LONG BEACH. This steak and seafood restaurant provides all the extras you'd expect from a New York-style establishment ­ a large, roomy bar, an award-winning wine list, and some of the best prime cuts in the area. For dinner, start with crab bisque, and then take your pick of every prime cut imaginable, from top sirloin and culotte (also known as a tri-tip) to a rib-eye and Kansas City strip. The wine list literally boasts hundreds of selections, so don't neglect its riches.

VENICE. There aren't a lot of frills at this pizza place, which locals declare serves up some of the best pizza they've ever eaten. Enjoy oven-fresh pies topped with classic toppings or more interesting pizzas with pesto sauce and an assortment of mushrooms or tequila-marinated chicken. Although toppings get their due, the bagel-like crust is what really puts these pizzas over the edge on the tastiness scale. Casual dress and friendly atmosphere.

REDONDO BEACH. Specialties of Goa, an Indian region rich in European influences, are the main attractions at Addi's Tandoor. Regulars rave about the perfect levels of spice and sauce ­ and return frequently for more. Popular entrees include a very hot lamb vindaloo, chicken tikka, and shrimp masala (a curry simmered in coconut milk). Garlic naan offers a savory way to start your meal; likewise, you won't want to leave without trying kulfi ­ traditional Indian ice cream with pistachios.

PASADENA. Not just the usual kebabs, this comfortable Indian restaurant serves well-prepared food at reasonable prices. Chutneys are made in-house daily, and the naan garners raves from regulars, who also heap high praise on the tandoori sea bass. Adding a sweet note, mango cheesecake is a perfect finish to any meal. There are a number of imported Indian beers on offer, but if you're not a beer drinker, there's also an extensive wine list. Additional locations in Santa Monica and Marina del Rey.

EAST HOLLYWOOD. This cozy corner hangout features extensive outdoor seating, shaded by umbrellas, as well as a pleasant, if cramped, indoor space. While the cafe serves three meals a day, there's always a rush on desserts and pastries, thanks to creations like brown butter berry tarts and praline fudge bars with homemade vanilla caramel. Alcove's take on the moon pie is an extravagant one ­ two chocolate chip cookies encase made-from-scratch marshmallow, and the whole is dipped in chocolate and hand-decorated. Layer cakes, bundt cakes, pies, and loaves of bread are also available. N.B. Alcove begins serving food an hour after opening times.