Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Westside

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Westside? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Melisse

4.8

4.8 (1990)

$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

Davidvip

Dined 6 days ago

Enjoyable, excellent service, first two platters were the stars of the dinner

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Experience

Chef's Tasting Menu, October- $399

Experience

Chef's Tasting Menu, November- $399

Market Venice

4.8

4.8 (11)

$31 to $50

Italian

Venice

About the restaurant

Tucked under the arches in one of the oldest buildings in Venice, you find Market — a modern Italian restaurant. The plates are a modern twist on Italian cuisine, designed to be shared European family-style.

Top review

Kwesi

Dined 3 days ago

I highly recommend this restaurant. The food was really great, our service was phenomenal, I wish I could remember the servers name. There isn’t anything I would have changed about our time.

Planta Cocina - Marina del Rey

4.8

4.8 (102)

$30 and under

Vegetarian / Vegan

Marina del Rey

About the restaurant

Coming Soon!

Top review

Karenvip

Dined on Sep 25, 2024

Very pretty space and a very creative menu. The bang bang broccoli was a winner!

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Experience

Maki Monday

Sushi Enya - Sawtelle

4.8

4.8 (16)

$50 and over

Sushi

West Los Angeles

About the restaurant

Sushi Enya is a Japanese sushi restaurant that first opened in the heart of Little Tokyo in Downtown, LA. Our owner Chef Kimiyasu Enya trained for over 10 years in Japan to perfect his craft. It is our goal to ensure that quality remains consistent and every experience is enjoyable for all guests.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Jul 20, 2024

One of my favorite sushi restaurants in Los Angeles. We go several times a month. It would be nice to see a menu change.

LULU - Los Angeles

4.8

4.8 (97)

$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

Larry

Dined 6 days ago

We had a wonderful dinner at LULU. Creative and delicious. The ricotta stuffed squash is a must. The striped sea bass was fantastic. The French onion soup was also good but should be served in a slightly larger bowl. The small ramekin it came in made it a struggle to enjoy properly. Would definitely go again.

Vespertine

4.7

4.7 (118)

$50 and over

Californian

Culver City

About the restaurant

We are excited to share the return of Vespertine, Chef Jordan Kahn's otherworldy culinary narrative. 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

Dakota

Dined 3 days ago

Worth it. What a great experience. Such a unique and immersive meal - everyone was friendly, inviting and thoughtfully explained each meal. Can’t wait to go back!

Kusaki

4.7

4.7 (86)

$31 to $50

Vegetarian / Vegan

West Los Angeles

About the restaurant

Plant based Omakase Sushi restraurant in West La featuring Executive Chef Dillon Bolin and Head Chef Pearl Steffie.

Signature dishes include our Avocado Crispy Rice, Maitake Wontons in Spicy Garlic, our Torched Miso Eggplant Nigiri and Torched Tuna Nigiri made from peas.

Minimalist beautifully designed restaurant with a 87 year old bonsai in the middle. We offer Omakase and al carte dining. Hidden gem with a speakeasy style type of location, serving beer, wine and cocktails.

Fan favorite is our Shishito Burger, named one of the best vegan burgers in town. While plant based, Kusaki and the dishes we serve mimics and tastes like real high end sushi. Art, redefined as food.

Top review

Janevip

Dined 3 days ago

I couldn’t believe the sushi was plant based! The flavors of all the sauces were incredible. Big props to the chef for making every dish so distinct and flavorful. We ordered half of the menu and loved every single dish.

Caravan Swim Club at Hotel June

4.6

4.6 (301)

$30 and under

Californian

Playa Vista

About the restaurant

Connected to Hotel June, the breezy Baja-inspired Caravan Swim Club is a 2-story poolside gathering place for everything from cabana drinks to fire pit gatherings and creative meetings. The menu takes you on a culinary road trip from Santa Barbara to Northern Baja, Mexico. Enjoy our Baja inspired setting with local caught grilled fish, seasonal salads, ceviche and other shareable items paired with biodynamic wines, craft beer, and small-batch tequilas.

"ONE OF THE HOTTEST RESTAURANTS IN LA RIGHT NOW" - EATER LA

Top review

Andre

Dined 7 days ago

I liked the band I liked the food a little it was a fun vibe Go RAMS!!!!!!!!!

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Experience

Mezcal Monday

Experience

Taco & Tequila Tuesday

Experience

1/2 Off Wine Wednesday

FIN Asian Tapas - Culver City

4.5

4.5 (816)

$30 and under

Contemporary Asian

Culver City

About the restaurant

A contemporary restaurant comes to life, offering exquisite Asian Tapas cuisine with unique, specialty craft cocktails served in a candlelit dining room and bar with lounge, style music.
An extensive Happy Hour Menu nightly makes FIN the neighborhood favorite.
Don't want the night to be over?
Tucked behind our restaurant FIN and located where the name comes from is our modern, speakeasy bar, The Alley Lounge. With no signage and no pretentious doorman, The Alley Lounge has become a favorite for those who want good drinks, good food, and a good time! Join them for a night cap!

Top review

Jeff

Dined 7 days ago

Food was amazing. Made it to happy hour so prices were a steal. Service was outstanding.

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Popular dish

Tuna Jalapeño Crispy Rice

Popular dish

Jicama Fish Tacos

Marelle

4.1

4.1 (28)

$30 and under

Californian

Santa Monica

About the restaurant

Welcome to Marelle, where the culinary mastery of Chef Raphael Lunetta meets the serene beauty of Santa Monica's coastline. Marelle is nestled on Ocean Avenue, just steps away from the sandy shores, offering an elevated dining experience that celebrates the vibrant flavors of California.

Marelle, meaning "Star of the Sea," offers a menu that celebrates the bounty of land and sea, featuring signature dishes like Hamachi Crudo, Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, Pan Roasted King Salmon, and 12 oz New York Steak. Our bar program, curated by Amanda Fewster, includes unique cocktails such as “La Vie En Rose” and “Star of the Sea” (our famous seashell cocktail). Designed by Gulla Jónsdóttir, Marelle's space reflects natural beauty and elegance, creating a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor dining.

Join us for an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of Coastal California.

Parking is $10 for the first 4 hours with validation.

For private events, emailreservations@marelle.com.

Top review

Karen

Dined 3 days ago

My server Roberto was amazing! The food was delightful and the ambiance exquisite.

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