Restaurant: Sugarfish by Sushi Nozawa
Price: $35
Why We're Going: The sheer number of sushi bars in SoCal would make any Angeleno's head spin. But, when it comes to quality ingredients, there's no denying Sugarfish's never-faltering fare. And, we're such loyalists of Nozawa's "Trust Me" serving style, we booked our DineLA reservation without studying the menu ahead of time. Plus, feel free to use the week-long event as a chance to check out the latest DTLA outpost.
Sugarfish by Sushi Nozawa, 600 West 7th Street #150 (near South Grand Avenue); 213-627-3000.
Restaurant: Tres by José Andrés
Price: $45
Why We're Going: Boasting one of the swankiest interiors in L.A., this restaurant within the walls of the SLS Hotel is perfect if your girl's-night-out routine is in need of an overhaul. While the salads and entrees are intriguing, we'll be saving plenty of room for dessert — the dark-chocolate mousse cake with salted-caramel sauce sounds like heaven on a plate.
Tres by José Andrés, 465 South La Cienega Boulevard (at San Vicente Boulevard); 310-246-5555.
Restaurant: Bouchon Bistro
Price: $45
Why We're Going: This menu may take the cake as the best DineLA bargain. With four hearty courses (dishes range from chicken-liver mousse to pan-seared salmon), Thomas Keller isn't kidding around. We suggest you book a table ASAP, this spot is sure to fill up fast!
Bouchon Bistro, 235 North Canon Drive (between Dayton and Clifton ways); 310-271-9910.
Restaurant: Mohawk Bend
Price: $25
Why We're Going: This super-sized bar and restaurant has drafted a menu that will have vegans and vegetarians singing. Sure, there are meat options, too (just ask the waiter to add halibut to that chowder), but the focus here is veggies and locally sourced seasoning. Once you're done with your pineapple upside-down cake, head on over to the photo booth to make the night more memorable!
Mohawk Bend, 2141 West Sunset Boulevard (at Mohawk Street); 213-483-2337.
Restaurant: Larry's
Price: $25
Why We're Going: Typically, it costs us $25 for a solid pie in these parts, but a little bit goes a long way at this Venice hangout. The pizza and beer combo never fails to satisfy hungry bellies, but the special menu is a great way to expand your palette without straying too far from the staples. While the wild-mushroom pizza is totally calling our name, we may forgo the classic in lieu of the braised beef shortrib — or make one of our companions order the former and give us a taste!
Larry's, 24 Windward Avenue (near Pacific Avenue); 310-399-2700.
Photos: Via Sugarfish by Sushi Nozawa; Tres by José Andrés; Bouchon Bistro; Mohawk Bend
Restaurant: Asia De Cuba
Price: $45
Why We're Going: Come for the honey-rum-glazed pork belly and pan-seared ahi tuna, stay for the sweeping views of the city. We recommend you take a seat outside and dine alfresco amongst oversized pots — so many Instagram opportunities!
Asia De Cuba, 8440 West Sunset Boulevard (at North Olive Drive); 323-848-6000.
Restaurant: Papilles
Price: $35
Why We're Going: This spot may be tucked away in the corner of a strip mall, but don't let the outside atmosphere deter you! Within the walls of this French bistro is the perfect blend of Paris wine bar and high-end dining, sans stuffiness. Our suggestion? Don't skip the steak dish — Chef Tim Carey is serious about his choice cuts.
Papilles, 6221 Franklin Avenue (between Argyle and Vista Del Mar avenues); 323-871-2026.
Restaurant: Cliff's Edge
Price: $35
Why We're Going: Not only is the Silver Lake restaurant super dreamy in the decor department, the newly revamped dishes (courtesy of Chef Vartan Abgaryan) make us weak in the knees. Come with a crew, because this lengthy menu is chock-full of delicious dishes. Whether inside under the exposed rafters or tucked beneath the palm trees on the outdoor deck, don't forget to visit the restroom — trust, it's breathtaking!
Cliff's Edge, 3626 West Sunset Boulevard (at Edgecliffe Drive); 323-666-6116.
Restaurant: Night + Market
Price: $35
Why We're Going: With crazy-bold flavors and out-of-this-world seasonings, this menu can't be missed — especially if you're in the market for an authentic taste of Thailand. Many of the dishes include ingredients that Chef Kris Yenbamroong smuggled back from a recent trip to Chiang Rai. So, get a taste before the best stuff's gone for good!
Night + Market, 9041 Sunset Boulevard (near North Doheny Drive); 310-275-9724.
Restaurant: Father's Office
Price: $25
Why We're Going: It may feel strange at first to walk into the home of one of the city's best burgers and not order the signature dish. But, believe us — this special menu will have you rethinking "the usual." Grab any one of the Cali-made brews, nosh on some of the best bar food around, and take in a Lakers game!
Father's Office, 3229 Helms Avenue (at Venice Boulevard); 310-736-2224.
Photos: Via Asia De Cuba; Cliff's Edge; Papilles; Night + Market