Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Westside

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes 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!

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Los Angeles, CA | Pico

4.8

4.8 (216)

$31 to $50

Japanese

West Los Angeles

About the restaurant

Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku has become the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand! Thanks to our devoted fans we have reached over 700 locations worldwide. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the table-top smokeless grill, a centerpiece of our dining concept, enjoying selections of premium meats, just off the grill, and other freshly prepared foods from our kitchens, inspiring laughter, conversation, and a magical dining experience.

Our authentic yakiniku (grilled barbeque) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, paired with Japanese sake, frosty cold beers, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options of your choice. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends and family, organize an office party, or to spend quality time with your significant other!

Before you go, don't forget to taste our best-seller Harami Skirt Steak or Prime Kalbi Short Rib among other must-try dishes!

Top review

Darcy

Dined on Aug 18, 2024

It's a great place to visit for a last-minute dinner idea. There are many options, and their all-you-can-eat is worth every bite.

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Experience

Prix-Fixe Yakiniku Courses for Everyone!

Ospi Venice

4.8

4.8 (1507)

$50 and over

Italian

Venice

About the restaurant

Ospi is the sophomore restaurant of Jackson & Melissa Kalb, focused on Southern Italian cooking and way of life. The name derives from ospitante (“host” in Italian), with the expectation that guests will feel as comfortable at Ospi as they would at a friend’s dinner party. There will be plenty of house-made pastas as well as an expanded offering of pizzas. The beverage program crafted by Kalb features mostly Californian and Southern Italian wines and a full bar with a special negroni section. At Ospi, the pizza is inspired by the techniques of Antico Forno Roscioli which Jackson and Melissa frequented while visiting Rome. Focusing on Romana Tonda-style crusts that are cracker-thin, he is adapting a recipe that he feels will resonate with the LA diner. Jackson feels it extremely important to not take food too seriously. Take a trip to Southern Italy and be a guest in our home.

Top review

Tracivip

Dined 4 days ago

We both had sandwiches..chicken & Italian.both delicious

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4.8

4.8 (7)

$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

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Aug 28, 2024

Good ambiance, vacant outside patio. Service was quick—main meal came out before finished oysters. Pasta with lemon wasn’t my favorite, lacked flavor. Other than that the food and drinks were great.

The Venice West

4.7

4.7 (168)

$31 to $50

American

Venice

About the restaurant

The Venice West is an eclectic restaurant and live music venue located in Venice, California. TVW offers a supper club vibe serving “upscale comfort food” accompanied by a full bar featuring an array of tasty cocktails and a great selection of beers on tap.

Chef Diego’s mouth watering creations will delight you. From main dishes like the Crispy Chicken & Waffles to a savory selection of unique Neapolitan-style pizzas, salads, sandwiches, share plates, and desserts. The menu truly offers something for everyone.

The Venice West provides a true “dinner and a show” experience and will not disappoint. Our goal is simple: create a welcome place for music fans and artists alike to enjoy great food, music, and good times. Thank you and we hope you enjoy the show!

*Dinner served from 6-9pm. Show tickets must be purchased separately at www.thevenicewest.com, on Ticketweb, or at the door (if not sold out).

Top review

Randallvip

Dined 4 days ago

Great concert venue, with surprisingly good food. We had a super spinach cobb salad & the salmon plate...get there early for primo seats.

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Experience

Live Show Reservation 2 Guests

Experience

Live Show Reservation 3 Guests

Experience

Live Show Reservation 4 Guests

Casa 12 Ristorante

4.6

4.6 (56)

$30 and under

Italian

Venice

About the restaurant

At a location once known for the French restaurant “12 Washington” as well as the Italian restaurant “Casa Ado”, Casa 12 has now open in the same cozy spot at 12 Washington Blvd. Serving Tradition Italian Cuisine, an extensive wine list, sangria’s, spritz, and beers. Only steps away from the beach, enjoy a fun atmosphere with the option of indoor or outdoor dining on the Venice Pier in Marina Del Rey!

Top review

Kevinvip

Dined on Aug 26, 2024

Amazing! The food was incredible service attentive. Good vibes

Casa Sanchez

4.5

4.5 (940)

$30 and under

Mexican

West Los Angeles

About the restaurant

At Los Angeles’ Casa Sanchez Mexican Restaurant patrons will enjoy delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine, amazing cocktails as well as a live mariachi band. At this LA Mexican restaurant you can sit back on Tuesdayy- Sunday and listen to the live music or enjoy dinner and drinks under the stars on the outdoor patio.
Whether you are looking for a romantic evening, out with a group, or just grabbing a quick bite you will enjoy the very diverse Mexican menu. The friendly and knowledgeable wait staff at Casa Sanchez Mexican Restaurant will assist you with anything you may need.

Top review

Lillianvip

Dined 7 days ago

Enjoyed a mariachi band while dining. Food was authentic!

FIN Asian Tapas - Culver City

4.5

4.5 (812)

$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

Allison

Dined 1 day ago

Delicious sushi. Lovely patio setting hiding the street Great service. Can't wait to return!

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Popular dish

Tuna Jalapeño Crispy Rice

Popular dish

Jicama Fish Tacos

The Auld Fella

4.5

4.5 (35)

$31 to $50

Irish

Culver City

About the restaurant

We're an Irish joint in the heart of Culver City. Since taking residence in fall 2019 we have become the standard bearer for legendary Irish hospitality and friendly service in Los Angeles. We've re-imagined the Irish pub experience for today. While tipping a respectful cap to those that have gone before us, we've created an authenticity loved place that is enjoyed by everyone. We are very proud of our team who operates as a loving family to provide our guests with the best possible experience every time.

A home from home but with better food, booze and craic.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Jun 18, 2024

The overall experience was great. Excellent food and drinks!

Lula Cocina

4.4

4.4 (229)

$30 and under

Mexican

Santa Monica

About the restaurant

Our story begins over 30 years ago in Mexico City and Lula has been a Santa Monica institution ever since. We serve potent cocktails and fare inspired by various regions of Mexico. Check out the outdoor patio - perfect for lunch and dinner or for private events. We have all day Taco Tuesday and Happy Hour 3 to 6pm Tuesday through Sunday.

Top review

rondapvip

Dined on Jul 25, 2024

Loved loved loved the music!!!!! The DB Duo is a favorite and they were wonderful on the patio.

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Experience

Happy Hour 3-6pm daily at our bar

Experience

Taco Tuesday

Mama's Boy at Winston House

4.3

4.3 (104)

$31 to $50

Comfort Food

Venice

About the restaurant

Mama’s Boy is an Italian dinner club with a Southern accent, brought to you by Michelin-starred Chef Wes Whitsell. Situated inside Winston House – a popular community hub with live music and DJ sets – Mama’s Boy is the perfect start to a night out. With lively dishes that embody Chef’s Texan roots and mom’s home-cooked Italian food, the menu strikes a balance between comfort and creativity.

At Mama’s Boy, he presents his most innovative menu yet: a fusion of nostalgic Italian cuisine with a Southern twist - a true ‘Spaghetti Western’. Each dish is a nod to his upbringing, a journey home where every bite tells a story of love, tradition, and the connection of family.

Top review

Evan

Dined on Aug 10, 2024

Our waiter Robert was the best! Great meal. Great space. Great night!

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