6 Great Restaurant Picks for DineLA

Where to DineLA?

I recently attended a launch party for DineLA’s Restaurant Week featuring some tasty bites from BLD, littlefork, Paichẽ and SBE’s Cleo and Mercado di Vetro. The event was held at The Redbury’s beautiful outside terrace and it was the perfect backdrop as fellow blogger pals and I mingled and sampled a bites from each participating restaurant.

See below for the slide show recap.

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I often think of DineLA as an opportunity for non-foodies, to get out of their usual eating habits and explore their neighborhoods or perhaps venture out a little and try something unexpected. I personally use Restaurant Week as a vehicle to wrangle old friends and fellow food aficionados I haven’t seen in a while to get together and try some new dishes with me.

The chef’s specials and discounted menus are what initially get me in the door, and of course I end up ordering way too much. Lunches are always a great bet if you really want a steal. There are a few restaurants this week on my “To Try” list and hopefully I can check them all off this time around (also, fingers crossed, I wont split my pants!).

Here’s a short list of who’s on my radar for Restaurant Week.

Cleo: A Mediterranean date spot located in the heart of Hollywood, this is one of those places that I need to frequent more as it is so close to where I live! I’m looking forward to trying their chicken tagine and sticky toffee pudding. Dinner: $35.00

RivaBella: This place has been getting a lot of attention lately and not just for the amazing Italian food, but for it’s beautiful ambiance and decor. Located on the Sunset Strip, in the former Hamburger Hamlet space, Jonathan Gold raves how the menu is the “greatest hits” of Italian food, namely the swordfish carpaccio, eggplant parmigiana and spinach pappardelle with lamb ragu. Lunch $25.00

K-Zo: A French-Japanese sushi spot in Culver City, chef and owner Keizo has got the right stuff. I’ve been meaning to try out this neighborhood spot for a while now. They are offering $25.00 lunch and $45.00 dinner specials during restaurant week.

littlefork: Another one that’s been on my radar, chef Jason Travi cooks up Mediterranean-style, tapas-like bites. Hailing from New England, you better believe, the man knows his seafood. $35.00 dinner specials.

FarmShop: Located in the Country Mart, this Brentwood sweet spot serves up everything from fried chicken to French toast with berries, creme fraiche, pistachios, and bacon. It’s a great place for brunch with friends on a lazy Sunday. Having worked formerly for Thomas Keller, chef Jeffrey Cerciello knows how to highlight local produce. This place is known for being a bit pricey, that’s what makes the DineLA deal worthwhile. Dinner $45.00

Mo-Chica: Chef Ricardo Zarate cooks up traditional Peruvian comfort food. Looking forward to trying the Arroz con Mariscos and yes, the Willy Wonka Cake. Lunch: $25.00 – Dinner: $35.00

Check out the rest of the participating restaurants and tell me who’s on your list…