Photo by Flickr/jlastras
Leave it to Suzanne Goin to make your last meal on earth completely memorable. The cuisine at Lucques is simply lovely. Take the heirloom tomato and watermelon salad with mint, lime and crumbled feta. Fresh, flavorful and amazing. And just try not to drool at the pancetta-wrapped market fish with yellow tomatoes and aioli.
Katsuya, of course, is a no-brainer for sushi lovers with an eye for glitz. Phillipe Starck designed and Chef Katsuya Uechi-executed, this chic resto is so LA. Crustacean, meanwhile, offers Euro-Viet cuisine whose secret ingredients have run in the family for three generations. Try their famous garlic noodles, straight from the An family’s secret kitchen.
Here’s to your health (although it wouldn’t really matter on your last day on earth). Still, Real Food Daily’s take on organic fare is refreshing and completely satisfying, which has regularly drawn celebs like Toby Maguire and Alicia Silverstone. Rawvolution takes healthy to the next level by promoting the raw food movement — 100% raw, 100% organic and delivered right to your door.
We thought someone would mention the famous Nobu. Probably one of the most well-known sushi chefs in the country for his innovative takes on classic sushi dishes. Last meal? We’ll take an order of Peruvian-style sashimi and toro tartare with caviar, please.
Sporting some of the best views in the city, Yamashiro is one of those places to romance the night away. The restaurant was built as a replica of a palace in the Yamashiro mountains, complete with a pagoda, koi ponds and gardens. Sunsets stretch above the LA metro area in an endless sky — hence a designated section called the “Sunset Room.” Couples battle for Table 8, one of the best seats in the house.
Italian lovers head straight to Angelini Osteria, where Chef Gino Angelini brings his native food culture from Emilia-Romagna to LA. The casual yet sophisticated environment lends itself to friendly service and wonderful conversations with friends. Our dish pick? Grilled quail with guanciale, mixed baby greens and saba sauce.
Another tie! Cora’s Coffee Shoppe in Santa Monica has served up remixed diner fare for a trendy crowd. We second Eva’s pick of orange-scented pancakes. Follow that up with Pizzeria Mozza, child of chef stars Mario Batali and Nancy Silverton. We suggest anything on the menu, but really we’re content to roll up to the bar and watch the pizza making unfold.
Nothing like an ending that takes place in Hollywood. Village Pizzeria serves up Brooklyn at its best, and a pitcher of Heff isn’t a bad accompaniment. Or if you’re a homebody, get your favorite pie delivered.
Got to have a Michelin-starred restaurant on this list. Good thing Melisse boasts two Michelin stars for its French cuisine and superb wine list. Your last day on earth might warrant a splurge for the restaurant’s tasting menu, which includes prime rib-eye and 48-hour short ribs, not to mention its decadent chocolate desserts. Opt for the wine pairings to complement the meal.
