The Stinking Rose

The focal point here, as the name suggests, is garlic – and garlic, in theory, in practice, in execution, is omnipresent. Even the restaurant’s several distinctive, campy dining rooms pay homage to garlic lore, and the mottos of this establishment include: “We season our garlic with food” and “It’s chic to reek.” Located on La Cienega’s Restaurant Row among other high-concept eateries like Gyu-Kaku and Fogo de Chao, this spot is the Southern California branch of a popular San Francisco restaurant. The California-Italian menu is filled with endless delights for garlic lovers: garlic chowder, garlic steamed clams, 40-clove garlic chicken, even garlic ice cream and a wine dubbed Château du Garlique! While many claim the novelty outshines the cuisine, the prime rib and mussels do get special accolades. And don’t worry: They can also do dishes without garlic for the odd “vampire.”

TIPS: While it may be chic, you will smell of garlic after a visit to this restaurant, so be forewarned. Be sure to check out the bizarre “fertility chair” in the women’s bathroom (only if you are female of course); supposedly if you fit in it comfortably you are pregnant.