Raphael
11616 Ventura Blvd.
(818) 505-3337
Seats: 60. Cuisine: global. Specialties: citrus-marinated whitefish ceviche with avocado crema and achiote; grilled yellow-fin tuna with crispy rice, braised daikon and red pepper miso sauce; banana bread pudding with peanut butter ice cream. Main courses: $18-$28. Chef: Stephen Barkulis. Owner: Alon Raphael.
Stefan’s at LA Farm
3000 Olympic Blvd.
(310) 449-4000
Seats: 170. Cuisine: California with German influence. Specialties: braised beef cheeks with farotto and arugula; California halibut with nutmeg crust, braised baby fennel and lobster broth; lollipop trio of passion fruit and vanilla, red wine and chocolate, and eggnog and cranberry sauce flavors. Main courses: $17-$28. Chef-owner: Stefan Richter.
Tavern
11648 San Vicente Blvd.
(310) 806-6464
Seats: 150. Cuisine: California with Mediterranean influences. Specialties: clams and chorizo with garbanzo beans, Swiss chard and aïoli toast; rib-eye steak with loaded baked potato and market vegetables; green goddess salad with “little gem” lettuces, crab and avocado. Main courses: $24-$39. Chef-owner: Suzanne Goin. Owner: Caroline Styne.
Umami Burger
Three locations: 850 S. La Brea Ave., (323) 931-3000; 4655 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 669-3922; 1520 N. Cahanga Blvd. (323) 469-3100, plus a truck tweeting its location at @umamiburger
Seats: 60-150, depending on location. Cuisine: gourmet burgers. Specialties: regular and veggie burgers, SoCal burger with butter lettuce, oven-dried tomato spread, house-made American cheese and caramelized onions; truffle burger with Italian truffle cheese and a truffle glaze. Hamburgers: $9-$11. Owner: Adam Fleischman.
Westside Tavern
10850 W. Pico Blvd.
(310) 470-1539
Seats: 380 in main dining room, plus 101 in private dining areas. Cuisine: California tavern food. Specialties: short-rib pot roast with seasonal vegetables and mashed potatoes; in-house ground beef cheeseburger with caramelized onions, arugula and garlic aïoli; shiitake mushroom and asparagus flatbread. Main courses: $17-$26. Chef-managing partner: Warren Schwartz. Owner: Westside Tavern LLC.
