The casually chic tapas-and-wine bar gets high marks for its yummy, pork-centric menu, a quirky yet top-notch selection of wines and reasonable prices. The staff brilliantly pairs tastes and sips. A great low-key date spot.

Cheap eats that taste like a million bucks. The Brazilian cuisine is super fresh, with highest marks going to the chicken pot pie and collard greens. Diminutive owner and chef Natalya makes everyone feel like family.

Wolfgang Puck's Cut gets all the attention these days, but this elegantly trendy steakhouse continues to dish up some of the best meat in town. The pot roast is sublime. And bonus points for the scrumptious sides -- so good you could dine on those alone (as some vegetarian friends will attest).

The huge menu is high-end coffee shop (with an emphasis on healthy and low-cal), but that's not the real draw. The trapped-in-the-'80s décor is somehow soothing, the staff always makes you feel like you're a regular (even when you're not), and the atmosphere feels active and fun whether you've arrived for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a late-night snack. I love sitting at the bar, the better to observe the posse of expert short-order cooks tossing heaps of spinach on the grill. Bloody Mary fans take note: They rock.

Not that I'm telling anyone anything new, but for a big-budget blowout it doesn't get better than this. Justifiably the jewel in Wolfgang Puck's humongous crown, Spago has hit new heights thanks to executive chef Lee Hefter. The staff knows what you want before you want it. And the wine pairings are inspired. If only the décor weren't so fuddy-duddy Southwestern.

For seafood lovers with a funky-but-chic sensibility and an appreciation for an excellent cocktail. Sunday brunch is a highlight, albeit a caloric one.

Look up friendly neighborhood joint in the dictionary and you'll find a picture of this Italian eatery with the perfect back patio for lingering on a summer night. The food may not win any awards, but it consistently hits the spot.

My friend the chef insists this is the best Thai food in L.A. I don't know about that, but it's delicious. And cheap. And the waitresses are super cute and friendly (that's my friend the chef talking).

Superb organic food served by the nicest staff around. The miso soup, according to a friend, will make you weep. I can speak for the breakfast bowl -- the healthiest way to start any day -- and the waffles, which are about as healthy as you'll get eating fried batter. The only drag is the inevitable wait on Sunday mornings, but it's worth it.

This unpretentious diner is always fun thanks to the exiles-from-a-punk-band staff and a rockin' jukebox. It feels like midnight -- even at noon.

Not technically a restaurant, but it's hard to believe this is a chain given the high quality of the coffee and service. All of the locations are great, but Larchmont is the one I frequent. Special shout-out to Andy, who has a happy word for everyone, even at 6 a.m. Love the vegan ginger snaps too (even if they don't actually snap).