LA: 6 Haute Spots to Hit Before The Theater

Take a peek at some of our favorite theatre-adjacent restaurants in Los Angeles.

Ahmanson Theatre (Downtown):

Orsa & Winston

Named after two adorable little pups, Orsa & Winston takes two unlike sets of flavors and creates a delicious, inventive dining experience as Japanese meets Italian. (Think meatballs with shiso peppers or miso tomato soup. Delicious!) Chef Josef Cento’s newest venture is elevating the Downtown food scene by way of 8- or 5-course tasting menus available, with entrees changing daily. Be sure and indulge in the pairings, which not only feature wonderfully curated wines and beers, but also sake pairings.

The Wallis (Beverly Hills):

Bouchon

A short walk down Canon Drive is all the separates the new Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts—current home to the Vanity Fair Oscar Party—and Beverly Hills famed Bouchon Bistro. From the master mind of Thomas Keller, Bouchon features quintessential bistro fare in the classiest of settings. Traditional French delicacies are given modern, seasonal touches across Bouchon’s brunch, lunch and dinner menu, while the restaurant’s Vin de Carafe wine program brings recognition to local wine producers. Of course Monday evening theatre patrons should take note: Bouchon’s famous Fried Chicken at Bouchon Bistro takes place the on the first and third Monday’s of each month, so reservations are highly encouraged.

Pantages Theatre (Hollywood):

Beso

Dressing a modern steakhouse up with some Latin flourishes, Beso is the sexy answer to a night out at the theatre. The upstairs recent remodel, formerly known as Kiss Lounge but now called the Estate Room, brings the outdoors inside in a relaxed, open-air lounge. Downstairs, dine on a fantastic mix of meat and seafood options, including Shrimp Mojo de Ajo and Beso’s signature ceviche.

Geffen Playhouse (Westwood):

La Bruschetta

Two Westwood institutions make for the perfect night! A meal at La Bruschetta is simply a must before taking in a show at the Geffen Playhouse. It’s hard to pick a favorite dish amongst La Bruschetta’s mouth-watering menu, though the eatery’s namesake is always a safe bet. (As is the extensive wine list and delicious tiramisu.) The restaurant’s close proximity to the Geffen makes La Bruschetta the ideal pre-show dining spot, but late night fans take notice: dinner service ends by 10 p.m. most nights.

REDCAT (Downtown):

Cliff’s Edge

To compliment the often edgy entertainment options found at the REDCAT contemporary arts center, why not swing through neighboring Silver Lake and dine at Cliff’s Edge. Rustic elegance is key at Cliff’s, with Chef Vartan Abgaryan giving careful attention to local produce and full flavors to compliment his modern California menu. Though entrees and offerings change somewhat regularly, must-orders include the venison, complimented by apply and cranberry and braised cabbage, and the crispy octopus, served with the perfect amount of spice. And with a patio that has ended up on a fair share of best outdoor dining lists, al fresco seating is of course recommended.

Eli and Edythe Broad Stage (Santa Monica):

Tar & Roses

Westside group outings work perfectly at Tar & Roses, with it’s mix of large and small sharable plates and a sociable atmosphere. An American restaurant with far global influences, Tar & Roses takes standalone ingredients and combines them into unexpected but pleasing results. Look no further than the oxtail dumplings, lamb tartar or cauliflower dressed with an anchovy drizzle, for starters. Tar & Roses pulls in a crowd nearly all week long, so reservations are recommended.