Dining in L.A.

For variety, novelty, and sheer deliciousness, the L.A. dining scene is non-stop wonderful. I find myself sampling new restaurants and returning to old favorites again and again. Here are a few spots on the top of my list.

If you’re looking to impress visiting dignitaries, I recommend Soho House or Nobu at the beach in Malibu. The views are incredible at both places. The weekend brunches are out of this world at the Soho House, and nobody can beat Nobu’s sushi.

There’s always plenty to savor in Beverly Hills. The South Beverly Grill is home to my favorite dish in the city limits. From Thursday through Saturday only, they prepare a True Dover Sole, which is very lightly battered and fried to perfection. I am told their house-made veggie burgers are the best in town. Be sure to make a reservation!

The brand-new Avra Beverly Hills specializes in an abundance of fresh fish and the zucchini appetizer is out of this world, not to mention the marinated chicken. An imported hotspot from New York, this N. Beverly Drive restaurant has a sensational indoor-outdoor feeling. You might see me there, enjoying a celebratory lunch with my staff this month.

After many months of dazzling renovations, the incomparable Crustacean has reopened with an exciting new menu and a glamorous dining room. The An family makes you feel so much at home and their secret recipe for garlic noodles is divine.

I always feel like I’m on vacation at Mr. Chow. I love the drama of the main dining room and it’s fun to sample so many choices from their wide and timeless selection. Open for more than 40 years, Mr. Chow is truly a Beverly Hills institution.

And of institutions, Spago is a sure-fire go-to for great gourmet meals. And of it’s so much fun to hang out with Wolfgang!

Finally, if you want a great glass of wine, Wally’s has an impressive selection and a comfortable ambiance. Plus they have a nice assortment of dishes to share as well as a late-night menu.

Bon appetit!