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No matter what style of fine dining you prefer—from that of the molecular– gastronomy whiz, to the latest Le Cordon Bleu–trained chef who re-invents the local scene, to the tried and true haunts that have earned the moniker “classic”—you will fine in these shortlists the pitch-perfect restaurant for a singular night on the town.
Best Fine Dining in....
Best Fine Dining
Los Angeles
Anisette Brasserie 225 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, 310-395-3200 anisettebrasserie.com
The Draw: Celebrated chef Alain Giraud’s quintessential Parisian brasserie on the Promenade is one less reason to hate the French. The Scene: A critic and foodie favorite, Anisette Brasserie is authentic without seeming contrived or cliquish. Giraud’s buzz-worthy seasonal menu relies on classic French techniques to mold farmer's market ingredients to perfection. Combine that with a drop-dead gorgeous layout and an intimate, yet inviting atmosphere, and voila! Bon Appetit! Mon–Tue 11:30am–10pm, Wed–Thu 8am–10pm, Fri–Sat 8am–10:30pm, Sun 9am–10pm. $$ Hot Tip: The seasonal menu also allows for the freewheeling Giraud to do monthly Provencal menus, generally the first week of each month. Each night is like a journey through France. Make a reservation, because the seats fill up quickly.
The Bazaar
465 S. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, 310-246-5567 thebazaar.com
The Draw: Not so much a five-star restaurant as a one-of-a-kind fine-dining experience, this 2009 James Beard Award winner is the brainchild of palate provocateur José Andrés. The Scene: Andrés, the star of the PBS series Made in Spain, oversees this Willy Wonka–esque taste circus that is one of only four restaurants to receive a four-star rating by the LA Times. His avant-garde tapas dishes (Wagyu beef Philly cheesesteak, Japanese scallop taco, watermelon tomato skewers) stretch across the Euro landscape throughout über-designer Phillipe Stark’s equally wild and engaging indoor piazza. Mon–Wed 6–10pm, Thu–Fri 6–11pm, Sat–Sun 11am–11pm. $$$$ Hot Tip: The signature cocktails ($16–$20) keep up with the decadent theme, from the liquid cherry Manhattan to the cotton candy-laced Magic Mojito. Some are nitrogen-infused, others made tableside, and each is alone worth a visit.
The Draw: Michelin-starred restaurant gets a new lease on life with a bigger, bolder space that brings simple sophistication to new heights. The Scene: The new Hatfield’s is much like the old one, featuring the trademark contemporary Cal-French cuisine that you absorb rather than simply taste. The savory dishes come from a husband-wife duo (Quinn and Karen Hatfield), earning raves for their market-fresh menu that combines texture with technique. The former Red Pearl location has been transformed into a refined (if somewhat stuffy) space with a casual bar and artistic touches such as a honeycomb chandelier. Mon–Thu 6–10pm, Fri–Sat 6–10:30pm $$$ Hot Tip: For an appetizer, try Hatfield’s inventive twist on a croque Madame—grilled brioche, hamachi, prosciutto, and quail egg.
