Restaurants in Brentwood (Los Angeles)

La Paella

Everybody knows that Paella is a famous Spanish dish. And if you want to savor it at this restaurant, make sure you place the order immediately, as it takes at least half an hour to be cooked. In the meanwhile, you can enjoy your bread and mayo. Besides these, try the eclectic range of tapas (two or three plates may not seem enough) and wash them down with a mug of sangria. Warm interiors and a romantic ambience, complete with lace curtains, are enough to plan a special date here. More Paella trivia? The name is derived from the pan it is prepared in!

Palmeri Ristorante

So, lady-love is bugging you that you don't take her out for romantic meals anymore! Stop pondering and reserve a seat at Palmeri Ristorante that serves delectable Italian fare and sparkles to go with it. The alfresco patio is your best bet if you want to rekindle some romance. Inside, you will see the courteous and efficient staff serving everyone from university students to bigwigs of the corporate world. The relaxed ambiance and modest interiors will put you at ease in no time. Try such fresh dishes as pastas, oven-baked pizzas and other meat options. Private parties can be organized. Takeaway is an option for those on the run.

Pizzicotto

This tiny gem in Brentwood Village is always busy and it's no surprise why. The authentic, inexpensive dinners keep locals and visitors coming back for more on a regular basis. The place is casual and a bit cramped. The dishes, however, are large and delicious. The freshly-made pasta is truly heavenly. Pizzas are great too. Because of its popularity and size, reservations are a must.

Sushi Sasabune

All sushi lovers know that Los Angeles is the best metropolis in America as far as the sushi talk goes. And chef Nobi Kusuhara's decade old practice as owner of Sasabune is as flourishing as ever. A popular lunch spot among teens and the working crowd, you will find most locals waiting for sumptuous sushi and sashimi in the spacious room. Notice the pattern in which the fish is cut and the almost perfect absence of oil in your Hamachi, which is just one of the magnanimous treats of the master chef. Why not go all the way to savor the Midas touch?

Takao

Seafood is at its best here and the authentic flavors will make you feel you're in Japan. Takao serves the best Sashimi (raw fish and rice) and the Tartares are highly recommended. Non Sushi lovers should try the Chicken Teriyaki, Shrimp Bomb or potato croquettes. The decor is humble but don't get fooled as the menu is equally grand. The congenial and helpful staff will help you with your choices if you get a bit overwhelmed by the extensive list.

Literati II

Trendy, elegant and yet comfortably cozy, Literati II is fast becoming a force to reckon with. This chic eatery has diners streaming in for both its ambiance and its mix of Californian and Mediterranean cuisine. Chef Chris Kidder cooks up a cornucopia of dishes—soups, burgers, bruschettas, steak frites and much more. Don't leave without trying the sublime churros dipped in chocolate pudding. Dinner timings vary.

Katsuya

The decor of this sushi restaurant deserves a special mention, the work of designer Phillipe Starck is quite impressive. The wall features super-large photographs of the eyes and lips of a Japanese woman. The effect is surprisingly stunning, given the light brown hues, glass doors, private booths and simple, uncovered furniture adorning the place. The offerings here are similar to the food offered by Chef Katsuya Uechi in the other LA branches. There is a fixed price menu for those who want to try a variety of dishes. Others can savor the sushi and tempura, which go well with the sake (rice wine). Stars are known to hang out here, so you never know, you might just end up dining next to.

Vincenti Ristorante

Yes, Vincenti is mainly Italian fare and chef Nicola Mastronardi dishes out scrumptious risottos, pastas and pizzas day in and day out. Try the Pizza Margherita, a local favorite, or the Trippa Di Vittello Alla Parmigiana—a much savored entree at this Los Angeles eatery. A lot of light colored wood is used indoors, thus allowing natural light to be a permanent participant in the décor. Private parties and business events can be organized with prior reservations.

Toscana

If you have come to Toscana and feasted on the revered Spinach-Ricotta Ravioli in a thick tomato sauce just once, then you'll come back for it again. Yes, this restaurant does that to you. But there are other dishes that can lure you inside the relaxed environs of this eatery. For instance, the Salmon Carpaccio and the Bocconcini Salad with Burrata possess enough sumptuousness to garner a second helping. Go ahead, tuck in!

Osteria Latini

Come and experience the magic of Paolo Pasio, the owner and chef of this esteemed restaurant. Located in a posh neighborhood, Latini is rather upscale in terms of atmosphere and food. It has a warm ambience, a smattering of pretty orchids, and is usually filled up with a slightly older clientele. The Italian fusion cuisine tantalizes the taste-buds with pizzas, antipasti, paninis and more. Make sure you try the home-made sorbet or the Italian cheesecake. Check for the daily specials before you place your order.

Pecorino Restaurant

Pecorino is one of the most favored cheeses in Italy. Apart from this, the regular mozzarellas and parmigianos are served up at this restaurant too. Select from the wide variety of pastas, risottos and salads—all innovatively cooked by Chef Raffaele. Try the Spaghetti alla Carbonara, Trippa alla "Romana", Con Carciofi or the weekly specials, especially the seafood soup Adriatic style. Balmy interiors with light brown and cream hues, and interesting chandeliers are enough to drive away any blues. For more information on events and other specials, check the website.

West Restaurant and Lounge

The West Restaurant and Lounge is perched on the penthouse level of The Hotel Angeleno. It's an Italian steakhouse, where you can feast on thick-cut steaks, chops, salads and roasts along with hearty pastas. Also the floor to ceiling windows give for a spectacular view. Don't forget to order some wine to give your meal that extra edge. WEST also has live music occasionally, check website for details and timings.