Need Restaurant recommendation near U.S.C (So.Cal).??
 

Could someone recommend a nice restaurant within about 10 minutes or so from U.S.C. for a graduation dinner, party of 10?? With this many, I'd better stay away from ethnic food and go with a restaurant more Continental. I'm looking for something Nice, but not overly pricy if possible. Thank you.

I don't recall that being a &quot;nice&quot; area. What you're looking for may be a little bit farther away.<BR><BR>I'm no expert though, so this will top your question.

USC is a nice enclave in the middle of a pretty depressing area. I'd forget about anything nearby.

Just how far should we expand the parameter to find something decent?...looks like we may need to drive a bit. Still need suggestions, PLEASE...thanks!

There are some nice options downtown, and it wouldn't be more than a 10 minute dirve. <BR>My graduation from USC was on a weekday so you won't have to worry about restaurants being closed.<BR>Or, if you want French, you could go to Taix on Sunset Blvd in Echo Park. That's a pretty quick drive from SC but it's a bit pricey. <BR>What's your budget?

The Palm Restaurant downtown (right near Staples Center) would be close and nice though pricey. Do you have family coming in from out of town? If so, may consider having party near hotel rather than near USC.

No one is staying at hotels, they're bunking with other relatives. Is there a &quot;Stinky Rose&quot; or something like that (?)which specializes in garlic food? I may not have the name correct....I'd say our budget is approx. $45-50 per person including the wine with dinner and tip.

Stinking Rose is on restaurant row on La Cienga in Beverly Hills. i think it's very overrated - you can get much better italian or lebanese food with plenty of garlic for way less.

Here's some websites that might help - <BR>www.dailydiner.com (type in zip code 90089 for SC)<BR>www.downtownnews.com/rest for restaurants in and around downtown.<BR>

Thank you very much!

I live in LA and agree that USC is not a nice walking neighborhood. There are two restaurants I would recommend on Figueroa that are only a short drive from the school. One is Engine Co. 28 a converted firehouse and the other is Zucca, an Italian restaurant that is really lovely with a nice outdoor patio as well. Enjoy your stay in LA.

I had to check out this post being as I have a couple of degrees from USC but haven't been even in LA for over 10 years. I saw the thread header and was startled, wondered if things there had change THAT much that what had been an absolutely horrible area (everything around USC) had improved enough to actually have a restuarant that anyone would recommend as &quot;nice&quot;. I see it hasn't. When I was at USC in the 80's the area outside of campus was really a ghetto, literally. Has it gotten any better? I stay as far away from LA as possible these days but sometimes wonder how things are now, as I lived in LA for 17 years.

You might also check out and post question at chowhounds.com (Los Angeles area_ - should be very helpful.

Try www.zagat.com, there are some nice restaurants in downtown Los Angeles, just go up Harbor Freeway a few stops and you will be in downtown LA, or you can take one of the surface streets.

I don't think the area around USC is all that bad - not a ghetto like it was in the early 90s. The administration has really made a push to intergrate wth the community and the plan has had a bit of success. Plus the university has bought up a lot of the apartment buildings around campus so that they are inhabited by students and faculty. <BR>There is also a huge immigrant population in the area so there are a few ethnic restaurants in the area. Nothing fancy, but pupusas and kebob stands are nearby.

Traveller.<BR>I agree with Engine 28 and Zucca. Taix is another choice, but the food is so-so.Another good source for restaurants in the area is the West Adams Home Owners association. (WAHO) I know they have a website with a restaurant list. Harold and Belle's ( think that's the name) is one that comes to mind. Southern/Creole

Another vote here for Engine House No. 28 and Zucca. Both are within easy driving distance to USC. I attended a holiday party at Engine House No. 28 and was impressed with their attentive service of a larger party.