Ideas for a Beatiful Westside Patio Spot for Lunch?

[1900Therese]

I am hoping to get ideas for a pretty patio spot where i can have my daughter's graduation luncheon in Santa Monica or Brentwood. We will be about 15-20 people.

Chez Mimi is always lovely but would like to consider all options before we decide. Wilshire may be too"hip" but maybe not...any other ideas?

Chowhounds, as always, you know the best spots! Thanks in advance for any and all ideas.

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Chez Mimi Restaurant
246 26th St, Santa Monica, CA 90402

[Phurstluv]

Primitivo in Venice

Right next to Lilly's, as a matter of fact, but I really like Primitivo, haven't felt the need to try Lily's.

Whist at the Viceroy, on Ocean and Pico has the most unbelievable patio I have seen in years, just awesome and sooooooo cool. Big Ol' white wing chairs right on the poolside, awesome, and I hear the new chef is doing a bang up job. Serves all day, from what I understand.

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Primitivo
1025 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291

[yogachik]

Whist is an excellent suggestion - it's gorgeous.

Il Moro, while a great location and patio, feels too mature for a graduation luncheon. Whenever I'm there, I'm the youngest in the room, and that's not easy, although I absolutely love the food.

Primitivo and Lily's are both very good suggestions, too. Also consider Gjelina. Is Beechwood too far (MDR)? James Beach is another idea. And Fig at the Fairmont.

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James Beach
60 N Venice Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Il Moro Restaurant
11400 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064

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

Primitivo
1025 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291

[Phurstluv]

I don't think Beechwood is open for lunch, I tried to go there at that time a couple of months back. Unless they've recently expanded their hours, or I was on their off day.

I also really like Fig, but it's a little small, you would probably take up most of the place.

[Burger Boy]

I do not really think of Beechwood as beautiful patio environment. If you are willing to come south to Venice maybe check out 26 Beach, the ladies seem to really like the patio. Be sure to book soon as graduation time and Mother's Day makes for hard to get reservations.

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26 Beach
3100 Washington Blvd., Venice, CA 90292

[Phurstluv]

Don't ask me, I didn't rec beechwood for lunch, and if you read my post, you will see I said I didn't think they were open for lunch b/c I have tried to go in the past.

And I know 26 Beach is your FAVORITE spot. They do have a cute patio but it is TINY, and if you don't go early enough, it will surely be filled.

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26 Beach
3100 Washington Blvd., Venice, CA 90292

[Burger Boy]

It is one of my westside favorites, you are right. I think the patio holds 40-45 is my guess, I would hope they would make a reservation for a party this size and not risk just showing up.

[Phurstluv]

PS - nice as it is, I don't think it (the patio ambience) holds a candle to Whist or Wilshire.

[westsidegal]

if you are willing to consider a spot in venice, Lilly's French Cafe on abbot kinney has a beautiful patio area.
dunno if the patio would be big enough to accommodate your party.
i'd call to find out.

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

[bulavinaka]

+1 on Lilly's patio. I think if the OP goes to check it out and finds it suitable, she could probably talk with the restaurant about reserving enough space for her party. It's a really unique spot with the adjacent garden area as a view and the patio cover offering subdued lighting which is really easy on the eyes.

[Emme]

++1 for Lilly's. I think it'd be perfect for the occasion. a great garden area that to me screams spring and graduation, and the birth of a new era... :)

[Baron]

Got just the place: il Moro on the west side near Olympic and Bundy area. They have a very nice patio which you can take a look at.
http://www.ilmoro.com/
The food has been quite good

[maudies5]

Il Moro is an excellent suggestion. I completely forgot about Il Moro. A friend had her wedding there. It was a lovely setting.

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Il Moro Restaurant
11400 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064

[1900Therese]

i love il moro, havent been in a while... their patio is beautiful and private....great idea...and thanks for the michael"s idea as well as the assurance for wilshire...hope chez mimi will live on tho sold. love lily's too but i think the "older folks" won't like the drive,,,all great ideas,,,thanks so much

[maudies5]

Chez Mimi is slated to become another Italian restaurant.

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Chez Mimi Restaurant
246 26th St, Santa Monica, CA 90402

[NAspy]

Wilshire is really a lovely spot though I've not been there for lunch. We are distinctly unhip and always enjoy the food, the service and the atmosphere.

Another thought might be Michael's, long regarded as one of the lovelier outdoor eating spots in town.

Or Bel Air Hotel; lovely garden, maybe too unhip for daughter's graduation.

[maudies5]

Hotel Bel Air is closed for remodeling. Chez Mimi has just been sold. Michael's is, indeed, a lovely spot. Lucques has an "indoor" patio which is quite nice and their lunch is excellent.

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Chez Mimi Restaurant
246 26th St, Santa Monica, CA 90402

Lucques
8474 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069