Best Restaurants for People Watching in West Los Angeles

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodMexicanJapanese

Regions

Beach CitiesHollywoodWest Hollywood / Beverly Hills / Mid-WilshireWestside

Neighborhoods

Bel-AirBeverly / Fairfax / La Brea / Third St.Beverly HillsBrentwoodCentral Los AngelesCulver City

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

46 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Élephante Santa Monica restaurant

1. Élephante Santa Monica

4.6

Exceptional(1525)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Santa Monica

Booked 277 times today

Chic destination for elevated Italian cuisine in breezy, loungelike dining areas with ocean views.

A photo of Bacari Beverly Hills restaurant

2. Bacari Beverly Hills

4.7

Exceptional(104)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Beverly Hills

Booked 87 times today

Bacari Beverly Hills is a Venetian-inspired small plates restaurant featuring Mediterranean-influenced dishes by Chef Lior Hillel. We are the 7th restaurant of Kronfli Brothers, a family-owned, growing group of restaurants in the Los Angeles area. Alongside our delicious tapas, we offer a rotating curation of small-production wines and eclectic beers, unique craft cocktails & mocktails, and we are also known for our one-of-a-kind 90-minute open bar special. Our team provides warm hospitality in our large, open indoor space & our charming patios, all marked with rustic mediterranean decor. You will feel like home when dining at Bacari Beverly Hills. We welcome but do not require reservations — we love to accommodate walk-ins and large parties, even on busy nights. Bacari Beverly Hills is the go-to spot for our neighbors, and we look forward to hosting you soon!

A photo of The Terrace at The Maybourne Beverly Hills restaurant

3. The Terrace at The Maybourne Beverly Hills

4.6

Exceptional(1606)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Beverly Hills

Booked 13 times today

Vibrant and unforgettable, there's no better place to sit, sip and unwind in Beverly Hills than our bar. You'll find an exceptional wine list and a cocktail menu filled with classic and new creations. It's the perfect destination for all in search of relaxed late-night indulgence.

A photo of Calabra at Santa Monica Proper restaurant

4. Calabra at Santa Monica Proper

4.8

Exceptional(1602)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Santa Monica

Booked 43 times today

Calabra at Santa Monica Proper Hotel (One MICHELIN Key 2024) is located on the hotel's rooftop. The elevated garden terrace provides an inspiring atmosphere, with the ocean as a backdrop. Whether from the pool sundeck or circular bar, the views are best enjoyed with dinner, boutique wines, seasonal cocktails, and small-batch spirits. Serving Mediterranean & Californian cuisine with a view. Seating arrangements for all reservations at Calabra may include outdoor dining, bar area, as well as our indoor/ outdoor covered lounge space. Be sure to dress warmly.**Dinner reservations are for dining only. Drinks will be accommodated upon first come first serve at the bar area. Private Couch Alcoves are available with a rental and minimum spend**

5. Meat On Ocean

4.7

Exceptional(3466)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Santa Monica

Booked 45 times today

Meat On Ocean is a meat-centric, modern steakhouse in Santa Monica that offers both a sense of adventure and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Beyond the offerings of a world-class steakhouse, Meat On Ocean features an artisanal charcuterie bar, an exhibition dry-aging room and a variety of prime beef – from dry-aged domestic cuts to Japanese A-5. Integral to the operation is a highly trained crew of servers and butchers, who communicate directly with Guests about the beef, organically farmed chickens, house made sausages, choice seafood and more.Located on the corner of Ocean and Broadway, Meat On Ocean is steps from the action - including the Santa Monica Pier, shopping and hotels.Starting May 2024, Meat On Ocean is also your headquarters for private dining and events, with customizable spaces that are perfect for social events, corporate meetings, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, wedding receptions and ceremonies, with full audio/visual connectivity.

6. The Little Door

4.7

Exceptional(3054)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary French • West Hollywood

Booked 49 times today

Two simple wooden doors open up to quite a buzz in an otherwise romantic courtyard, where a colorful crowd hangs at the bar and lingers at coveted patio tables. Inside, seats spread throughout the candlelit house-turned-restaurant with intimate furniture. Organic seasonal ingredients, creatively prepared and impeccably presented, characterize our unique menu. If you do not see a reservation time for the time you would like please also check on Tock at exploretock.com/thelittledoorFor reservations on Holidays, please call the restaurant.

7. Ardor

4.6

Exceptional(780)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• American • West Hollywood

Booked 20 times today

The West Hollywood EDITION’s signature restaurant, Ardor, is a showcase for vegetable-forward healthy California cuisine with flavors inspired by local ingredients. Our menu features an artful balance of produce and meats, using techniques from around the world and products sourced hyper-locally. Each dish is made with organic ingredients and focuses on the essence of food, prepared simply and presented socially for a contemporary culinary journey. Live DJ on Friday and Saturday nights.Reservations are seated based on availability at arrival and are allocated 2 hours to dine once seated. Reservation of 5 or greater will be allocated 2.5 hours. Full party must be present in order to be seated & we allow a 15 minute grace period.An 18.5% Staff Charge Added to all Checks and is Paid Entirely to Service Staff

A photo of Cipriani Beverly Hills restaurant

8. Cipriani Beverly Hills

4.4

Awesome(106)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Beverly Hills

Booked 52 times today

Cipriani Beverly Hills is open for Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week. Sunday to Thursday: 11:30am to 10:30pmFriday and Saturday: 11:30am to 11:30pmJazz CaféModeled after a retro supper club, the Jazz Café at Cipriani Beverly Hills offers classic Cipriani cuisine, attentive service and live entertainment, providing an intimate, warm atmosphere.$15.00 Entertainment Fee will be applied to all reservations and walk-ins. Thursday: 5:30pm to 10:30pmFriday and Saturday: 5:30pm to 11:30pmIn 1931 a long-sought dream became reality. Giuseppe Cipriani opened the doors to Harry's Bar. In a discreet stone building perched along a canal just off Piazza San Marco in Venice, he created a timeless and impeccably appointed establishment. His concept was to serve others as you would want to be served yourself. His vision of simple luxury came to touch the souls of people all over the world. Four generations of Cipriani have grown a single restaurant, into a world renowned hospitality brand .

9. Drake's Hollywood

4.6

Exceptional(139)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• American • West Hollywood

Booked 18 times today

Drake's is a swanky, old Hollywood-inspired restaurant with sophisticated cocktails at a large, circular bar.We accept reservations 7 days in advance. Reservations open up at 9 am. For groups of 8 or more, please call the restaurant. Reservations are strongly encouraged as we have limited walk-in availability.Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice for any adjustments. No-show reservations will incur a fee of $50 per guest.We do not seat incomplete parties. To ensure that all parties are seated punctually and with ample time to enjoy their experience, a time limit is enforced: 1 hour 45 minutes for parties of 22 hours for parties of 3 to 4 2 hours 15 minutes for parties of 5 to 8Valet is available.A 5% surcharge will be added to each guest check. This charge is for the benefit of Drake’s employees. In support of this initiative, the entirety of this charge is retained by Drake’s.

10. Ivy at the Shore

4.8

Exceptional(3565)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Santa Monica

Booked 31 times today

Escape to Paradise at Ivy at the Shore Nestled near the iconic Santa Monica Pier, Ivy at the Shore offers a quintessential LA dining experience with stunning ocean views and a vibrant atmosphere. Indulge in fresh seafood like signature crab cakes, swordfish tacos, and Icelandic salmon. Explore Californian cuisine with classic dishes such as the Ivy Caesar salad, juicy burgers, and flavorful pasta. Immerse yourself in a tropical paradise with lush greenery, vibrant decor, and a spacious outdoor patio overlooking the ocean. Enjoy the renowned hospitality of The Ivy, with attentive staff ensuring a memorable dining experience. Perfect for special occasions, celebrate a romantic date night with breathtaking sunset views or enjoy family gatherings in a lively atmosphere. Impress clients with sophisticated business lunches. Make your reservation today and escape to paradise at Ivy at the Shore.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles •1 review
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
I do hate how close the tables are together. We can hear everyone’s conversation so we asked to be moved and they moved us. But also good food and service.
More info
Élephante Santa MonicaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Santa Monica
•
4.6
S
Serineh
Los Angeles •20 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
We were there during lunch time, the food was delicious. The service and ambiance was also so great. Would definitely be back.
More info
Calabra at Santa Monica ProperPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Santa Monica
•
4.8
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
First time being there and it was great love everything we had. I would definitely return again.
More info
Meat On OceanPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Santa Monica
•
4.7
LJ
LizaJoonVIP
Los Angeles •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
The food was delicious loved sitting inside or outside more quiet sitting outside if you want something with less noise. Highly recommend the salmon, bass, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and the Pizza’s loved the watermelon spicy Margarita.
More info
Bacari Beverly HillsPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Beverly Hills
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable DinerVIP
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 5, 2025
We had an A+ experience at The Terrace! The service was outstanding!
More info
The Terrace at The Maybourne Beverly HillsPrice: Moderate• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service• Beverly Hills
•
4.6

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