The Riviera sits along the eastern edge of Pacific Palisades, a neighborhood synonymous with opulence and luxury. This prestigious enclave, most widely known as the home of Riviera Country Club, is a haven for those who appreciate the finer things in life. The Riviera streets echo the charm and grace of the community's Italian namesake in the Mediterranean. The homes and estates are among Southern California's most extravagant. While central to much of Westside L.A., the neighborhood's location exudes a genuine sense of exclusivity that is not easily matched elsewhere in the region.
Riviera's location, in particular, helps give this bucolic setting a unique standing amongst its sibling Pacific Palisades neighborhoods — except for the dining room at Riviera Country Club, there are no restaurants within the community boundaries. But Riviera is also positioned at the heart of the Westside's vibrant and thriving culinary scene. Within a short, 10-minute drive of your Riviera home, you can access more than 100 restaurants, bars, and cafes, including those in Pacific Palisades and neighboring Santa Monica and Brentwood.
So where does one go if they're seeking the finest dining in the vicinity of Riviera, Pacific Palisades, and Westside, L.A.? Below, we explore the five best restaurants in and near Riviera to indulge your senses in the region's diverse, delicious cuisine.
Katsuya Brentwood
11777 San Vicente Blvd, Brentwood
Developed by Master Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi, with a setting brought to life by renowned French designer Philippe Starck, Katsuya Brentwood is a culinary hotspot that showcases Japanese fusion with a few Western twists in a buzzy, seen-and-be-seen atmosphere. The cuisine, however, is the true trendsetter, with the full-service kitchen an incubator for traditional plates, a fabulous tasting menu, and specialties such as Kushiyaki and Tsukune. Of course, the sushi and sashimi, including Chef Katsuya's Signature Baked Crab Handrolls, are not to be overlooked. The award-winning Katsuya, part of the sbe lifestyle hospitality group, ensures that every meal here is memorable, with an attentive, enthusiastic staff, artistry, and stylish ambiance.
Developed by Master Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi, with a setting brought to life by renowned French designer Philippe Starck, Katsuya Brentwood is a culinary hotspot that showcases Japanese fusion with a few Western twists in a buzzy, seen-and-be-seen atmosphere. The cuisine, however, is the true trendsetter, with the full-service kitchen an incubator for traditional plates, a fabulous tasting menu, and specialties such as Kushiyaki and Tsukune. Of course, the sushi and sashimi, including Chef Katsuya's Signature Baked Crab Handrolls, are not to be overlooked. The award-winning Katsuya, part of the sbe lifestyle hospitality group, ensures that every meal here is memorable, with an attentive, enthusiastic staff, artistry, and stylish ambiance.
Socalo
1920 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica
Situated in the Gateway Hotel of Santa Monica, at the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and 20th Street, in the heart of Santa Monica, Socalo is a lively mosaic of South California style. The Mexican pub and grill sports a colorful beachfront aesthetic that blends effortlessly with Mexican spice and flavor emanating from the kitchen. On offer is a rich mix of seasonal organic fare and an impressive array of cocktails and Mexican wines, an ideal spot for a meal any day of the week. With a long list of accolades, including those from Eater and the L.A. Times, this breezy sustainability-conscience eatery is a must for anyone chasing a leisurely SoCal vibe.
Situated in the Gateway Hotel of Santa Monica, at the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and 20th Street, in the heart of Santa Monica, Socalo is a lively mosaic of South California style. The Mexican pub and grill sports a colorful beachfront aesthetic that blends effortlessly with Mexican spice and flavor emanating from the kitchen. On offer is a rich mix of seasonal organic fare and an impressive array of cocktails and Mexican wines, an ideal spot for a meal any day of the week. With a long list of accolades, including those from Eater and the L.A. Times, this breezy sustainability-conscience eatery is a must for anyone chasing a leisurely SoCal vibe.
Courtyard Kitchen
1211 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica
Even in a region with the sweeping sprawl of L.A. County, there are a number of places to enjoy intimate meals with close family and friends. For those venturing out from Riviera, such a place is found three miles from home at Santa Monica's Courtyard Kitchen. Housed in a building from 1937, this genuine patio eatery boasts a distinct, old-world charm, with a contemporary bistro cuisine that is locally sourced and expertly prepared daily from scratch. With breakfast and dinner options, you can indulge in The Courtyard's low-key, high-end fare whenever the craving arises.
Even in a region with the sweeping sprawl of L.A. County, there are a number of places to enjoy intimate meals with close family and friends. For those venturing out from Riviera, such a place is found three miles from home at Santa Monica's Courtyard Kitchen. Housed in a building from 1937, this genuine patio eatery boasts a distinct, old-world charm, with a contemporary bistro cuisine that is locally sourced and expertly prepared daily from scratch. With breakfast and dinner options, you can indulge in The Courtyard's low-key, high-end fare whenever the craving arises.
Melisse / Citrin
1104 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica
A Michelin two-star restaurant from Chef Josiah Citrin, Melisse is a fabulously intimate affair. The small but airy dining room seats 14 fortunate souls in a stage-like setting, where the kitchen takes center stage — and rightfully so. Crafting a modern, locally sourced multi-course tasting menu while hewing close to the best French traditions, the flavors emerge fully formed, never overdone. The service is on point, extremely upbeat, and engaging. The wine pairings are always a treat and a testament to the entire team's thoughtful approach to providing a unique and memorable dining experience.
Adjacent to the two-star Melisse is Chef Citrin's one-star namesake establishment. Citrin is a modern delight focused on Californian cuisine with a playful, upscale vibe. Eschewing the tasting menu for traditional dining, the food is more accessible for those craving high-end cooking without the pomp and circumstance. Including a smartly styled bar and a la carte menu, Citrin is the fresh and exciting counter-programming that still delivers an extraordinary night out.
A Michelin two-star restaurant from Chef Josiah Citrin, Melisse is a fabulously intimate affair. The small but airy dining room seats 14 fortunate souls in a stage-like setting, where the kitchen takes center stage — and rightfully so. Crafting a modern, locally sourced multi-course tasting menu while hewing close to the best French traditions, the flavors emerge fully formed, never overdone. The service is on point, extremely upbeat, and engaging. The wine pairings are always a treat and a testament to the entire team's thoughtful approach to providing a unique and memorable dining experience.
Adjacent to the two-star Melisse is Chef Citrin's one-star namesake establishment. Citrin is a modern delight focused on Californian cuisine with a playful, upscale vibe. Eschewing the tasting menu for traditional dining, the food is more accessible for those craving high-end cooking without the pomp and circumstance. Including a smartly styled bar and a la carte menu, Citrin is the fresh and exciting counter-programming that still delivers an extraordinary night out.
Cafe Vida
15317 Antioch Street, Pacific Palisades
Finally, let's turn our attention back to Riviera's home in the Palisades, specifically Cafe Vida in the Palisades Village. Arguably the most casual restaurant on our list, it might also be the best. Embracing both its heritage and locale, Cafe Vida's Latin-influenced flavors and fresh, natural ingredients give the whole enterprise a very California-fusion sensibility. The food always impresses, from the A.M. breakfast quesadilla to their offering of creative burgers to the nighttime favorites of fish tacos, steak enchiladas, and vegetarian burritos. It's a neighborhood favorite for those who appreciate great food and a warm, inviting SoCal atmosphere.
Finally, let's turn our attention back to Riviera's home in the Palisades, specifically Cafe Vida in the Palisades Village. Arguably the most casual restaurant on our list, it might also be the best. Embracing both its heritage and locale, Cafe Vida's Latin-influenced flavors and fresh, natural ingredients give the whole enterprise a very California-fusion sensibility. The food always impresses, from the A.M. breakfast quesadilla to their offering of creative burgers to the nighttime favorites of fish tacos, steak enchiladas, and vegetarian burritos. It's a neighborhood favorite for those who appreciate great food and a warm, inviting SoCal atmosphere.
Start your Riviera journey today
Above all others, Riviera is that rare gem that shines bright for anyone with an eye for opulence and grandeur who's yearning for an unparalleled luxury lifestyle. To discover more about Riviera or the Pacific Palisades lifestyle, contact the O'Connor Estates team today to start your real estate journey and uncover your perfect home in one of Southern California's most celebrated and sought-after luxury real estate markets.
