Best Views in Los Angeles for Foodies

Every dining guide has a list or category of “Best Views in Los Angeles”. Zagat’s category currently has over 50. Aside from the usual suspects- places like Moonshadows or Geoffrey’s on PCH in Malibu; The Lobster in Santa Monica; Parkers Lighthouse in Long Beach- here are my 5 places to eat or drink with a great view:

1) Perch, on the 13th floor of

448 S. Hill St. -

 The Standard downtown has a great rooftop bar- but Perch, which has been open about 2 months, is the hands-down winner for best view in downtown. Best at night.

Perch yourself above it all!

2) Yamashiro, 1999 N. Sycamore, Hollywood- I think the food has improved, but basically this is a place to have a drink and enjoy the view of the LA basin. Best at night. (Go to http://www.yamashirorestaurant.com/ to see the views.)

3) The Penthouse at the Huntley Hotel, 1111 2^nd St., Santa Monica – The most unobstructed view of the Pacific Ocean you’ll ever see. Best during the day- because at night, there’s nothing to see.

4) Café Pinot, in front of the Central Library, at 5^th and Flower- The view is not up in the air- it’s the feeling of being surrounded by all the skyscrapers in downtown. Best at night.

Looking up from Cafe Pinot (above and below)

5) West at Hotel Angeleno, Sunset Blvd. at the 405- The circular penthouse restaurant that overlooks the 405. Best at night, when you’re looking at all those taillights, and are happy you’re not on the road.