Unique Dining Los Angeles
Credit: Chase Daniel

24 SoCal Restaurants That Are Drop. Dead. Gorgeous. 

Feast Your Eyes! These SoCal Restaurants Serve Some Seriously Dreamy Decor

Apart from its hip, East Coast counterpart (New York), Southern California is quite the trendsetter. And when it comes to dining, we take pride in our avant-garde approach. Between LA’s whimsical rooftop greenhouse restaurant, Openaire, and Palm Springs’ Morrocan-inspired “country club,” The Pink Cabana, there’s no shortage of eye candy. With that said, we’ve selected a sampling of SoCal’s most enchanting establishments that’ll have you smitten. Prettiest California Restaurants

Prettiest California Restaurants

Orange County

Fable & Spirit Prettiest California Restaurants

Transports You to: An Elevated Paradise of Design

Featuring a menu full of culinary masterpieces and craft cocktails, it’s no surprise Fable & Spirit is recognized by the MICHELIN Guide California. Step inside for an exceptional evening at this modern, artistic and creative restaurant.   

Newport Beach

Exp 8/30

 

Habana Prettiest California Restaurants

Transports You to: A Vibrant Island Escape

Orange County’s premier Cuban restaurant is more than just an establishment full of delectable dishes—it also offers an authentic atmosphere to go along with it. Both locations offer an island escape surrounded by greenery and pops of color. 

Costa Mesa | Irvine

 

Knife Pleat Prettiest California Restaurants

Transports You to: A Romantic French Getaway

This elegant French restaurant serves dishes like caviar and crescent farm duck. The clean, airy atmosphere mixed with the contemporary design will have you feeling prim and proper. Order the Yves Saint Laurent (Fair vodka, Fair kumquat, rose water and lemon) cocktail for your evening spent here. Pinkie’s up! 

Costa Mesa

EXP 6/30

 

Marché Moderne Prettiest California Restaurants

Transports You to: A Classic European Bistro

White tablecloths, wood floors and dark ceiling beams give Marché Moderne a classic, timeless and oh-so-modern feel. The menu boasts a selection of beautifully plated, French culinary creations. Start with the fromage and all accoutrements and hamachi crudo.

Newport Beach

 

Greater Palm Springs

Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge

Transports You to: A Whimsical, Old-School Hollywood Hangout

White walls juxtaposed by pops of fuschia make this elegant restaurant a staple in Palm Springs’ Uptown Design District. The minimalist interior that’s outfitted with sparkling chandeliers gives Eight4Nine an enchanting, upscale vibe.

Palm Springs

The Steakhouse Rancho Mirage

Transports You to: The Archetypal Valentine’s Date Night 

Dark mahogany walls and warm lighting set the tone for a romantic rendezvous at this swanky steakhouse. Settle into one of the plush booths, sip a cocktail at the half-circle bar and let the allure do the rest.

Rancho Mirage

Prettiest California Restaurants

The Pink Cabana Prettiest California Restaurants

Transports You to: A 1950s Moroccan-Inspired Country Club

A tribute to the racquet clubs of the ’50s and ’60s, this desert gem harkens back to an era of posh, Hollywood glamour. A jewel-toned palette of pink and emerald, brass fixtures, tropical plants and suspended lanterns make The Pink Cabana a great addition to your IG feed. 

Indian Wells

 

Sandfish Sushi & Whiskey

Transports You to: An Industrial, Scandinavian-Chic Warehouse 

This intimate venue offers a judicious selection of hand-crafted sushi and whiskey pairings in a noteworthy setting. Wood paneling and subdued earthy tones pair seamlessly with ocean-esque fixtures, such as the restaurant’s glowing bar backed by a wall of fish scales.

Palm Springs

Los Angeles

Wabi on Rose

Transports You to: A Hip, Chic Dreamland

Searching for sushi? This innovative restaurant with stellar menu options also boasts an incredible atmosphere. Indulge in a twist on traditional Japanese cuisine while soaking in the airy ambience.

Venice

Prettiest California Restaurants

Openaire

Transports You to: An Innovative Greenhouse

Dine beneath the plants in this dreamy garden lover’s paradise. Enjoy fresh, seasonal dishes in this one of a kind restaurant. Then, head down to LINE LA’s speakeasy, Break Room 86, later in the night! 

Korea Town

 

Margot

Transports You to: The Contemporary Mediterranean Coast

With views of Culver City and delectable dishes that’ll make your mouth water, Margot should be at the top of your list for your next elegant dinner outing. From the natural lighting to the flavorful cocktails and savory dishes, everything is magnificent.

Culver City

 

LONO Hollywood

Transports You to: An Old-School Tiki Bar 

In the heart of Hollywood lives the tiki bar you didn’t know you needed in your life. Sip creative cocktails in this stunning urban oasis. To really set your watch to island time, order a shareable punch bowl!

Hollywood

 

San Diego

Jeune et Jolie

Transport You to: The Charming Streets of Paris

Coral-colored banquettes, globe lanterns and brassy art deco accents make this fledgling French bistro a trip-to-Paris come true. Curated by award-winning interior design studio Bells + Whistles, Jeune et Jolie is sophisticated, elegant and everything you’ve ever dreamed of.

Carlsbad

 

Born & Raised

Transports You to: Don Draper’s Ideal Spot for a Nightcap

Ravishing in its design, this $6.5 million steakhouse in Little Italy is world class in every aspect. Upon entering, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped onto the set of Mad Men—think green marble tabletops, gilded martini glasses and warm, seductive lighting. 

Little Italy

Prettiest California Restaurants

Morning Glory

Transports you to: A Glam 80’s Diner

This shimmery pink, ‘80s-inspired brunch palace is nothing short of magnificent. Rose-colored retro lamps, iridescent windows and a pink champagne vending machine? Yeah, you’re gonna want to make some room on your Instagram for this place.

Little Italy

 

The Westgate Room

Transports You to: The Historic City of Versailles

Situated within The Westgate Hotel, this posh Euro-style restaurant offers guests a dining experience worth every penny. Baccarat crystal chandeliers, Persian rugs and French tapestries create an elegant setting that’ll have you feeling like a royal.

Downtown San Diego

 

4 Restaurants Where the Food Speaks for Itself

Vaca

‘Grammable Dish: Paella de Mariscos
Costa Mesa

 

Kreem

‘Grammable Dish: Strawberry Rose Ice Cream
Palm Springs

 

Sqirl

‘Grammable Dish: Ricotta Toast
Silver Lake

 

Harumama

‘Grammable Dish: Steamed Character Buns
Little Italy | Carlsbad | La Jolla

 

New and Noteworthy

Mayfield

Vibe: Stylish and snug
San Juan Capistrano

 

Gabino’s Creperie

Vibe: Pretty in pink
Palm Springs

 

MÍRAME

Vibe: Are We in Tulum?
Beverly Hills

 

The Waverly

Vibe: Tropical-Chic
Encinitas

+ posts

Taylor is a graduate from the University of Southern California with a degree in journalism. She is our Los Angeles and Orange County editor. You can find her dining at a new restaurant, in the ocean or planning her next adventure. Say hello!

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