Now Open on Resy: Night + Market, Michael’s, Oste, Apotheke, and More

There are few restaurants that feel as purely Santa Monica as Michael McCarty’s eponymous spot. Since 1979, the draw has been a beautiful outdoor space that’s more jungle than garden; celebrity sightings; and roots that go back to the early days of what’s now known as California cuisine. It’s still hard to beat for a classic Dover sole or grilled pork chop, plus a side of whatever is in season.

Dining Status: Outdoor dining is available in the garden out back and parklet out front; info on pickup and delivery here.

The only thing missing from Union in Pasadena was pizza, so owner Marie Petulla and chef Chris Keyser fixed it: They opened a pizza joint next door. The pies are a mash-up of New York-style thin crust and chewy West Coast sourdough, with toppings that veer from traditional to local. Salads make a great start, and soft-serve is most definitely the way to end your meal.

Dining Status: Reservations for dinner are now open. Pickup is also available; order here.

It’s hard not to like a restaurant whose food is designed to “facilitate drinking and fun-having amongst friends” (chef-owner Kris Yenbamroong’s words, not ours). Night+Market’s original location is fun and rambunctious, and every item on the menu is a delight.

Dining Status: Limited indoor seating is available for lunch and dinner; call for takeout.

If there’s any question as to the specialty at this vibrant, longstanding family-owned spot, just look at the name of its website (ilovemole.com). It’s difficult to choose between the rich, dark mole negro or the fiery red rojo, but chances are good both are in order. Other Oaxacan favorites include memelas, tlayudas, chapulines (sauteed or fried crispy like little popcorn poppers), and lots of mezcal. 

Dining Status: Outdoor seating in the colorful patio; takeout and delivery are also available. Find more info here.

The courtyard of this Melrose staple is one of the dreamiest in town. Almost speakeasy-esque — you enter through an alley, after all — there’s a fireplace, fresh greenery, a fountain, and a retractable roof when necessary. Cocktails run the gamut from traditional to spirit-forward to citrusy, all with clever names that are as much to read as they are to sip (i.e. Romance Without Pressure). The food, especially the burger and fries, is great for those boozier nights.

Dining Status: Open for outdoor seating only; takeout info can be found here.

In the sea of pizza options around L.A., not many specialize in Roman-style pinsa. But here, the oval-shaped pies have a lighter crust, which make them that much easier to devour. A classic margherita is always good, but the carbonara-inspired one really sings. Mussels, a burrata bar, and cocktails round things out. Surrounded by olive trees and SoCal vibes, the sidewalk patio is lovely.

Dining Status: Indoor and outdoor dining available; takeout and delivery info can be found here.

As the name promises, steak is the name of the game at the trendy chain. The room is sultry and spiky — note the horns on the wall — which fits Westwood’s W Hotel to a tee. Expect big and small cuts, all grilled to perfection. Sides include potatoes in all its best forms, including tots, truffled, and mashed with a parmesan crust. 

Dining Status: Open for outdoor seating near the pool; takeout and delivery are both available. More info here.

It might be a little off the beaten path, but this NYC offshoot is just replicating its half-hidden location in Manhattan’s Chinatown. Cocktails with witty names served by bartenders in pharmacist garb, the booze-as-medicine metaphor never really ends here. Inside gives off a good speakeasy vibe, but the patio on the banks of the L.A. River is the place to be.

Dining Status: Outdoor drinking and dining only, with limited capacity, Friday through Sunday nights.

It’s impossible to decide between the baked goods and pastries at this Culver City bakery and cafe. Chocolate croissant or alfajores, those delightful Argentinian shortbread cookies? Banana bread or bostock? It doesn’t matter — it’s all great. Sandwiches, salads, pastas, and a mean chicken Parm round out the menu, and a breezy patio filled with plants and citrus trees is just the place to peruse it.

Dining Status: Outdoor and limited indoor dining are available; takeout and delivery info can be found here.

The firepits might be poolside, but the views over the beach and Santa Monica Pier are the same as if you were on the sand. The menu leans heavily on the Mediterranean and Middle East, with things like shawarma spiced cauliflower, Greek fries, falafel, and quinoa tabbouleh. This being the beach, expect plenty of frosé, even in the winter.

Dining Status: Outdoor seating available; takeout and delivery during the week only. Find more info here.

Yes there are beers at this Arts District brewery, but they’re made with probiotics, antioxidants, and superfoods. There’s kombucha and hard seltzer, plus cocktails made with botanic brews. In essence: It’s exactly what you’d expect to find in DTLA’s Arts District. With ceilings this high, it almost feels like you’re outside. Movies or sports flickering on the walls are a nice touch.

Dining Status: Indoor and outdoor tables are available; order for drinks pickup here. Food must be ordered from the food truck to go with first round of drinks.

The epitome of a neighborhood bistro, this cozy wine bar and shop hits all the best notes. The menu isn’t complicated — crispy brussels sprouts, charcuterie and cheese boards, barramundi with garlic confit, chocolate pot de creme — but it’s substantial. And enough to keep you there for another glass of vermentino from Carneros or Austrian rosé.

Dining Status: Indoor dining; order wines to pick up here.

Editor’s note: As of April 18, 2024, Gran Blanco has rebranded into a new concept under the same name.

With the famous VENICE sign hanging right outside, the waves just a few yards away, and that eclectic, buzzing scene along Windward Avenue, you know precisely where you are at Gran Blanco. The menu pulls inspiration from the Mediterranean, but there’s a double cheeseburger that’s purely SoCal. The wine list isn’t huge but packs a wallop with cool picks like Big Salt white from Oregon and skin-macerated delights from France.

Dining Status: Indoor dining only.

This tiny outfit in a Koreatown strip mall features big flavors and fun fusion mashups like mandu with doenjang Bolognese, kimchi tagliatelle, and bulgogi risotto. Until the small dining room is built out, there’s only parking lot dining, but that’s half the charm.

Dining Status: Outdoor seating; find pickup and delivery info here.

It’s everything a gastropub should be: Edison bulbs, 22 beers on tap — with actual beer cicerones to help you choose — lots of brown spirits, and a menu that should please just about everyone. As long as everyone likes hot chicken sandwiches, fish and chips, fries smothered in beer-braised brisket, and even poke. 

Dining Status: Outdoor dining is available.