Favorite Restaurants in Los Angeles - Part I

I was talking about Los Angeles restaurants with a few New Yorkers, so I decided to share some of my favorites with you.  These are nicer restaurants, and reservations would be a good idea.

Lucques - has a Sunday supper that is great for a small group of people especially during the summer, and their seasonal dinner menu is excellent as well.  I love the quaint little outdoor dining area, quite romantic... and the little snack of almonds and olives they give you is very, very addicting.

Animal - where do I even start... this place is any meat lover's heaven.  The best pork chops I've ever had, and the donuts... Very small, simple restaurant, get a bunch of plates and go family style!  I would love to try the Animal guys' soon to open Son of a Gun, and still in the works Dirty Chicken one day.

Hatfield's - this one Michelin star restaurant was where I had my very first tasting menu, and what got me hooked as a foodie.  Back when they were located on Beverly Blvd., they had a 7 course chef's tasting menu that brought two different dishes out for you and your date.  So essentially, you came away trying 14 different dishes not including the amuse bouche.  Now located on Melrose Ave., and although they don't bring out different plates for each person, you still have a fantastically prepared, farm fresh seasonal tasting menu.

AOC - a great place for French/ Californian small plates and a nice glass of wine.  Love their hanger steak, bacon wrapped dates, cheeses, arroz negro, brioche with proscuitto, and cauliflower...

Providence - this two Michelin star restaurant serves perfectly prepared seafood (mostly seafood dishes), mixed with molecular gastronomy.  I highly recommend a tasting menu, you won't be disappointed!  I still think about the Santa Barbara sea urchin, the perfectly seared scallops, and the veal tenderloin...

More to come!

(Images via eaterla.com)