While we love The London West Hollywood and E.P & L.P. al fresco rooftops – and can be seen frequently at both spots, here are some new patios around LA that we have been thrilled to discover or revisit with revamped interiors and new chefs.
Melody
Across the street from Sqirl in Virgil Village, this self-proclaimed “lazy French” bistro housed in a charming bungalow, is a great place to hang out with flowing rose and music on the patio. This well-kept neighborhood secret opened late last year but Chef Justin Abram – a Le Cordon Bleu grad, formerly of Girasol, The Bazaar by José Andrés and Joël Robuchon to name a few - just came on board a few months ago. Under his direction, the kitchen is turning-out interpretations of French favorites next to an equally inspired wine program featuring natural, organic labels sourced from small producers. Standouts on the food menu included the addictive smoked brandade dip with potato chips, kanpachi crudo with crispy capers, skirt steak with dill Béarnaise and agnolotti with black garlic, Boursin cheese and grilled corn. Adding to the romantic and heady ambiance is an eclectic soundtrack played from vinyl records and DJ’s that beats waiting in line for avocado toast any day. www.melodyla.com
Castaway
For a trip deep into the hills of Burbank, yes, the valley, we highly recommend checking out this new and improved staple by the golf course that just upped their dining game considerably. What’s new includes Chef Perry Pollaci – last seen at The Royce at the Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena – who has created a meat-centric menu with top quality steaks, a build-it-yourself charcuterie board and plenty of raw bar seafood items as well. While you could sit at the Chef’s Table near the dry aging room holding prized Mishima Wagyu and Cape Grim steak from Tasmania, or the well- stocked wooden wine cellar, you came here to see the sunset over the valley while dining and toasting, so hit the massive patio and don’t look back. www.castawayrestaurant.com
Élephante
The opposite of the deep valley is going to the beach, so head immediately to this new million-dollar view eatery from Aussie native Nick Mathers, the guy behind Little Ruby (around the corner), along with Weho favorites The Eveleigh and Goldie’s. It is already being dubbed ‘the new Bungalow’ and as much as we love that spot by the Fairmont Miramar, we must admit this one has a better view with better food. Think lobster spaghetti with saffron, crispy skinned whole branzino with salsa verde, spicy broccolini with cashew pesto chili oil, and a delicious whipped eggplant dip with puffy pita bread that will keep you coming back for every sunset. But, alas, those cocktails pack a punch and go hand-in-hand with the party vibe and the welcoming, laid-back Mediterranean meets Moroccan lounging décor. https://www.elephantela.com/
Makani
Over in Venice, the ever-evolving Rose Avenue has yet another great reason to skip overpriced and overcrowded Abbot Kinney. The corner patio at Makani is a great perch for their ‘social hour’ from 3pm to 5:30pm Tuesday through Friday (you’re not really working anyway), so soak up some of the beachy breeze with mojitos on tap, daiquiris or a mezcal, habanero and pineapple cocktail called Oaxacan in Paradise. For nibbles, Executive Chef Kevin Lee mingles his Korean heritage and LA upbringing with a side of spicy crispy rice balls with mushroom, sumac and yogurt or the Mary’s fried chicken with cheddar gravy and gochujang slaw- and that should hold you until dinner. https://www.makanivenice.com/
Matthew Kenney at Four Seasons
Back in our neck of the woods, on a heathier plane, we have always been fond of the roof top pool at the Four Seasons on Doheny, but now we have even more reason to love a meal at Cabana near the award-winning spa. Probably the most celebrated vegan chef, Matthew Kenney, has conceived a brand-new fit-conscious menu for the summer and beyond. Your new favorite bites should include the green gazpacho with tomato water, chipotle crema, avocado and radish sprouts. We could eat this every day, along with the watermelon poke sprinkled with Macadamia nuts or the cacio e pepe with kelp noodles and crispy black olives. https://www.fourseasons.com/content/fourseasons/en/properties/losangeles/
Secret Rosé Garden Beverly Wilshire
Finally, end your alfresco tour with a trip up to the new Rodeo Terrace secret rosé garden lounge overlooking, you guessed it, Rodeo Drive at the Beverly Wilshire. It lives up to the name that it serves rosé varietals but you will also be enshrouded in walls of flowers and under a pergola dripping with roses everywhere while you sip our favorite pink drink. You can even make an afternoon or night of it and order from a Roe caviar menu or hit the spa for a diamond rose treatment. It is the hotel’s 90th anniversary, after all, so time to celebrate in style. https://www.fourseasons.com/beverlywilshire/
