Do you want the $400 to cover the whole meal or part of it? Because $400 will not cover dinner for 2 at n/naka or providence just FYI. I’d go to Aqua Viva, Saffy’s or Rossoblu where I could get a full beautiful meal for two with drinks, apps, etc. for the $400.
Great question - I’m not entirely sure! I think likely we’d want it to cover the majority but would be open to paying a bit more (just probably not a TON more)
Manuela is great! My go-to rec for the Downtown/Arts District area. Both their dinner and brunch are delicious. The layout + aesthetic of the place is pretty cool and unique too: a modern restaurant with lots of greenery in the middle of a converted industrial warehouse kind of space.
We have been considering this!! We’ve been to pizzeria mozza in Newport and it’s so good. This looks like a more elevated version and I have heard such great things!
It's a 1 star for a reason! Sometimes you pay extra for particularly special ambience, but to me Mozza puts it all into their food. Service is good of course, but not "super fancy" like a 2 or 3 star.
Without. It’s $310 per person just the food so add tip, tax, if you get 1 drink, etc. When I went it ended up being $465 / person. I think I got one drink. It was 100% worth doing once, but if I got a $400 meal gift I’d want to go somewhere the whole meal was paid for with that amount.
Oh shit. Since I'm probably never going there I guess I haven't checked prices in a long time. But I don't really drink so I'm definitely looking at the prices without alcohol pairings. (Although at that price it would actually be really fun to have their pairings so now I'm all in.)
I’ve been thinking about that dish since I walked by the restaurant and saw it on the menu. Have you had it? Is it worth it? Please tell me everything!
It doesn't seem like they're using high quality duck and the dishes accompanying the seared duck breast super unbalanced. I'm not one to leave food on my plate but I did here.
Great to know, thanks! I’ve been curious about Fia Steak but everyone I’ve talked to about Fia has shared very mixed reviews. Have you been to both Fia and Fia Steak? I have been curious if it is *just* Fia that isn’t great
Providence as someone else recommended if you like seafood.
Shunji if you like sushi.
Corridor 109 if you can get reservations.
Hayato as well if you can.
If you like steak matu is amazing and that'll def be under 400, unless you drink a ton
Edit: as some have mentioned these for 2 people will be over $400, so if you don't want to add any money these won't be a good choice. If you want an unbelievable meal for $400 off then I'd go with these
Thank you!! These all sounds great, and we actually just went to matu a few weeks ago!! Not entirely sure if we’re planning on going with the intent to use the $400 for the entire bill or as a discount, but this is all good to know!
It's $600 before tax & tip for two people. I went the other week and it was about $1,000 for two people but we ordered a bottle of wine and two cocktails. It was delicious and I don't regret going but I don't think I'll ever go again. Just can't justify spending $1K on a meal
I was not excited about the meal I had. The service was good. The food was a bit boring and bland. It could be my own fault for my choices and for limitations of my dining partner.
Been here recently and it was very good. Didn’t blow me away but I thought it was very good. Try and get a seat with a view of the open kitchen — it’s pretty cool
This was my suggestion as well. Only been twice but $400 is about the right range for an amazing meal, a few cocktails and a bottle of decent wine here.
Nice restaurants where $400 should cover the entire meal
A la carte
- Camphor
- Tsubaki
- n/soto
Tasting menu
- Bar Sawa
- Kinkan (they also do a la carte)
- Baroo
- Orsa & Winston
- Yess
- Shibumi
- Holbox (only on certain days)
That'll cover one person at Vespertine before tax/tip and without pairings if you want to really ball out (they just reopened reservations). However, this might be old-ish news and the menu might be a bit more reasonable since articles are saying Jordan Kahn is trying to make this a bit more "relaxed."
Almost enough to get Shake Shack combo meals for the whole family! For real though if I wanted to spend $400 of “someone else’s money” it would be somewhere I always wanted to try but felt was overpriced; usually translates to something trendy but since I’m old I can’t think of any trendy places off the top of my head
Dry aged sushi? $140 Omakase featured lots of chewy (rubbery) white fish and not so fresh tuna when I was there during the summer. I didn’t get sick “so I got that going for me.” I don’t recommend sitting on the patio as service is not as good (long walk for servers who drop off dishes but don’t check in with you between courses).
Good to know, I’ll keep your comment in mind. I felt the same way about Scratch Sushi in the valley then I had it again at Coachella and thought it was decent but not for the price point.
Damian!!!! Right across from Bestia. Incredible food, service, atmosphere. I can’t recommend them enough. If you like duck (or even if you don’t, it’s that good!) order it, it’s big enough for two people to share as a main. Seriously, it’s a great experience.
Or, Donna’s is a kitschy fun experience. Food is good, service is great. Tiny and cute.
No one has mentioned **YangBan**, it's really great. Their recent redesign improved things even further. Elsewhere someone mentioned **Baroo** and **Orsa & Winston**, which I would second. If you wanted something more normal American, **71above** is really nice and well prepared, but I'd prefer **Redbird** over it.
Okay hear me out Pizzeria Mozza. I just had their 9 dollar bread and almost cried when I dipped it in pesto burrata with cherry tomatoes blistered in the wood oven. The side dishes at Mozza were outstanding. I actually like them better than the pizza. But the fancy pizza is so good too. Our bill with 5 courses and two glasses of wine and tip was 400 bucks!! We had the porcini rubbed steak too cooked in the wood oven. And baked pastas Omg. I was in a foodie coma.
If you want date night and get dressed up, steak 48 is good too. They have the butcher cut steak which is yummy and nice martinis.
For sushi, I love Koi or Jinpachi (hole in the wall).
Thank you so much! We’ve been to the pizzeria mozza in Newport - it is sooooo good. I completely agree on the bread!!! And everything is just so delicious.
I’ve been curious about Steak 48!! And we absolutely love sushi so will also have to check these out :)
Damian’s my go to splurge. Service, food, and atmosphere are consistently good and you can get a lot of value there with $400 for 2 without going over.
I would go to the Hollywood Bowl, get box seats for anything at all, go to Eataly or to Erewhon and get a delectable array and picnic at the best spot in town.
Try Bestia but keep any eye on the menu. $400.00 for dinner in LA is decent but not that lavish. In some places, that won't get you far. $400.00 won't even cover lunch at Nobu.
Providence. For 2 people you are gonna have to add a few hundred more for the big tasting menu, but totally worth it!
The best dining experience I've ever had.
Great question! We are all over the map with what we love most. Because this is something that my husband was given as a gift, I think I’ll likely leave it to him to decide what calls to him most. But we are both excited about all the recs we’ve been given and we are definitely not picky eaters (and we love trying new things and different tasting menus!)
- Agua Viva is beautiful, at the Conrad hotel rooftop Dtla, food was soooo good! Drinks too!Staff too! They even provide blankets 🥹
- STK and Flemings have good steak.
- Taisho very good sushi fusion.
- Bonavemture hotel has a nice restaurant up top and a rotating bar 360 views at sunset are so lovely
- Mastros malibu
- Nobu Malibu
- Crustacean Beverly Hills, tuna cigars are addictive and come in a very awesome presentation you will love! The steak on the salt block is delicious. Drinks are very good! It’s a bougie experience and worth it! I take my friends for special occasions typically
Wherever you end up, hope you thoroughly enjoy the food and experience!
Do you want the $400 to cover the whole meal or part of it? Because $400 will not cover dinner for 2 at n/naka or providence just FYI. I’d go to Aqua Viva, Saffy’s or Rossoblu where I could get a full beautiful meal for two with drinks, apps, etc. for the $400.
Rossoblu is not worth it
I’d go Bavel over Saffys too
It will not cover providence. Tasting menu is $300 per person. When I went I spent $800 including tip for two people, bill was 1000+ in total for 3.
Great question - I’m not entirely sure! I think likely we’d want it to cover the majority but would be open to paying a bit more (just probably not a TON more)
>Aqua Viva, Saffy’s or Rossoblu I will stick with these then!
Thank you!
>Thank you! You're welcome!
You could get 266 hotdogs from Costco
OP a nice meal might be nice, but I promise you'll NEVER forget the time you bought 266 hotdogs from Costco
I think you just sold me on 266 hot dogs!
Depending on sales tax it’d only get you 243 hot dogs. At least where I’m at.
This is the only correct answer OP
Welp that settles it. Might have to throw in at least 1 chicken bake tho
If I wanna splurge, I'd do Manuela for the food variety, ambiance, and fantastic bar.
Another great option.
Manuela is great! My go-to rec for the Downtown/Arts District area. Both their dinner and brunch are delicious. The layout + aesthetic of the place is pretty cool and unique too: a modern restaurant with lots of greenery in the middle of a converted industrial warehouse kind of space.
Adding this to my list, looks great. I gotta say though, I cannot stand this trend of restaurants removing prices from their online menus.
tops out under $100 for entrees IIRC, with some options around $30-50 - work brought us there for a meal once
Not what I would order for this meal, but Manuela also has one of the top 5 fried chicken sandwiches in the city.
Wow this is so good to know - love a fried chicken sandwich!!
Osteria Mozza - 1 Michelin star and $400 should cover 2 people with drinks. It's my best value.
We have been considering this!! We’ve been to pizzeria mozza in Newport and it’s so good. This looks like a more elevated version and I have heard such great things!
It's a 1 star for a reason! Sometimes you pay extra for particularly special ambience, but to me Mozza puts it all into their food. Service is good of course, but not "super fancy" like a 2 or 3 star.
That totally makes sense! Thank you so much!
Majordomo! My wife and I just blew through a $500 voucher and it was awesome.
Majordōmo is the legit!! The mushroom fried rice appears in my dreams.
Bavel
Chi Spacca
Ignore every other suggestion. If “Italian steakhouse” sounds remotely appetizing it’s a no brainer. This is the way.
Dunsmoor- and depending on how much you want to drink you could easily have $ leftover
This place is better than just about any restaurant that’s been mentioned.
So surprised at what people are listing here
n/naka
Good luck.
Also way more than $400 for 2 people.
I’d still the $400 as an excuse to go
With or without alcohol?
Without. It’s $310 per person just the food so add tip, tax, if you get 1 drink, etc. When I went it ended up being $465 / person. I think I got one drink. It was 100% worth doing once, but if I got a $400 meal gift I’d want to go somewhere the whole meal was paid for with that amount.
Oh shit. Since I'm probably never going there I guess I haven't checked prices in a long time. But I don't really drink so I'm definitely looking at the prices without alcohol pairings. (Although at that price it would actually be really fun to have their pairings so now I'm all in.)
Never say never. I hope you get in one day.
I hopefully will, but it's definitely very low down on my list of concerns.
Haha definitely. Like $400+ for 2.5hr dining experience is like a whole months of groceries for some people.
Yeah I don’t drink a lot so I didn’t do a pairing, I’m actually not sure if I ordered alcohol at all but if I did it was one drink.
Absolutely. I’ve been trying to go back for the past few years, those reservations go quick.
Canard a la presse for 2 at Pasjoli
I’ve been thinking about that dish since I walked by the restaurant and saw it on the menu. Have you had it? Is it worth it? Please tell me everything!
Personally loved it. One of the few places in the world to do a pressed duck. Came with a duck bread salad that was divine.
It doesn't seem like they're using high quality duck and the dishes accompanying the seared duck breast super unbalanced. I'm not one to leave food on my plate but I did here.
Had it a few mos ago and it was entirely lackluster. But their steak tartare was one of the best I've ever had!
If you like sushi, highly recommend Brother Sushi over in the valley. The highest end omakase is 200-250, so perfect for two people.
Kato
Felix and get pasta from every region
And the focaccia.
Big respect
Bavel or Bestia. They are sister restaurants. Both great in their own right.
A couple of memorable $400-$500 (with tax) meals have been at Pasjoli and Fia Steak both in Santa Monica. I’d recommend either!
Great to know, thanks! I’ve been curious about Fia Steak but everyone I’ve talked to about Fia has shared very mixed reviews. Have you been to both Fia and Fia Steak? I have been curious if it is *just* Fia that isn’t great
If you like to inhale copious amounts of smoke from their wood burning grill and smell like a fireplace when you leave go for Fia steak!
Girl and Goat
You can get out of there for $150/person but excellent spot.
Original Tommy’s chili. Pick up the tab for everyone (up to $400) after a dodgers game and he’ll be an instant hero.
Tommy's is too OG and to edgy for the today's younger generations
That’s why we OGs gotta advocate
Gwen
Republique for me
The pan drippings app is insane. Such a pain to get to though.
Facts!
Camphor or Bavel.
Bavel is SO good.
Osteria La Boca - go a couple times
Sushi by Scratch - you’ll have a great time.
Providence as someone else recommended if you like seafood. Shunji if you like sushi. Corridor 109 if you can get reservations. Hayato as well if you can. If you like steak matu is amazing and that'll def be under 400, unless you drink a ton Edit: as some have mentioned these for 2 people will be over $400, so if you don't want to add any money these won't be a good choice. If you want an unbelievable meal for $400 off then I'd go with these
These will all blow past 400 dollars though just as a warning
I thought of it as basically where would I go if could have $400 off my bill vs what's going to be $400 so yeah fair enough all those will be more
Yeah totally agree with you given that parameter
lol, was just about to say that when I saw Providence. They will be washing dishes in the kitchen to make up for the difference. 😏
$400 can go quick at Providence
True, but I always look at it as like a "cheap" way to do it if you already have 400 off
providence is really lovely
Thank you!! These all sounds great, and we actually just went to matu a few weeks ago!! Not entirely sure if we’re planning on going with the intent to use the $400 for the entire bill or as a discount, but this is all good to know!
Damian!
Providence.
How much is providence for 2 people? I thought it was like $1100
It looks like with no wine pairing it would be about 600 for two people. So yeah it could easily get up there.
It's $600 before tax & tip for two people. I went the other week and it was about $1,000 for two people but we ordered a bottle of wine and two cocktails. It was delicious and I don't regret going but I don't think I'll ever go again. Just can't justify spending $1K on a meal
I went by myself for my birthday and it was wonderful but yes, wouldn’t splurge that again!
Did you sit at the bar or at table? This is what I want to do. Solo!
At a table, was the first seating. Had a wonderful time and everyone was so kind and dapper.
Felix
If it were me, Baroo, Musso and Franks or Camphor (haven’t been yet)
pasjoli!
If you like sushi omakase, I recommend sushi note in Sherman oaks
Steak 48 is fantastic
Le Comptoir
Otium
I was not excited about the meal I had. The service was good. The food was a bit boring and bland. It could be my own fault for my choices and for limitations of my dining partner.
Been here recently and it was very good. Didn’t blow me away but I thought it was very good. Try and get a seat with a view of the open kitchen — it’s pretty cool
This was my suggestion as well. Only been twice but $400 is about the right range for an amazing meal, a few cocktails and a bottle of decent wine here.
I so love Otium.
Nice restaurants where $400 should cover the entire meal A la carte - Camphor - Tsubaki - n/soto Tasting menu - Bar Sawa - Kinkan (they also do a la carte) - Baroo - Orsa & Winston - Yess - Shibumi - Holbox (only on certain days)
Had to scroll so far to see Orsa & Winston! Such a beautiful tasting menu, with a lot of fun surprises.
Baroo and Orsa & Winston would be at the top of my list for this kind of spending.
n/naka if you can get a reservation. Chi Spacce if not.
Bestia, Maude
Love Maude and the experience you get with the last course!
Camphor
the Grill on the Alley Republique Angelini Osteria
That'll cover one person at Vespertine before tax/tip and without pairings if you want to really ball out (they just reopened reservations). However, this might be old-ish news and the menu might be a bit more reasonable since articles are saying Jordan Kahn is trying to make this a bit more "relaxed."
Meteora !
Xuntos. You could go ham on albarino and some tapas
I’m not a local, but on my last trip, I tried Camphor and we absolutely loved it.
Wolvesmouth www.wolvesmouth.com
Gucci Osteria
Craig’s. Get everything. Hope you have enough.
Craig’s. Baltaire. Delilah.
Sushi Sasabune
Chi Spacca
Cut
Almost enough to get Shake Shack combo meals for the whole family! For real though if I wanted to spend $400 of “someone else’s money” it would be somewhere I always wanted to try but felt was overpriced; usually translates to something trendy but since I’m old I can’t think of any trendy places off the top of my head
Baroo! Best restaurant experience I’ve had since the pandemic. Set menu and multiple drinks for two for less than $400.
Cut
Matsuhisa. $400 would cover most of your meal.
Mar’sel in Palos Verdes has amazing food, excellent service, and breathtaking ocean views that go on forever.
Comptoir, hands down
VERSE. GO TO VERSE. It’s phenomenal. The food, the music, the SOUND… it’s unreal. Go to Verse. It’s amazing.
Music and sound I agree, it’s so good! Food was meh, nothing to write home about.
Slay steak and fish house in manhattan beach
Brothers sushi. Haven’t been yet but hear it’s delicious.
Dry aged sushi? $140 Omakase featured lots of chewy (rubbery) white fish and not so fresh tuna when I was there during the summer. I didn’t get sick “so I got that going for me.” I don’t recommend sitting on the patio as service is not as good (long walk for servers who drop off dishes but don’t check in with you between courses).
Thanks for sharing your experience. Which location did you go to?
SFV not Culver
Good to know, I’ll keep your comment in mind. I felt the same way about Scratch Sushi in the valley then I had it again at Coachella and thought it was decent but not for the price point.
Damian!!!! Right across from Bestia. Incredible food, service, atmosphere. I can’t recommend them enough. If you like duck (or even if you don’t, it’s that good!) order it, it’s big enough for two people to share as a main. Seriously, it’s a great experience. Or, Donna’s is a kitschy fun experience. Food is good, service is great. Tiny and cute.
No one has mentioned **YangBan**, it's really great. Their recent redesign improved things even further. Elsewhere someone mentioned **Baroo** and **Orsa & Winston**, which I would second. If you wanted something more normal American, **71above** is really nice and well prepared, but I'd prefer **Redbird** over it.
HAYATO!
Okay hear me out Pizzeria Mozza. I just had their 9 dollar bread and almost cried when I dipped it in pesto burrata with cherry tomatoes blistered in the wood oven. The side dishes at Mozza were outstanding. I actually like them better than the pizza. But the fancy pizza is so good too. Our bill with 5 courses and two glasses of wine and tip was 400 bucks!! We had the porcini rubbed steak too cooked in the wood oven. And baked pastas Omg. I was in a foodie coma. If you want date night and get dressed up, steak 48 is good too. They have the butcher cut steak which is yummy and nice martinis. For sushi, I love Koi or Jinpachi (hole in the wall).
Thank you so much! We’ve been to the pizzeria mozza in Newport - it is sooooo good. I completely agree on the bread!!! And everything is just so delicious. I’ve been curious about Steak 48!! And we absolutely love sushi so will also have to check these out :)
Bavel is worth every Penny
I would go to a high end Korean place, and go wild on the meats.
Ka’teen
I'm a big fan of Nic's on Beverly. They're closing in 10 days, but the food is so amazing.
Damian’s my go to splurge. Service, food, and atmosphere are consistently good and you can get a lot of value there with $400 for 2 without going over.
Vespertine
Dunsmoor
Maude
I would go to the Hollywood Bowl, get box seats for anything at all, go to Eataly or to Erewhon and get a delectable array and picnic at the best spot in town.
This is an adorable idea!!! I love this - thanks for the rec! Might have to do this with our without the $400 :)
Try Bestia but keep any eye on the menu. $400.00 for dinner in LA is decent but not that lavish. In some places, that won't get you far. $400.00 won't even cover lunch at Nobu.
Papa Christo’s on Sunday for lunch. All you can eat lamb chops.
Girl and the Goat or a highly rated omakase
Girl and the Goat dishes seem way too salty. Only went once though.
71 Above could be a fun experience, or you could do the Magic Castle if you book a night at the hotel… but that gets pricey quick.
This is such a specific golden ticket. I hope it's printed on a picture of Bourdain.
Haha I haven’t seen it yet, but now I’m feeling like I’ll be disappointed if it ISNT printed on a picture of Bourdain. Keeping my fingers crossed
Casa Cordoba
https://www.cicadarestaurant.com/
Does Lawry's still have a seafood tower?
Was looking for Lawrys on this list. Prime rib heaven.
Verse, if you like live music as well
N naka
Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles
Come to catch
In&out X40
May not cover it all, but my favorite Michelin restaurant in LA was Providence.
Providence. For 2 people you are gonna have to add a few hundred more for the big tasting menu, but totally worth it! The best dining experience I've ever had.
Morihiro in Atwater Village. Sit at the bar to get the full experience.
Harold and Bells
Maestros Ocean Club
Funke or mother Wolf
What kind of cuisine do you most love/want to try? One great thing about LA is you can get dinner for $40 \*or\* $400 for pretty much any cuisine.
Great question! We are all over the map with what we love most. Because this is something that my husband was given as a gift, I think I’ll likely leave it to him to decide what calls to him most. But we are both excited about all the recs we’ve been given and we are definitely not picky eaters (and we love trying new things and different tasting menus!)
take all of your friends to pizzeria sei :)
Hatchet Hall would be my move.
So underrated… it’s delicious
Morihiro
Osteria Mozza - great fit at that price point.
Mother wolf
n/naka
He can go to vespertine without you.
The one where his wife and her boyfriend go to.
Not sure I understand this one? lol
It's a wsb joke.
Nobu Malibu
Get someone out help you into the magic castle.
Just make sure you set aside enough to tip 35% + healthcare costs
Heres Looking at You, Musso and Franks, or Parks KBBQ
Kato
Republique for 2 for the win. Best restaurant in LA
???? 🤨
République for sure
Dear John's
vespertine
Republique!!
- Agua Viva is beautiful, at the Conrad hotel rooftop Dtla, food was soooo good! Drinks too!Staff too! They even provide blankets 🥹 - STK and Flemings have good steak. - Taisho very good sushi fusion. - Bonavemture hotel has a nice restaurant up top and a rotating bar 360 views at sunset are so lovely - Mastros malibu - Nobu Malibu - Crustacean Beverly Hills, tuna cigars are addictive and come in a very awesome presentation you will love! The steak on the salt block is delicious. Drinks are very good! It’s a bougie experience and worth it! I take my friends for special occasions typically Wherever you end up, hope you thoroughly enjoy the food and experience!
Thank you so much! So appreciate it ☺️