I love food and am always on the lookout for new experiences and high-quality dining.
Los Angeles city and the broader LA county are full of places to explore, some with amazing views of the city skyline.
It is also very diverse, with ethnic cuisine from around the world.
Here is a sampling of my favorite places.
Go for the view
Perch
A restaurant with a glamorous rooftop setting, French cuisine, small plates, handcrafted cocktails & grand views of the city in downtown LA.
The view of LA's skyline is breathtaking, but the food is even better.
From starters like surf n' turf skewers, Fromage and charcuterie plate, ahi tuna tartare, and french onion soup – to main dishes like filet mignon au poivre, steak frites, boeuf bordelaise, or pan-roasted salmon – you can't go wrong with your selection.
The prices are high, but remember that you are paying for the delicious food plus the fantastic rooftop view.
For an excellent finish to this meal, we had the white chocolate bread pudding, which was very tasty.
448 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 9001371Above
A high-end bar & lounge on the 71st floor offers modern American cuisine & panoramic views.
As you sit at the highest restaurant west of the Mississippi, enjoy stunning ocean views, the downtown LA skyline, and the mountains.
Several seating options are available, from the boisterous bar to chef's tables and, my favorite, the edge tables. Those tables look out over the edge, directly lining the window facing West Los Angeles.
It is tough to reserver the edge tables, but the dining room is a good substitute.
Wherever you are seated, you can enjoy ala-cart delicious dishes or select the three-course meal.
This restaurant is open for dinner only.
633 W 5th St 71st Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071Yamashiro | Hollywood
Yamashiro is a historic Hollywood landmark that sits 250 ft. in the hills above Hollywood.
The restaurant serves Sushi & Cal-Asian cuisine in a garden setting with a koi pond overlooking the city.
Yamashiro translates to "mountain palace," and the restaurant building was designed as a replica of a palace located in the mountains near Kyoto, Japan.
The food here is delicious. They do have a full Japanese cuisine menu, but we come here for the specialty rolls.
Parking at or near Yamashiro's is tricky. You can use their valet service but expect long lines and waits to get your car back. Alternatively, you can park at places like Hollywood and Highland and walk or Uber to the restaurant.
Expect to pay a premium for the food and the views.
1999 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CAThe Penthouse
Perched atop Huntley Hotel, this trendy American eatery is famed for cocktails & panoramic views.
This Santa Monica restaurant offers guests a dramatic 18th-floor rooftop dining experience with ocean views.
Enjoy signature craft cocktails while waiting for your Californian-inspired dinner, then go for a stroll along Ocean ave to the Santa Monica pier and the beach.
1111 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90403The Strand House
The Strand House has the best ocean view in Manhattan Beach.
A few steps away from the Manhattan Beach Pier, it is the perfect place to watch the sunset or enjoy a sunny beachside brunch.
The fresh and seasonal menus give the guests a new experience every time they visit.
We came for brunch and tried açai fruit bowl, eggs benedict, and wild mushroom omelet. If you prefer lunch items, they have burgers and chicken dishes.
A stroll on the beach and the pier is a must after a delicious meal.
117 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266Go for the Food
El Paseo Inn (Olvera Street)
As we were strolling Olvera Street next to Union Station, we came across El Paseo Inn - an authentic Mexican restaurant.
We enjoyed some very tasty enchiladas while watching people from their patio overlooking Olvera street.
The service was excellent and friendly, and the food was delicious.
Avenue Italy Cucina Italiana
Located in the affluent Palos Verdes Peninsula, this Italian cuisine restaurant offers tasty dishes, wines, and desserts.
During a recent visit, we ordered the Osso Buco (Veal), Branzino (fish), and Fettuccini Capesante (scallop).
The food and service were excellent, but the prices were too high.
We ended our meal with delicious Teramasu and Chocolate Mousse.
31243 Palos Verdes Dr W, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275Further away
Not exactly in Los Angeles county, but definitely worth the drive.
Inn of the Seventh Ray
In between Santa Monica and Malibu, this unique restaurant sits in the woods next to a creek with beautiful views and delicious food creations.
After taking winding highway 27 to the Topanga State Park, we veered left onto Old Topanga road to reach this well-hidden gem.
The service was top-notch, but the food was something else. The restaurant prides itself on sourcing most ingredients from local organic farms, and it is really very inventive.
128 Old Topanga Canyon Rd, Topanga, CA 90290