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The view might be of the skyline, the surrounding coastline, a romantic interior courtyard, or simply your date backlit by the cityscape. Whatever the venue, summer is the time to dine outdoors, catch a breeze, and relax as if you are on vacation, even if you’re in the city you call home.
The Draw: Make those California dreams a reality at this timeless seaside hideaway that offers a taste of every luxury Malibu has to offer. The Scene: Geoffrey’s (pronounced Joffrey’s) is known more for its elegant setting, breathtaking views, and celebrity clientele than for its decent if overpriced seafood-centric menu. Expect an attractive lunch and brunch crowd out for cocktails and conversation. Hot Tip: Love is in the air at Geoffrey’s, where, legend has it, JFK wooed Marilyn Monroe. For a romantic view, ask for a two-seat table against the outer rail.
The Scene: Former “The Next Iron Chef” contestant Eric Greenspan’s labor of love uses a festive, multilateral approach that proves fine dining can be fun. The Draw: Known best for his cheeseburger (which took top honors at the “Grilled Cheese Invitational”), Greenspan is “the people’s” master chef. Live music and boisterous banter permeates this urbane Melrose restaurant, which also includes an intimate backyard patio. Hot Tip: Greenspan’s very active on social media with both his personal Twitter account (twitter.com/ChefGreeny) and the Foundry’s (twitter.com/FoundryMelrose) announcing daily food and drink specials.
The Draw: Scene meets cuisine at this sleek, trendy Westside spot that still draws ready-to-mingle singles, while also reserving its coveted outdoor patio for the more serious fine diner. The Scene: The space—designed by Thomas Schoos, who also designed Koi—is warm, dark, and highlighted by a two-tiered garden patio that looks like a spread straight out of Architectural Digest. The “new urban cuisine” is contemporary Californian and makes use of seasonal organic ingredients bought fresh from the area’s many local farmers’ markets. Hot Tip: Peculiarly for a beach town, Wilshire is one of the only high-end spots in the area offering fine dining under the stars, so be sure to secure a reservation for the patio in advance, especially for a party larger than two.
