, the second two points, etc.) This is to avoid the results being weighted in favor of those voters who make the fewest choices. Also, in case of a tie in the final tally, the number of five-point voters is used as a tiebreaker.

I will assume the first restaurant on your list is your first choice and so on; to avoid confusion I’d prefer you not number them.

If you vote for a restaurant that closed within the last twelve months, I’d appreciate if you flag it with an RIP tag. If two or more restaurants with the same name and basic menu get votes (e.g. Father’s Office on Montana or Helms), I will combine the results.

Please make it clear what you’re voting for. If you vote for “Mozza” as several people did last year, I will assume you’re voting for Pizzeria Mozza since it bore that name before the Osteria opened. I reserve the right to make similar assumptions from vague responses – for example a vote for Surfas will be listed as Café Surfas. And everyone, spelling counts – it’s MASTRO’S Steakhouse, not “Maestros”!!!

If you make a mistake or just change your mind, go ahead and post again; please re-cast your entire vote and not just the changes ... tell me it's a re-vote and I'll take care of it (I'm tracking names, dates and times on my tally, so I will only take your last vote).

Remember, this poll is for Los Angeles County restaurants only. OCAnn has said she will again be running an Orange County poll in parallel with this one, so keep your eyes peeled. Anyone want to tackle Ventura County? Let me know and I'll link to your post.

I’ll keep the polls open until December 12 and post the results shortly thereafter.

The more replies we receive the more useful are the poll’s findings, so please vote. Cast your votes as a reply to this post. And thank you for participating!

[maxzook]

The results are in!

The Top 25 results can be found here:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/673604

The complete poll results can be found here:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/673605

[string207]

Over $25
Hatfield's
Josie's
Melisse
Mr. Chow
Bazaar

Under $25
Westside Tavern (lunch only)
Bottega Louie
Little Dom's
Loteria Grill
Lola's Peruvian Chicken (to go)

[maxzook]

I'm sorry, but the poll closed at noon today.

[maxzook]

And finally, my votes:

OVER $25
Musso and Frank
Elite
Campanile
Pizzeria Mozza
Pacific Dining Car

$25 AND UNDER
Big Mista's BBQ
Langer's
Jitlada
Oinkster
Wurstkuche

THE ULTIMATE LOS ANGELES RESTAURANTS 2009 POLL IS CLOSED.

Results will be posted sometime between now and the end of the weekend. Thank you for voting!

[JBC]

Over $25:

1) Saddle Peak Lodge
2) Chinois
3) Osiris
4) Frida
5) Toscana

Under $25:

1) Jaipur
2) Shamshiri
3) Monte Alban
4) Delphi
5) Snug Harbor

[David Kahn]

Over $25:
Jar
Grace
Pizzaria Mozza
Lucques
Josie

Under $25:
Langers
Mi India Bonita
Tacos Baja Ensenada
Luscious Dumpling
Noshi Sushi

[maxzook]

The poll ends in twenty hours (noon PST on Saturday, December 12).

You last chance to let your love light shine for Outback Steakhouse.

[thepoorfoodie]

Over 25
1) Bashan
2) The Bazaar
3) Jar
4) Grace

Under 25
1) Jitlada
2) Orochon
3) Langer's
4) Phillips BBQ
5) Euro Pane

[ramenbound]

Long time chowhound roamer, first time poster. Feels fun to "officially" be on board at last ;D.

Followed this poll for the past few years, and I'm glad that it randomly popped into my mind tonight, two days before it closes.

Sadly, my time in LA was not much over this past year; however, it seems that it was just enough!

====================
~ My Top 5 - OVER $25 ~
====================
1. Melisse [~100]
~~ One word: Fabulous.
2. Asanebo [~50]
~~ Wondrous that a location in a valley strip mall dishes out such excellence.
3. Hotel Bel-Air [~50]
~~ RIP for now. Ok, not much of a 'foodie's choice' here, but an exceptionally pleasant dining environment with exceptional service that’s deserving of a shout out as it shuts its doors for a while.
4. Cho Sun Galbee [~50]
~~ Sure, it's not the same tier as those above (and maybe it's a little trite as a selection for this poll), but when you're away from LA most of the year (like me), good Korean barbeque will be good Korean barbeque (as warm a feeling as sinking back into your own pillow after a long business trip). It’s never disappointed, and it was wonderful each time I went back this past year.
5. Spago [~100]
~~ Makes the top 5, but a notch below the others. This was a wonderful meal, but not 2-star Michelin fabulous. Probably past its heyday but still a pleasure.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ NOTABLES MISSING THE CUT - OVER $25 ~
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-Angelini Osteria [~50]
~~ HEAVENLY risotto; however, other dishes missed the spot.
-Lucques [~50]
~~ Two lunch samplings here: steak frites, jidori chicken. Wonderful. The salads, however, I will take a pass on next time.

(*) Shout out to Larchmont Grill. This would be my honorary sixth if there were one. The staff there is just so friendly. Nothing says LA like patio dining with warm service.

Ok, time to break free from what feels like a big name dropping act ;D

=====================
~ My Top 5 - UNDER $25 ~
=====================
1. El Taquito Mexicano [~10]
~~ Yes, 10 bucks. MINIMUM. Aka 5-6 tacos, with large horchata. What can I say, this little truck truly has my heart.
2. Los Cinco Puntos [~10]
~~ This is a very close second. The goodness is spread over a greater variety of offerings here compared to El Taquito, but I don't think that anything can beat having food that you love at hours when restaurants (and even many fast food joints-!) are no longer an option.
3. Hakata Ramen Shinsengumi [~20]
~~Between this and Daikokuya, I find it hard to definitively put one above the other. For now, though, I think that I've converted from Daikokuyism to Shinsengumism.
4. Sea Harbour [~25]
~~ I realize that this has slipped into the 'trendy to bash' category by now. Like many (most? everyone?), my main gripe is over the service - very poor attention to detail, even with appropriately lowered expectations from having eaten dim sum in LA hundreds of times. Still, the extent to which some of the dishes go above and beyond what you'll find at other options is definitely enough to justify.
5. Mandarin Deli [~20]
~~ Modest setting, perhaps dull. I wouldn’t consider the food ‘transporting’ in any way, nor would I consider it typical ‘authentic’ Chinese fare. But it delivers on its promise: food that is tasty and homey… and most importantly, offering this in a setting relatively devoid of the usual levels of chaos in a Chinese restaurant. (Though granted… for some, the chaos might be preferable.) MD doesn’t make the list as any kind of culinary epiphany obviously, but as a steady gun that has held its own over many years for me, earning recognition as my last pick. (Note: This is the Mandarin Deli in Northridge).

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ NOTABLES MISSING THE CUT - UNDER $25 ~
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-Daikokuya ...aka, "duh" [~15]
~~ Paid my 5th&6th (or maybe it was 6th&7th) visits here this year. Didn't find disappointment in the food so much as in having to accept the reality that the "go for lunch" trick doesn't work any more. (Note: This was the Downtown location)
-Philippe the Original [~10]
~~ Went back for the first time since childhood, I think. Good, not great, but still to be much appreciated as an LA staple.
-Father's Office [~20]
~~ Burgers, beers, and a big no-no to asking for ketchup. That’s how they do things, and people accept that. However, coupling this with having no option of a beverage of the lemonade/iced tea persuasion is, well... too limiting, to be frank. (Note: This was the Culver City Location).
-Brent's Deli [~15]
~~ Sadly, I found Brent's to be a little disappointing. It was good, but perhaps too hyped up to 'legendary' deli status. I've found similar offerings on the east coast to be superior from very run-of-the-mill places. (Note: This was the Northridge Location).

(*) Shout out to Vietnam House – my honorary sixth for under $25.

To explain the absences of Urasawa, Providence, et al: I only voted for restaurants to which I paid a visit within the past year.

.r.b.

[Sandra W]

Over:

Bazaar
Lucques
Ludo Bites
Babita
JiRaffe

Under:

Jitlada
Langers
Kobawoo
Jay Bharat (is that LA or OC?)
El Matador taco truck on Western
Woody's BBQ (if Jay Bharat gets knocked out)

[maxzook]

Artesia is in LA County, so Jay Bharat counts.

[rickym13]

i only put 4 places for under $25......just went to my reg dim sum place today and notice that i didn't put that down! elite! had great dim sum today for 3 of us @ $37!

[losfelizhound]

Thanks!

Over $25
1. Mori Sushi
2. Water Grill
3. Park's BBQ
4. Angeli Caffe
5. Pizzeria Mozza

Under $25
1. Mariscos Chente
2. Wurstkuche
3. Woodlands (Artesia, CA)
4. New Chong Qing
5. Bulrocho

[jblee]

Over
Osteria Mozza
Vincenti
A.O.C.
Pizzeria Mozza
Angelini Osteria

Under
Father's Office
Lunasia
Torihei
Ichimian
Foo Foo Tei

[maxzook]

Four days left to vote -- this poll closes Saturday at noon. Because if you don't vote for Romano's Macaroni Grill, who will?

(And don't forget the Orange County poll: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/670162)

[ipsedixit]

Over 25
1. Torihei
2. Sea Harbour
3. Melisse
4. Park's BBQ
5. Toshi Sushi

Under 25
1. Pizza and Chicken Love Letter
2. Pho Minh
3. Ostioneria Colima
4. Stan's Donuts
5. Four Sea

[exilekiss]

Hi ipsedixit,

Nice! :) I'm glad you enjoy Torihei as well. :)

BTW, what's your favorite 1-3 dishes at Sea Harbour? I have to go back and visit them for dinner one of these days. :)

Also, what's Ostioneria Colima? Thanks.

[ipsedixit]

Yeah, Torihei was revelatory. Too bad it's so far from me. Such is life.

Sea Harbour. Ask the manager if they've got fresh abalone in the back and if they do ask them to prepare it sashimi style for you. Other than that I really like their specialty soups, e.g. fish maw with real shark fin, or bitter melon and sea turtle.

Ostioneria Colima. Great little seafood Mexican joint in Hacienda Heights. I would go more often but I don't speak Spanish, so I have to bribe my amigos to go with me and order. A bowl of their chips and some ceviche or seafood cocktail is more than a full meal for me. In my book, as Yuca's would be to carne asada tacos, Ostioneria Colima would be to seafood cocktail.

Cheers!

[DonaldStevens]

Over $25
1) Melisse
2) Josie
3) Spago
4) JiRaffe
5) Michaels

Under $25
1) Langers
2) Phillipes
3) Original Pantry
4) Johnny Pastrami
5) Pinks

[xoxohh]

Over---
Church and State
Giraffe
Bazaar
Chiba
Pizzeria Mozza

Under---
El Coyote ( Sorry, but I have a good time here)
Elite
Barone's
Erth Cafe
Nate n' Al's

[maxzook]

The poll will end this Saturday, December 12, at noon. I have plans for Saturday night so I'm not making any promises, but for sure the tally will be posted before the end of the weekend.

So if you haven't voted yet, now's the time to flip a coin between Todai and Claim Jumper ...

[toridori]

+$25

Sushi Nozawa
Tony's Taverna
Katsuya
Little Door
Piccolo Paradiso

-$25

Urth Cafe (can I vote for Urth five times please??)
Hugo's
Carnival Sherman Oaks
Aroma Cafe Encino
Factor's Deli

[kdoc]

Over $25

1) Urasawa
2) Providence
3) Spago
4) Animal
5) Melisse

Under $25 still pending...

[rickym13]

under $25

langer's
santouka ramen
father's office
al & bea's mexican

over $25

melisse
oseteria mozza
water grill
mastro's
church & state

[OCAnn]

My visits to LA were limited this year, so I'll give a top 3 for each:

+$25
1 Torihei
2 Izakaya Bincho
3 Water Grill

-$25
1 Ichimian
2 Philippes
3 The India Restaurant

And for folks interested in taking the OC Poll: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/670162

[jadekarrde]

Under 25:

1. Santouka Ramen
2. Bay Cities
3. Fathers Office
4. Diablos Tacos
5. Sushi Central

[pinkee]

Above:
Via Veneto
Piccolo Ristorante
Melisse
Gjelina
The Tasting Kitchen

Below:
Mayura
El Tarasco
Antica Pizzeria
Bay Cities
26 Beach

[mdpilam]

Under $25:

Umami
Langer's
The India Restaurant
Jitlada
BigMista's BBQ (if this doesn't count, since it's not really a restaurant, use El Chato (taco truck @ Olympic & La Brea))

[maxzook]

Any place that sells prepared food will count.

[maxzook]

What's the highest-ever ranking of a new restaurant on the Chowhound Ultimate LA Restaurants Poll?

[RicRios]

Max: polls schmolls, quiz schmiz.
The people want da ULTIMATE results.
Before Hannukkah.
Or your big bonus pay will be at risk.

[mc michael]

We can wait.

[maxzook]

If I was waiting for a bonus on this, I'd be very disappointed. The poll closes the 1st day of Hanukkah, and the results will be up a day or so later.

Osteria Mozza was #2 in its first year, 2007.

What restaurant (not a newbie) made it to the top 10 even though it had received no votes at all the previous year?

[maxzook]

Some time between the 2007 and 2008 polls, Chowhounders must have discovered the Red Line ...

Langer's in 2007: no votes. Langer's in 2008: #2 overall.

[degustateur]

church & state
water grill
spago
valentino
pizzeria mozza

<25
moles la tia
mariscos chente
bollini's pizzeria napolitana
sea harbour (dim sum)
foo-foo tei

[goop]

Over $25
1. Bazaar
2. Spago
3. Providence
4. Pizzeria Mozza
5. Mastros

Under $25
1. Panns
2. Carousel
3. Gyu Kaku
4. Joes Pizza (Santa monica)
5. Marouch

[coolcookla]

+25
Barbrix
Hungry Cat
Palate
Hatfields

-25
Gingergrass
Katsuya
Wat Dong Moon Lek
Local

[Newkie]

Over $25
AOC
Pizzeria Mozza
Grace
Spago
The Bazaar

Under $25
Joan's on Third
Loteria Grill
Doughboys (once it reopens)
Little Next Door
Unami Burger

[ibrndubs]

Over $25:
1. The Bazaar
2. BLT Steak
3. Ago
4. Koi
5. Capo

Under $25:
1. Bossa Nova
2. Bay Cities Italian Deli
3. California Chicken Cafe
4. Little Brothers Sushi
5. C & O Trattoria

[AAQjr]

Above:

Melisse
EVA
Hide Sushi
Fords Filling Station
Nook

Below:
Fathers Office
Bay Cities
Pizzeria Moza
Mont Alban
Titos Tacos

[AAQjr]

And if there was a category for best place to eat after working the line all night.. I'd have to vote for Ruen Pair!

[wasabica]

>$25:
Bazaar
Capo
Urasawa
Chez Melange
Angelini Osteria

<$25
Fraiche
Church and State
Gjelina
Bouzy Gastropub
Artist Crawfish

[honkman]

Fraiche under $25 ? They have hardly any entree below $25

[Schweinhaxen]

OVER $25

Westside Tavern
Church & State
Spago
Gjelina
Providence

Under $25

Langer's
Umami Burger
Din Tai Fung
Santouka
Vito's

[maxzook]

Orange County restaurant fans: OCAnn has started her 2009 Ultimate OC Restaurants Poll:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/670162

[OCAnn]

Thanks Max...the OC poll can surely use the boost!

[SpudPal]

over $25/person:
Little Dom's
Canele
AOC
Grace
Sushi Nozawa

under $25/person:
Sushi Isshin
Nickel Diner
Viet Noodle Bar
Cha Cha Cha
Agra Cafe

[banquisha]

under:
the yard (santa monica)
jitlada
phillipe's french dip
mariscos chente
la cachette bistro (lunch only, santa monica)
over:
the bazaar
westside tavern
katsuya
torihei
nanbankan

[cvc]

Wow! Ten choices just like the Oscars this year. Thanks for your work on this.

over $25
Gjelina
Westside Tavern
Church & State
The Brentwood Tavern
R&D

under $25
The Oinkster
Clementine's
Pie 'n Burger
Father's Office
Full House

[a213b]

Over $25:

Animal
Bazaar
Church & State
Hatfield's
Osteria Mozza
(preferences just happened to be in alphabetical order)

Under $25

Salsa & Beer
Umami Burger
Pita Kitchen
KC BBQ
Pann's

[maxzook]

I'm going to assume that KC BBQ is Kansas City BBQ on Magnolia in NoHo.

[a213b]

That is correct good sir. And thanks for taking this on again.

[trixel]

I completely forgot about Salsa & Beer. Their Carne Adovado (Adovado?) is delicious.

[the capers]

over

hatfield's
providence
animal
pizzeria mozza
sona

under

golden state
kang kang food court
daikokuya
mario's peruvian
umami burger

[ronsilverado]

wow, thinking about this list really makes one appreciate how much amazing food we have for under $25.

Over
Gjelina
Hiko Sushi
Pizzeria Mozza
Tavern
Craft

Under
Langer's (always and forever)
Mo chica
Kobawoo
Marouch
Huaraches Azteca

[A5 KOBE]

Over:

CUT
The Bazaar
Urasawa
Pizzeria Mozza
Animal

Under:

Square One Dining
Brent's
Santouka
Bludso's BBQ
Din Tai Fung

[grublah]

Over $25
1. Cut
2. BLT Steak
3. Mastros
4. Pizzeria Mozza
5. Sona

Under $25
1. Bay Cities
2. Westside Tavern
3. Fuentes
4. Loteria Grill
5. Porto’s Bakery

[lil mikey]

Thank you Max for doing this.

Over $25

1. Urasawa
2. Providence
3. Kagaya
4. Eva
5. Bashan

Under $25

1. Puro Sabor
2. Tropicalia
3. Mariscos al Chente
4. Ruen Pair
5. Taix

[tablefor1]

+$25

Animal
Church & State
Gjelina
Matsuhisa
Providence

-$25
Umami Burger
El Conchinito
Jitlada
Marisco Chente
Kogi

[dineomatic]

Over $25 -wish I had $$ to go to the last 3 more.
Pizzeria Mozza (Tuesday's duck confit)
Carlito Gardel (lunch cheeseburger)
Jar
Lou on Vine
Vincenti Ristorante

Under $25 - don't get west of B.H. much.
Langers
La Cabanita (Montrose)
Casa Bianca
Carousel (Hollywood Blvd.)
Portillo's (Buena Park)

[trixel]

Over $25
Chiba Japanese Restaurant

Under $25
Dino's Pizza
Damons Glendale Steakhouse
Lido Pizza
Porto's Bakery (not for a special occasion, but definitely to out of town friends)
Cole's

-----
Damons Glendale Steakhouse
317 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203

Porto's Bakery
3614 W Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505

Dino's Pizza
3520 W Burbank Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505

Cole's
118 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Chiba Japanese Restaurant
11713 Saticoy St, North Hollywood, CA 91605

Lido Pizza
15232 Victory Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91411

[PaliBruin]

Over$25

Angelini Osteria
Melisse
Providence
AOC
Lucques

Under $25
Phillipes
King Taco
Juniors Deli
Bobby's Diner (W.H.)
Langers

[maxzook]

True or false: Spago is the only Wolfgang Puck restaurant to make the Top 10 in any Chowhound LA Restaurant poll.

[maxzook]

False. Cut was #8 in 2006.

[burp_excuzme]

I've never really had much + $25 meals, so here's my under-$25:

- Umami Burger
- Mendocino Farms
- Mr Pizza Factory
- Langer's
- In-N-Out

[Robert Thornton]

Over:
1) Providence
2) Melisse
3) Mori
4) Palate
5) Drago Centro

Under:
1) Sea Harbour
2) Ruen Pair
3) Hide Sushi
4) Tibet Nepal House
5) Vito’s

[maxzook]

Besides Urasawa, what's the only Japanese restaurant to make the overall Top 10 from any past Chow LA Poll?

[mc michael]

On a guess: Matsuhisa.

[Emme]

I'd guess a sushi place as well... something like Zo or Nozawa or Katsuya....

[maxzook]

Sushi Nozawa was #10 overall in 2003.

Last year Santouka Ramen tied for #6 in the $25-and-under. Nanbankan and Izakaya Bincho were #12 and #15.

[ljeanne]

>$25
AOC
Chinois
Pizzeria Mozza
Chaya Venice
Itacho

<$25
Bar Pintxo
Manchego
Bulan Thai
Seed
BreadBar

[gdodgerfan]

Over 25
Osteria Mozza
Mastro's
Crustacean-Must have crab couple times a year
Water Grill
Leila's

Under 25
Philippe's
Apple Pan
In n Out
Apple Pan
Lamonica's Pizza

A wish for Bay Cities, being in Agoura, we don't have such a sandwitch shop that I've heard so much about but would love to try

[SouthernFoodie08]

Thanks for doing this!

over $25
1. Animal
2. Osteria Mozza
3. Katsu Ya (original)
4. JiRaffe
5. Katsu (now closed, but I would put it on my list for this year)

Under $25
1. Langers
2. Umami
3. Mo Chica
4. Vito's Pizza
5. Jitlada
(close 6. to In N Out)

[SouthernFoodie08]

I need to edit myself already!! How could I forget Mariscos Chente???

So. . my under $25 is:
1. Mariscos Chente
2. Langers
3. Umami
4. Mo Chica
5. Jitlada
(6. between Vito's and In N Out)

[maxzook]

gdodgerfan: You voted for Apple Pan twice. Post a revote as a reply if you wish.

[mc michael]

Probably means s/he orders the double cheese.

[globalgourmet]

Over $25
1.Water Grill
2.Cafe des Artistes
3.Girasole

Under $25
1. Joe's Pizza (SM & West Hwood)
2. Vito's Pizza
3. Zankou Chicken
4. Griddle Cafe
5. The Village Coffee Shop (Beachwood Cyn.)

[mc michael]

Whoa! The Village Coffee Shop. Now, that's a time warp!

[Juji]

Over $25
Bazaar
Spago
Jar
Melisse
Gjelina

Under $25
Antica Pizzeria
Tacos Por Favor
Bay Cities
Wurstkuche
La Grande Orange

[kiwi01]

Over $25
1) Urasawa
2) Providence
3) Vibrato Jazz Grill
4) Asanebo
5) Water Grill
5)

Under $25
1) Langer's
2) Tacos Baja Ensenada
3) Santouka Ramen
4) Pho 79
5) Porto's Bakery

[maxzook]

Which has received more points in past Chowhound Ultimate L.A. Restaurant polls: Osteria Mozza or Pizzeria Mozza?

[maxzook]

Pizzeria Mozza (originally named Mozza) opened in 2006 and got 22 points, just missing the Top 10. But even without that head start, over the last two years it has still beat the Osteria by 121 points to 97.

Can you name two other pizza places that have made the Chowhound LA Poll Top 10?

[RacerX]

I'm guessing one of them has to be Casa Bianca.

As for the other, maybe Joe's??

[mc michael]

If one is Spago, I'm calling trick question.

[maxzook]

It's a trick question, but not just because of Spago which after all, *is* known to a lot of people from its days on the Strop as "Wolfgang Puck's pizza place." And Valentino has pizza on the menu as an appetizer.

Spago has made the Top 10 every year except 2007; Valentino made it in 2002 and 2003. Last year's $25-and-under list had Casa Bianca at #11 and Caioti at #20.

[altstarr]

REVOTE FOR UNDER $25

OVER $25
Providence
Sea Harbour
Valentino's
Spago
Mastro's Steakhouse

UNDER $25
Elite Restaurant
Versailles
Javan
Pho 79
Savoy Grill

[maxzook]

Revote noted.

[maxzook]

Time for another Chow Poll Trivia Challenge:

Can you name three of last year's Top 25 that close for business by 6 pm or earlier?

[Grog]

Langer’s Deli
Bay Cities
Square One

[maxzook]

We have a winner!

[altstarr]

OVER $25
Providence
Sea Harbour
Valentino's
Spago
Mastro's Steakhouse

UNDER $25
Elite Restaurant
Javan
Pho 79
Savoy Grill
Baby Blues BBQ

-----
Providence
5955 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Spago
176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Baby Blues BBQ
444 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Sea Harbour Seafood Restaurant
3939 N. Rosemead Blvd., Rosemead, CA 91770, USA

[LA Buckeye Fan]

Thanks for doing this, Maxzook.

Less than $25
Gilbert's El Indio
The Oinkster
Brent's Deli
Sol y Luna
In-n-Out (forgive me)

Over $25
Mastro's Beverly Hills
Joe's
Warsawa
Delmonicos
Dar Magrebs

-----
Oinkster
2005 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041

Brent's Deli
2799 Townsgate Rd, Westlake Village, CA 91361

Gilbert's El Indio
2526 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405

El Indio
22816 S Western Ave, Torrance, CA 90501

Mastros Restaurant
2087 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

[toonoble]

Over $25
1. Lucques
2. Bazaar
3. Mozza
4. Hatfields
5. Angelini Osteria

Under $25
1. Umami
2. Bay Cities Deli
3. Langers
4. Hide Sushi
5. Roscoes Chicken and Waffles

[herculesmulligan]

Over $25:
1) Lucques
2) Joe's
3) Vincenti Ristorante
4) Grace
5) Osteria Angelini

Under $25

1) Minestraio
2) Colori Kitchen
3) Bob's Doughnuts
4) Breadbar
5) Larchmont Wine and Cheese

-----
Colori Kitchen
429 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Lucques
8474 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069

Vincenti Restaurant
11930 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049

[lotta_cox]

Over $25:
Church & State
Fig
Saddle Peak Lodge
The Bazaar
Animal

Under $25
Haru Ulala
Cole's
Jitlada
Umami
Loteria at the Farmer's Market

[compucook]

Over $25
Nook Bistro
Westside Tavern
Orris
Mozza Osteria
Mozza Pizzeria

Under $25
Javan
Taco Miendo (Inglewood/Culver)
Fresh Corn Grill
Cuvee
La Conversation

-----
Nook Bistro
11628 Santa Monica Blvd Ste 9, Los Angeles, CA 90025

La Conversation
638 N Doheny Dr, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Fresh Corn Grill
1510 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Westside Tavern
10850 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Cuvee
2000 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067

[Obessed]

Under $25
Vito's Pizza
Jitlada
Father's Office
Irv's Burger
Loteria

Over $25
Animal
Campanile
Hungry Cat
Pizzeria Mozza
Jar

-----
The Hungry Cat
1535 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Jitlada
5233 1/2 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Vito's Pizza
846 N La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90069

Irv's Burgers
8289 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046

Father's Office Bar
1618 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA

Pizzeria Mozza
641 N. Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036

[caveatempty]

Over $25:
Spago
Palate Food+Wine
Animal
Church and State
Providence

Under $25:
Park's BBQ
Langers
Umami Burger
Carousel
Ham Ji Park

-----
Park's BBQ
955 S. Vermont Ave, Suite G, Los Angeles, CA 90006

Providence
5955 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Spago
176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Langer's Delicatessen
704 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90057

Carousel Restaurant
304 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203

Palate Food & Wine
933 South Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91204

Animal
435 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Umami Burger
850 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Church & State
1850 Industrial Street, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Ham Ji Park
3407 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020

[burglover]

Over $25:
Melisse
Osteria Mozza
Bazaar
Sona
Lucques

Under $25:
Santouka
Sea Harbor
Torihei
Jitlada
Mariscos Chente

-----
Jitlada
5233 1/2 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Sona
401 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90048

Santouka
3760 S Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Lucques
8474 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069

Mariscos Chente
4532 S Centinela Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Torihei
1757 W. Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90501

Marisco's
718 S San Jacinto Ave, San Jacinto, CA 92583

[flowergirl]

Over $25
Providence
The Ivy
Mastros Steak in Beverly Hills
Osteria Mozza
Lawry's

Under $25
Mario's Peruvian
Colori Kitchen
Richmond Street Bar and Grille in El Segundo
La Grande Orange in S M
3 Square

-----
Colori Kitchen
429 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

3 Square Cafe
1121 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Mario's Peruvian
15720 Imperial Hwy, La Mirada, CA 90638

Mastros Restaurant
2087 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

La Grande Orange Cafe
260 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105

[maxzook]

A Chowhound LA Poll trivia question:

What's the highest-ranking Mexican restaurant from any of the past Chow LA Polls?

[JAB]

Babita?

[maxzook]

No.

Last year Babita got five points from two voters.

[JAB]

I was thinking high end. TBE?

[maxzook]

The answer:

Babita debuted in 2006 with 24 points but only made it to 14th place. Last year, Loteria and Monte Alban had nine points each, but neither made it to a high ranking.

The highest-RANKED Mexican place from any past poll ...

and I am NOT making this up ...

in seventh place in 2002 with eleven points ...

Tito's Tacos.

-----
Tito's Tacos
11222 Washington Pl, Culver City, CA 90230

[GK in SO]

You're kidding, right Max?

[maxzook]

If you knew me, you'd know there is nothing in life I take as seriously as the Chowhound Ultimate Los Angeles Restaurant Poll.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/52409

[GK in SO]

Max, I've seen past polls and know how serious you take them. No proof was needed! (but, thanks anyways!). I was just astonished that "Tito's" and "Best Mexican" were actually what Hounds voted.

I find it hard to believe that there's not another Mexican resto in the LA area that couldn't top Tito's, such as Mariscos Chente.

-----
Mariscos Chente
10020 Inglewood Ave, Lennox, CA 90304

Marisco's
718 S San Jacinto Ave, San Jacinto, CA 92583

[mc michael]

That was then. This is now.

[GK in SO]

My amazement was a cumulative one, meaning that over the many years the poll has been done, that there hasn't been a single under $25 Mexican restaurant in LA that's made the poll, what with some many excellent Mexican resto's in LA.

Hopefully Mariscos Chente will change that in the 2009 poll!

-----
Mariscos Chente
10020 Inglewood Ave, Lennox, CA 90304

Marisco's
718 S San Jacinto Ave, San Jacinto, CA 92583

[Grog]

> $25
1. Bazaar-(specifically Saam - never ate in the main dining room)
2. Osteris Mozza
3. Palate
4. Rivera
5. Z Sushi

< $25
1. Viet Noodle Bar
2. Pure Luck
3. Hugo's Tacos
4. Ruen Pair
5. Huarache Azteca

-----
Ruen Pair Restaurant
5257 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Z Sushi
1132 N Garfield Ave, Alhambra, CA 91801

Viet Noodle Bar
3133 1 2 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039

Pure Luck Restaurant
707 N Heliotrope Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90029

Hugo's Taco's
3300 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039

[estone888]

Over $25
1 Providence
2 Bazaar
3 Church & State
4 Babita
5 Drago Centro

Under $25
1 Jitlada
2 Mariscos Chente
3 J&J Shanghai
4 Bludso's BBQ
5 Illegal al pastor cart at Avenue 26 & Humboldt, near Highland Park

[maxzook]

Everyone be careful of similar names. For example, The Tavern in Brentwood is different than Westside Tavern on Pico (and then of course there's Laurel Tavern in Studio City and who knows how many other various Taverns ...) When in doubt, list the city or street in parentheses, otherwise I will assume that any stray "taverns" are the Brentwood establishment.

Also: If you have posted your votes and then change your mind or want to fix a mistake, please DO NOT EDIT the original post, or there's a possibility I'll miss it (don't worry, Lorenzo dM, I caught yours). Just post is as a separate reply to the original vote, and to be extra careful say "I'm voting again".

[Tom P]

OVER 25

CHURCH AND STATE
LUCQUES
TAVERN
LOU
TAYLOR'S STEAKS (Koreatown)

UNDER 25

PIZZARIA MOZZA
WESTSIDE TAVERN
CANELE
LOTERIA GRILL
LANGERS

[TailbackU]

Over $25
Bazaar
Providence
Mastros
Barbrix
Sushi Nozawa

Under $25
25 Degrees
Gingergrass
Toast
Langers
Mozza Pizzeria

[foodiemahoodie]

Over $25
1. Melisse
2. Providence
3. The Bazaar
4. Mori Sushi
5. Spago

Under

1. Father's Office
2. Monte Alban
3. 3 Square
4. Gjelina
5. Oinkster

-----
Oinkster
2005 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041

Spago
176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Monte Alban
11927 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

3 Square Cafe
1121 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Father's Office Bar
1618 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA

Gjelina
1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291, USA

Mori Sushi
34320 Pacific Coast Hwy Ste B, Dana Point, CA 92629

[ldodb]

Over 25
Spago
Totoraku
Bazaar
Go's Mart
Lucques

Under 25
Langers
Fathers Office
Izakaya Bincho
bay cities
loteria

Under 25
Langers

-----
Spago
176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Go's Mart
22330 Sherman Way, Los Angeles, CA 91303

Lucques
8474 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069

Izakaya Bincho
112 N International Boardwalk, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Totoraku
10610 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Izakaya
8420 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048

[Reeter1]

Over 25 -
Pizzeria Mozza
Church and State
Lucques
Bistro LQ
Park's BBQ

Under 25 -
My Taco (Highland Park)
Lunasia (dim sum)
Sushi Gen (for lunch)
Folliero's Pizza
Pho 79

-----
Park's BBQ
955 S. Vermont Ave, Suite G, Los Angeles, CA 90006

Lucques
8474 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069

Bistro LQ
8009 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Pizzeria Mozza
641 N. Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Pho
1147 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006

My Taco Restaurant
6300 York Blvd Ste 4, Los Angeles, CA 90042

[jacknhedy]

over 25 -
1. providence
2. ortolan
3. bistro lq
4. josie
5. pizzeria mozza
5.

[anothernotch]

over 25
1) Providence
2) Spago
3) Pizzeria Mozza
4) Chinois
5) Melisse

Under
1) Hide Sushi
2) Gilbert's El Indio
3) Hole in the Wall Burger
4) Sushi Gen - for lunch
5) Father's Office

-----
Spago
176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Gilbert's El Indio
2526 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405

El Indio
22816 S Western Ave, Torrance, CA 90501

Father's Office Bar
1618 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA

Pizzeria Mozza
641 N. Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036

[albatruffles]

Over $25
1 Providence
2 Spago
3 CUT
4 The Hump
5 Hatfield's

Under $25
1 Pizzeria Mozza
2 Wurstküche
3 Mo Chica
4 Umami Burger
5 Kogi BBQ Truck

-----
Spago
176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Umami Burger
850 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Pizzeria Mozza
641 N. Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036

M Restaurant - Hotel Metropole
205 Crescent Ave, Avalon, CA 90704

[stuffycheaks]

> $25
1. The Bazaar
2. Church & State
3. Sona
4. Ortolan
5. Melisse

< $25
1. Furiabo
2. Simpang asia
3. Bar*Food
4. Sasaya
5. Santouka

[maxzook]

Chow Poll Trivia:

Besides Langer's, what is the only deli to appear inn the Top Ten of a Chowhound Ultimate LA Restaurant poll?

[mollyomormon]

Bay Cities?

[maxzook]

You got it -- Bay Cities Deli was #9 last year.

[ipsedixit]

Hey max,

How about a poll of most visited restaurants for 2009?

More than 20x in 2009 and more than 10x in 2009

[maxzook]

I think that's a wonderful idea, and on behalf of L. A. Chowhounders I want to thank you for volunteering to compile it ;P

[tenxtone76]

Under $25
Jitlada
Nem Nuong
Jongewaard's (Long Beach)
Colori Kitchen
Omelette & Waffle (San Pedro)

Over $25 (I don't do this much)
Fraiche
Park's BBQ
Taylor's (La Canada)
Sushi Casa Arigato (Redondo Beach)
Sushi Gen

-----
Jitlada
5233 1/2 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Colori Kitchen
429 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

[TomSwift]

under 25 -
Langers
Bay Cities
Fab
In n Out
Pat's Topanga Grill

Over 25 -
Urasawa
Valentino
Spago
Providence
Water Grill

-----
Water Grill
544 South Grand, Los Angeles, CA 90071

Spago
176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Urasawa Restaurant
218 N Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Pat's Topanga Grill
1861 N Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga, CA 90290

[russkar]

Great list , I remember being there for most of them. aloha

[mc michael]

You can't just drop by and not leave your own list, russkar.

[russkar]

I now permanently live in the So Pacific (Waikiki) but if I had to choose the best in LA?
1. Urasawa
2. Melisse
3. Providence
4. Valentino
5. Angelini Osteria
-------------------------------
Spago
Totoraku
Mori Sushi

Below $25-
1. Langer's
2. Mi India Bonita
3. Arthur's (best Hamburger and Orange Julius)
4. Sushi Gen (lunch special)
5. Caroussel (Hollywood bl)
aloha

[mc michael]

Mahalo!

[peppermonkey]

Can I add about 15 more to each list please???
>$25
Urasawa
Spago
Rivera
Orris
Osteria Mozza

>$25
Langer's
Park's BBQ
Father's Office
Elite
Wurstküche

-----
Park's BBQ
955 S. Vermont Ave, Suite G, Los Angeles, CA 90006

Spago
176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Urasawa Restaurant
218 N Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Father's Office Bar
1618 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA

[exilekiss]

Hi maxzook,

Thanks again for taking the time to compile for all of us! :) Love this topic.

Over $25
1. Urasawa
2. Providence
3. Animal
4. Mori Sushi
5. Spago

Under $25
1. Torihei
2. Izakaya Bincho
3. Mariscos Chente
4. Ichimian
5. Foo Foo Tei (Hacienda Heights)

Thanks.

[sfgirl22]

over 25

Marche LA
The Foundry
Hungry Cat
Drago Centro
Spago

Under 25

Bowery
Corkbar
Yai Thai
Yucca
Oinkster

-----
The Hungry Cat
1535 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Oinkster
2005 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041

Spago
176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Yai Restaurant
5757 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Drago Restaurant
2628 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90403

Drago Centro
525 S. Flower St., Suite 120, Los Angeles, CA 90071

[honkman]

Over $25
Providence
Bistro LQ
Animal
Hatfield's
Osteria Mozza

Under $25
Langer's
Scoops
LA Mill
Intelligentsia
Kogi BBQ

(I don't live in LA and tend to go to more upscale restaurants during my trips so that the under $25 list might look unusual)

[Asperges]

Hatfield's is closed... RIP.

[maxzook]

Yes, but they are supposed to be re-opening at 6702 Melrose (the former Red Pearl Kitchen) for New Year's:

http://blogs.laweekly.com/squidink/la-restaurants/hatfields-opening-new-space-re/

http://www.hatfieldsrestaurant.com/

I'll list them as temporarily closed when I tally the poll next month.

[honkman]

They are just moving to another location. You can follow the progress:

http://twitter.com/twohatfields

[wabelljr]

Under $25:

Gale's
Chang's Garden
Fred 62
Phillippe's
Original Pantry

-----
Chang's Garden
627 W Duarte Rd, Arcadia, CA 91007

Original Pantry Cafe
877 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Fred 62
1854 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

[oldiebutfoodie]

under:
Jitlada
Elite
Monte Alban
Mariscos Chente
Oinkster

-----
Oinkster
2005 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041

Jitlada
5233 1/2 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Monte Alban
11927 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

[nomo_fan]

over $25
Park's (look at their menu...unless you mean Kal bi tang, most everything is over $25)
Madeleines
TAPS
Chosun Galbee
Sushi Gen

under $25
Langer's
Foo Foo Tei
Tulsa Rib
Daisy Mint
Mariscos Chente

-----
Daisy Mint
1218 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA

Mariscos Chente
4532 S Centinela Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Marisco's
718 S San Jacinto Ave, San Jacinto, CA 92583

[samtron608]

ya, but i figure most meat dishes (1 order ) can be split between 2 people. i guess this needs to be debated....

[maxzook]

The restaurant will be listed for whichever category it receives the most points (over or under $25). In other words, the participants will decide.

[maxzook]

The Taps Fish House (the only Taps restaurant I can find locally) is not in Los Angeles County. (Brea = Orange County; Corona = Riverside Co.) And also, Tulsa Rib Co. is in Orange. To vote for OC restaurants:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/670162

[Psiweaver]

Over $25
Urasawa
Providence
Jar
Animal
Cut

Under 25
Alejo's
Bay Cities
Golden State
Santouka Ramen
Jitlada

-----
Jitlada
5233 1/2 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Urasawa Restaurant
218 N Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Santouka Ramen
21515 S Western Ave, Torrance, CA 90501

Santouka
3760 S Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90066

[Emme]

Thanks for the heroic feat in advance!

Over 25
Urasawa
Spago
Providence
Bazaar
Church and State

Under 25 (this is even tougher and two make it for frequency...)
Monte Alban
Mariscos Chente
Jitlada Thai
Nate'n'Al's (a weekly dinner...)
Greenleaf Chop Shop (lunch multiple times a week...)

-----
Jitlada
5233 1/2 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Spago
176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Urasawa Restaurant
218 N Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Monte Alban
11927 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Mariscos Chente
4532 S Centinela Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Marisco's
718 S San Jacinto Ave, San Jacinto, CA 92583

[sumo3175]

Over
Gjelina
Ortolon
Animal
Barbrix
Fig

Under
Shinsengumi yakitori
M cafe
Cobras
Bacaro

-----
Gjelina
1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291, USA

[mrhooks]

Maybe it's just me, but I've never been able to eat at Yakitori SSG for under $25. I'd have voted differently otherwise. :D

[sushilush.com]

I love this poll!

SushiLush.com only knows about Japanese cuisine and here are my favorites in the $25+ category:

Sashi (Manhattan Beach)
Matsuhisa (West Hollywood)
R 23 (Little Toyko)
Asanebo (Studio City)
Urusawa (Beverly Hills and uber expensive)

-----
Urasawa Restaurant
218 N Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Matsuhisa
129 N La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Asanebo
11941 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604

Sashi
451 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

[New Trial]

Thank you for doing this again!

Over $25:

Ortolan
Osteria Mozza
Animal
Jar
Orris

Under $25:

Langer's
Bay Cities
Father's Office
Torihei
Marisco Chente

-----
Torihei
1757 W. Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90501

Father's Office Bar
1618 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA

Marisco's
718 S San Jacinto Ave, San Jacinto, CA 92583

[mrhooks]

Over $25:
Urasawa
Providence
Ortolan
Totoraku
Izakaya Bincho

Under $25:
Asa Ramen
Shabu Shabu House
Hakata Ramen Shin-Sen-Gumi
Nickel Diner
Wurstküche

-----
Urasawa Restaurant
218 N Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Nickel Diner
524 S Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Izakaya Bincho
112 N International Boardwalk, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Totoraku
10610 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Shabu Shabu House Restaurant
127 Japanese Village Plaza Mall, Los Angeles, CA 90012

[mrhooks]

RE-VOTE because I can't believe I forgot to vote for Santouka:

Over $25:
Urasawa
Providence
Ortolan
Totoraku
Izakaya Bincho

Under $25:
Asa Ramen
Shabu Shabu House
Santouka
Hakata Ramen Shin-Sen-Gumi
Nickel Diner

[Peripatetic]

Thanks for managing the poll again this year!

OVER $25

Pizzeria Mozza
Lou on Vine
Sanuki No Sato

$25 OR LESS

Langer's Deli
Oinkster
Izakaya Bincho
Xiang Wei Lou
Seongbukdong

-----
Oinkster
2005 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041

Lou on Vine
724 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Sanuki No Sato
18206 S Western Ave, Gardena, CA 90248

Izakaya Bincho
112 N International Boardwalk, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Pizzeria Mozza
641 N. Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Izakaya
8420 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Xiang Wei Lou Restaurant
227 W Valley Blvd, San Gabriel, CA 91776

[tbwenzlau]

Over $25
1. Jar
2. Pizzeria Mozza
3. Providence
4. Grace
5. The Little Door

Under $25
1. The Golden State
2. The Little Next Door
3. Daisy Mint
4. Pie 'n Burger
5. Philippe's French Dip

[funkyshanna]

This is awesome!!

Over $25
Urasawa
The Bazaar
Osteria Mozza
Animal
Providence

Under $25
La Brea Bakery
Philippe French Dip

-----
Urasawa Restaurant
218 N Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

La Brea Bakery
624 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

[mc michael]

Over
Hungry Cat
Orris
Drago Centro
Zucca
R23

Under
Nickel Diner
Full House
Jitlada
Umami Burger
Langer's

-----
The Hungry Cat
1535 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Jitlada
5233 1/2 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

R23
923 E. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Nickel Diner
524 S Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Drago Centro
525 S. Flower St., Suite 120, Los Angeles, CA 90071

[manku]

Over 25:

Osteria Mozza
Yu-n-Mi Sushi
Drago Centro
BLT Steak
Pizzeria Mozza

Under 25:

Santouka
Mandarin Deli (Northridge)
Zankou Chicken
Langer's
Bay Cities

-----
Mandarin Deli Restaurant
9305 Reseda Blvd, Northridge, CA 91324

Santouka
3760 S Centinela Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Drago Restaurant
2628 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90403

Drago Centro
525 S. Flower St., Suite 120, Los Angeles, CA 90071

Pizzeria Mozza
641 N. Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036

[lizziee]

Over 25
1.Urasawa
2. Providence
3. Spago
4. Church and State
5. Bazaaar

Under 25
1. Langer’s
2. Father’s Office
3. Marty’s
4. Bay Cities

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Spago
176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

[russkar]

Nice List...

[SugarFrosted]

Over $25

Church & State
Cut
The Hungry Cat
Valentino
Tavern

Under $25

Loteria Grill
Bay Cities Italian Deli
Fathers Office
In N Out Burger
Zankou Chicken

[beezees]

> $25
Providence
Lucques
Pizzeria Mozza
Spago
Church and State

< $25
Yai Restaurant
Jitlada Thai Restaurant
Park's BBQ
Hakata Ramen Shinsengumi
Rajdhani

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Park's BBQ
955 S. Vermont Ave, Suite G, Los Angeles, CA 90006

Jitlada
5233 1/2 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Spago
176 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Rajdhani
18525 Pioneer Blvd, Artesia, CA 90701

Yai Restaurant
5757 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Lucques
8474 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069

Pizzeria Mozza
641 N. Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036

[lorisueb]

Max, this is an incredible undertaking. Thank you!
+25
Providence
Hump
Locanda Veneta
Mozza Osteria
Urasawa

-25
Maria’s Fresh Seafood (Central Market)
Urth Café
La Brea Bakery
BH Cheese Shop
The Pantry Cafe

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Urasawa Restaurant
218 N Rodeo Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

La Brea Bakery
624 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Locanda Veneta
8638 W. Third Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048

[Discokill]

Over
1. Lucques
2. Fraiche
3. Sushi Zo
4. Izaka-Ya by Katsu-ya
5. Mozza Osteria

Under:
1. Malibu Seafood
2. Bay Cities
3. Kogi
4. Mariscos Chente
5. Tacos Por Favor

[countdeville]

Over $25
1. Chameau
2. Babita
3. Hungry Cat
4. Lucques
5. Boss Sushi

Under $25
1. Bloom
2. Tamarind Ave. Deli
3. Vegan Glory
4. Golden State
5. Singapore Banana Leaf

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The Hungry Cat
1535 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Chameau Restaurant
339 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Vegan Glory
8393 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Lucques
8474 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069

Boss Sushi
268 S La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Tamarind Ave. Deli
1471 Tamarind Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

[burp_excuzme]

Ack! I'm not sure about the Singapore Banana Leaf...it was worse than mediocre to me. Having lived in Singapore for 11 years, I was thoroughly disappointed!

[woceht]

Yikes! Being from Singapore, I concur with burp about Singapore Banana Leaf.

[samtron608]

over $25
Providence
Mozza Osteria
Animal
Grace
Angelini Osteria

Under $25
Langers
Parks BBQ

[ipsedixit]

I'm not sure Park's BBQ qualifies in the "Under $25" category.

-----
Park's BBQ
955 S. Vermont Ave, Suite G, Los Angeles, CA 90006

[RicRios]

>25
Spago
Church & State
Fraiche
Il Pastaio
Carlitos Gardel

<25
Umami Burger
El Parian
Father's Office
Langer's
Dino's Chicken

[wienermobile]

Under $25
1. Langer's
2. Brent's Deli Northridge
3. Mariscos Chente
4. Santouka
5. Philippe's French Dip

Over $25
1. Matsuhisa
2. Gjelina
3. Animal
4. Mozza
5. Saddle Peak Lodge

[OCAnn]

I guess I'm now committed...unless someone else wants to take over! =)

Just so folks know, I'll start the OC poll during Thanksgiving week and will let it go thru the end of December (if you guys want me to start now, let me know).

[Jaytizzle]

I live in Orange County so this is my list.

Over $25
Mastro's Steak
Mastro's Ocean Club
Javiers
Charlie Palmers - South Coast
Stonehill Tavern

Under $25
25 Degrees
Mahe
Gullivers
Gyu-Kaku
Crow Bar

[OCAnn]

We'll start a different thread for OC later this month; please save your votes for that list. =)

[mollyomormon]

+$25

Animal
Church & State
The Bazaar
Gjelina
Spago

-$25
Langer's
Father's Office
Jitlada
Marisco Chente
Torihei

[RacerX]

Thanks for taking the time to do this Max!

Over $25
1 Mastros Steakhouse
2 Lawry's Prime rib
3 Lucques
4 Westside Tavern
5 Orris

Under $25
1 Langer's
2 Philippe the French dip
3 Bay Cities deli
4 Sam Woo (I know its a chain but the Van Nuys branch is the best chinese greasy spoon in the SFV)
5 Swan Restaurant (great Thai in North Hollywood)

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Sam Woo Cafe
727 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Mastros Restaurant
2087 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

[JEN10]

You are AWESOME, what a task!