restaurants that are worth checking out?

[BLover33]

where should we eat? we know good food so quality is important. would like to get the real LA experience and go to places with a fun ambience. great people watching a huge +
Any cuisine other than Japanese/Chinese
price not an issue. just looking for something fun, hip and yummy.

Thanks in advance

[BLover33]

Thank you all! Great suggestions, great help!

[oohmoomin]

i'd check out places in echo park -- for low key but good and a different vibe than the trendy places on the westside i like the park and masa.

also in santa monica, i really like the pizza at stella rossa-- the bakery is connected to m street kitchen, and i think they have the best chocolate chip cookies in LA. i love choc chip cookies, and this is seriously high praise from me. for experience and great food i would also run to pizzeria mozza -- can't beat the food and good people watching too.

[dgusanz]

I like Dirtywithextraolicves list but would add Tar and Roses in Santa Monica and Sotto in West LA.

Also for lunch try the pork and rapini sandwich at Next Door (to Josies) also in SM.

I have also fallen in love with the Mac and Cheese and dougnuts/desserts at Nickel Diner downtown.

[Dirtywextraolives]

"fun ambience" doesn't necessarily go along with chow worthy food.....but here's a list that can be considered "hip & yummy":

Gjelina
Tasting Kitchen
FIG
Plan Check
Freddy Smalls
A-Frame
Lukshon
UMAMIcatessan
The Parish
Alma
Bestia
Baco Mercat

[A5 KOBE]

I would add Langers to this list and sit by the window along Alvarado. Plenty of people watching while eating and during the walk to and from the car.

Not really hip though, but always entertaining!

[Servorg]

"Not really hip though..."

But definitely hip replacement... ;-D>

[Novelli]

Nice listing. I would also add Superba Snack Bar. Excellent food, cool atmosphere, and perfect for sitting out on the patio for people watching.

[Dirtywextraolives]

Been trying to hit them up, and see they have Friday lunches now....

[Servorg]

Hip and Yummy means (at the moment) places like Animal and it's sister restaurant Son of a Gun and Red Medicine. If you want to eat downtown there are some new places like Bestia that are getting a lot of "airplay" here and would be worth checking out.

[whiner]

FWIW, my favorite restaurant in LA is Melisse (new French). Another near my top but a bit less expensive and more casual is Il Grano (new Northern Italian). Melisse is world class, Il Grano is top notch. Not certain either would qualify as "hip" though.