Hidden away in one of the many mini malls of Beverly Hills, this tiny restauarant serves absolutely scrumptious food. The chilled tomato yogurt soup and crispy soft #13;#10;shell crab with risotto and lobster make you wish you could take the chef home. The al dente pasta is perfectly cooked and, with sautéed shrimp and asparagus, this too makes a memorable meal. The wine list is extensive though not expensive. For a place that not everyone knows about, try 2117.

WEST HOLLYWOOD. Its monochromatic white decor and model-beautiful clientele render Asia de Cuba a trendy, of-the-moment kind of place. Festive atmosphere, a playful waitstaff, and chic ambience lend appeal, and customers relish the mouthwatering Cuban-Asian fare. Fried calamari salad, a house specialty, makes culinary waves, and you can't go wrong with yucca-crusted mahi mahi or lime-and-garlic chicken. Desserts, naturally, make a splash on their own. An outdoor patio, glimmering with candles, affords incredible views ­ a nice change from the austere interior.

BEVERLY HILLS. Hollywood's movers and shakers come here for the stylish Japanese/French décor, impeccable service, and innovative menu. What they don't come for is posturing ­ Chaya Brasserie is refreshingly free of attitude, despite its trendy clientele. Make reservations, but arrive early and enjoy the bar's popular happy hour and superb cocktails. Then, to start, try the sashimi salad with wasabi pickle salsa, and move on to roasted venison with black peppercorn sauce and chestnut purée, or filet mignon with potato filled soba crepes. Whatever your choices, you can expect fantastic flavor and presentation.

WEST HOLLYWOOD. Word of mouth makes this place, tucked away in a mini-mall, a hot spot, and its 22 seats stay full. The chef-owner and his wife serve incredible fusion dishes like seared duck liver foie gras with daikon and orange-red wine vinegar sauce, and pan-fried filet mignon with sesame-ginger sauce. The chef, formerly of La Boheme, conjures up the creative menu and then executes it perfectly. Although the place is busy, diners are welcome to enjoy a leisurely dinner.

MANHATTAN BEACH. Come into Michi's a bit early to start your evening off with one of the numerous martinis creatively concocted by the bartender, but save your energy. The menu features Asian-Californian cuisine, and the atmosphere will never let you forget that this is one of the most hip restaurants at Manhattan Beach. Stray in on jazz night, and you might just spend your whole evening here.