Life in L.A. is finally getting back to normal, and we can’t wait to get out of the house and start enjoying some of the area’s best beaches, bars, and restaurants with maskless abandon! If it’s been a while since you’ve been out, you’ll want to make a great choice next time you make dinner plans.
Whether you’re looking for a fancy, sit-down affair or a casual beer by the beach, you can’t go wrong with a visit to one of these local hot spots.
Oasis Bar and Restaurant
6024 Hazeltine Ave. Van Nuys, CA 91401
Arguably one of the best restaurants in the Van Nuys area, Oasis is an unforgettable fine-dining establishment that is well known for its huge selection of craft cocktails and Latin-inspired American Cuisine. This destination venue is one of L.A.’s best-kept secrets and has a definite speakeasy-type of vibe.
With rich and diverse menu items like a 32-ounce Wood Fired Tomahawk Steak, Pistachio and Crystallized-Mint-Crusted Lamb Chops, and Spicy Squid Ink Pasta, a visit to Oasis promises to be one of your favorite adventures. They also serve a killer Boozy Brunch, making this a great place to kick off your weekend or enjoy Sunday Funday.
Solidarity
1414 Lincoln Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90401
An amazing Polish restaurant with a secret back patio, Solidarity is a great place to enjoy traditional food like pierogi, golabki, schnitzel, and stroganoff while enjoying shots of vodka or handcrafted Warsaw Mules. This Santa Monica staple opened in 1979 and has been serving incredible Polish food ever since.
Walk-ins are welcome, the patio is dog-friendly, and they have a great happy hour – all these features combine to make Solidarity the ideal destination for your next casual outing.
Pasjoli
2730 Main St. Santa Monica, CA 90405
An elevated French bistro located right on Main St. in Santa Monica, Pasjoli is one of the most reliable upscale restaurants on the Westside. They offer indoor and outdoor dining and a menu that features both classic and California-inspired French cuisine.
Want to plan a gathering for family and friends you haven’t seen in a while? Pajoli has a stunning private back patio! It offers seating for up to 20 guests and a multi-course dinner served family-style. It’s a great place to enjoy a get-together without having to cook and clean.
Melisse
1104 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90401
Culinary expert, two-star Michelin chef, and veteran of the LA gourmet dining scene, Josiah Citrin has created an amazing experience inside this intimate, 14-seat restaurant. The setting allows you to get up-close and personal with the chefs and staff as they guide you through an unforgettable 2.5-hour culinary adventure.
Reservations are required and open spots are released one month at a time. Adding to the exclusive feel, to enter the restaurant, you’ll need to find the step-down door on Wilshire Blvd and ring the doorbell for entry at your reservation time. The $295 per person price tag means it’s probably not something you’ll do all the time, but it’s perfect for celebrating a special occasion or splurging after months of being locked down.
Cha Cha Chicken
1906 Ocean Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90405
Looking for a great casual restaurant you can visit after a day at the beach, with a large group, or for an unforgettable daytime date? You can’t go wrong with Cha Cha Chicken! This brightly colored beach shack serves up all kinds of authentic Caribbean cuisine with a bit of Latin flair. You’ll love their eclectic menu, huge portion sizes, and affordable prices.
From Spicy Jerked Chicken Wings and Jerk Salmon Tacos to classic Ropa Vieja and Chicken Gumbo, there’s sure to be something that will please every palate. They offer take-out, but if you want the full experience, plan to stick around and enjoy your meal out on their garden patio. There’s something incredible about enjoying spicy chicken dishes in a tropical setting, and they’ll even let you BYOB!
Get Ready to Hit the Road!
Before you head out to enjoy some of these amazing dining experiences, make sure your vehicle is ready to hit the road! If it’s been a while since you’ve done much driving, a professional vehicle safety inspection is a great idea! Contact the experts at The Haus to schedule your VIP appointment today.