LA Classics: Dinner Dates

Friends always ask for recommendations on where to eat in LA and my answer is hardly ever the same. With so many restaurants and lots of new restaurants opening up all the time, the list of “hot spots” is constantly evolving. I wanted to make a list of LA “classics” that have consistently exceeded expectations. First edition: dinner dates. My go-to restaurants for date nights or GNO…

1. THE PENTHOUSE AT MASTRO’S
246 N Canon Dr Fl 3
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

I always say I officially became Angeleno at Mastro’s because this is where I met the Mayor of LA, lol. Mastro’s is the best steakhouse in LA. The steak (duh) is phenomenal but please don’t sleep on the lobster mashed potatoes. Goodness gracious. You can also add to your steaks - like scallops, truffle butter - and I think you won’t be disappointed every which way. I would recommend the regular dining area for a big group and booking the Penthouse for a more intimate date night.

2. THE BAZAAR BY JOSE ANDRES
465 La Cienega Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90048

The Bazaar is one of the few restaurants in L.A. that will remain at the top. It’s what every out-of-towner imagines every LA restaurant to be. Glamorous. The restaurant is divided into three sections: dining, bar/lounge, patisserie - which facilitates a unique dining experience as you get to move through the rooms to enjoy your entire meal. Jose Andres has done an amazing job with the gastronomic menu (taste + presentation) and the ambiance is chic and extremely appealing. Pricey? Sure. Well worth it? Most definitely. The Philly Cheesesteak, foie gras cotton candy, and smokey mixology are Bazaar staples.

3. LAWRY’S THE PRIME RIB - BEVERLY HILLS
100 N La Cienega Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Pay your respects to the prime rib gods if you haven’t already. The prime rib is perfection, obvi. I can devour a whole plate of creamed corn (no lie). And other musts are the Yorkshire pudding, spinnnniiiiingggggg salad (iykyk) and the perfectly plump lobster tails. Princess food. I love you, Lawry's.

4. REPUBLIQUE
624 S La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Newish compared to others on this list, but has quickly established itself as a classic. Republique is a place where you can wine-and-dine with Tupac & Biggie playing in the background. Very chic, but in no way pretentious. The décor is stunning and I am especially attracted to the rear dining area with high ceilings and an open kitchen that gives the entire place a Parisian feel. Service is top-notch. Warning: Republique is so enjoyable, you won't want to leave... and you'll just keep ordering and ordering. Their menu evolves - but I’ve always loved the charcuterie, chicken liver pate, and steak tartare. My most recent visit we ordered the lobster pasta and short rib. Phenomenal.

5. BOTTEGA LOUIE
700 S Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90017

MACARON HEAVEN, but please please please try their chocolate beignets and chocolate chip cookies!!! Even better - please enjoy a full dinner here. Open kitchen, cute patisserie and a huge classy dining hall. My favorite dinner items: artichoke pizza (or any pizza really) and the crab beignets.

6. BESTIA
2121 E 7th Pl
Los Angeles, CA 90021

OK first order of business: Make reservations NOW. You have to reserve at least a month in advance to get in at a decent dinner time. Industrial ceilings, open brick walls, modern light fixtures... rustic wooden tables. AND the music. Omg, the music. You had me at "Ice Cube - Good Day" and "Tupac - Changes". Bestia is my favorite restaurant in LA - and that’s a bold fucking statement. Order their staple: marrow with spinach gnocchetti. My other faves: Alla'nduja pizza, cavatelli alla norcina, and anything with uni or chicken liver. So... did you make reservations yet?