LITTLE TOKYO. Located in the New Otani Hotel & Garden, this elegant Japanese restaurant looks, feels, and tastes authentic. Overlooking the third floor Japanese Garden, there are sushi and tempura bars and private tatami rooms. The extensive menu and the delightful service will make even novices to Japanese cuisine comfortable. The Sunday brunch is the only meal you will need all day, and the quality matches the quantity.

HOLLYWOOD ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT. Comfort food meets health food at this cozy restaurant. You'll find, for example, turkey meatloaf topped with homemade tomato sauce with horseradish mashed potatoes, or spaghetti adorned with Japanese eggplant, fresh mozzarella, and roasted tomato sauce. Ammo is a good choice post-theater, as well - dessert favorites include peach crumble and chocolate fondant cake. Ammo might be most famous for its popular brunch beverage, a juice comprised of tart green apples, lemons, and ginger.

MALIBU. Few restaurants along the PCH enjoy views of the ocean more sweeping than does this Northern Malibu gem. The restaurant itself appears like a postcard from the Riveria: exterior walls covered by flowers and dense greenery, a cozy copper fireplace, beamed ceilings, and a magical garden hidden in the back. The fare ­ influenced by the cuisines of Morocco, Spain, Italy, and Greece ­ features myriad options, from gazpacho and osso buco to fresh clams and mussels marinières. The extensive wine list perfectly suits the menu, and the catacomb-like wine cellar is open for tours. Reservations are a must.

SILVER LAKE. Warm, inviting Blair's is a great venue for a romantic dinner or a more relaxed meal between friends. Upscale takes on old favorites populate the menu, and extra care is lavished on seafood dishes. Start the night off with shrimp cocktail and curried deviled eggs, and then try to choose between tender linguine with P.E.I. mussels and coriander-crusted Spanish big eye tuna. Tasty sides include oft-ordered truffled mac and cheese. Don't forget dessert ­ coconut cream pie with roasted pineapple and candied cashews is a unique treat.

BEVERLY HILLS. This pleasant, open room, filled with tables, gets crowded during lunch and dinner rushes, when hungry diners line up for a phenomenal midday buffet and order well-crafted traditional Indian dishes in the evening. Begin your meal with a helping of clay oven-baked naan or alu paratha, Indian breads that are delicious on their own and are also perfect for disposing of extra sauce. Main dishes like lamb nilgiri (a mint-seasoned meat and vegetable stew), saag paneer, and seafood vindaloo satisfy regulars and first-timers alike.