We are from Boston area - husband has to go with client to L.A. - they are staying at Bel Air Hotel- this client has taken us to dinner before in Chicago (Charlie Trotters) - and husband needs to do the entertaining this time - he was thinking one night somewhere good for fish, casual atmosphere, maybe on Santa Monica Pier? And other night special, fine dining, excellent wine list, top service,

doesn't want the "new trendy hot spot" or the "new famous chefs restaurant' - just b/c it is new and trendy and food is marginal . NEW is ok if food, decor, service is amazing and you can hear yourself talk (this is important) or maybe there are some established ones that are the ones not to miss - Would appreciate any suggestions.

These guys love good wine, excellent food, exc service and maybe a nice bar to have a drink in before or after but that is not a requirement. Willing to pay for excellence and a place you would come home and say "that was one of the best meals I ever had."

tonight someone recommended Crustacean for the seafood night and Ivy on Robertson or Spago, or Patina for other night - any experiences at these?

Patina is chef Joachim Splichal's premiere restaurant. The food is consistently sophisticated, creative, and excellent.

The chef's tasting menu is guaranteed to impress (be sure to allow sufficent time, something like 2+ hours for the full experience).

Woody

I have taken business guests to Crustacean and we really enjoyed the atmosphere and the food was wonderful. There is a special menu for their family specials which are excellent. The decor is different and very nice and not very far from Bel Air Hotel. I haven't been there in the last few months but I used to go there often, I'm sure nothing has changed.

Ivy is nice too, more casual, great food, star sightings.

The Ivy and Crustacean are high-end eateries that are, to be honest, not worth the money. The Ivy's offerings are secondary to the possibility you'll see a "star", and way overpriced. Crustacean claims to be exotic, but when I've gone they have used "bold" flavorings to cover up the mediocre quality of their ingredients, especially the seafood. And the service has always been the epitome of rude.

The eponymous main offering at the Lobster, at the base of the Santa Monica Pier, is popular, gives you a better deal and the place a view. Get there for sunset.

For better seafood in general, Ocean Ave. Seafood is the best choice in Santa Monica with views. Oyster bar, good wine selection, menu changes with daily fresh seafood choices.

For fine French food, La Cachette in West LA or Mélisse in Santa Monica are very very good choices. I've heard wonderful things about Providence, a seafood specialist on Melrose Ave. in LA (Hollywood-adjacent, or is it actual Hollywood? I never know).

Michael's in SM or Joe's in Venice are two of the better American/California cuisine specialists. If they're willing to spend for greatness, might I recommend Capo, also in SM? Exquisite food, great wine list, but you'll pay for the privilege.

Spago in Beverly Hills has become one of LA's finest restaurants thanks to executive chef Lee Hefter. Go for the nightly tasting menu; you won't be sorry.

I always like the food and ambience at Josie in Santa Monica. www.josierestaurant.com. The menu includes several wild game dishes, which is definitely out of the ordinary for L.A.

Patina is located in the Walt Disney Concert Hall, which could be a plus or a minus. If there is a performance that night, it might be a little crazy.

Has anyone tried the new Norman's in West Hollywood? It's on my list to try, since my brother raves about the one in Coral Gables.

great info, thank you all we will check out the web pages,menus,etc. this was a huge help.

I think Mr. Chow's is still a top contemporary Asian restaurant in L.A.

Mr. Chow's? No no no no!!! Awful, overpriced food and snotty service. Absolutely not worth the trip.

High-end Asian? Chinois on Main in Santa Monica and Orris in West LA actually have good food. If you like sushi (I don't), Matsuhisa in Beverly Hills is one of the most popular places, and Urusawa has a legendary omakase-- but we're talking over $200 a person.

Almost forgot-- Chaya Brasserie in West Hollywood is great too. Eclectic Asian-leaning cuisine, still a bit of a Star Scene-- and the food tastes good to boot!

After reading the reviews, I've been thinking of trying Kikuchi. Has anyone been?