I love food and am always looking for new dining experiences and high-quality restaurants.
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 remarkably diverse, with ethnic cuisine from around the world.
Here is a sampling of my favorite places.
Go for the view
Perch
Perch is 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 you are paying for the delicious food and the fantastic rooftop view.
For an excellent finish to this meal, we had the white chocolate bread pudding, which was very tasty.
Tip: Arrive before sunset to enjoy the changing colors of the sky against the LA skyline, making for an unforgettable dining experience.
448 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
71Above
71Above is a high-end bar & lounge on the 71st floor that offers modern American cuisine & panoramic views.
Enjoy stunning ocean views, the downtown LA skyline, and the mountains as you sit at the highest restaurant west of the Mississippi.
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 reserve the edge tables, but the dining room is a good substitute.
You can enjoy delicious ala-cart dishes wherever you are seated or select the three-course meal.
This restaurant is open for dinner only.
Tip: Make reservations well in advance to secure a spot at one of the edge tables for the ultimate dining experience with a view.
633 W 5th St 71st Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071
Yamashiro | 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," the restaurant building was designed as a replica of a palace in the mountains near Kyoto, Japan.
The food here is delicious. They 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.
Tip: Visit during the week to avoid the weekend crowds and enjoy a more serene dining experience amidst the lush gardens and stunning views.
1999 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA
The Penthouse
The Penthouse is 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.
Tip: Book a table around sunset to enjoy your meal with a spectacular view of the sun dipping below the horizon over the Pacific Ocean.
1111 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90403
The Strand House
The Strand House has the best ocean view in Manhattan Beach.
A few steps 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.
After a delicious meal, a stroll on the beach and the pier is a must.
Tip: Try to get a table on the outdoor deck for an unobstructed view of the ocean and the Manhattan Beach Pier, especially beautiful during sunset.
117 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Go for the Food
El Paseo Inn (Olvera Street)
While strolling Olvera Street next to Union Station, we came across El Paseo Inn - an authentic Mexican restaurant.
We enjoyed some tasty enchiladas while watching people from their patio overlooking Olvera Street.
The service was excellent and friendly, and the food was delicious.
Tip: Try to visit during one of Olvera Street's many festivals for a vibrant cultural experience paired with your meal.
Avenue Italy Cucina Italiana
This Italian restaurant in the affluent Palos Verdes Peninsula 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 Tiramisu and Chocolate Mousse.
Tip: The outdoor seating offers a more casual atmosphere with stunning views, perfect for a romantic evening.
31243 Palos Verdes Dr W, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Further away
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 the 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 very inventive.
Tip: Consider booking a table for their Sunday brunch for an enchanting outdoor dining experience amidst the natural beauty of Topanga.
128 Old Topanga Canyon Rd, Topanga, CA 90290