Diners' Choice: Californian restaurants in Westside

OpenTable

Updated April 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Californian cuisine in Westside? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Melisse

5.0

5 (2003)

$50 and over

Californian

Santa Monica

About the restaurant

Chef & Owner Josiah Citrin has revived his Michelin 2-Star institution with an intimate, 14-seat restaurant with Chef/Partner Ken Takayama. In a setting that blurs the line between kitchen and dining room, Chefs and service staff guide guests through a 2.5-hour culinary experience.

Collaborating with California farmers from San Diego to Napa Valley, Chef Josiah sources the most unique and exclusive ingredients available. An 8-course tasting menu is bookended by canapés, amuse-bouches and mignardise, all of which showcase global flavors using both modern and classic techniques.

Top review

Onuralp

Dined 5 days ago

Great experience from everyone involved including front and the kitchen.

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Experience

Chef's Tasting Menu, April- $399

Experience

Chef's Tasting Menu, May- $399

Experience

Chef's Tasting Menu, June- $399

SELINE

4.8

4.8 (47)

$50 and over

Californian

Santa Monica

About the restaurant

Join James Beard award-winning Chef Dave Beran at his 38-seat fine dining restaurant in Santa Monica, where the kitchen is seamlessly integrated with the dining room. The menu, comprising 15-18 courses, showcases Chef Dave's deeply thoughtful approach to storytelling, inviting guests to embrace the experience & embark on a memorable culinary journey featuring the many inspirations of Southern California.

At SELINE, the focus is on connection, with every aspect of the restaurant— from the design to the custom plateware—built on fostering meaningful relationships.

Wine Director Matthew Brodbine presents two beverage pairing options to complement your menu. The wine pairing showcases selections from innovative, forward-thinking winemakers across various regions worldwide. The non-alcoholic pairing features a unique collection of house-made and curated beverages designed to align with the menu's progression. A carefully curated wine list is also available.

Top review

BriannaVIP

Dined on Apr 19, 2025

What a total delight to experience artists at the height of their game. Both versions of the menu (one being vegetarian) were exciting, fun, interesting, and so so SO delicious. Each course was also visually gorgeous. Evocative. Often delicate—even when you want to lick delicate right off the plate. You can really feel how much thought and love must have gone into every dish. And truly, not one miss or boring substitution in the vegetarian adaptation—that almost never happens! Every single course was satisfying and scrumptious and so appreciated. This is clearly a kitchen that knows and loves plants. The wine pairing was exceptional, and the additional bottle we ordered based on a spot-on somm recommendation was one to remember. The dining room and open kitchen are beautiful and the ideal scale. Intimate but unobtrusive. Pretty fabulous art—ceramics included. Finally, Chef was such a gracious and involved host. The entire staff was likewise warm and charming while operating (seemingly) seamlessly. F*CK what a great meal! Thank you. Bravo, all. PS- Shout out to the friendly security guard stationed outside near the garage entrance. He must have noticed us looking around getting our bearings after being dropped off across the street, and he came right out to greet us and show us in to the restaurant entrance. I’m not sure if that’s his job or not, but he made a great first impression for the restaurant. Credit where credit is due :)

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Experience

Seline Tasting Menu Deposit

Experience

Seline 8-course Menu Deposit | Limited Time

Experience

Large Party Menu Deposit | 7 to 12 guests

LULU - Los Angeles

4.8

4.8 (181)

$30 and under

Californian

Westwood

About the restaurant

Conceived with legendary chef and food activist Alice Waters and led by acclaimed chef, writer, and cookbook author David Tanis, Lulu is a shared celebration of good food that is good for the planet. Lulu is a restaurant committed to prioritizing sustainability through local, regenerative food and design. Our mission focuses on procuring food directly from small, nearby farms practicing regenerative organic agriculture, which results in wholesome, delicious food grown using methods that combat the climate crisis.

Our restaurant is named after a wise Provencal cook, Lulu Peyraud, whose cooking and hospitality at Domaine Tempier in Bandol, France has always inspired David and Alice.

Top review

kathrynVIP

Dined 5 days ago

The food is always exemplary- the soups in particular are outstanding- only disappointment was that they ran out of the pasta special before our order was taken but the suggested replacement was also very good

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Experience

ALICE WATERS' FOOD & FILM SERIES

Experience

NIPA CABANE: A Filipino pop-up dinner at LULU

Farmshop LA

4.9

4.9 (576)

$31 to $50

Californian

Brentwood

About the restaurant

In 2010, chef Jeff Cerciello opened Farmshop in a space that denotes rustic elegance. Located in the beautiful Brentwood Country Mart, bordering Santa Monica, the restaurant has become a dining destination featuring the very best local ingredients, simply prepared, served in casual fine dining style.

Top review

JackieVIP

Dined on Feb 26, 2025

The whole evening was perfect, the food, the service and the ambiance!

Vespertine

4.8

4.8 (197)

$50 and over

Californian

Culver City

About the restaurant

We are excited to share the return of Vespertine, Chef Jordan Kahn's otherworldy culinary symphony. More than a restaurant, Vespertine transports diners through the twisted steel and glass structure designed by acclaimed architect Eric Owen Moss. Food, beverage, music, and art are woven throughout, creating an immersive, multi-sensory evening.

Awards Include
2 Stars - Michelin Guide, 2019 - 2024
Green Star - Michelin Guide, 2024
Most Beautiful Restaurants - Condé Nast
World's 100 Greatest Places - Time Magazine
Atmosphere of the Year - World Restaurant Awards

Top review

Peter

Dined on Apr 3, 2025

Pricie (as expected) but phenomenal and an unforgettable experience!

Ivy at the Shore

4.8

4.8 (3573)

$31 to $50

Californian

Santa Monica

About the restaurant

Ivy at the Shore brings the charm of its legendary sister restaurant, The Ivy, to the picturesque setting of Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, right across from the Santa Monica Pier.

Established by chef Richard Irving and designer Lynn von Kersting in 1985, this elegant yet relaxed beachside gem offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from its breezy front patio and lush bungalow. Guests can savor signature dishes such as Ricky’s Fried Chicken, Lobster Ravioli, Grilled Vegetable Salad, and delectable house-made desserts including the celebrated Ivy Chocolate Chip Cookies and Red Velvet Cake.

Infused with vibrant tropical décor, Ivy at the Shore captures a festive yet laid-back ambiance ideal for leisurely brunches, sunset dinners, or celebrity spotting. Known for the artistic flair of its Tiki bar, personalized, attentive service and dedication to fresh, seasonal ingredients, Ivy at the Shore remains a beloved coastal dining destination for both locals and visitors alike.

Top review

James

Dined on Apr 10, 2025

Wonderful food. Terribly over priced. You’re definitely paying for the location.

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Popular dish

Seafood spaghetti

Wally's Santa Monica

4.7

4.7 (134)

$31 to $50

Californian

Santa Monica

About the restaurant

Experience Santa Monica’s favorite location for fine food and wine. Wally’s Santa Monica is a hybrid concept that encapsulates the finest food, beverages, and gourmet foods to provide a one-stop shop for everything delicious. From chill afternoon apps and cocktails, to decadent caviar service—whether you’re in a tuxedo, or just coming from the office—our vibe is ideal for any occasion that calls for enjoying great food and drinks. You can explore our peerless selection of rare spirits, extraordinary seasonal menu, over 100 wines available by-the-glass, and shop the gourmet counter for specialty meats, cheeses, and artisanal chocolates.

Top review

JaeVIP

Dined on Apr 15, 2025

I loved the ambience and food there! Will be back definitely.

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Experience

Wally's Prix Fixe Lunch

Lunetta

4.7

4.7 (2217)

$30 and under

Californian

Santa Monica

About the restaurant

Chef Raphael Lunetta and Emilio Cuyuch chef driven neighborhood diner with rustic California dining room and bar. Lunetta serves great food paired with locally roasted coffee options, classic cocktails, large selection of craft beer and delicious wines that we enjoy drinking with our family & friends.We buy the freshest ingredients we can find. We cook seasonally because that’s what is fresh and best. We support local farmers and businesses whenever we can, because the best flavor naturally follows. Menus for Lunetta are locally sourced and responsibly grown, using seasonal ingredients based on the abundant product available on the California Coast. Our full bar features classic as well as craft cocktails using the finest in artisan spirits, mixers and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Our comprehensive wine list highlights small California producers and artisan winemakers from around the world.

Top review

JohnnyVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Absolute 10/10 experience! Was looking for a quiet, intimate setting for party of 8 and were seated next to a far place near the bar area. Delicious food and great ambiance!

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Popular dish

Nicoise Salad

Experience

Puerto Nuevo Cinco de Mayo Celebrations

Experience

Golden Hour at Lunetta All Day

Restaurant at the Getty Center

4.7

4.7 (4730)

$31 to $50

Californian

West Los Angeles

About the restaurant

Thank you for choosing The Restaurant at the Getty!

Reservations are not required to dine with us, but they are recommended, especially on high traffic days.
We do NOT offer same day reservations.
We have a 15 minute grace period. Please call us if you are running later than 15 minutes after your reservation time. We may contact you about this reservation, so please ensure your email and phone number are up to date. Due to high command, Requests for window seating are not guaranteed. If there are more than 4 guests in your party, please contact The Restaurant directly for reservations. Duplicate reservations are subject to cancellation.

Admission to the Getty Center now requires a free timed-entry reservation for each person in your party over the age of two. Reserve your entry time using the special access link below.

https://bit.ly/3yLiUj5

Top review

Susan

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent sea bass and lemon dessert. Very nice setting with great views.

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4.6

4.6 (3355)

$31 to $50

Californian

Brentwood

About the restaurant

A.O.C is a small plates restaurant driven by seasonal ingredients, locally sourced. Our California French cuisine was developed by Chef Suzanne Goin, and has some Mediterranean influences as well. We have a large selection of wines by the glass and over 150 bottles chose from, curated by Caroline Styne, all of witch are either organic, biodynamic or sustainable. Featuring a full bar with premium spirits and specialty cocktails.

Top review

PIERREVIP

Dined on Apr 6, 2025

Excellent service, very good food, well prepared. The salad could have had a bit more zing, but everything was tasty and fresh. I liked the Alaska Martini prepared tableside. A very pleasant Saturday evening dinner with a friend from out of town. We are regulars.

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