LA Area Restaurants?

[nite_eagle]

Greetings,

We are heading to the LA area for vacation, staying in the Marina Del Rey/Santa Monica area. Can anyone give me some restaurant recommendations? We are considering Mr Chow, The Ivy, Border Grill, Piccolo Cipriani, The Lobster, Killer Shrinp, Fred Segal, Kate Mantilini, The Farm of Beverly Hills, Crustacean, etc.

We will also be in the San diego area for a one day specifically Point Loma and La Jolla. Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Norman

[phoebe]

Hi Norman,

What are you looking for in terms of food, price range, etc.? The restaurants you mention (the ones I recognize) are all pretty different.

[nite_eagle]

Hi Phoebe,

Our tastes are varied. The most important thing is are they price worthy. I'm willing to pay if it is good. If some of them are expensive, but the food doesn't live up to the price let me know. Definitely want to eat the local sea food. Of course if there are reasonablely priced restaurants with exceptional food that's even better. What are your thoughts on the ones I listed as well as any others that you know of in that area?

Thanks,
Norman

[phoebe]

For very expensive and worth it, I'd recommend Melisse and Valentino. And for both, I'd go for the chef's tasting menus. We go for special occasions and have never been disappointed. Also, although famous people do dine at both restaurants, everyone (at least as far as we can tell) is treated well.
On Sundays, Lucques serves $35 prix fixe dinner that's usually fabulous. You can call on Wednesday or, more likely Thursday before to find out what they're serving. The appetizer and desert are set, but there's usually a choice between two entrees.

As far as the ones you mentioned:
I was taken to lunch at The Lobster. It was pretty and pleasant, but my fish was overdone.
Kate Mantilini serves attitude and higher prices for meat loaf-type comfort foods.

I have to admit, I haven't to these on your list, but here's what I've heard about some of them:
Mr. Chow is Beverly Hills, including the attitude.
The Ivy is known for having lots of "star" attitude complete with resident paparazzi.
Border Grill is supposed to have great food but also deafening noise levels.
I didn't know there was food at Fred Segals which, if it's the same one, is a young peoples' clothing store.
Crustacean is Beverly Hills expensive, supposed to be tasty, elegant, stars, etc.

That's all I have time for now. Where did you get your list?