Cicada
617 S. Olive St. (7th St.) Map
Los Angeles, CA 90014
213-488-9488
It doesn't get much more glamorous than this in L.A. Located in the historic Oviatt Building, Cicada occupies what was once a haberdashery with a design inspired by an Art Deco oceanliner from the ’20s. The 30-foot ceilings, supported by soaring hand-carved maple columns, are etched in gold leaf, while a mezzanine level is lined with colorful murals. Also upstairs is a swanky bar whose sofas and leather club chairs invite guests to relax with a cocktail before dinner, or linger with a grappa afterwards. The restaurant, loaded with precious Lalique glass, is surely among the most dramatic dining environments in town, making it ideal for romantic occasions. The modern Italian menu offers starters such as ahi napoleon with wasabi caviar sauce, zucchini blossom tempura and a first-rate polenta-crusted scallop. Entrées include Kobe beef ravioli with yellow tomato coulis, grilled lamb chops with date pancake, and Dover sole with herb-lemon sauce. Cicada is a very popular venue for special events, so be sure to check that the restaurant is open for dinner on the date of your desired visit.
This restaurant is so gorgeous! It feels like walking into a scene from "The Great Gatsby." Every Sunday it turns into the Cicada Club and everybody dresses up in zoot suits and retro dresses and swing dances. Even better...there's usually no cover.
Water Grill
544 S. Grand Ave. (5th St.) Map
Los Angeles, CA 90071
213-891-0900
