Onda, pasjoli, and American Beauty, Now on the Resy Hit List

Because two star chefs are better than one. SQIRL’s Jessica Koslow and Gabriela Cámara of Contramar in Mexico City (and Cala in San Francisco) have teamed up to open a sleek Mexican restaurant attached to the Proper Hotel. Start off with chips and multiple dips, and don’t skip the koji sweet potato. Make sure to get extra handmade tortillas (Cámara brings in special masa) and bring on the margaritas. The turkey al pastor inside-out quesadilla will soak it all up.

For reservations, contact the restaurants at (310) 620-9917.

Because let chef Dave Beran demo the duck press, extracting the flavorful juices into a gold embellished cup and whisking them tableside into a luscious sauce. Even the house-cultured butter warrants a standing ovation here. Simply exquisite French fare is exemplified in the signature foie de poulet a la Strasbourgeoise a.k.a. buttery brioche with a creamy chicken liver mousse center. Bonne nuit.

Because nothing beats a stiff house martini and a woodfire grilled dry-aged steak. And what else goes great with a juicy cut of meat? Stuffed hash browns with sour cream and chives. But there’s more on chefs Elisha Ben-Haim and Anthony Goodwin’s menu than beef, like the charred jerk hamachi collar with mint and cucumber. You’re going to need another cocktail.

Because Jose Centeno’s Tex-Mex brings the whole enchilada. Start with the fresh, warm queso while the bar cracks open a Loba Blanca cerveza. Then try Amadeo’s “Dos Caras” quesadilla where the cheese toasted and topped with picadillo, sungold tomatoes, serrano chiles, pickled onions and pepita dry salsa. Vamos!

Walk-ins only.

Because East Coast love means a new contender in the fried chicken game. The togarashi fried chicken sandwich with miso lime yoghurt, spicy pickle relish, cheddar, hot sauce aioli on a potato bun is no joke. Pair that with a sunflower salad of local greens, spicy seeds, honey crisp apples, all tossed in a sunflower lemon vinaigrette. Yes, add avocado. This is the best coast, after all.

Because white tablecloths are a sure-fire sign that the martinis are on point. From the H Wood Group (The Nice Guy, Poppy), expect a certain air of exclusivity as your oysters arrive on the half shell alongside a shrimp cocktail. Why mess with the classics like a filet mignon when it cuts like butter? Stay classy, Santa Monica. 

Because do yourself a favor and order Jeremiah’s wood-grilled chicken with tropical sauce. And the order a side of homemade egg noodle kugel with ricotta, applesauce, sage, walnut and brown butter. Followed by chocolate cake with malted frosting for dessert. This is comfort food at its best.

Because waffle fries tossed in a sweet jalapeño seasoning alone have warranted a line out the door. From the Momofuku empire, Fuku has arrived at the SocialEats food hall with its signature crispy, spicy fried chicken sandos. Pro tip: Order the off-menu Rippin’ Hot cold fried chicken leg. 

Walk-ins only.

Because the garden vibe will help you soak in the historic locale. Chef Brendan Collins is at the helm with a hand-cut capellini in a lobster Bolognese that will have you on your knees. Just save room for ricotta bombolino with salted caramel and affogato chocolate sauce.

For reservations, contact the restaurant at (310)586-1707.

Because on the shores of Malibu, a hibiscus mojito has your name on it. Take in the sea breeze while digging into a wild mushroom, nopal and oaxaca cheese quesadilla. Tack on an order of chicken kale nachos doused in guajillo sauce. 

For reservations, contact the restaurant at (424) 235-2595.