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

When it comes to dining, ambiance matters just as much as the meal itself. A great setting makes every bite more enjoyable. From opulent Roman-inspired spaces to rooftop retreats and moody, mezcal-infused hideaways, these stunning restaurants across Southern California deliver a feast for the eyes as much as for the palate. In addition, each space offers a unique atmosphere that adds to the overall experience. Whether you’re drawn to sleek modern aesthetics, historic charm, or lavish design details, these restaurants in Southern California are where every corner is worthy of a photo op.

 

Los Angeles

Lucky Mizu

If there was ever a restaurant designed to turn heads, it’s DTLA’s Lucky Mizu. Hidden within the sprawling Level 8 dining and nightlife complex, this Japanese hot pot haven is all about spectacle. A golden glow radiates from 700 beckoning cat figurines, infinity mirrors create an endless illusion, and a 40-foot harpsichord installation sets the mood with live, ethereal sounds. Between the shimmering decor and tables filled with sizzling shabu-shabu, Lucky Mizu is an electric experience from start to finish. Moreover, its bold, theatrical energy makes it a standout in LA’s dining scene.

Location: DTLA

 

République

Few places capture old-school LA glamour quite like République. Housed in a 1929 building originally commissioned by Charlie Chaplin, this French-inspired landmark blends historic charm with modern sophistication. High ceilings, exposed brick, and a grand communal dining hall make it a showstopper, whether you’re grabbing a morning pastry from the front café or settling into an intimate dinner in the back dining room. Not to mention, the open kitchen lets diners watch chefs craft each dish with precision. Add a French-forward menu filled with daily delights, and you have a recipe for culinary perfection.

Location: Miracle Mile

 

Yamashiro

Perched high above Hollywood, Yamashiro is where city lights meet ancient Japanese elegance. A century-old landmark with sweeping skyline views, koi ponds, and a pagoda-style courtyard, this legendary dining destination is as breathtaking as the dishes it serves. Whether you’re indulging in wagyu sukiyaki or sipping a sake-infused cocktail beneath twinkling lanterns, Yamashiro is a feast for the senses. Moreover, its serene garden setting offers a peaceful escape from the city. In addition, the rich history of the space makes every visit feel special.

Location: Hollywood

 

Alba

If Rome and Hollywood had a love child, it would be Alba. Tucked behind an unassuming entrance, this Italian dreamscape unfolds like a movie set—high ceilings, dim lighting, stone floors, and lush greenery that make you feel like you’re sipping spritzes in a Sicilian garden. A striking, mural-covered wall adds a pop of color and flair, while the VIP lounge upstairs feels like a scene straight out of a Fellini film. And while the setting stuns, the menu is just as enticing—think artfully crafted Negronis, crisp, citrusy spritzes, and a wine list that reads like a love letter to Italy.

Location: West Hollywood

 

Meteora

Step into Meteora in Los Angeles, and it’s like entering a surreal, fire-lit sanctuary where nature meets fine dining. Michelin-starred chef Jordan Kahn has created a space that feels more like an enchanted forest than a restaurant, with earthy textures, moody lighting, and dishes kissed by open flames. The menu showcases California’s best sustainably sourced ingredients, prepared with a touch of theatricality that makes every bite feel like part of an immersive experience. 

Location: Melrose

 

Mother Wolf

Chef Evan Funke’s Mother Wolf is a grand, glamorous love letter to Rome. Nestled inside the art deco Hollywood Citizen News building, the restaurant oozes Italian charm with warm lighting, ornate chandeliers, and plush red banquettes that transport you straight to a European brasserie. Every pasta is made in-house, every dish tells a story, and the vibe? Pure cinematic magic. Likewise, the impeccable service ensures an experience as special as the cuisine. In addition, the open kitchen allows guests to watch chefs craft each dish with precision. As a result, every meal feels both engaging and authentic.

Location: Hollywood

 

The Little Door

Since 1996, The Little Door has been a hidden gem in the heart of Los Angeles, offering farm-to-table dining in an intimate, romantic courtyard setting. With a menu inspired by French and Mediterranean cuisine, the restaurant focuses on enhancing the natural flavors of seasonal, organic ingredients to offer guests a true taste of local produce. Guests can enjoy farm-to-table cocktails, a carefully curated selection of wines, and a lively atmosphere where eclectic crowds gather to savor delicious dishes. The charming ambiance is created by two simple wooden doors that open into a bustling courtyard, offering a vibrant yet romantic escape from the city. Inside, guests are treated to a candlelit atmosphere with intimate, eclectic furnishings, making every visit to The Little Door a memorable dining experience.

Location: West Hollywood

 

Orange County

Anaheim White House

A restaurant fit for royalty, Anaheim White House is a grand estate with a rich history. Housed in a 1909 mansion, this neoclassical beauty has long been a fine-dining fixture in Orange County. Its interiors feature grand columns, gilded mirrors and opulent chandeliers evoking an air of European elegance. But beyond its breathtaking facade, this is a restaurant with a mission. Owner Bruno Serato has dedicated his career to philanthropy through Caterina’s Club. This nonprofit feeds underprivileged children across Southern California. The menu, a refined blend of Italian and French cuisine, is as rich as the setting—think osso buco so tender it falls off the bone, perfectly seared Chilean sea bass, and truffle-infused pastas that taste as grand as the space itself.

Location: Anaheim

 

RH Ocean Grill

Newport Beach’s RH Ocean Grill is proof that rooftop dining is an art form. ​Since its opening in December, this restaurant has quickly become Orange County’s latest hotspot. With panoramic ocean views, a glass-encased dining room, and sparkling chandeliers, this spot redefines coastal elegance. Plush lounge seating and a glowing central fountain set the scene, while the menu delivers refined takes on seafood classics. In addition, the open-air terrace provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing meal. Whether you’re soaking up the sun at lunch or basking in the golden hour glow, this is coastal luxury at its finest.

Location: Newport Beach

 

Ocean 48

Glamour is served on a silver platter at Ocean 48. This fine-dining seafood haven at Fashion Island is dripping in opulence. Crystal chandeliers and marble accents create an air of effortless sophistication. The white-tablecloth setting invites indulgence, from extravagant seafood towers to A5 wagyu steaks. And with champagne flowing freely, every meal here feels like a celebration. Not to mention, the impeccable service ensures that every guest feels like royalty.

Location: Newport Beach

 

La Vaquera 

Rustic meets refined at La Vaquera, a new restaurant at River Street Marketplace that channels California’s rich ranchero heritage. Warm candlelight, exposed beams, and leather-clad booths create an intimate yet effortlessly cool setting. The menu? A masterclass in wood-fired cooking, with premium cuts of Wagyu, smoky barbacoa sauces, and fresh seafood that reflect the region’s farm-to-table ethos. Overall, every dish showcases a perfect balance of bold flavors and impeccable craftsmanship.

Location: San Juan Capistrano 

 

A Crystal Cove

If you’ve ever wanted to dine inside a scene from an old Hollywood film, A Crystal Cove is your moment. Dripping with vintage charm, this Newport Beach restaurant is a masterclass in ambiance. Here, every detail—from the gleaming brass fixtures to the antique photo booth—feels intentionally cinematic. The striking central bar is the heart of the space. It sets the tone with an air of timeless glamour. Meanwhile, gallery-style lighting and plush seating create a setting that’s effortlessly sophisticated yet inviting. But don’t let the dazzling decor steal all the attention. The menu is just as captivating. Expect housemade pastas, locally sourced seafood and vibrant, modern takes on classic coastal cuisine. Each dish is crafted with the same attention to detail as the restaurant’s impeccable design.

Location: Newport Beach

 

Palm Springs

Kestrel, A Richard Blais Kitchen + Lounge

Leave it to Richard Blais to bring his signature blend of innovation and sophistication to the desert. Perched atop the clubhouse at Indian Wells Golf Resort, Kestrel is more than just a restaurant—it’s a destination. With sweeping views of the Santa Rosa Mountains and an ambiance that balances modern elegance with laid-back luxury, this is where Coachella Valley’s culinary scene gets a serious upgrade. The menu is classic Blais: dry-aged steaks with unexpected twists, hyper-local seafood, and fresh California produce transformed into bold, boundary-pushing dishes. Pair it all with a handcrafted cocktail or a rare wine selection. Ultimately you’ll enjoy a dining experience that feels just as refined as the fairways below.

Location: Indian Wells

 

Bar Cecil

If Palm Springs had a secret clubhouse for those who love the finer things, Bar Cecil would be it. Equal parts playful and polished, this design-forward hotspot is a tribute to the legendary photographer Cecil Beaton. He, much like this bar, had a flair for effortless glamour. Stenciled walls, sage-green booths and cobalt-blue barstools create a setting that’s as photogenic as the cocktails themselves. The menu? A mix of elevated comfort classics and inventive creations, with black truffle bucatini and a Fleur Blanche Milk Punch that practically demand a second round. As a result, it’s the kind of place where an impromptu night out turns into an unforgettable evening.

Location: Palm Springs

 

The Edge Steakhouse

There are steakhouses, and then there’s The Edge—a dining experience that quite literally sits above the rest. Suspended 650 feet above the desert floor at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, this sleek, modern oasis delivers unmatched views of the Coachella Valley through its dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows. By day, the sun casts golden hues over the mountains; by night, the entire valley twinkles below. Additionally, the open-air terrace lets diners take in the breathtaking scenery while enjoying their meal. The menu lives up to the scenery, with meticulously dry-aged steaks, elevated seafood options, and an impressive wine list that turns any evening into an occasion.

Location: Rancho Mirage

 

Lola Rose

A little bit of Palm Springs glam, a little bit of Middle Eastern intrigue—Lola Rose is turning heads with its bold, flavor-packed dishes and seductive atmosphere. Nestled inside the  Thomson Palm Springs, this new dining and cocktail lounge is an invitation to linger, sip, and savor. Midcentury-modern design meets rich, moody hues, creating a cozy yet electric space perfect for date nights or lively gatherings. The menu reimagines Middle Eastern flavors with unexpected global influences, while the cocktail program is a masterclass in mixology. Whether you’re dipping into a mezze platter or raising a toast with an exotic, spice-infused libation, Lola Rose is pure magic from start to finish.

Location: Palm Springs

 

Tía Carmen

At Tía Carmen, every dish tells a story. This is chef Angelo Sosa’s heartfelt tribute to the flavors of the Southwest, named after the woman who first taught him to cook. Located at Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas, this vibrant restaurant blends the soul of traditional Mexican and Indigenous cuisine with a modern California sensibility. Expect ember-roasted yams covered in aged mole and lamb barbacoa topped with caviar. The weekend Mercado Brunch features tres leches French toast and beef birria. The rustic-chic interiors create a warm, inviting space. Additionally, the exceptional cocktail and wine program makes every visit special. Tía Carmen is perfect for those who love great food and a good story. As a result, every visit feels like a deeply personal and flavorful journey.

Location: Indian Wells

 

San Diego

Quixote

Dark, mysterious and steeped in history, Quixote is a restaurant and mezcalería that feels like a portal to another time. Housed inside a decommissioned Catholic church from Mexico, the space is a striking fusion of sacred and sensual. Rough-hewn cobblestone floors, flickering Santa Maria candles and rich stained-glass windows set the scene. Guests sip on smoky mezcal cocktails while seated on baroque pews, the pulpit-inspired bar serving as the altar of the experience. The menu is a love letter to Oaxacan cuisine, with heirloom grains, silky moles, and masterfully crafted masa dishes anchoring the culinary journey. This isn’t just dinner—it’s a full-blown ritual.

Location: North Park

 

Born and Raised

If luxury had a flavor, it would taste like Born and Raised. This high-rolling steakhouse in Little Italy is pure indulgence. It features velvet-wrapped booths and a glowing rooftop bar. The 10,000-square-foot space is the definition of grandeur, with a dry-aging room and an old-school butcher shop. But don’t let the opulence fool you—this spot isn’t just about looks. The menu is stacked with flawlessly grilled steaks, decadent sides, and perfectly chilled martinis. Furthermore, the table side cart service adds an extra touch of old-school elegance, making every meal feel like an event. And that rooftop? It’s a whole vibe—plaid booths, climbing greenery, and twinkling lanterns set the scene for a night of A-list energy.

Location: Little Italy

 

Wildland

yle=”font-weight: 400;”>>Rustic and relaxed, Wildland is the kind of place where you roll in for coffee, stay for lunch and somehow find yourself ordering a bottle of wine by sunset. Located in Carlsbad Village, this all-day eatery is a love letter to California’s laid-back, coastal lifestyle. It’s airy, bright and filled with the scent of fresh-baked bread and wood-fired pizzas. Michelin-starred pedigree meets casual ease here, thanks to a kitchen helmed by chef Eric Bost and the team behind Jeune et Jolie and Campfire. The design is equally inviting with towering 30-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and a sprawling front patio. Overall these details make it the perfect place for a quick pastry or settle in for an hours-long feast.

Location: Carlsbad

 

The Marine Room

Oceanfront dining hits peak drama at The Marine Room, where waves crash against the windows as you sip your champagne. A true La Jolla icon, this restaurant turns an evening into a spectacle with its High Tide Dinners, an immersive dining experience where the tides rise and the full moon illuminates the sea. Floor-to-ceiling windows make you feel like you’re floating on water.  Meanwhile, the menu delivers decadent seafood creations. Think lobster crêpes, dry-aged bluefin tuna carpaccio, and an indulgent Kelp Martini. Whether you’re here for the food or the view, one thing’s for sure: this is a meal you won’t forget.

Location: La Jolla

 

LEILA

The newest North Park venture from CH Projects, LEILA transports diners straight to a Middle Eastern dreamscape. Moroccan lanterns flicker overhead, a cascading waterfall sets the tone, and the scent of freshly grilled kebabs fills the air. The space is intimate, immersive, and effortlessly enchanting. In addition, the warm, welcoming atmosphere makes every visit feel special. Above all, the design makes it one of the most captivating new additions to San Diego’s dining scene.

Location: North Park

 

From dazzling chandeliers to oceanfront views, these Southern California restaurants prove that great design can elevate any dining experience. Whether you’re in the mood for historic charm, bold modern aesthetics, or something truly unexpected, each of these spots offers more than just a meal—they create a moment. In the end, it’s not just about what’s on the plate, but also the ambiance that makes every bite unforgettable. So, next time you’re planning a night out, choose a place that looks just as good as it tastes.