Los Angeles

1733 Ocean Ave; Santa Monica; 310.434.9509

This Santa Monica sibling to the longtime Westwood standby's a date-friendly bistro, with granite-topped tables, and hazelnut walls adorned with Parisian artwork, as well as a glass-enclosed patio; the farmers-market-fresh menu includes grilled Hawaiian swordfish w/ garlic spinach, mashed potatoes, and wasabi emulsion; veal scallopini in a three-mustard sauce w/ horseradish and potato gratin, and a cumin-dressing drenched avocado, heirloom tomato & crispy cheese raviolini "roast beet tower" -- an original front runner for food tower hall of fame status, before ending up a close second behind the Leaning Tower of Pizza.

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