Are you ever stumped thinking about where to celebrate your birthday or an anniversary dinner in Los Angeles? This big, beautiful city is filled with some of California’s finest cuisine and most elegant venues. Here are a few of my favorite “fancy shmancy” restaurants that’ll have you booking your reservation by the end of this post!
Bon appétit, ladies!
1. Providence
5955 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA. 90038
323.460.4170
Dinner for two w/ drinks: $300
Okay, I know your heart skipped a beat reading that estimated bill for a dinner for two! Yes, Providence comes with a hefty price tag but it is truly worth every penny. I call it a “bucket list” restaurant”—everyone talks about wanting to try it at least once in their lifetime, but you have to sell your first-born to afford it. This 2-Michelin Star rated American/Asian fusion cuisine by Michael Cimarusti is like nothing you’ve ever experienced. My boyfriend, Nate, took me here for my last birthday and we were treated like VIPs all night; from their “Mr. Simmons” greeting at the door and “Happy Birthday, Joyce” message printed on our menus to the maitre d enthusiastically explaining every plate’s delicate details. Providence’s staff loves what they do and it shines through in every exquisite bite of roasted bone marrow and every sip of your La Vie En Rose champagne cocktail. I felt like Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman” minus the whole hooker thing—I got cleaned up, wined & dined, and was constantly worried I’d have a flying escargot moment in front of all the rich people.
Amuse Bouche at Providence Restaurant
Lobster at Providence Restaurant
New York Cut with table-side preparation at Providence Restaurant
Sunflower Dessert at Providence Restaurant
Figs & Chocolate Dessert at Providence Restaurant
House Desserts at Providence Restaurant
Personalized Menu at Providence Restaurant
2. The Bazaar at the SLS Hotel
465 S. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA. 90048
310.246.5567
Dinner for two w/ drinks: $200
Known as the trendiest L.A. hangout and the best place to see and be seen, The Bazaar, is just that—bizarre! Their wild molecular gastronomy techniques and hand-crafted cocktails will have you thinking Tim Burton is the creator of this delicious tapas menu. However, world reknown chef, Jose Andres, is the visionary behind this whimsical world of Cotton Candy Foie Gras and Magic Mojitos. Every plate and martini holds an element of surprise; from the burst-in-your-mouth liquid mozzarella in the “Not Your Every Day Caprese” to the magic salt air ticking your nose with every swallow of your margarita. The Bazaar at the SLS Hotel holds everything you’d want and expect in a Los Angeles dining experience—gorgeous staff, divine cuisine, to-die-for drinks and funky décor. It’s SO L.A.
Menu at The Bazaar
Not Your Everyday Caprese at The Bazaar
The “air bread” Philly Cheesesteak at The Bazaar
3. Villa Blanca
9601 Brighton Way
Beverly Hills, CA. 90210
310.859.7600
Dinner for two w/ drinks: $150+
This one’s for you, Real Housewives fans! Lisa Vanderpump’s immaculately decorated chic eatery is located in the most desired zip code in America, 90210. There’s only one word to describe Villa Blanca: GORGEOUS. I would even go so far as to say this is the one place on my “favorites” list where the ambience trumps the food. My boyfriend treated me and six of our closest friends here for my 23rd birthday and we couldn’t have enjoyed ourselves more as we laughed and toasted the night away with Villa Blanca Rose in hand. There’s something special about going to dinner in Beverly Hills… and even more special when dining at the “As Seen on TV” Villa Blanca with your hot date.
Villa Blanca Rose at Villa Blanca
Celebrating my 23rd birthday with Nathan Simmons at Villa Blanca
My birthday cake at Villa Blanca
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