"After over 25 years, the enduring elder statesman of Californian cuisine (and older sibling of the Manhattan counterpart) hasn’t lost its edge, delivering divine dishes in a romantic setting under the watchful eye of owner Michael McCarty whose attention to detail and pursuit of the freshest ingredients remains the gold standard; acolytes agree you should always eat on enchanting garden patio, as this bit of Eden provides an oasis of calm, beauty and fine dining in the frenetic craziness that is Santa Monica.” —Zagat